Greenham Common Memorial

[airfields man]

Greenham Industrial Estate
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/pictures40035.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/pictures40036.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/pictures40037.jpg

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/PAULS%20SCANS%20TWO/leafletpics001.jpg
Just found this small information note about the memorial that was sent to me by Richard Polley a few year's ago.

[jason]

Sunday 15th January 2012. Visited the site to photograph the memorial myself with Stevie and Hydealfred and found it like this, smashed and the plaque missing..Disgusting and a shameful act by scum !!!!!

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk20/Cavboy80/S1057732.jpg

[REF]

Thats very sad to see, I hope they do something about this but I doubt very much the low lifes that did this will be caught.

[PETERTHEEATER]

I am dumbfounded!

That some members of British society could plan and carry out such an act I find offensive and humiliating.

[jason]

UPDATE.......i contacted the local paper to let them know about it and they where going to do a piece about it. I then got an e mail from they informing me that it was done by the Royal British Legion at Newbury.
Apparently it was 'removed' as they are going to build 3 memorials there in September.
There's ways to remove and demolish something, this isn't how to do it. I've got to speak to a senior Legion member tonight about this, i'll let you know the outcome.
It still looks like vandalism to me !!!!

I posted a picture on the Greenham Common Trust Facebook page, i know FB isn't the best format for this kind of thing but this shows that it's better than the 'i've had Frosties for my breakfast today' image.


http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/photo.php?fbid=327900203899180&set=o.155938514454098&type=1&theater&notif_t=photo_comment

[Carnaby]

There's ways to remove and demolish something, this isn't how to do it.
Totally agree!

[airfields man]

[QUOTE=jason;93991]UPDATE it still looks like vandalism to me !!!!

It definitely looks that way to me as well. I just hope that it isn't !! After all that planning, and the few directions that I hope were helpful too you Jason, only to find it in the state it is must have been a big disappointment !! I look forward to your next post. So sorry to see it like this even if it was done legally, seems very disrespectful, though at least the poppy reef is still on display.

[Bomber]

I agree with every one leaving it a pile of rubble makes it look if it doesant matter how it looks & i think shows no respect even if it was done legally . At least they could have removed the bricks & put a notice board up informing people what is happening .

[Woody78]

This is appalling and disgraceful. It may not be a 'consecrated' site in the true meaning of the word but any family member visiting the memorial to see this mess would be upset to say the least. To add further insult to injury - removed by the British Legion or with at least their knowledge? Totally unacceptable. Thanks for the concern Jason and your follow up.
Further to the above and on reflection, this is a memorial site and would have had a religious blessing so it would be a sacred place for family members and others visiting it. The fact that the poppy wreath was left on the rubble shows no respect by those who were tasked with removing the plaque. Very sad and disturbing.

[REF]

It may have been taken and in safe keeping, but the remaining pile of bricks is a disgrace. If you are building a new memorial why not clear the bricks entirely so it looks like it has been moved and not just vandalised?? I am pleased to hear a new memorial will be erected but the state of the site is disgraceful, especially to those who are not in the know.

[buccaneer66]

If this has indeed been done by the British Legion they really should know better.

[hydealfred]

To be honest when I saw it yesterday I thought metal thieves had paid a visit and stolen the brass plaque. I am really surprised it has been left in such a state - quite shocking really.

[jason]

Yesterday i spoke to Paul Cragg from the Greenham Common Trust, they own the majority of the former Technical site. He was aware of it's removal but had not seen the site itself until i had brought it to there attention.
Apparently the memorial site is the responsibility of the Newbury British Legion, it is being moved to another site as the present one is now unsuitable due to the heavy traffic that uses the juntion on which it stands.
Mr Cragg was unable to speak directly to the British legion was had been told that the brickwork had been smashed as the plaque was so well fixed, it is to be either used itself or to be replicated in the new memorial nearer to the main entrance which the GCT are helping fund.
He visted the site himself yesterday and was himself very unimpressed with how the site looked, to make it worse still the plaque was removed 3 weeks ago !!!
I've yet to have a reply from the Legion, have no fear, i'll be chasing them up for an explaination as to how this has come to look like this for nearly a month.

