An extract from the reminiscences of Derek Earl...
Reminiscences of Hassocks Derek Earl has lived in Keymer for over 80 years. This extract from his reminiscences continues his look at life during World War Two. I recall only one incident of a bomb being dropped near the village. On that particular day, my uncle John Earl, on leave from the RAF, took me bird-nesting along the railway embankment towards Burgess Hill. We were just north of Woodside Nursery, when our attention was drawn to the familiar sound of an approaching German Dornier bomber, flying low and heading south towards us. It was following the railway line and probably heading home after a bombing raid. About 500 yards ahead of us there was a huge explosion in the field next to Franklyns Bridge, his obvious target some 200 yards away. The bomb left a huge crater in the field and for many years was left as a reminder of the event, until it was filled in by Mr Matthews, the farmer. The bomber, after strafing Hassocks, was shot down near Westmeston and the crew of five young airmen were interred in a communal grave in Streat churchyard. Hurstpierpoint was also targeted; a bomb aimed at destroying a gasometer tank at the end of West-
A German Dornier bomber after a crash landing ern Road unfortunately landed on a house, killing a young girl. The only aircraft I recall crashing were two fighters, British and German, that dived into the large wood, to the rear of Clayton Holt. I also remember seeing a large British, four-engine, bomber almost intact, lying on the Downs near the A23, close to Pyecombe. One unforgettable day was when the D-Day invasion commenced on the 6th June. A distant hum of engines heralded the approach of aircraft, growing in intensity until there appeared virtually hundreds of planes flying south, all towing gliders with fighter escorts, heading for France. A spectacle that gave hope to my parents and one that I was proud to have witnessed.
4 SQUASH COURTS 7 HARD & 4 CLAY TENNIS COURTS 5 PROFESSIONAL COACHES WELL PRICED BAR HUGE BALCONY OVERLOOKING THE DOWNS PARKING AVAILABLE FRIENDLY WELCOME All courts are open to the public for a small fee. Function room available to hire. You will find us near to Hassocks station. Come for a no obligation look around and perhaps stay for a drink on our lovely balcony. South Bank, Hassocks, BN6 8JP tel. 01273 844283 Email: wealdreception@btconnect.com www.the-weald.co.uk
The war continued with the city of London being bombed almost continually, despite the heroic efforts of the RAF fighter squadrons. The Surrey docks there took an immense pounding so it was decided to move people out of London to the comparative safety of the countryside. The evacuees to Hassocks were mainly from Bermondsey, consisting of children and whole families. They were welcomed into local homes and settled in well. The children were taught in the hall of the Congregational church by Mr Reece and Miss Troughton. Many lasting friendships were forged over the years. When the war ceased, many returned to London, but others had found local employment and houses here. I remember a few families that shared houses in Parklands Road and some family members still live in Hassocks and the surrounding district. Derek Earl
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