Trousers hit by red hot splinter
FOCKE Wulf 190 fighter bombers came in low over the coast of Newhaven one day in January,1943, hedge-hopped up the Ouse valley, released bombs on Lewes and then headed up the Broyle towards Halland where Wyndham Gould was was clearing undergrowth in a plantation.
Wyndham didn't take much notice as low-flying aircraft were almost a daily occurrence. He took uncomfortable refuge in a bramble patch.
What happened next is recounted by Wyndham in the very worthy Uckfield and District Preservation Society's magazine called Hindsight.
Up at Croxted Green Farm, Mr and Mrs Venner were finishing their midday meal when one of the German aircraft opened fire, spraying a sheep lodge stocked with young calves.
None were hurt. But four cannon shells were also sent through the farmhouse roof. John, the Venner's son, had fallen in a puddle that morning ands had changed his trousers in the bedroom. When the Venners regained their composure they went upstairs in fear of what they might find.
Her son's discarded trousers were the only casualty, hit by a red hot splinter from a cannon shell.
Added Wyndham: "What could have been a tragedy turned into a comedy. Most people thought it hilarious that thankfully John wasn't wearing the trousers at the time."
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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