Hunstanton honours those who died in 1953 floods

A commemoration service has been held at the Flood Memorial in Hunstanton

Hunstanton's held a service to honour the memory of thirty-one people who died in the fatal floods.

On the 31st of January 1953, a wall of water surged from the North Sea, the subsequent flooding devastating the east coast of England.

Fifteen of those killed in the town were local residents.  Sixteen were members of the United States Air Force, from the 67th Air Rescue Squadron stationed nearby, who helped with the rescue efforts.

People gathered at the Flood Memorial in the Esplanade Gardens to mark the anniversary.

The service was led by the Rev Lyn Page, councillor Wendy Croucher and resident Celia Siegerwald reading out the names of those who died.

Mrs Croucher saying, "I went to school with some of those who died. Time has gone on but it's still a very poignant part of Hunstanton's history."

Mayor Cynthia Easeman laid a wreath on behalf of the town council.

This marks the 72nd anniversary, the council adding, 'This annual act of remembrance ensures that the tragic events of that night are never forgotten'.

Read a personal account of the floods from Carolyn Dance, who lived in Hunstanton and was 7 at the time: https://townandaround.net/news...

All images Ian Burt