A ROYAL Air Force pilot from Michaelston-le-Pit killed during the Battle of Britain was remembered by modern-day members of his squadron.
Flight Lieutenant Norman Merrett died on August 10 in 1940 after his aircraft crashed while he was on exercise preparing to repel the expected German invasion.
The pilot, who was a member of 614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron, was honoured by present-day members of the unit who are based in Cardiff.
Squadron members Pilot Officer Martin Wade, Leading Aircraftman Iwan Benneyworth and Aircraftmen Stuart Mackie, Polly Moore and David Chen came to St Michael’s church to honour Flt Lt Merrett. Plt Off Wade read a citation and placed a wreath bearing the RAF crest on Flt Lt Merrett's grave.
Members of 614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron, from left; Aircraftmen Stuart Mackie, Polly Moore, Pilot Officer Martin Wade and Leading Aircraftman Iwan Benneyworth with the wreath which was placed on Flt Lt Merrett's grave at St Michael's Church. PIC: AC David Chen.
The squadron diary told how he died while on exercise in Scotland when his Lysander aircraft collided with another aircraft at around 2,000ft. It then spun to the ground killing both he and his passenger instantly.
When his father Mr HH Merrett of nearby Cwrt-yr-Ala found out that his only son had been killed, he started a Spitfire fund in the village and the 100 inhabitants raised £5,000 which paid for an aircraft. The Spitfire was named after Flt Lt Merrett.
He also had a stained glass window erected in the church where Flt Lt Merrett is buried to honour his son.
The citation which was read out ended by saying: "In remembering Flt Lt Merrett today, we honour all those from this squadron who have fallen while doing their duty."
Flt Lt Merret's grave at St Michael's church in Michaelston-le-Pit with the wreath place by present day members of his squadron
Plt Off Wade said: “It’s a great honour for us as Glamorgan’s squadron to come and honour one of our own. It’s so important to maintain these links with our fallen comrades, our past and our home county.”
The squadron is Wales’ only RAF Reserves unit and recruits people from across Wales and the West. Its members come from a variety of civilian backgrounds and fulfil many different roles within the RAF Reserves.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here