Memorial unveiled for Sparsholt World War II 80 years on

Michael Drew, from Stockbridge, on his 95th birthday, unveiled a bench commemorating his older brother and six other agricultural students.

Michael Drew unveiling the bench with his grandson (Image: David Alderson)

In writing a book about the history of Sparsholt College, Dr John Lander discovered that the men had never been honoured until the event on Saturday, July 29.

College governor Dr Lander, from Barton Stacey, made it his mission to find the descendants of the seven war heroes and give them the memorial they deserved.

After a call out for relatives was published in the Chronicle, six of the seven families were found, with multiple generations paying their respects at the new bench opposite Sparsholt Memorial Hall.

READ MORE: Sparsholt students who died in World War II to be honoured

Following the unveiling, Dr Lander said: “I came across a handwritten minute book, with the names of students from a meeting in December 1945 and found that there was no memorial on campus.

“I was determined to find the families and today is the culmination of all that work.

“I’m absolutely delighted to see everyone come together. Two of the families didn’t even know they had relatives killed in the war. Some had records at home but didn’t know the same amount of detail that I did.

“I’m thrilled with how it’s turned out and the bench is accessible for people to come and look at any time.”

The drew family (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Mr Drew, who unveiled the bench in memory of his older brother David, said: “It’s a great privilege to be here. I think my brother would be very touched to know that there was such a special event for him.

“I’m delighted with the turnout. John has done a wonderful job and put in a lot of hard work and time.

“We do have to remember the past. I remember my brother as a young, care free man who would have got a lot further than me.”

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The Luscombe family (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Rosalind Milton, niece of Harry Luscombe who was killed in 1944, said: “Harry’s mother kept everything: MIA telegrams, the final letters and his war medals. It’s part of our heritage and they gave their lives for our country.

“The letters that our grandmother kept show the exuberance of a 24-year-old who was excited to be there and be involved. They were all farmers at heart but felt it was their duty.

“It’s wonderful to be here. John Lander deserves a round of applause, he’s pulled people together.”

The bench (Image: Adele Bouchard)

All the men who died fighting were aged between 22 and 25. The bench has a plaque for each of the seven former students: 

William Noel Abbott, born December 1918, Titchfield, Sergeant, wireless officer with RAF 217 Squadron, killed February 15, 1941.

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

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

Harry Luscombe, born 1918, Captain with Hampshire Regiment, killed March 20, 1944.

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

Kenneth Goddard, born February 1920, wireless operator and gunner, RAF 15 Squadron, killed May 24, 1944.

David Drew, born October 1922, Dorset, RAF pilot, killed March 1945.

Dr Lander's book A Place of Transformation, the History of Sparsholt College, is available to buy for £12 plus £2.70 for postage by emailing jandplander@btinternet.com.