A MEMORIAL to three RAF Spitfire pilots killed in a wartime training accident has almost been completed.

The new lectern-like memorial is on a country lane near Alresford to commemorate the deaths of F/Lt H.W. Adams, F/Sgt J.G.L.Hughes and F/Lt B. Lees in June 1944.

The pilots were from 26 Squadron, based at Lee-on-the-Solent, and operating in an army cooperation role over Normandy shortly after D-Day.

The memorial includes a QR code that, when downloaded to a smartphone, has eyewitness Stan Upton, then just 14 years old, giving an account of the accident at Folly Hill, Abbotstone Down.

The memorial has been commissioned by Alresford Historical and Literary Society, whose chairman Glenn Gilbertson commented that as the wartime generation pass away, it is more important than ever that there are permanent reminders of the sacrifices made to preserve our freedom.

“This information board by the side of the now peaceful Oxdrove way will tell the story of three brave young men, and despite being not quite finished has already aroused considerable interest.”

Mr Gilbertson added: “We look forward to being able to hold a Covid-compliant dedication service soon, and are grateful for contributions from Itchen Stoke Parish Council, Winchester City Council, individuals and the help of the Grange Estate that have made this project possible.”

The final touch will be the standing surface which remains to be applied.