August 15, 2006 at 11:29 pm
Dear all, My searches for info on Geoffrey Hill have brought me in contact with a very nice gentleman and RAF ww2 veteran who, at the age of 83 mind you, is surfing the net, because he too was looking for info. He has had for some time this sterling silver spitfire marked YT-L in his possession and would like it to return to either mr Hill or his family. What a honourable cause.
Therefore once again I ask for your kind help, respected knowledge , huge networks and vast resources of data
A collection of what I found so far is here:
http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=30896
In short:
P.O Geoffrey Hill, 61046, 65 Squadron, Spitfire Mk II P7665
Hill joined the RAFVR in late 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot (745896) and was called to full-time service on September 1 1939. He was posted to 3 ITW, Hastings in October, went to 11 EFTS for his elementary flying training and then to 6 FTS, Little Rissington to complete it.
In June 1940 Hill joined 65 Squadron at Hornchurch and served with it throughout the Battle of Britain. Commissioned in November 1940, he was shot down over France on February 5 1941 and made PoW.
Hill was flying Spitfire Mk II P7665. (Marked YT-L) presumably shot down by German Ace Walther Oesau. Hill was held at various times in Stalags Luft I, II and III and finished up in Colditz (PoW No 405). Freed in May 1945, he was released from the RAF later in the year, as a Flight Lieutenant He was made an MBE for distinguished service whilst a PoW.
Pictures of and further information on this Spitfire, and P.O. Hill are greatly appreciated.
By: kelly - 11th September 2008 at 11:21
Contact Made
We are in contact with the family of this former Spitfire Pilot – any information you have would be very interesting for our web site, but what is your interest in Geoff Hill?
I will put you in contact with the family if they agree and after clarification of the above.
Best regards
Kelvin