Dambuster historian’s widow buys romantic view

A romantic piece of history will be made in May when 62 year-old Anita Brown moves into her new Bellway apartment at The Marina, overlooking the canal basin at Gravesend. For the balconies of Anita's new abode overlook the exact spot where a lone Spitfire made a poignant flypast and clipped its wings to salute the memory of her late husband, Alan Brown, to whom she was married for 44 years.

Mr Brown was a much-revered Aviation Historian specialising in the research and the recovery of lost World War II aircraft. It was he who identified the site of the last missing Dambuster plane.

When he himself died, aged 76, in September 2006, the hearse carrying Alan Brown's coffin paused to take the salute at the point now adjacent to the new home of his widow, Anita. In fact, she decided to sell her old home and buy this one specifically because it overlooked this particular point of the River.

Anita and Alan travelled Europe and undertook painstaking research, all on a voluntary basis, to establish just where specific aircraft had been shot down. His dedication to this voluntary effort, spanning a period of 30 years, meant that countless families now knew where their loved ones were lost, bringing closure to those whose family members were considered ‘missing in action’.

One of Alan and Anita’s daughters, Diane Johnson, who also lives in Gravesend, explains: "I'm so proud of my Dad. He made such difference to the lives of so many people when he was here. Through his research many aircraft were found and many pilots and crewmembers were finally laid to rest and were given a military burial, where family members could pay their last respects.

“For some families, his research allowed them to visit the exact spot where their loved one lost their lives. I find it such a privilege to know that my father made such a difference to so many and gave closure to so many families who have always wondered what had become of their missing sons, brothers, husbands or sweet-hearts”.

She added: “I am particularly proud of the fact that my father was responsible for locating the last missing Dambuster Aircraft (617 Squadron) from the famous attack on the Mohne Dam in Germany. He was responsible for ensuring that this site was historically honoured and that the last surviving crewmember - Machine Gunner Tony Burchill - was given a piece of his aircraft as a mark of respect”.

Alan Brown’s work was also recognised when his research was recognised by the TV programme - The Time Team. Diane Johnson says: “The programme-makers undertook a dig to find one of the first Spitfire aircraft to be shot down during the early days of the Battle of Britain. The late pilot’s brother travelled to the site in France”.

Alan Brown’s work had its effects closer to home, too. Diane Johnson says: “It was also due to my father’s painstaking research that Gravesend honoured ‘its finest and some of the few’. He arranged for a memorial to be put up at Gravesend’s Thong Lane Sport Centre, on the original WWII grounds of Gravesend’s Aerodrome and the base of the RAF’s 65 Squadron2. Many of the historical artefacts have been donated to museums along with the eye-witness testaments and other information he gathered.

Diane Johnson, one of three sisters, commented on the decision of Anita Brown to buy her new Bellway apartment: “My mother decided to move to this particular apartment because it holds such romantic if sad memories of her final farewell to my father. It is also poignant because of it location in the sense that historically for her, she arrived on a ship from Finland to Tilbury in 1961, and obviously this apartment lies directly opposite Tilbury Terminal2.”

But even for those without poignant memories, Bellway’s twin sites of The Marina and the Embankment, are seen by many as the jewels in the crown of Gravesend’s canal basin redevelopment.

Just 25 miles from the City, the market town of Gravesend, on the south bank of the River Thames, is the superb location for these stunning new waterside developments of one and two bedroom apartments at The Marina and The Embankment.

Located minutes away from the historic maritime town’s centre, the central location of these developments in Canal Road means that residents are literally minutes from the town centre, the surrounding countryside and the River Thames.

The developments benefit from excellent rail and road transport links with Gravesend Station less than a mile from the development, offering direct services into London Bridge with a journey time of about 50 minutes. The Dartford crossing is just 8 miles from the town providing easy access to the M25.

Gravesend is within reach of the new Channel rail link station at nearby Ebbsfleet, which will make travel to the Continent as easy as a trip to London.

Bellway Thames Gateway South’s Sales Director, Lyn Neale, says: “The distinctive locations of The Marina and The Embankment will appeal to people who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and be able to step outside their apartment to take time out and enjoy the views.

“The proximity of Gravesend’s shopping area, restaurants and bars and excellent transport links has also added tremendously to the appeal of the scheme. A real plus is that with regular train services from Gravesend to London Bridge, it’s a great location for commuting to work, or enjoying a night out in London.”

The Marina and The Embankment are also perfectly located for international travel with City Airport just over an hours drive away, Ashford International Station just a 50 minute drive and the Channel Ports of Dover and Folkestone approximately 55 and 45 miles away respectively.

Currently available at The Marina are one- bedroom apartments priced from £158,250 and two-bedroom apartments from £200,250, whilst prices range from £148,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to around £176,000 for a two-bedroom apartment at The Embankment. Both developments have fully furnished show-apartments available to view, and are open daily between 10am and 5pm.

For further information visit Bellway.co.uk.