Memories of two conflicts are to be found on the salt marshes near to a small village called Burgh by Sands in North Cumbria.

Edward 1 Monument. In the background can be seen the observation post.

King Edward I is remembered in the monument most people associate with this area however a few hundred meters to the north is a monument to more recent conflict, World War II.

The concrete bunker with it’s roof covered with soil and grass was an observation post for a firing range used by the RAF based at RAF Crosby-on-Eden.

Observation Post overlooking Burgh Marshes

This range stretched from Glasson in the west, through Drumburgh, and over to Burgh-by-Sands in the east

No 9 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit, were based at the airport now known as Carlisle Airport.

The airfield to the north east of Carlisle was, during WWII, the home to a number of training units and from late 1944 transport command, who flew Dakota aircraft.

Gallery

Can you add to the history of this building, where you stationed at it? Let us know via the comments box below or get intouch via the contact us tab above.

More information about No 9 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit,
based at Crosby-on-Eden in Cumbria

Dover War Memorial Project – Former trainees at the unit

Details about the former RAF Crosby on Eden site

• No 59 Operational Training Unit (20 Feb 1941 – 10 Aug 1942)
  
• No 1383 (Transport) Conversion Unit (1 Aug 1945 – 6 Aug 1946)
  
• Sub-site, No 14 Maintenance Unit (1 Apr 1952 – xxx xxxx)
  

Control Towers Website:-

• 03/41 to 08/42, 59 OTU training day fighter pilots on Hurricanes, moved to Milfield.
• 08/42 to 08/44, 9 OTU, 17 Group Coastal Command, training long-range fighter crews. Beaufort and Beaufighter Conversion Sqns also air firing and night flying Sqns.
• 08/44 to 05/46, 109 OTU, Transport Command with Dakotas. Renamed 1383 TCU 01/08/45.
• /1946 to /1947, British European Airways flights to Ronaldsway and Belfast.
• Purchased by Carlisle Council 1960 and reopened as Carlisle airport.

Royal Air Force (Volunteer Reserve) (RAF(VR)) Officers 1939-1945

• Leonard Hugh Bone – 9 Operational Training Unit RAF, Crosby on Eden (on Beaufighters) More details

214 (Federated Malay States) Squadron Royal Air Force

• Stationed at Crosby on Eden – Sgt Gerhard ‘Harry’ Heilig

All about one of the Dakota aircraft that passed through the air training unit

• Dakota G-AMHJ – KG651

The relation between the Douglas C47 Dakota and the Belgian military aviation can be traced back to october 1944 when a group of Belgian pilots were detached to the Royal Air Force training squadrons based at Welford and Crosby-on-Eden for flight training.

King Edward I - Statue. Burgh by Sands

Every year thousands of people pass through the small village of Burgh by Sands on their walk along the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail but few people realise the significance of the place.

For it is here that an English king, Edward I, died and is now remembered with a monument and statue.

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Standing alone in the middle of rough salt marsh just outside the village of Burgh by Sands, is the King Edward I Monument.

The Monument can just be seen in the distant fields

Erected in 1685 as a memorial to King Edward 1st of England (Hammer of the Scots).

He planned to unify the kingdoms of England and Scotland by the betrothal of his son Edward to the infant Queen of Scots, the Maid of Norway.

His plans fell apart when the young queen Margaret was drowned returning from Norway leaving several claimants to the kingdom of Scotland.

When pressed to select a successor, Edward chose John II De Baliol. This displeased the Scots and thus the wars of Independence ensued, ultimately won by Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn in 1314.

Edward had fought a long and bitter campaign to conquer Scotland

Plaque sited at the base of the monument

and made camp on these barren, windswept marshes on his way to do battle once more and subdue his enemy, Robert the Bruce but he was now old, tired and his health poor. He died on this marsh on 7th July 1307.

The monument stands in the middle of grazing land about 1 KM from the road. Now surrounded by a metal fence, it is incredibly imposing yet lonely in such a vast space.

Two plaques adorn the monument, one toward the top is much older and written in Latin, presumably the original plaque installed when the monument was built. The second plaque is situated at the base of the monument and is a modern day equivalent.

From the car parking area, the monument can just be seen in the distance. Here an information panel gives a potted history and directions. A pleasant walk along a dirt footpath, leads to a double stile crossing a small bridge. The marsh ground can be a little boggy in wet weather, so good walking footwear is recommended.

Signposts point the way across the salt marsh

Dogs must be kept on a lead as grazing animals are in the fields surrounding the monument

The OS Grid Ref for this monument is NY326

Watch a video about the monument