On Saturday 23 August 2025, the people of New Milton gathered in remembrance to honour the 31 lives lost during three bombing raids on the town in World War II. The ceremony, held at the Memorial Clock on Station Road, was led by the Mayor of New Milton, Councillor Alvin Reid.
The 3 bombing raids occurred on 23 August 1940 – when 25 people lost their lives; 8 August 1942 – when there was a single casualty, and on 22 January 1943 a family of 5 were killed.
The Town Mayor spoke of the importance of remembering not just the numbers, but the individuals behind them: “Each of the 31 people we remember today had a story. They had dreams, routines, laughter, and love. They were part of the fabric of New Milton. And when they were taken, they left behind empty chairs, quiet homes, and grieving hearts.”
New Milton Town Clerk, Graham Flexman referred to the names on the scroll of names adding: “On that fateful day 23 August 1940, Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers and Royal Artillery were also in town, tragically five of them were killed. Corporal Thomas Davies had arranged to meet his wife Mrs Evelyn Davies and sadly they were both killed. It’s very sad to think about their young daughter who became an orphan that day.”
Local resident, and Honorary Freeman of New Milton, also former Councillor and Town Mayor, Goff Beck, was a young boy at the time of the first bombing on 23 August 1940. Participating in the service and reading the 31 names holds great significance for Goff, as he recalled a bright summer morning eight-five years ago, when he observed a low-flying lone German Heinkel bomber approaching the town. Seconds later, the aircraft discharged a stick of bombs – which he was later to learn were three 250-pounders and nineteen 50-pound anti-personnel and incendiaries weapons.
The Memorial Clock on Station Road, funded by the people of New Milton, stands as a symbol of collective remembrance. An inscribed paviour at the base of the clock reads:
“Funded by the people of New Milton in memory of those killed when enemy bombs fell on the town during World War II.”
The annual remembrance ceremony continues to be a poignant moment for the town, bringing together the community to reflect, remember, and honour those whose lives were tragically cut short.
We will remember them