[airfields man]

I called there today to find that all the loose bricks have been cleared. All that's left now are the twin base bricks, eight in total, with three on the top, all still well cemented together.

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/cannysphotosNo4011.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/cannysphotosNo4013.jpg
Called there again today, all gone! Took long enough !!

[jason]

Thanks Paul for the update. If only the site looked like this when i visited earlier this month. Oh, and as to date i've received NO reply from Newbury Royal Legion regarding the state of the site when myself, Hydealfred and Steve visited on th 15th January.
Thanks for your concern NRL.

[buccaneer66]

Are you chasing the Legion Jason they need to answer for that desecration?

[kebecker]

Speaking for how our Branch works out here, business tends to be dealt with on a monthly basis at executive meetings. I am not suggesting this may be the reason why you have heard nothing. Personally I think someone dropped the ball on this and should stick their hand up and admit it. What the Branch involved should be pleased with is that there are people out here in the wider world that do care and indeed care passionatley about preserving the memory of those who served and those who did not return.

okay just fell off my soap box!


Lest We Forget

[canberra]

Im a member of the Royal British Legion, Im gobsmacked at how theyve gone about this. As has been said in this day and age youd have thought that metal thieves had been at work.

[Blackadder]

New website up and running. No plans or sketches as yet of the new memorial, no any mention of timescale:
http://www.greenhamcommonamericanservicesmemorial.com/index.html

[jason]

As far as the timescale goes i was told that it's planned to be built 'later this year, around June -August'

[airfields man]

I called at the Royal British Legion in Newbury today to collect one of their free pamphlets, as shown on the link by Blackadder. I was told that the new memorial will be a slate design to be dedicated in September [this year] at it's new site not too far from the original one. The chap I spoke with said that he bought the first plaque from America, this new one with the help of contributions will be made from aluminium, so not too attractive to any metal thieves. The original plaque that is now in safe-keeping will later be on-show [hopefully] in a nearby office to the new memorial. I never mentioned their disgraceful method in the removal of this small honour.

[airfields man]

Following directions given to me to the site of this propposed new memorial, I could find nothing today to indicate the start of the groundwork. I'll try again next week, and the week after, and the week after.... :roll:

[airfields man]

Following directions given to me to the site of this propposed new memorial, I could find nothing today to indicate the start of the groundwork. I'll try again next week, and the week after, and the week after.... :roll:

I've been calling there each week as mentioned above. Last week I also called at the Liberty House office that's close to the old memorial site, also close to this so-called new site to try and find out exactly what's supposed to be happening. They told me that it was definitely going to be dedicated in September. This dedication is by invitation only. Well they had better get their finger out, it's september next saturday, and as of last thursday 23-08-2012 they haven't even scratched the surface yet !! :roll:

[airfields man]

Called there again today.....guess what !! they have at last started to remove the top layer of turf. A small Mini-digger was scraping-away at the grass, no camera ! At least I assume that it's the start of this new memorial groundwork going-on, as it's not quite the location that I was told, in-fact the opposite side of the road. But it's still a suitable site.

[airfields man]

The dedication date for this new memorial (By invitation only) is at 10.30am friday 21st September. Just 9 days away. I sincerely hope that the weather is as nice as it can be for this service. Quite a few people coming from across the Pond for this occasion. Fingers crossed for a good day. 8-)

[REF]

I notice the new memorial has been unveiled and looking at the bbc article it does look good. Did anyone go? Anyone got anymore photos?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-19675253

Cheers

Rich

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo113001.jpg
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http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo111001.jpg

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo111002.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo111014.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/Ianmooretwat/cannysphotosNo120006.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/Ianmooretwat/cannysphotosNo120007.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/Ianmooretwat/cannysphotosNo120018.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/Ianmooretwat/cannysphotosNo120010.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/Ianmooretwat/cannysphotosNo120011.jpg
A few that I took over the last few days leading-up to yesterdays dedication.

