Memorial garden to offer 'peace and reflection'

Secretary Julie Campbell said a lot of people "really care" about those lost during the wars

A new war memorial garden will offer "peace and reflection" to the families of fallen soldiers, a charity said.

Dursley and Cam branches of the Royal British Legion aim to raise £7,500 for the garden, which will be dedicated to soldiers who died in World War One and World War Two.

The garden will be 10sq m and feature a monument, benches, and a new brass plaque.

RBL's secretary Julie Campbell said she is "optimistic" about raising the money as she believes a lot of people "really care" about veterans.

It is hoped the memorial will be built in time for this year's Remembrance Service.

"I feel it will come together quite quickly," Ms Campbell said, adding the monument build will "start very soon".

"The idea of the garden is a place of peace and reflection, where people can remember loved ones lost in war and everybody who has suffered the consequence of conflict," she said.

The benches will be ready later this month, with new hedging due to be planted in October.

The benches are being made at Breakheart Quarry, which is near the crash site of two US airmen

"It's very important to point out this is not an RBL project because the legion only deals with the living, but we are supporting the veterans.

"Last Remembrance Sunday, we had veterans struggling because there was nowhere to sit," she added.

The project is being supported by Dursley Town Council.

Tribute to soldiers

Two members of the United States Army Air Forces James Spear and Carroll Bryan, who were killed when their Mosquito crashed near Dursley in 1944, will be commemorated in the garden.

"They were our allies.

"They came here young, full of hope, full of life, wanting to do the right thing for us.

"They deserve to be remembered," Ms Campbell added.