Community effort for Remembrance

The South East LAC has been out in the community and proudly putting up poppies across the area in preparation for the Royal British Legion Remembrance Period. Councillors from Beighton, Birley and Mosborough Wards, including LAC Chair Councillor Gail Smith and Vice Chair Councillor Ian Horner, joined forces with local residents to decorate lighting columns with bright red poppies and add a special touch to an autumn day.

The Poppy Parade, a beautiful tribute stretching from Duke Street to Mosborough Hall, has been organised in partnership with the East LAC. This annual display is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many and highlights the community’s commitment to honouring Remembrance.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in making this happen!

In the spotlight

Honouring a Local Hero: The 70th Anniversary Memorial for Pilot Officer John Alexander Cohen

On 26 May 1955, the community of Frecheville, South Yorkshire, was forever changed by the tragic crash of a Gloster Meteor F Mk 8 (WE916). Facing imminent disaster, 21 year old Pilot Officer John Alexander Cohen made a selfless decision and steered his aircraft away from densely populated area and ultimately sacrificing his life to protect local residents.

Now, 70 years later, the South East Local Area Committee (LAC), in collaboration with Sheffield City Council, Birley Ward Councillors, the Royal British Legion, and dedicated community members, have ensured that Cohen’s bravery will never be forgotten. Thanks to their efforts, a new memorial stone and bench have been installed near Silkstone Crescent, the site of the crash, to allow residents to pay tribute to his heroism.

A community’s commitment to remembering

The anniversary memorial service, held on 26 May 2025 at Silkstone Ravine, brought together veterans, local leaders and community members to honour Cohen’s sacrifice. 

Attendees included Sheffield’s Lord Mayor, alongside representatives from the Royal British Legion and Sheffield’s Veterans Champion, Councillor Denise Fox. 

Cohen’s story continues to resonate deeply within the Frecheville community, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by young pilots. His actions symbolise duty, courage and the unbreakable bond between the military and the people they protect.

A lasting tribute

The reinstatement of the memorial stone and bench stands as a testament to the enduring gratitude of the local community. It provides a place for reflection and education, ensuring that future generations will understand the extraordinary.