Hailsham WW2 hero memorialised in park

A new bench and signage have been installed in memory of Flying Officer Percy Burton in Cuckoo Fields, Hailsham

A hero of the Battle of Britain has been honoured in a new memorial in East Sussex.

Flying Officer Percy Burton, 23, was killed over Hailsham when his Hurricane crashed into a tree after ramming a German aircraft during World War Two.

A new memorial bench, cross and signage, designed by East Sussex College, were unveiled by HM Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex Andrew Blackman at the newly renamed Percy Burton's Park on the Cuckoo Fields development on Saturday.

Relatives of Flying Officer Burton attended the unveiling and described the day as "momentous" and said they were "proud and pleased".

Flying Officer Percy Burton rammed a German Messerschmitt B1110 with his Hurricane after his ammunition ran out

The permanent memorial project was spearheaded by developer Barratt Homes in conjunction with Hailsham Town Council and Wealden District Council.

Flying Officer Burton, originally from Cape Town, and his RAF 249 Squadron were scrambled on 27 Sept 1940 to intercept a large formation of German aircraft heading towards London.

"Percy chased a Messerschmitt B1110 all the way back from South London down to Hailsham when his ammunition ran out, he then rammed the aircraft he was following, the Messerschmitt crashed and the two crew on board were killed," said historian and author Andy Saunders.

"Percy's hurricane, because it was too low to recover, flew headlong into an oak tree and sadly Percy was killed in the crash.

"It's very significant because it was an act of extreme heroism."

He added that Flying Officer Burton was recommended for a prestigious Victoria Cross but it is not known why it was not awarded.

Percy's great nephew and niece, Sean and Despina Learmonth, attended the service on Saturday

Despina Learmonth, the pilot's great niece, attended the service and said: "It's a very emotional day, although I knew a bit about Percy and what he had done in the war, I didn't realise it was of this magnitude and that people really appreciated his sacrifice this much."

Emily Cruse, whose great-grandfather was first on the scene after the crash in 1940, also attended the service.

He said: "My great-grandfather told my grandfather everything and he was so moved he immediately wrote it all down and we still have that story today.

"My great-grandad was there and it was quite a big event at the time, Percy was so brave and that's the last sentence in the story that my grandad wrote down, that he was a very brave man to have done what he did."

The dedication is part of events to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain on 21 September.

Flowers and wreaths were laid at the foot of a new memorial cross at the crash site in Hailsham

Mr Blackman said: "It is more important than ever that we continue to tell these stories and remember those who showed unparalleled courage, so that future generations will never forget the sacrifices made."