aghart
War Hero

On Saturday 15th August 2020, The Poole Branch and the Christchurch (Dorset) Branch, Royal Air Forces Association, together with the Bournemouth, Poole & District Branch, Royal Tank Regiment Association, took part in a moving graveside remembrance service In Bournemouth East Cemetery. They were there to commemorate and remember Pilot Officer Cecil Hight of Stratford, New Zealand. P/O Hight was a Spitfire pilot with No 234 Squadron, Royal Air Force. On 15th August 1940 Cecil's was one of 20 RAF fighters that intercepted a large Luftwaffe force over the south coast of England. The German force consisted of 40 JU87 "Stuka" dive bombers, escorted by 60 ME109E fighters and 25 ME110 fighters. On seeing the opposition, the British commander is reputed to have said to his pilots, "right chaps, let's go and surround them". Tragically during this action Cecil Hight was shot down over Bournemouth and killed.
80 years to the day, his sacrifice was remembered.
80 years to the day, his sacrifice was remembered.