Memorial Unveiled to Honour Battle of Britain Spitfire Pilot Officer Hugh Reilley at Squerryes Court, Westerham

On Saturday 18th October 2025, guests gathered at Squerryes Court, Westerham, for the unveiling of a permanent stone memorial honouring Battle of Britain Canadian Pilot Officer Hugh Reilley, who lost his life almost exactly 85 years ago, on 17th October 1940 on land owned by the Squerryes Estate. The event brought together family members, local dignitaries, Westerham Town Council and aviation historians to pay tribute to his courage and lasting legacy.

Pilot Officer Hugh Reilley was a young Canadian Spitfire pilot who served with distinction in the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain. Stationed at Gravesend, he tragically lost his life nearby in October 1940, when his aircraft was shot down over Crockham Hill, linking his story forever to the Kent countryside. The new memorial, a legacy project led by Geoff Nutkins of the Shoreham Aviation Museum, was created to honour his bravery and preserve his story for future generations. It stands not only as a tribute to Reilley himself but also as a symbol of the enduring bond between Britain and the Commonwealth and the sacrifices made to defend Britain’s skies — an important part of both local and national heritage.

Guests gathered at Squerryes Court to begin the day’s commemorations, where they were warmly welcomed by Henry Warde, landowner of the Squerryes Estate, and Richard Black a Westerham resident who located the exact crash site and gave the background to the project. Among the guests were renowned aviation archaeologist, Mark Kirby, as well as many members from the Reilley family. A series of heartfelt speeches took place, with contributions from Alex Reilley, grandson of Pilot Officer Hugh Reilley and Jonathan Neame, High Sheriff of Kent.

Following the addresses, guests were transported to the memorial site for an Act of Remembrance, led by Revd (Maj) Andrew White CF, with a moving performance by bugler Brian Rance. A spitfire fly pass took place during the Canadian national anthem and the ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the memorial by Christopher Reilley, son of Pilot Officer Hugh Reilley. The remembrance was held in the presence of many members of the extended Reilley family, marking a poignant tribute to Hugh Reilley’s enduring legacy.

Christopher Reilley, son of Pilot Officer Hugh Reilley, said

Today’s event has been a memorable success and I, on behalf of my family and myself, wish to extend our grateful thanks to Richard Black, Henry Warde, and the Shoreham Museum and their Managing Director Geoff Nutkins.’

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Henry Warde, landowner of Squerryes Estate, said

It has been an honour for Squerryes to host today’s commemoration and to play a small part in preserving the memory of Pilot Officer Hugh Reilley. His story, and those of others who served with such courage, are woven into the fabric of this landscape and our local history. It’s important that we continue to remember and share these stories, ensuring their legacy endures for future generations.

Richard Black, local resident, who with his son, Leo, located the crash site said:

Leo and I are fortunate to have been involved with this project from the very beginning and to be present at the unveiling of the memorial stone to Hugh Reilley in the presence of his son Christopher and wider family was a great honour. Hugh's name will not be forgotten.

The new memorial now stands as a lasting tribute to Pilot Officer Hugh Reilley, a poignant reminder of his bravery and the sacrifice of all those who defended Britain’s skies during the Battle of Britain. Its unveiling reflects the shared commitment of the Reilley family, the Shoreham Aviation Museum, and the Squerryes Estate to preserving this important part of Kent’s wartime heritage. Situated on the very ground where history was made, the memorial will remain a place of quiet reflection and remembrance, with plans for future visits and commemorations to honour Reilley’s legacy for generations to come. The memorial is located on a public footpath close to Kent Hatch Road.

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