Barrack Square Memorials, Martlesham

Memorial
media-14453.jpeg UPL 14453 Barrack Square Memorial, Martlesham

http://eastangliamemorials.blogspot.co.uk/
Photo taken 5 September 2012, Gary Atkins

Object Number - UPL 14453 - Barrack Square Memorial, Martlesham

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Detailed History

After the war a committee, headed by the Chairman, Colonel C. A. G. P. Meadows, was formed to design and fund an appropriate memorial for the Seventy Two men of the 356th Fighter Group who lost their lives either at, or from, Martlesham Heath. A request for donations was made to the local community which was quickly met with a hugely generous and numerous response. So much so that each resident was asked for only a few pence each.



The project secretary was Captain Eric S. Hervey who, with his wife, had opened their home in Little Bealings as a Field hospital and knew those on the memorial very well.



The memorial was located at the head of the Barrack square on the exact place the dias had stood when the last American Commanding Officer had taken the salute from his men as they paraded there for the last time.



It was constructed of Weldon stone fronted by a brass plaque naming each of the airmen who lost their lives



On Wednesday 26th June 1946 in a lavish and well attended ceremony, it was unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Col (Retd) George Rous KCMG CB CVO CBE VD TD The 3rd Earl of Stradbroke. It was dedicated by the Chaplain in Chief of the Royal Air Force, Reverend J. A. Jagoe. The guest of honour was the Commander of the United States Air Forces in Europe Major General Idwal H. Edwards. It achieved historical status becoming the first memorial in Europe to honour the American war dead. (From the Martlesham Heath Roll of Honour website)

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 356th Fighter Group 359th Fighter Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 356th Fighter Group
  • Service Numbers: 32804657
  • Highest Rank: Corporal
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 361st Fighter Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant (2nd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Crew for Major Wilbur "Willie" Scheible in 361st Fighter Squadron - Martlesham Heath

Revisions

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Update to Place Type.

Barrack Square Memorials, Martlesham: Gallery (3 items)