The Misbourne Valley & Airman's Grave

The hot weather is getting to Little Dog and she is becoming restless and grumpy, so we decided to go for an early morning walk on the Ashdown Forest (well 8 a.m. actually).
We walked down the Misbourne Valley between Nutley and Duddleswell which is my favourite part of the Forest. It is very peaceful with panoramic views towards the South Downs.
At the bottom of the valley there is a small stream with a plank bridge crossing it. The water is a rusty red colour caused by iron deposits leaching into it from the surrounding soil. As usual Little dog runs straight into the muddiest part to cool herself off, followed by brisk shaking, covering me with dirty water in the process.

Across the stream and up a short rise we came to the Airman's Grave. On every visit I take a few minutes to reflect and pay my respects. However it isn't actually a grave at all. It is a memorial to the crew of a Wellington Bomber from 142 Squadron. All six airmen died when it crashed here early in the morning of 31st July 1941 whilst returning from a bombing mission over Germany.

The sun was getting higher in the sky and it was getting hotter as we returned to the car park. Even the sheep were taking advantage of every bit of shade to stay cool.