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/Ianmooretwat/cannysphotosNo120002.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo111011.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo111012.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo111013.jpg
Hope to get some more next tuesday. Decided to hold those now shown til after the official dedication.

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/pauls%20scans/cannysphotosNo114004.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/Ianmooretwat/cannysphotosNo120012.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/Ianmooretwat/cannysphotosNo120013.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/Ianmooretwat/cannysphotosNo120020.jpg

The whole area in-front of the memorial is going to be made in to a car-park. To hide the industrial buildings behind I suggested a semi-circle of fir tree's , as at the former site.

[Woody78]

Thanks Paul (airfields man) for your updates re: this Memorial. Looks impressive.

Regards,
Mark

[airfields man]

As can be seen from the above duplicate plaque to the 17th Airborne Division, it's the same as the original one. PFC Burton E Lindenmuth, is the 16th name down in the first column. PFC Dale H Weber being the 13th name down in the second http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo113013.jpgcolumn. These two roads are named after these two heroes. This new memorial being situated along Weber road.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo113010.jpg

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo113014.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo113022.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo113018.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo113021.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo113020.jpg

[airfields man]

The last two photographs of the site map show; Lindenmuth Way, and Weber road. On the above, Lindenmuth Way is; J9 to M9. Weber Road is; L11 to K11.

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo113016.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo113012.jpg
Just a few yards away from the memorial.

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/Ianmooretwat/cannysphotosNo110025.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/Ianmooretwat/cannysphotosNo110028.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/Ianmooretwat/cannysphotosNo110029.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/Ianmooretwat/cannysphotosNo110027.jpg
This is Liberty House, just off First Street, in the Square, that's off Main Street. 100 yards or so away from the memorial.

[airfields man]

Anyone who may wish to take some photographs of this superb collection of memorials the best time is in the morning at this time of year, if the sun is shining 8-) I took all of those shown at 10.30-11.0.0.am.

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122004.jpg
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http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122008.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122028.jpg

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122030.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122039.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122030.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122024.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122017.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122018.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122043.jpg
A few more that I took today.

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122039.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122048.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122044.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122046.jpg

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/pauls%20scans/cannysphotosNo123002.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/pauls%20scans/cannysphotosNo123012.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/pauls%20scans/cannysphotosNo123010.jpg

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122016.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo122031.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/pauls%20scans/cannysphotosNo123005.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/pauls%20scans/cannysphotosNo123003.jpg

[airfields man]

Incidently, the small Stars+Stripes flag shown in some shots is mine ! I took this along as I suspected that the real flags would not be flying. Maybe just as well, as it was a very strong wind today. I had to gather-up the Poppy Reefs, including the one shown above, from around the memorial in order to take some photographs. Don't expect that they will last there for much longer.

[REF]

Brilliant photos AM, did they use the plaque from the old memorial? It looks like these are flat plaques if that makes sense..

[airfields man]

Hi Richard, the airborne plaque looked to me to be a completely new one. As I said somewhere before, the old plaque was intended to be kept at a near-by office to the memorial. I'll see what, if anything I can find-out next week. I know what you mean about 'Flat Plaques' and yes, these I'm sure are that type. Either way they are wonderful memorial's. :grin:

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo137002.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/NO%203%20ALBUM/yet%20another/cannysphotosNo137003.jpg
Just a couple more that I took with my new ( misunderstood) camera.

[airfields man]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/mickeymouse/cannysphotosNo177001_zps99dd630e.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e82/airfieldsman/mickeymouse/cannysphotosNo177002_zpse00e76ea.jpg
Called here again today. This is the new car-park that's under construction.