Mid Sussex historian keeps memory of World War II casualties alive

Penny Worth, from Keymer, has researched names from war memorials in Mid Sussex and uncovered the stories behind their loss.

Among them is RAF pilot Alastair McLean - known as Sandy - who lived with his parents and brothers and sisters at Clayton Avenue, Hassocks.

He joined the RAF Volunteer Reserves before the war and trained as a pilot at Shoreham.

Sandy flew Wellington bombers with 38 Squadron and the Mid Sussex Times reported at the time that he took part in the Battle of Britain.

The squadron moved to the Middle East in 1940, and later Greece, Italy and much of North Africa.

Sandy’s last mission began on the night of 13th/14th February 1941 when he was shot down over Rhodes.

Sandy’s tragic tale is among those that Penny Worth has included on her website - keymerclaytonwarmemorials.wordpress.com.

Penny had previously outlined the casualties of the First World War, but has now finalised her research into losses in the second world conflict.

She said: “I think it is important that we keep the memory alive of these people.”