Bexhill & District Probus Club

His account, well illustrated with slides described in much detail the development of Germany's un-manned rocket programme through the 1930s to its culmination with the V1 and V2 raids over Britain between June 1944 and March 1945.

These missiles became Hitler's revenge weapons; his last throw of the dice, designed as much to input spirit into the fast failing German morale as to destroy Britain's economy.

Fortunately for Britain but unfortunately for Germany the project failed, even though some 11,200 residents of London and the South-East were killed and 24,000 wounded. Of the V1s, 9,251 were plotted of which 2,419 reached London and 2,604 fell outside of the capital.

The remainder were destroyed by anti-aircraft batteries, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy and by barrage balloons. 1,115 V2s were fired at Britain, London receiving 517 with 537 falling in the counties of South-East England. RAF raids and the over running of the launching sites by the Allied invasion of Europe brought the raids to a halt.

As a postscript to the story; in May 1945 Von Brain and Dornberger, Germany's leading rocket scientists, surrendered to the Americans and with 500 colleagues were taken to the USA and became American citizens. On July 20, 1969, Von Braun as head of the Apollo Moon project celebrated Neil Armstrong's moon landing.

Hugh's talk was followed by a lively question and answer session with the speaker being 'interrogated' by several of our more knowledgeable members. To conclude, Ron Doughty proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of all present.

Our next event will be the Spring Lunch which takes place on Thursday, April 24 at the Cooden Beach Golf Club. Bookings to Graham Ellery by April 17 please.

Our next speaker will be at the May 22 meeting when Bee Frost will describe the restoration of the windmill at Windmill Hill. A fascinating story of dedication and sheer determination to fulfil a family's ambition.