Peter John Hill
Peter attended Marlborough College and his interests included Swimming, tennis, football, cricket and running. He was employed as a clerk by Dalgety & Co., Blenheim.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Peter's parents, Jack Stanley Hill and Dorothy Helen Hill (nee White) moved from Picton to Spring Creek, Marlborough, New Zealand soon after his birth. Jack Hill, a respected accountant and member of the local community, was a Great War veteran whose leg wound caused him pain for the rest of his life.
OXFORD (BOTLEY) CEMETERY Plot H/1. Grave 203.
Navigator
Peter Hill served in the Territorials before he enlisted in May 1942. His elder brother Howard had been killed during the Battle of Britain on 20/9/1940. Peter hoped to emulate Howard by becoming a pilot and was very disappointed when his flying training was terminated and he was re-mustered as an Observer.
Following a bout of illness, Peter embarked for Canada in August 1943 where he was posted to No.7 Observers' School, Manitoba. He qualified as a navigator in February 1944 and arrived in England two months later.
Following a spell in Anglesey, he moved in June to 10 OTU, Abingdon, to train on Avro Ansons and Whitleys. Here, he became good friends with Albert Evans the Air Bomber in this newly-formed crew.
In October he was posted to 1669 HCU at Langar to fly Halifaxes and in December was sent to 5 LFS Syerston to convert to Lancasters.
For the rest of his days, Jack Stanley Hill treasured a photograph of his two young sons playing by the sea. It aways reminded him of how both boys had loved adventure and freedom.
Photo of Peter John Hill
Peter John Hill (l) & Albert Evans
Photo: Courtesy of Helen Nall