Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Cromwell, like most of the locks north of Nottingham, is a lovely spot. But it has a sad memorial to 10 young men who died on the weir in 1975.

Exercise Trent Chase was an 80 mile night exercise on the river by 300 Troop 131 Independent Parachute Squadron. Royal Engineers Territorial Army. In flood conditions and a force 6 gale an assault craft carrying 11 of the soldiers went over the weir. 10 of the crew lost their lives. More information HERE.

Memorial at Cromwell Lock.

It is also the site of the Roman bridge that carried the original Great North Road over the Trent.

Contractors are cutting the trees back near the lock.
Sue and Vic on NB NO PROBLEM – this lot would give some work to your chainsaw!
We set off at 10:45, through the lock and onto the river. With the brisk northerly wind the water was quite choppy in places.

Into the lock.
We only saw 2 other craft on the water today. A cruiser was waiting to come into the lock as we left, and the barge HEATHER ROSE H was loading gravel at Besthorpe Wharf.

Gravel Loading

She later overtook us. She's behind you!!

We had a “comfort break” at Dunham Bridge, and arrived at Torksey at around 15:00.

It’s been a fine day, but cold in the wind. An early start tomorrow, and the weather is set to change as well.

But we had a fine sunset.
Locks 1, miles 16.

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