Search is on for relatives of Battle of Britain fighter ace

RELATIVES of a Hinton St George flying officer who was shot down and killed during the Second World War, are being sought ahead of a commemoration ceremony.

Basil Hugh Way, 22, is among seven former students of Malvern College, Worcestershire, being honoured by the Battle of Britain Historical Society.

The group presents commemorative plaques to schools where Battle of Britain aircrew were educated, and will visit Malvern on September 19.

Bill Bond, the society's general manager said: "It is not always easy to track the surviving relatives. In the case of Flying Officer Basil Way there are no clues to the whereabouts of his family, so we are appealing for help.

"The only clue we have is his RAF joining up record which says he came from Hinton St George.

"If anyone has any knowledge that could lead to the discovery of Basil's relatives we would like them to contact the Historical Society."

Mr Way entered RAF College, Cranwell in January 1937 as a flight cadet. While there he won the Groves Memorial Prize as the best all-round pilot. On graduation in December 1938, he was posted to 54 Squadron at Hornchurch and flew a Spitfire Mark I.

Mr Bond said: "On February 13, 1940, Mr Way shared in destroying a Heinkel He 111 German aircraft off the north Kent coast.

"In May he was appointed B Flight commander and over Dunkirk on February 25 and 26 he is thought to have destroyed two Messerschmitt Bf 110s.

"On July 3 he shared a Dornier Do 17, on July 5 he claimed a Messerschmitt Bf 109 and shared another.

"On July 24 he is thought to have destroyed two Messerschmitt Bf 109s and destroyed another on July 25.

"Immediately after this victory, Way was shot down and killed, crashing into the Channel."

Mr Way is now buried in Oostdunkerke Communal Cemetery, Belgium.

Mr Bond said: "Basil Way was an accredited Fighter Ace, who by rights should have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for shooting down five or more enemy aircraft.

"Had he not been killed there can be little doubt but that he would have been one of the most successful pilots of the Second World War."

Anyone with information can contact Mr Bond on 01263 861476, e-mail billatbobhs@aol.com or send a letter to BOBHS, Gunthorpe, Melton Constable NR24 2NS.