Sheila Griffin

 The picture taken was of myself and my husband David inpecting the Standard Bearers, and on our way to meet the Buglers and Musicians.

This was followed by all of us visiting the grave of Pilot Officer Cyril Barton aged 22, who received the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

On 30th March 1944 in an attack on Nuremburg, Germany, and while 70 miles from target, Pilot Officer Barton's Halifax Bomber was badly damaged by enemy aircraft.  A misinterpreted signal resulted in three of the crew baling out and Pilot Officer Barton was left with no navigator, air bomber or wireless operator.  He pressed on with the attack however, releasing the bombs himself.  On the return journey, as he crossed the Englis coast, the fuel ran short and with only one engine working he crashed trying to avoid the houses and pit head workings of the village of Ryhope, near Sunderland and was killed.

This links up with the visit to Beverley Boys School mentioned earlier as Pilot Office Barton was a former pupil of Beverley School and is to have the new sports hall named after him.  I wonder what he would think of the amagamation of his school with Coombe Girls!

After the ceremony we went to the British Legion Club where I was able to speak to Cryil Barton's sisters who had also been at the Parade.  A very interesting day.