Cecil Hight

Pilot Officer Cecil Henry Hight (6 September 1917 – 15 August 1940) was a New Zealand born fighter pilot who served with the Royal Air Force during World War II. He was killed in action during the Battle of Britain.

Early life

Hight was born on 6 September 1917 to Herbert Edward Hight and Emma Hight (née Anderson), of East Road, Stratford, Taranaki, New Zealand. In his teens he was educated at Stratford Technical High School. As a youngster he helped with his father's milkround, and after he left school he became a car salesman. A photo from the Stratford Aero Club archives show him with his 'wings' badge awarded to those who are qualified to fly solo.

Military career In early 1938, Hight worked his passage to England to join the Royal Air Force. He failed to meet the educational requirements, so took a cramming course in mathematics and on reapplication was provisionally accepted for a short service commission. and completed training becoming Pilot Officer on probation on 6 November.

Hight joined 234 Squadron at RAF Leconfield in Yorkshire, which was re-forming with Blenheims, but from March 1940 re-equipped with Spitfires. During the Battle of Britain he flew Spitfires with 234 Squadron out of RAF Middle Wallop.

Death

On Thursday 15 August 1940 a massive German raid of 70 bombers escorted by around 200 fighters was spotted off Portland in Dorset. The warning sirens sounded at 5.20pm in Bournemouth. 234 Squadron, including Pilot Officer Hight, was scrambled to repel the attack. Around 6pm his Spitfire, R6988, was hit over Bournemouth.

It is claimed that, in order to avoid inflicting casualties on the ground, Hight piloted his stricken plane away from the built up area of the town and towards Meyrick Park. He bailed out as the plane came down but his parachute did not open. His body was found under a hedge in the grounds of Hambledon on Leven Avenue. Among the wreaths was a bunch of flowers from the garden where he fell. He was pronounced dead at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Bournemouth on the 15th, and is buried in Wimborne Road Cemetery. The Hoares' garden of remembrance continued to be tended by local people.

On 15 August 2020, the 80th anniversary of his death, a service of remembrance was held at his grave.