Cecil Hight facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cecil Henry Hight
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Cecil Henry Hight
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| Birth name | Cecil Henry Hight |
| Born | 6 September 1917 New Zealand |
| Died | 15 August 1940 (aged 22) Bournemouth |
| Buried |
Bournemouth East Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  New Zealand |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1939-1940 |
| Rank | Pilot Officer |
| Unit | 234 Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Relations | Herbert Edward Hight (Father) Emma Hight (née Anderson) (Mother) |
Pilot Officer Cecil Henry Hight (born September 6, 1917 – died August 15, 1940) was a brave fighter pilot from New Zealand. He served with the Royal Air Force during World War II. Sadly, he was killed while fighting in the famous Battle of Britain.
Contents
Early Life and Learning to Fly
Cecil Hight was born in Stratford, New Zealand. His parents were Herbert and Emma Hight. As a teenager, he went to Stratford Technical High School. He even helped his dad deliver milk! After school, he worked as a car salesman.
Cecil loved flying. He learned to fly at the Stratford Aero Club. In August 1937, he earned his 'A' Licence, which meant he could fly planes by himself. A photo from the club shows him with his "wings" badge, a symbol that he was a qualified solo pilot.
Joining the Royal Air Force
In 1938, Cecil traveled to England to join the Royal Air Force (RAF). He needed to study more to join, so he took extra math classes. On January 6, 1939, he began his training. He worked hard and became a Pilot Officer on November 6, 1939.
Cecil joined 234 Squadron in Yorkshire. His squadron first used Blenheim planes, but later switched to the famous Spitfires. During the Battle of Britain, he flew Spitfires from RAF Middle Wallop airbase.
His Final Flight
On August 15, 1940, a huge group of German planes attacked. There were 70 bombers and about 200 fighter planes. Warning sirens sounded in Bournemouth at 5:20 PM. Cecil Hight and his squadron quickly took off to stop the attack.
Around 6:00 PM, Cecil's Spitfire, R6988, was hit over Bournemouth. People say that Cecil tried to steer his damaged plane away from the town. He wanted to avoid hurting anyone on the ground. He aimed for Meyrick Park, a less built-up area.
He tried to parachute out of the plane, but his parachute did not open. His body was found in the garden of a house called Hambledon. He was only 22 years old. His plane crashed very close by, making a large hole in the ground.
Canon Hedley Burrows, a local vicar, came and said a prayer for Cecil. The owners of the house, Alfred and Edith Hoare, created a special garden to remember him.
His Burial
Cecil Hight's funeral was held on August 19. Six RAF officers carried his coffin, which was covered with the British and New Zealand flags. He was buried with military honors, including a gun salute. Among the flowers sent was a bunch from the garden where he fell.
Cecil is buried in Bournemouth East Cemetery. His family chose a special quote for his headstone: "I love them that love me, and those that seek me early shall find me."
Later, the house where Cecil landed, Hambledon, was also bombed. Alfred Hoare, one of the owners, sadly died. But the Hoares' garden of remembrance for Cecil continued to be cared for by local people.
Remembering Cecil Hight
Cecil Hight is remembered as one of "The Few" – the brave pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain. His name is on the Battle of Britain Memorial, Capel-le-Ferne and the Battle of Britain Monument in London.
A special service was held for Cecil at St Peter's Church in Bournemouth on April 7, 1943. The New Zealand High Commissioner unveiled a plaque. This plaque had RAF wings with "NZ" in the middle. It was carved from Kauri wood by students from Cecil's old school in New Zealand. The service was even broadcast live to New Zealand, so Cecil's mother could hear it.
On August 15, 2015, a new memorial stone was unveiled in Bournemouth. It is near where Pilot Officer Hight died. The Mayor of Bournemouth was there for the ceremony.
In Stratford, New Zealand, Cecil's hometown, the Municipal Buildings have a Hall of Remembrance. It shows photos and names of local people who died in the world wars, including Cecil Hight.
Bournemouth council even named a road "Pilot Hight Road" to honor him. In 2010, new street signs for this road were put up, showing a picture of a Spitfire plane.
On August 15, 2020, 80 years after his death, a service was held at his grave to remember him.
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