In my newspaper today, found it quite moving.
A Dutch woman has cared for the grave of a British airman she never knew every week for 45 years. Tiny Claessen first noticed the neglected plot of Lancaster bomber rear gunner Henry Hiscox while visiting her Dad's grave in 1965. She began weeding it and cleaning the headstone out of respect. And she has returned every weekend since to leave flowers, plants and candles. Tiny, 79, said: "He gave his life so people like me could live free and happy all these years and it was the right thing that he should be respected and remembered. As the years passed he has become more like a brother." Last week, on the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Holland, Tiny was visited by Air Commodore Charles Clarke who presented her with a photo of a Lancaster bomber by way of thanks. Flt. Sgt Hiscox 35, from Newport, Gwent, died in 1944 when his plane was downed near Beesel, Eastern Holland.
Stephanie.
|