The Scottish War Memorials Project

DerekR · Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 9:16 pm Post subject: Flt.Sgt Tony La Gruta

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1802960

Flt.Sjt Tony La Gruta was killed on August 29th, 1941 during war-time training in the Scottish Borders.
He was buried where he died with the remains of his aircraft on Hunt Law near Lauder. His name is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

In 1991, the 50th anniversary of his fateful flight, Tony's nephew Jeremy Meagher of Melbourne, Australia, flew over especially to be at this uncle's grave
He said "May this grave be a reminder to the future generations that, not only does "Gruta's grave" symbolise the tragedy of war - but the existence in youth of the capacity for self-sacrifice and a sense of duty.
We, so far away, will today be close amongst you".

Some of the congregation who made the long pilgrimage to Australian Flight Sergeant's La Gruta's memorial high up on Hunt Law, August 1991.
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There must be a place under the sun where hearts of olden glory grow young .....

DerekR · Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 9:20 pm Post subject:

Tony La Gruta

LA GRUTA, ANTHONY DOMINICA CYRIL
Initials: A D C
Nationality: Australian
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment/Service: Royal Australian Air Force
Age: 23
Date of Death: 29/08/1941
Service No: 400719
Additional information: Son of Anthony and Veronica Imelda La Gruta, of St. Kilda, Victoria, Australia.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 62.
Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL
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There must be a place under the sun where hearts of olden glory grow young .....

DerekR · Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 9:22 pm Post subject:

Nephew Jeremy Meagher gives his address at his uncle's grave.

Group Captain White lays his wreath.
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There must be a place under the sun where hearts of olden glory grow young .....