Right here before us stands a poignant tribute. It is the John Hugh Mortimer Ellis Memorial. This memorial commemorates a young RAF sergeant who tragically lost his life nearby during the Second World War.
John Hugh Mortimer Ellis served in No. 85 Squadron. He died on 1st September 1940. His Hurricane P2673 crashed close to this very spot. He was just 21 years old.
Ellis was born on 2nd April 1919. He grew up in Cambridgeshire. In 1938, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
At the outbreak of war, he was called to full-time service. After instruction, he joined 85 Squadron at Debden on 24th May 1940. He flew Hawker Hurricanes. Ellis went into action during the Battle of Britain.
On 6th August, he shared in the destruction of a Do17. Later that month, he damaged a Me110 and destroyed a Me109. On 26th August, he destroyed a Do17 over the Thames Estuary.
On 29th August, his luck faltered. His aircraft caught fire during combat over the Channel. He bailed out over land. His Hurricane Mk1 L1915 crashed in East Sussex.
Three days later, he flew again in Hurricane P2673. The events of that day remained a mystery for decades. His parents were told he was missing in action.
In 1993, the story was pieced together. A Hurricane crashed near Court Road on 1st September 1940. A pilot was seen slumped over the controls. The plane crashed into a field in Chelsfield.
A single foot in a flying boot was found. It was buried in an unknown airman’s grave. Later, more remains were found. These went into another unmarked grave.
The main part of his remains lay with his Hurricane for fifty years. Ellis feared being shot down into the sea. His middle name, Mortimer, meant “died in the sea”.
In 1992, an archaeological dig uncovered the plane’s cowling. The pilot’s remains were identified. Among his belongings were photos of his sweetheart and aunt.
In 1993, Sgt. John Hugh Mortimer Ellis was buried with full military honors. He rests at Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey.
The Shoreham Aircraft Museum has a burnt flying glove of Sgt. Ellis on display. It serves as a reminder of his bravery.
This John Hugh Mortimer Ellis Memorial was unveiled on 17th May 2008. The Shoreham Aircraft Museum dedicated it. Over 200 people attended the ceremony.
The memorial is a Stone of Remembrance. It is a large granite boulder. A black badge and lettering mark a smoothed area. Pebbles surround the stone. The inscription honors Sergeant John Hugh Mortimer Ellis. It notes his service, squadron, and manner of death. The inscription confirms his age and the date of his death.
This John Hugh Mortimer Ellis Memorial stands as a testament to his sacrifice. It ensures that his courage is never forgotten. Let us take a moment to remember Sergeant Ellis.