Southwick, The Harbour c.1965

Photo ref: S477072

I was born in Southlands hospital in 1932. In 1935 I moved into 14 West Road Fishersgate and (when old enough)went to Fishersgate Infant school. In 1943 we moved into 21 Fishersgate Terrace, which at that time was on the corner of Laylands Road, it was demolished to clear the way for the rebuilding of Fishersgate. I well remember playing down the canal bank and along the canal shore. Before ...see more

My father had a corn merchant shop called Gommes (I think this is the correct Spelling) at 33a Albion Street. As far as I can remember it was opposite the old power station. My mum told me that a ship called the Beeding used to wake me up in the morning. Does anybody have any old photographs of this shop or memories. We moved to London when I was 7 years old so my memories of the shop are vague.

As a pupil at Manor Hall Secondary School I also remember the Valiant crashing and the plume of smoke with the explosion as it hit the railway line by Southwick Recreation Ground. As it was lunch time no members of the public were hurt. A locally run Website 'This is Findon' by Valerie Martin has more information on that day from other people. There is included, an extract of the crash investigation report ...see more

I also remember the Valiant bomber crashing. We were in the playground and the plane went overhead. It was on fire and looked like something out of war movie. I remember the loud bang and flames as it hit the REC. I think also some of the parts landed on the railway line. I believe there was one survivor who parachuted out.