Hazlemere hero to be added to war memorial (From Bucks Free Press)

Hazlemere hero to be added to war memorial

2:49pm Wednesday 2nd December 2009

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THE mother of a soldier killed in a plane crash in Afghanistan has won her campaign to have her son's name added to the Hazlemere war memorial.

Hazlemere Parish Council agreed, in principle, to add Royal Marine Joseph Windall to the memorial at the Holy Trinity Church, Amersham Road, during a council meeting last night.

Joseph's mother Phillippa Young said she was “over the moon” following the council's decision, which finally brings to an end her five month quest to have her son's name added.

Former Holmer Green Upper School pupil Joe died after the Nimrod plane he was travelling in on a surveillance mission exploded in mid-air three years ago.

All 14 crew, including Amersham born Flight Sergeant Adrian Davis, died.

She said: “I am over the moon, I drive past the memorial every day on my way to work so this news is great and I'm sure his many friends and family in the area will be delighted.

“I would like to thank the council for agreeing to do this even though it will probably cost them some money - but it means a great deal to the family.”

Cllr David Cox told the Bucks Free Press the matter “is well in hand” and is expected to be completed in the new year subject to the council gaining approval from the church and finding a firm to carry out the work.

He added: “Mrs Young made her first approach many months ago but unfortunately the council only meets once every month, so the process of getting things pushed through can be frustrating.

“The issues we had to discuss was whether we should add the names of all those that lose their lives in modern conflict and then whether we should add them to the existing memorial, which logistically may be difficult, or to attach a new plaque to it.

“But I think we made the correct decision. We remember those who died in the 1940s every year so I think it's only right we pay respect to those who have lost their lives in modern conflict.”

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