Chris Wright recently sent the following email to the Most Reverend Carlos López Lozano, Bishop of the Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church, who has responsibility for the British Cemetery adjoining the Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, Huelva.
On the 19th April it will be exactly 80 years since two young airmen — RAF wireless operator Sgt. PB Crossan and Australian Air Force pilot Sgt. GL Avern — died when their Bristol Beaufighter crashed near Gibraleón. My wife and I would like to lay flowers on their graves and the Defence Attachés at the British Embassy and Australian Embassy in Madrid hope to attend. I was concerned to see the poor state of the cemetery but delighted to learn that there are plans to renovate the area next year. In the meantime, I would much appreciate your kind permission for a few of us to tidy up the area around the graves and the entrance to the cemetery in early April prior to our proposed visit on the 19th April. We could trim the overgrown vegetation, clear the litter and make the area presentable in honour of two young men who gave their lives in the battle against tyranny during WW2
Yesterday, Chris spoke to the Bishop who welcomes our interest and is pleased to give his permission for us to access the cemetery and do whatever we feel necessary.
The plan is to meet at 8.30 am on Friday 8th April in the Aldi car park on the EN125 near Tavira.
Rakes, shears, battery operated strimmers, pruners, litter grabbers etc. are needed; in fact, anything that can be used to clear undergrowth and tidy up the area around the graves.
If anyone has any experience of cleaning headstones, please let Chris know.
Stout footwear and garden gloves are recommended.
We would imagine arriving at the cemetery about 10.30 am Spanish time, with a journey time of about an hour. We hope to complete the task in 2 to 3 hours and then perhaps retire to a local restaurant for lunch.
If anyone can help it would be much appreciated. Feel free to email or call him on 916 504 903.
Many thanks.
