Operation: Training

Date: 29th September 1941 (Monday)

Unit: No. 59 Operational Training Unit

Type: Miles Master III

Serial: W8594

Code: -

Base: RAF Crosby-On-Eden, Cumberland

Location: Tarn Beck Fell

Pilot: Sgt. George Frederick Hillier NZ/402445 RNZAF Age 23. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

During an air to air camera gun practice the pilot became lost during a heavy thunderstorm.

Weather conditions were described as cloudy with mist covering high ground, it is thought that he hit one of the peaks at 15:30 hrs whilst trying to fix his position and return to base.

Burial details:

Sgt. George Frederick Hillier. Carlisle Cemetery (Dalston Road). Ward 11. Section. P. Grave 19. Son of George Edward Lear Hillier and K. E. Hillier, of Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. A total of 184 flying hours logged.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to the research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Weekly News of New Zealand, also to David Cross who kindly visited his grave and took the photo for us - February 2019, other sources as quoted below:

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. - Laurence Binyon
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