Hugh Reilley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hugh William Reilley
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|---|---|
| Birth name | Hugh William Reilley |
| Born | 29 May 1918 London, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | 17 October 1940 (aged 22) Crockham Hill, Sevenoaks |
| Buried |
Gravesend Cemetery, Kent
|
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
| Years of service | 1940 |
| Rank | Pilot Officer |
| Unit | No. 64 Squadron RAF No. 66 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War II
|
Hugh William Reilley (born May 29, 1918 – died October 17, 1940) was a brave Canadian pilot. He flew fighter planes for the RAF during World War II. He played an important role in the Battle of Britain, helping to protect the skies.
Early Life and Education
Hugh William Reilley was born in London, Ontario, Canada. He grew up there and went to London South Collegiate high school. He studied there from 1933 to 1938.
Serving in World War II
In May 1939, Hugh Reilley joined the Royal Air Force, which is the United Kingdom's air force. He became a pilot and flew amazing Spitfire planes. These planes were very fast and important during the war.
Flying in the Battle of Britain
Hugh Reilley was part of two different squadrons: No. 64 Squadron and No. 66 Squadron. He flew his Spitfire during the Battle of Britain. This was a huge air battle where the RAF defended the United Kingdom from attacks by the German air force.
On October 17, 1940, Hugh Reilley was flying his Spitfire I (plane number R6800). He was shot down by a German Bf 109 plane. This happened over Westerham, Kent, at 3:25 PM. His Spitfire crashed and burned near Crockham Hill, Sevenoaks.
Hugh Reilley was only 22 years old when he died. He is buried in Gravesend Cemetery in Kent, England. He is remembered as one of "The Few" – the brave pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain.
See also
- List of Battle of Britain pilots
- Non-British personnel in the RAF during the Battle of Britain
