The New Forest Airfields Monument, during World War 2 a number of airfields were built in the New Forest
and were used by the British, American and Canadian air forces, all but one, Hurn, are now being used for other purposes.

 

A map showing the locations where the air fields were located.

 

A sign showing the layout of Holmsley South Airfield, the plaque on the stone reads; "Dedicated to all who
served at Holmsley South Airfield 1942-1946" As you can see vandals have disgraced themselves by
damaging the memorial.

 

A plaque behind glass listing the names of U. S. airmen. The plaque reads;

"In remembrance of all who served with the 404th Fighter Group, 506, 507 and 508 Squadrons USAAF
Station 414 Winkton Advanced Landing Ground April 5th to July 4th, 1944 especially those pilots whose last
flight was from Winkton"

Graves of some of the airman killed are located on the grounds of the Boldre Church near the New Forest. Inside
the church is a small memorial for HMS Hood.

(All photos courtesy of Sandra Meacock)
© 2009 Sandra Meacock all rights reserved

 

How lovely it was for me to find this site, and pictures of the memorial to the young men of New Forest.  Ben Kitchens was my father's best friend and brother – my grandmother took young Ben in and unofficially adopted him in their hometown of El Paso Texas.  I have all of Ben's items now, the letters he wrote home (many from England), the telegrams from the War Department from the time he was MIA to the final confirmation of his death.  I covet and protect his Purple Heart and his War Medal, posthumously awarded to my Grandmother.  

My research into Ben's crash on behalf of my father revealed many things about how he was killed and where. Yet to find (quite by accident) this site celebrating where he lived and likely took his last steps, shared his last laughs, slept his last night... was incredibly uplifting to me.  So it is with personal gratitude to whomever worked to honor those of New Forest, that I write.  On my way to visit Ben's grave in France, I will be sure to make a detour to visit this remarkable memorial to them.

Respectfully,
Susan Cooper
New Mexico

(1st Lt. Benjamin F. Kitchens Memorial Pages)