Broadwindsor unveils new war memorial on D-Day anniversary
The village is honouring 84 local servicemen from WW1 and WW2
A new war memorial's been unveiled in the West Dorset village of Broadwindsor.
It's been opened to coincide with the anniversary of D-Day this week (Wednesday 7th June).
The memorial honours 84 servicemen who died during fighting in World War One and World War Two, from Broadwindsor, Burstock, Drimpton, Seaborough and Blackdown.
Children from Broadwindsor Primary School read out the names of those remembered, followed by a two minute silence.
West Dorset MP, Chris Loder, laid a wreath and recited the Exhortation and the Kohima Epitaph, before a flypast from a Supermarine Seafire aircraft.
Mr Loder said: “I was very sorry to learn that there wasn’t a war memorial in Broadwindsor to commemorate the lives of so many local servicemen who died in war. This one corner of West Dorset made an incredible sacrifice, and I am glad that there now exists a physical memorial to remember the fallen.
"It is a real testament to the efforts of the local people too, and I would like to publicly thank Rowland Hibbard and Andrew Frampton, who got this project off the ground and made it a success."
Rowland Hibbard, who led the event, said:
“This was a very moving occasion with wonderful involvement from many members of the community and it was a very poignant moment when the names of all 84 who gave their lives for their country were read out by the schoolchildren. The attendance of all the dignitaries and local residents reflected the great pride with which we deservedly hold for all who protect our country in the past and the future.”