MP joins D-Day 75 remembrance at Coolham airfield

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert joined a service of remembrance for the 15 airmen who gave their lives whilst serving at RAF Coolham during the D-Day campaign in 1944.

Mr Herbert visited the area which served as a temporary airbase during the Second World War.  The perimeter track is planted with oak trees to remember each of the airmen who lost their lives.  

 Following his visit, the MP joined a special service led by the Chairman of Horsham District Council, Kate Rowbottom.  The event was hosted in the garden of The Selsey Arms on the week the nation remembered the bravery of those involved with the D-Day landings 75 years ago. 

A new memorial was unveiled, designed by the Shipley Men’s Shed.  Located next to the village’s original war memorial, the new display includes photographs and obituaries of the men who died at RAF Coolham, and an aerial view of the former airfield. 

Mr Herbert said: “It was moving to visit the former airfield and to read the stories of events which took place there 75 years ago.  The oak trees are a special way to remember the young airmen who were amongst the many who gave their lives for the freedom of successive generations.”  

ENDS

Notes  

1.     Photograph 1 – Nick next to one of the 15 oak trees planted on the perimeter of the former RAF Coolham airbase, pictured behind. 

2.     Photograph 2 – The new memorial sign. 

3.     To read more about the Shipley Men’s Shed community group see https://www.horshamshipleycommunityproject.org/mens-shed/.