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Posted by ROBERT ERSKINE
on 8/2/2008, 1:50 pm
78.149.176.206
I felt that I had to contact you.
Some 6 years ago, on my first visit to the City of Peterborough, I came to the top of the A1 Motor way from London, and from this point could see in the distance on the right, the 4 Church spires of Connington, adjacent to Glatton Air Base. This area is a flat plain and easy to see. Something stirred inside me, an empathetic feeling that a great episode or event had taken place here.
Being of an enquiring mind I decided on my return journey home to investigate the area. This was before the erection of the memorial by the roadside. Sure enough my curiosity proved correct. In the Churchyard is the wonderful sculpture of the airman looking skywards, and further along the narrow road, remains of the main concrete runways. At the time I had no idea that an enormous historical event had taken place in this location.
The new memorial is moving and I can only say that for future generations I trust they will be equally moved and understand that the tyranny and evil that existed at the time is never forgotten. That the bravery of all concerned is never wasted, and the energy that still exists today is maintained, to counter any further adverse action against democracy.
Incidentally visiting the Duxford Imperial War Museum with my young son Asher last month, I discovered there a display cabinet near to the Flying Fortress exhibit, located in the American aircraft hanger, which outlines a report from one Sergeant Harry Graham a gunner in a B-17, concerning a piece of flak shrapnel which caused a fire on board his plane. The actual piece of shrapnel is there to see.
Graham and his crew were based at Glatton, and this story confirmed to me why Glatton has this extraordinary atmosphere to this day.
Robert Erskine, Sculptor, London UK
www.roberterskine.com
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