Chris Loder, the MP for West Dorset, attended the unveiling of Broadwindsor’s new war memorial on the 6th June. The event, which coincided with the 79th anniversary of D-Day, was attended by villagers, councillors, schoolchildren, and local dignitaries.
The new memorial commemorates 84 servicemen who lost their life in either World War One or World War Two from Broadwindsor and the neighbouring parishes of Burstock, Drimpton, Seaborough and Blackdown. At the event, children from Broadwindsor Primary School read aloud the names of each person in their teens, 20s and 30s who lost their life followed by a two-minute silence. Mr Loder laid a wreath and recited the Exhortation and the Kohima Epitaph. The event concluded with the flyover of a Supermarine Seafire aircraft. Reflecting on the event, Mr Loder said:
“I was very sorry to learn that there wasn’t a war memorial in Broadwindsor to commemorate the lives of so many local servicemen who died in war. This one corner of West Dorset made an incredible sacrifice, and I am glad that there now exists a physical memorial to remember the fallen. It is a real testament to the efforts of the local people too, and I would like to publicly thank Rowland Hibbard and Andrew Frampton, who got this project off the ground and made it a success”.
Mr Hibbard, who led the event, said: “This was a very moving occasion with wonderful involvement from many members of the community and it was a very poignant moment when the names of all 84 who gave their lives for their country were read out by the schoolchildren. The attendance of all the dignitaries and local residents reflected the great pride with which we deservedly hold for all who protect our country in the past and the future.”
