TWO soldiers visited the Verderers’ Court to commemorate the wartime efforts of the New Forest-based 3rd Canadian Division during the Second World War.
Canadian Army Lieutenant Colonel Montgomery Price and Warrant Officer Christopher Astley visited Lyndhurst, to mark the presentation of two flags commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.
Forestry England Deputy Surveyor for the New Forest, Craig Harrison with Lieutenant Colonel Montgomery Price
In 1944 the 3rd Canadian Division was camped in Highland Water Inclosure before the Normandy invasion. Church services were held at Mogshade Hill using a simple pine cross and flag covered altar.
A memorial was then erected in 1949 and has been maintained and refurbished by Forestry England ever since. The cross that stands there now is still held together by the original bolt used in 1944.
The Official Verderer Edward Heron said: “Last November Forestry England and the verderers were presented with two flags on Remembrance Day by Officers of the Canadian Armed Forces to both commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and as a thank you for the continued care of the Canadian Cross War Memorial.”
The meeting heard carpenter Kevin Grey used New Forest oak to create the poles and plinth for the flags.
Warrant Officer Christopher Astley
Forestry England Deputy Surveyor for the New Forest, Craig Harrison, said: “The presence of these flags in the verderers hall and their use on Remembrance Day are a fitting reminder of the actions and bravery of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. We will always remember and thank all Allied troops based in the New Forest who helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.”
He added: “I’d like to thank Andy and Sandy Shore for their help maintaining the memorial site over the years, and attending remembrance day services with their family.”