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Hello from an ex Turktown resident.

I visited the Gosport website out of pure nostalgia as I spent the early part of my childhood in Bridgemary, then later in Hardway.

I was wondering if anyone can remember circa 1952 when a bomber crash landed in the field adjacent to Holbrook school. It apparently overshot Rowner airfield, which was converted to a housing estate in 1964. The bomber was heading for the school - it was just after playtime - but veered off towards Brockhurst Road and was arrested by the hedging.

I can remember being late home from school that day, and when I told mum why, she wouldn't believed me.I used to have some really good excuses, so I guess this one beat the lot.

Later on we went to Malaya by troopship (Dilwara) and returned in the sister ship (Dunera)

to Hardway, just around the corner from Twinny's shop where we got our penny chews! Granny Andrews lived next to the shop.

We went to Elson school, 1954-1957, and I still have some happy memories of that time. My year 4 teacher was Miss Hayward. I wonder if anyone else remembers her.

Regards from Clevedon, in North Somerset, where I settled.

Allan A C Andrews

- There was a Miss Howard (PE) teacher at Privett Girls School around 1951 - 57, she was the wife of the local builder, HOWARDS. Michael Leech (Added 1st April 2007)

I have just read the memories of Allan Andrews with regard to the bomber crash adjacent to Holbrook School in 1952. I also was in the school on that day and watched in fascination as the aircraft headed across the field toward the wooden classrooms  finally turning right and coming to a rest against the hedge. I think Allan and I along with the other pupils and staff have a lot to thank the pilot for. I was particularly pleased to read the post as I only had vague memories of the event and at one time not many years tried to research it but could find no reference to it. I was in contact with an Aircraft Crash Historian who also could put no light on the matter. I convinced myself in the end that I had dreamt the whole affair or that I was going mad. Thank you Allan for giving me back my sanity. Robert Burn 27/2/2010