AVIATION pioneer and former Lynchmere resident Oswald Short is now buried with full honours, thanks to the efforts of a dedicated commemoration society re-launched by his great great niece.

Liz Walker unveiled a memorial plaque on Tuesday detailing the achievements of her great great uncle who lived from 1883 until 1969). It now stands next to his grave at Lynchmere Burial Ground, which also has a newly restored headstone.

The Short brothers, Oswald, Eustace and Horace, made history by becoming the world’s first aircraft manufacturers in 1908.

Renowned for their flying boat designs manufactured into the 1950s, the company produced missiles for the British Armed Forces in the 1960s.

In 1989 it was bought by Canadian aerospace multi-national Bombardier and is now the largest manufacturer in Northern Ireland.

Thanks to donations from Bombadier (Shorts) of Belfast, Lynchmere Parish Council, West Sussex County Council and family members and supporters, Oswald has finally received the recognition he so richly deserves in the village he moved to after he retired in 1943.

Keen to do its bit to swell his fame and inspire a younger generation, nearby Camelsdale Primary School hosted a special exhibition on Tuesday and a talk by Mrs Walker in the evening.

Lynchmere priest-in-charge Rev Nick Haigh led the re-dedication service, following the unveiling in the village cemetery supported by Camelsdale pupils, who came with their headteacher Sarah Palmer. Also at the ceremony was Horace Short’s great granddaughter Susan Koh.

Mrs Walker said: “I found Oswald’s headstone here, but it was covered in moss and I couldn’t read it.

“He retired here with his wife Violet and has been long forgotten. Now, thanks to all those who donated to the society’s appeal, Oswald’s amazing achievements are recorded on this plaque.

“The society is still fundraising to restore the graves of Horace and Eustace in Hampstead Cemetery and to erect information plaques, as we have now managed to do in Lynchmere.”