This being Remembrance Weekend, it was fitting that my guest today brought with him a story of war and reconciliation.
Norman Wilson’s brother was one of the first British casualties of World War II. So early in the war was his brother, Douglas shot down, that the event was recorded, along with photographs in both British and German media, and even featured in one of Lord Haw-Haw’s broadcasts! This must be almost unique given that 22,000 airmen from Bomber Command out of a total loss of 55,000, are still listed as having no known grave.
Given these unique circumstances, Norman was able not only to find the site of the grave in which his brother was originally buried, but also the actual crash site of the aircraft. If that was not enough, he has also managed to recover a piece of the actual aircraft. All this with the help of some new found German friends.
A memorial service was held at the end of November two years ago, in the local church where his brother had originally been buried was attended by among many others, an officer from the RAF, 5 representatives of the German Air Force, the local City Administration and members of the local press. So ended a 70-year search for his brother, Douglas’ grave.
The post script to this story is that the local Town Council has nominated Norman as a Citizen of Honour of the Parish of Ganderkesee. What more fitting epitaph could there be?
Listen again to my chat with Norman here: -[audio:https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Norman-Wilson-Interview.mp3|titles=Norman Wilson Interview]
In the second hour of the show, as part of our BRENTWOOD & BILLERICAY BYGONES feature, Frances Clamp popped in to relate the story of Primrose Hill in Brentwood. You can hear what Frances had to say here: – [audio:https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Bygones-6th-November1.mp3|titles=Bygones 6th November]
Well that’s me done for another week. I’m off on my hols next week but MICHELLE WARD of EAT MY LUNCH fame has kindly agreed to sit in for me next week. All being well I’ll see you in a couple of weeks on the 24th November. Meantime look after yourself.
All the best,
Scott
