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How did we miss this one?

 
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Adam Brown
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Joined: 14 Dec 2006
Posts: 7312
Location: Edinburgh (From Sutherland)

PostPosted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 11:17 pm    Post subject: How did we miss this one? Reply with quote

On 4th May, just a month ago, a Coastal Command memorial was unveiled in East Lothian. I don't remember seeing anything about it in the newspapers.

I stumbled across it on the Scottish Seabird centre webiste tonight.

http://www.seabird.org/news.asp?s=2&nid=SSC-N10005

There are no photographs but It's worth copying the text here:

Seabird Centre Honours 11,000 men with war memorial

THE only Scottish memorial to thousands of unsung heroes who guarded Britain's shoreline in the Second World War was to be officially unveiled today.

The tribute to the 11,000 airmen of the RAF Coastal Command - who died protecting UK shipping lanes from attack - has been created outside the Scottish Seabird Centre in East Lothian.

It follows a long campaign by the Maritime Air Trust for a permanent memorial to the Coastal Command in Scotland as many ex-servicemen feel their efforts and sacrifices have not been properly recognised.

The trust began to search for a suitable position after a tribute was created in Westminster Abbey three years ago. It originally intended to build it in Edinburgh but could not find a suitable location.

Group Captain Bob Kemp, the project manager, said the trust decided on North Berwick because its views across the Forth meant the memorial would be seen by thousands of visitors each year, especially young people.

He said: "The Coastal Command had a great importance in saving the sea routes between America and Europe, but there's been nothing to commemorate them.

"They never enjoyed the glamour and interest in the public mind as did the more visible and exciting efforts of the Fighter or Bomber Command. Those who lost their lives at sea were generally never found.

"As well as the threat from U-boats, they were faced by the threat from enemy shipping. They suffered heavy losses on a very regular basis."

During the war, the Coastal Command fought Nazi U-boats to protect the coastline from attack from 27 bases around Scotland.

They patrolled coastal waters and shipping routes, and were responsible for photographic reconnaissance, anti-submarine operations, rescue and mine- laying.

Thousands were killed in the crucial Battle of the Atlantic.

Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank, the only surviving RAF serviceman to be awarded the Victoria Cross, was to officially unveil the granite memorial today. The former Cramond resident, who worked for the Commerical Bank in Edinburgh, was to travel from Aberdeen for the ceremony.

Mr Kemp said the trust was "very honoured" that Mr Cruickshank was able to take part in the ceremony.

Mr Cruickshank was awarded the Victoria Cross after destroying a German submarine in the north Atlantic in 1944, despite sustaining 72 wounds in the attack.

He said: "It's important that the contribution of the Coastal Command can be recognised in years to come.

"I think there's a feeling in Scotland now of making a bit more noise about our country, and this is one possible way."

Tom Brock, chief executive of the Seabird Centre, which receives about 200,000 visitors a year, said: "We're delighted to help the Maritime Air Trust. We're very aware of the unique links between bird and manned flight, and we already have a close relationship with the Museum of Flight at East Fortune.

"I'm sure every visitor will admire this magnificent memorial and spend a few moments remembering those who gave their lives to allow us the freedom we enjoy today."


Last edited by Adam Brown on Tue Jun 05, 2007 1:17 pm; edited 1 time in total
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David McNay
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Joined: 14 Dec 2006
Posts: 11425
Location: Lanarkshire, Scotland

PostPosted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 12:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

A VC winner and a former Bank Worker! How DID we miss this one Adam?!?
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spoons



Joined: 09 Jan 2007
Posts: 4991
Location: St John's Town of Dalry

PostPosted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 8:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well it wasn't reported on the BBC website (Scotland) or in the Sunday Post.
Does anyone know where it is? East Lothian is a big place.
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David McNay
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Joined: 14 Dec 2006
Posts: 11425
Location: Lanarkshire, Scotland

PostPosted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 8:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Seabird Centre is in North Berwick, in between the two beaches. There's the ruin of an ancient church next to it. I'll be interested to know where this memorial will be.

There's also a van which does lovely ice cream right there..... Laughing
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Mike Morley



Joined: 17 Apr 2013
Posts: 8667
Location: Roberton, Lanarkshire

PostPosted: Wed Feb 24, 2021 1:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

There's a small pic of the memorial on this site: http://www.griffon.clara.net/ccmaa/ccmaa_memorial_Scotland.htm
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David McNay
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Joined: 14 Dec 2006
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Location: Lanarkshire, Scotland

PostPosted: Wed Feb 24, 2021 2:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=2104
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