I have my own vivid memories of this particular occurrence.

At the time of the actual crash, I was using the footbridge across the railway line adjacent to Southwick Football Club ground and recall witnessing a plane flying erratically and at a very low level towards the bridge.

Foolishly, I continued to watch the flight of the plane and assumed it was a low-level training exercise.

I could see a train standing in Southwick station, destination Brighton, about to depart.

Suddenly, the plane lost altitude and descended rapidly, hitting the ground on the railway bank.

I was unaware at the time of the damage done to properties in Croft Avenue as the plane flew over.

Unfortunately, there was loss of life, as mentioned by Mr Heasman, but, in view of the proximity of the houses to the scene of the crash, it was indeed a miracle there were no civilian casualties.

In the following days, it was widely reported how the people of Southwick had come to the assistance of those affected by the crash, particularly those who suffered damage to their houses, which had to be evacuated for a time.

As someone remarked, "it was like wartime again, with everyone lending a helping hand and volunteering their services".

One would like to think such a spirit exists today should a similar situation occur.

Trevor Bolton
The Green
Southwick

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