Plans for village memorial to fallen teenage soldier

Robert Jeffrey Hughes, from Shilbottle, was just 18 when he died in an explosion while serving with the Royal Horse Artillery in Aden on April 28, 1966.

His name is recorded on the village war memorial, but now members of Shilbottle Village Forum are planning other ways to make sure the young soldier’s name is remembered.

Forum member Edith Hood, who was a neighbour of the Hughes family, said it is hoped that the revamped skateboard park will be named after him and a plaque erected in the village memorial garden. The aim is to have the memorials in place by May 1.

A public meeting is being held in Shilbottle Sports and Leisure Club tomorrow at 7pm to discuss the plans. All are welcome.

Gunner Hughes was one of three men killed and three wounded during a 105mm rocket attack by dissident tribesmen on Monks Field Camp, Radfan, during the Aden Emergency, which began in 1963 and ended in 1967, when British forces withdrew.