Next Pilot Memorial (Spring 2027)
The Shoreham Aircraft museum are delighted to announce that we are currently working on a new pilot memorial, scheduled for unveiling Spring 2027.
The memorial will be dedicated to Pilot Officer Charles Edward English and will also coincide with the 40th Anniversary of the Shoreham Aircraft Museum.
Pilot Officer Charles Edward English
Charles Edward English was born on 9th August 1912 in Newcastle-on-Tyne, the son of Joseph Edward English (1872-1948) and Bertha Evelyn English (nee Davison 1884-1959).
He joined 607 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force as an Aircrafthand. At the time he was employed as an accountant at Newcastle Breweries.
He was awarded Aero Certificate 16353 at Newcastle-on-Tyne Aero Club on 24th September 1938.
Selected for pilot training in October 1938, English was called up on 24th August 1939 and completed his training.
He was commissioned in March 1940 and, after converting to Hurricanes at 6 OTU, he joined 85 Squadron at Debden on 26th May 1940.
On 30th August and 1st September he claimed Me110s destroyed. English was posted to 605 Squadron at Croydon on 12th September.
He was shot down over Westerham on 7th October 1940 and killed when his Hurricane, P3677, crashed and burned out at Park Farm, Brasted. He had bailed out but his parachute became snagged on the tailplane.
English is buried in St Andrews and Jesmond Cemetery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
His brother Sgt. Robert Henry English was killed whilst serving with 3 Squadron when he was hit by cannon shells from an enemy intruder at night whilst he was operating the Chance light at Debden.
Memorial Location
The memorial is going to be on the the A25 going from Brasted towards Westerham. On the right-hand side is an old Bus Shelter which we are busy converting to house the monument.
Would you like to get involved?
All help is greatly appreciated. If you'd like to be involved with the project and can spare any time to help, please contact us.
Finalising the old bus shelter (Sep 2026)
Cleanup of the old bus shelter (Aug 2026)
