Seaford bonfire society defends burning model of WWII soldier

Seaford Bonfire Society commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-day landings by burning a model of a Second World War soldier in a landing boat after their parade on October 12. They also set a banner which read "Lest We Forget" ablaze.

The society was criticised but said it is not political, unlike the neighbouring Lewes Bonfire which has burned effigies of Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Tony Blair and broadcaster Katie Hopkins over the years. The society “burns for good”, rather than burning a figure of criticism and burns what they describe as a “tableau”, rather than an effigy.

While many praised the event and its organisers, some were left a little confused.

One resident said: “Traditionally the effigy at any bonfire has been somebody to poke fun at - a politician, policeman, councillor. To suddenly change that and say it was a mark of respect is a very odd thing to do.”

Another said the event was inappropriate and sent the “wrong message”.

Last year Lewes Bonfire burnt an effigy of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Image: Andrew Garden/The Argus) He said: “It has not been thought through and can be perceived as labelling the soldier as bad… there’s enough woke thinking and a whole younger generation that does not properly understand the world they live in today is because the army is a peacekeeping force to protect our freedom in this country and not an evil entity to be disrespected.”

Many others rushed to defend the choice, describing the bonfire as a “stunning tribute”. One resident said: “It was quite obvious that it was honouring our troops and remembering them 80 years after D-Day”.

Many rushed to say the bonfire was respectful and a stunning tribute (Image: Seaford Bonfire Society) Another said: “They were respectful to those who gave their lives. The soldiers who were only boys on D-Day went off the boats into hell and fire, it’s a very poignant end to a stunning tribute.”

On social media the society pointed to the Sussex bonfire societies which burn crosses in remembrance of martyrs that were burned at the stake. 

A spokesman for the society said: "This year, Seaford Bonfire Society remembered D-Day with a procession and bonfire designed to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Landings. Our display included memorial items and a bonfire replicating the beach landing scene.

A banner which read Lest We Forget was set ablaze (Image: Seaford Bonfire Society) "Initially, we intended to donate the centrepiece of our display, our tableau, to a local museum. Unfortunately, as the event approached we were advised that the intended recipient could no longer accept the tableau and without any suitable storage facilities we had no option but to allow it to burn adjacent to the bonfire.

"Seaford Bonfire Society has a long-standing tradition of honouring historical themes without political agenda. We sought advice from veterans within our membership before proceeding with the concept and were assured it would be a fitting tribute to such an important historic event."