A Different Remembrance Sunday on Brown Clee Hill

On one of the hottest days of the year, we were proud to help bring back a very special Service of Remembrance on Brown Clee Hill. Though not widely known, Brown Clee is sadly believed to be the most deadly hill in the UK for wartime aviation. Twenty-three airmen were killed flying directly into the hill, and when combined with accidents on the lower slopes and nearby Titterstone Clee, 43 lives in total were lost.

This year’s service marked the first gathering since 2019, after a pause caused by the Covid pandemic. In that year, an Air Ambulance flypast and landing became part of the day when one of the participants collapsed. Thankfully, this year’s return went smoothly, with warm sunshine and a gentle wind providing the backdrop.

The service was led by Revd Joe Simons, organised by Sheila and Julian Millington, with logistical support from Tony Brown and Charles Hunter. The roll of honour was read by Jutta Langham and Tony, with wreaths laid by Jutta and Paul Massey in tribute to the fallen.

We were especially pleased to welcome Phillipa and her nephew Ian. Phillipa played a central role in ensuring that the Brown Clee memorial was erected. Over refreshments afterwards (with thanks to Sheila and Emma), Ian shared the story of Phillipa’s determination to record the crashes and honour the airmen lost.

It was a moving and uplifting day of remembrance, and we are proud to have helped bring the service back.

We Will Remember Them.