Cecil Hight

Pilot Officer Cecil Henry Hight was a New Zealander fighter pilot killed in action during the Battle of Britain. He was born on 6 September 1917 to Herbert Edward Hight and Emma Hight (née Anderson), of East Road, Stratford, Taranaki, New Zealand. In his teens he was educated at Stratford Technical High School. As a youngster he helped with his father's milkround, and after he left school he became a car salesman. He learned to fly with Stratford Aero Club, obtaining his 'A' License at the Western Federated Aero Club in August 1937. A photo from the Stratford Aero Club archives show him with his 'wings' badge awarded to those who are qualified to fly solo. In early 1938 he worked his passage to England to join the RAF. He failed to meet...