I NOTE the efforts being made for the construction of a memorial statue for Private Herbert Columbine, but would like to draw attention to two other local heroes awarded the George Cross - itself recognised as the civilian Victoria Cross.
In 1942, an explosion at the munitions factory at Bramble Island killed two people and further deaths were prevented by Dr Wilson Baldwin, of Frinton, who climbed up to a smouldering roof above an 1,800lb vat of gelignite and doused the flames, thereby preventing more carnage.
In 1943, Wing Commander Laurence Sinclair of Frinton, was on duty at RAF Wattisham when a fully loaded bomber crashed on take-off. Bombs exploded and the aircraft burst into flames. Sinclair dashed into the burning wreckage and saved the badly injured rear gunner.
Both these men were awarded the George Cross. Sinclair went on to become an air vice-marshall and retired from the RAF in 1966.
Perhaps the planned construction of a statue to Columbine could somehow embrace the mirrored bravery of Baldwin and Sinclair.
Ian Lucas
Beachcroft Avenue
Kirby Cross
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