The Goodwin Sands SOS group held an Act of Remembrance today, outside Dover Harbour Board’s headquarters overlooking Dover harbour. The dignified service including a two-minute silence was lead by actor Neil Stuke, a staunch supporter of the campaign.
Actor Neil Stuke (left) leading the Act of Remembrance
It should also act to remind Dover Harbour Board that many people feel very strongly that the graves of mariners and service personnel lying in the Goodwin Sands should not be disturbed.
Joanna Thomson and Esme Chilton from the Goodwin Sands SOS team
Wreaths were laid in memory of all the aircrews who lost their lives in and around the Goodwin Sands during times of combat and all the mariners who perished when their ships foundered on the Sands.We remember especially the two thousand men who died in one night during the Great Storm 26th November 1703.
Report from Meridian News
Individual crosses were laid in memory of the 21 pilots and crew from the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm who crashed into the Goodwins during 1940 and who were never able to be recovered. We also remember those who also paid the ultimate price from Germany’s Luftwaffe. May they all rest in peace forever and their relatives be assured they will not be disturbed.
PILOTS LISTED AS MISSING IN THE GOODWIN SANDS AREA, MAY – NOVEMBER 1940
| Aircrewman | Unit |
|---|---|
| Sergeant Arrowsmith | No. 139 Squadron |
| Sergeant Richard Bate | No. 254 Squadron |
| Sub Lt Geoffrey Bulmer | Fleet Air Arm |
| Flying Officer Graham Chambers | No. 610 Squadron |
| Squadron Leader Cooke | No. 65 Squadron |
| Flt Lieutenant John Cunnigham | No. 603 Squadron |
| Sergeant Davidson | No. 139 Squadron |
| Flying Officer Douglas Gamblen | No. 610 Squadron |
| Pilot Officer Keith Gillman | No. 32 Squadron |
| Leading Aircrewman Harrison | No. 254 Squadron |
| Sergeant Frederick Hawley | No. 266 Squadron |
| Squadron Leader Hendry | No. 139 Squadron |
| Sq. Ldr Philip Hunter DSO | No. 254 Squadron |
| Flying Officer John Kerr Wilson | No. 610 Squadron |
| Pilot Officer Frederick King | No. 254 Squadron |
| Flight Lieutenant Mark Kirkwood | No. 603 Squadron |
| Sergeant James Love | No. 254 Squadron |
| Flying Officer Lukaszewicz | No. 501 Squadron |
| Sergeant Richard Roskrow | No. 254 Squadron |
| Pilot Officer Roswadowski | No. 151 Squadron |
| Pilot Officer Zenker | No. 251 Squadron |
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