The Lost Pilot - A talk by Andrew Frampton

Following a very nice supper at the Stable Yard Broadwindsor club members, their partners and ladies from the Bridport Inner Wheel were treated to an excellent and enthusiastic talk by Andrew Frampton, a farmer whose family has owned the dairy farm beneath Lewesdon Hill since 1912.

During lockdown Andrew caught COVID and had to go into isolation. For the first time for many years he had time on his hands so he decided to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash of the Spitfire on Lewesdon Hill near Broadwindsor in March 1942. As a result of his project the pilot who died was successfully identified along with detals of the flight. .

The National Trust unveiled a memorial to the pilot, Jean De Cloedt from Belgium, on Lewesdon Hill in 2022 on the 80th anniversary of his tragic death.

For more details and Andrew's complete story go to 'Forgotten pilot' of Dorset died when brand new plane crashed near Beaminster - Dorset Live

And for a report on the Unveiling Ceremony go to The Lost Pilot Ceremony - Broadwindsor.org

Our thanks go to President David for organising such an enjoyable evening.

Inspired by the talk, club member Sara visited Lewesdon (the highest hill in Dorset} a couple of days later and took some pictures of the memorial for the 'Lost Pilot' Jean De Cloedt. Some are included here.