FIELDS WE PROTECT

Clearwell Recreation Ground was purchased on behalf of the parish of Newland in 1933. At that time there was a swimming pool fed by local stream water, but this was filled in many years ago and today the space is home to a play area and organised sport.

The recreation ground is overlooked by the house in which Francis Miles was born in 1896. Miles was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions as a Private in the 1/5th Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment on 23rd October 1918 when under heavy fire he went forward under his own initiative, located a machine gun and shot the gunner putting it out of action. He advanced further and put another machine gun out of action, capturing its team of eight before beckoning his company forward who were able to capture a further 16 machine guns, one officer and 50 men. Miles’ Victoria Cross paving stone is located in the recreation ground.