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A Junkers 88 crashed into a field of marigolds at Upcott Farm, Beaford, North Devon, owned by gentleman farmer Mr Putticombe on 22nd August 1940. The German pilot was killed iinstantly.

On hearing the crash the farm hands, one of whom was my father, rushed to the scene with pitch forks in hand, to see what could be done. On investigation it was clear the pilot was dead. With the contempt for the German people at the time, it was suggested that the pilot be removed from the wreckage and disposed of in a pit to be dug close by. Before the work could be completed, Mr Putticome arrived on the scene and was horrified at what the men planned to do, and rebuked them for their thoughts.

"Whether a German or not, that man is some-one's son. He will have a proper Christian burial, the same as any of you would expect".

Although very young, I remember my father frequently relating the incident, but as was typical of him, he rarely got to the end of his stories. He liked to "play the hero" and to leave his listener in suspense. He also liked to boast of his adventures on his motor-bike without any lights. He also was proud of that fact he was permitted to drive without ever having taken his test and did so until shortly before his death at 90 years of age......Sadly now it's too late to find out any more, and perhaps the truth instead of stories, but having found a photograph of the wreckage, my interest has been aroused, and I might well take time to research into where the pilot was buried.

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