The people of New Milton gathered in remembrance to honour the loss of 31 lives tragically taken during three bombing raids on the town in World War II. Those 31 lives representing children as young as 4 and 6 years old, as well as other family members across the ages from teenagers to the elderly.
The act of remembrance is held annually on the date of 23 August, being the anniversary date of the first bombing raid on 23 August 1940 when 25 people were killed.
Further bombing raids occurred on 8 August 1942 when one resident was killed and on 22 January 1943 another bombing raid killed a family of 5 living in their home.
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rob Maynard, welcomed the assembled residents to the Memorial Clock on Station Road south and referred to its installation in 2011. The Memorial Clock, funded by the people of New Milton, was erected 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.”
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 86 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 3 x 250-pounders and 19 x 50-pound anti-personnel and incendiaries weapons.
The annual remembrance ceremony continues to be poignant, bringing the community together to reflect, remember and honour those lives tragically cut short in New Milton.
We will remember them