Posted By Fred Preller on December 04, 2007 at 04:13:39:
Originally posted 1 November 2007:
20th Fighter Group Appeal for the Repair of the King’s Cliffe Wartime Airfield Monument
The following summarizes several messages from Mr. Bernard Howard, Chairman of "The King’s Cliffe Airfield Trust 1939 / 1945", the committee responsible for the establishment and upkeep of the 20th Fighter Group Wartime Memorial located on the Wansford Road, King’s Cliffe.
The Base and the Memorial need urgent repairs carrying out on this important Memorial, so that it can be seen and honoured into the next century. Time and the repairs are now extremely urgent. We appeal to the big friends of the Mighty Eighth to support its “Little Friends” who were based at King’s Cliffe during 25th August 1943 to October 1945. [Photos of the memorial, with the deterioration quite evident, can be seen at the link below. Fred Preller]
Donation cheques should be made out to "The King’s Cliffe Airfield Trust 1939 / 1945" and sent to his home address.
Bernard Howard
80 Park Street
King’s Cliffe, Peterborough PE8 6XN
England
[For information on other payment options, contact Fred Preller.]
The total cost to carry out this work would be in the region of £10,000 Pounds sterling. Details of the work as follows:
1. Base - All stonework to be renewed and grouting of the entire base of the monument area.
2. The monument - all wording to be re-gilded so all can read the involved Squadrons’ details.
3. Permanent Flag Poles for 2 Flags (one each side of the Monument):
a) United States of America
b) British Union Jack
4. The lay-by needs re-tarmacing.
5. Chain across the front entrance to the Memorial site.
6. Stand (weather-proofed) for a Visitor’s Book of Remembrance so all visitors names can record their visit.
Last weekend (September 2007) at the Holme village’s 40th weekend we made a public appeal to get the necessary funds for the Monument’s damaged wall (one side) and reached our target to cover this work to be carried out within the next week or so. [Note: This damage, apparently caused by a vehicle, was reported to me by another correspondent at about the same time. Fred Preller] This appeal clearly shows the Memorial holds deep respect with what you, our American friends, did during World War 2 – let us keep the spirit going.
My son, Kevin Charles Howard, has agreed to carry on my work which the 20th Historic Society has carried on over the past 24th years. Next year, the Memorial’s 25th Year, we plan to carry out a Re-Dedication Service during August 2008 – the date to be agreed by all parties concerned.
Do not forget – our memories today – is our history tomorrow.
Greetings from all at King’s Cliffe
Kindest regards
Bernard and Kevin Howard
Your British Friends for all time
Telephone 00 44 1780 444444
Fax 00 44 1780 444744
Email info@pchoward.com
Message from Fred Preller: I can bear witness that the monument is in urgent need. I encourage all who are able to contribute what they can to this project.
Photos of the Memorial can be seen at:
http://mighty8thaf.preller.us/gallery/Kings-Cliffe
Some show the deterioration quite clearly!