Young Hailsham WWII fighter pilot honoured by school children
A 23-year-old hero pilot who died when his fighter aircraft crashed into a tree near Hailsham has been remembered by pupils at a local primary school.
Inspired by his courage, pupils at Langney Primary Academy have created a commemorative mural, thanks to support from local housebuilders Barratt and David Wilson homes.
Flying Officer Percy Burton died after he rammed his Hurricane into an enemy aircraft. Now his sacrifice will be remembered as a permanent memorial has been unveiled at the site of the tree at Percy Burton's Park on the Cuckoo Fields housing development on the outskirts of Hailsham.
As part of the project, youngsters welcomed Richard Goldsmith from the Hailsham Historical Society and the Hailsham Museum for an enjoyable educational session exploring WWII and the Battle of Britain. Pupils heard all about the experiences of people who lived through the war as well as hearing about the bravery of Flying Officer Burton.
The Battle of Britain was raging when Percy lost his life fighting for his country. Michelle Pollard, Senior Teaching Assistant at Langney Primary Academy said: "The children absolutely loved learning about the Second World War and Percy's story. They were amazed that the story was so local and worked as a team to incorporate all the elements of Percy's life in a really vibrant piece of work they are all very proud of.
"Thank you to Richard for his continued support and expertise and to the developers' teams for asking us to take part. The mural will go in our Remembrance Area at school so all our pupils, staff, parents and visitors will know Percy's story."
Other WWII pilots who died in the Battle of Britain include Pilot Officer James Meaker, 21 who died in 1940 when his parachute failed to open after his Hurricane was hit over Dallington and Brightling Park.
Pilot Officer Reginald Rimmer, 21 was shot down and killed in 1940 over Burwash while Pilot Officer Peter Guerin Crofts, 22 died the next afternoon near Dallington. Canadian Harry Hamilton was killed near Camber Castle during the Battle of Britain and Australian John Crossman, was shot down in his hurricane at Tablehurst Farm near Forest Row in 1940.
Meanwhile Belgian Flight Lieutenant Eugene Seghers survived the Battle of Britain but is commemorated with a memorial in Uckfield where he incepted a V1 rocket set to crash onto the town after taking off from RAF Deanland in 1944.