Visit from John and Jan Lansdel

14th December 2025

John and Jan Lansdel were here earlier today. They came all the way from Canada!

What a delightful couple, and we really enjoyed their company.

Pilot Officer Hugh William Reilley Memorial

18th October 2025

Our latest (thirteenth) memorial was dedicated to twenty-two year old Pilot Officer Hugh William Reilley of 66 Squadron on 18th October 2025. The memorial is located on the property of Squerryes Court in Kent, close to where he was killed.

The memorial was well attended by family and guests and included a formal act of remembrance and dedication led by Revd (Maj) Andrew White CF Officiating Chaplain London District.

Visit from son of Flight Lieutenant Bill Miller DFC

4th October 2025

We had a lovely visit on Saturday. Paul Miller and his wife were over on holiday from New Zealand. Paul is the son of Flight Lieutenant Bill Miller DFC.

The Shoreham Museum excavated his aircraft way back in 1994 when Bill was in the UK on holiday and was present at the dig!

In 1944 Bill was racing to intercept a Doodlebug together with a Spitfire and suddenly found himself within the local Anti Aircraft gun barrage. His Hawker Tempest was hit by friendly fire, and Bill had to bail out but found he was trapped, half in / half out of the cockpit. He finally managed to extricate himself and his parachute opened just in time.

His logbook records:

Engine failed - bailed out near Horsmunden at 22.45 hrs

Bill eventually accounted for the destruction of 7 V1 Flying Bombs.

More information about F/L Miller DFC can be found here:
https://www.hawkertempest.se/index.php/piloter/summary/86-miller