During the course of research prior to the publication of A Place of Transformation, the history of Sparsholt College, last October, it was discovered that six former students were killed in World War II.

No memorial was ever installed but the college has agreed that a plaque will be placed somewhere suitable in the college grounds.

Regrettably, I have, so far, only been able to meet with the family of one of the six. 

I am very keen to trace descendants of the other five so that they too, can, in due course, be invited to attend an unveiling of the plaque.

The names and some information appear below and I would very much welcome contact from readers of the Hampshire Chronicle who are family members, or who have information that would help tracing them.

The names are:- William Noel Abbott, born December 1918, Titchfield, Sergeant, wireless officer with RAF 217 Squadron, killed 15 February 1941

Joseph Frederick Alexander, born December 1921, Warrant Officer (pilot) RAF 56 Squadron, killed 15 April 1945

Geoffrey Charles Layley, born November 1919, pilot officer observer RAF Volunteer Reserve, killed 27 January 1943

Harry Luscombe, born 1919, Captain with Hampshire Regiment, killed 20 March 1944 (it is known that Harry left a widow and a two year old daughter)

Richard Frank Salter, born April 1921, Aircraftsman 1st Class, RAF 62 Squadron, killed 18 September 1944

Many thanks in anticipation of your help.

Dr John Lander

Gravel Lane,

Barton Stacey

email address: jandplander@btinternet.com   

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