WW2 Glider Crash Memorial

On 04 April 1944, 33 servicemen were killed during an airborne forces exercise. 27 of these died when their Horsa Glider crashed in Warnford Park and the other 6 in the Stirling IV ‘tug’ aircraft that crashed near Romsey.

78 years later, on 04 April 2022, the Rector will lead a service of remembrance on the site of a new Sussex Sandstone memorial to honour them.

Veterans and serving personnel will lay wreaths, names will be read by children from ……. and the service will be supported by a bugler and a piper …

On 04 April 2022 an event will be held beside the South Downs Way between Exton and Old Winchester Hill, a site which provides a panoramic view of the flight path and Horsa crash site, to bless a memorial stone and remember those who lost their lives in this fatal air crash in which 33 young men died. Maj Will Pike PARA (retd) said “This reminds us all of the ultimate sacrifice that so many paid, on our behalf, in the two world wars and conflicts since as well as the role the ‘South Downs’ and its communities played in the run up to D-Day”.

The event will take the form of a service of dedication, blessing and remembrance running from 10.30-12AM on 04 April 2022. It is open for all who wish to attend.

The poster shows the location of the memorial beside the South Downs Way which is between Meonstoke and Old Winchester Hill. The site can be found using the What3Words app… the three words being:- letter.equity.revolts

Poster