War hero will never be forgotten at Hugh Sexey (From This is The West Country)

War hero will never be forgotten at Hugh Sexey

7:00am Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News By Kirsty James

AN RAF bomber who died when his plane was shot down in World War Two has been remembered on a Blackford school’s honour board.

John Rowland Hill’s name has been added to the Roll of Honour at Hugh Sexey Middle School after ex-pupil Jenny Wylde discovered her great step-uncle had been missed off the board.

Jenny visited The Old Sexonians website, dedicated to past pupils, and teamed up with members of the group to research John’s life and prove he was a pupil at the school.

Martyn James, creator of the remembrance website, said: “John had been shot down in World War Two while taking part in the Wesseling bombing raid over Germany in 1944 and his name should definitely have been put on there.

“We found a photo taken in 1929/30 where a young John or ‘Jack’ Hill appears with a group of other Sexey’s school prefects. He was also Vice-Captain of the school’s cricket team.

“Many Old Sexonians paid the extreme sacrifice in both world wars and it is vital not one of them should be forgotten.”

Jenny has recorded John’s achievements and short life in a mini-biography, which she donated to the present pupils, along with other wartime memorabilia.

She said: “I am very happy the governors of the present school have now had John’s name added to the Role of Honour at their own expense. I’d like to thank the school. There was a space for a name on the board and I think it was there for a purpose.”

For more information visit www.oldsexonians.com and for a copy of the biography email jennywy@tesco.net