HILL Allen Barrett

The following information has been researched by The Black Country Society:
Allen Hill was the son of George and Mary Hill and he was married to Winifred. His father was Librarian at Lye Library and a leading figure at the Bethel Chapel at Lye. Allen Hill was educated at King Edward’s School. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force in October 1940 and trained as a pilot in Canada. He was then posted to 276 Squadron of Coastal Command. This was an Air Sea Rescue unit for the Bristol Channel and Western Approaches sectors with airfields at Perranporth and Roborough. The squadron was equipped with Spitfires for spotting, Hudsons for dropping dinghies and Walruses for picking up. Allan was a brilliant pilot and was the first to drop a dinghy from a Spitfire in an operational flight. It was when flying Spitfire VB EN 841 that he was seriously injured in a crash. He died in hospital on the 23rd July 1944 and his funeral was held in Lye. His name is also commemorated at Bethel Chapel where a brass plate commends his devotion to “church and school. He served both with zeal and ability, providing an example worthy to be followed.”

The following information is courtesy and copyright of family member Paul Yardley:
Allen was always known as Barry. He obtained an English History Degree at Birmingham University. In 1942 Barry married Winifred J Homer in Bethel Chapel, Lye because his father, known as Harry Hill, was a lay preacher there. Harry was quite a character. He was Chief Librarian at Lye Library for a time and a devout Christian and socialist. He used to walk everywhere at great speed and he lived to be 100.

Barry joined the Royal Air Force and, after training, was with Air Sea Rescue which helped with the rescue of airmen who had come down in the English Channel. He lost his life in a spitfire but he also flew Walrus rescue planes. At the time of his death, he was being promoted to Wing Commander. Barry Flew from Bolt Hill Airfield in South Devon and he lost his life when his Spitfire (EN841) crashed into the sea with engine trouble. His body was recovered by a destroyer and he was buried in Lye and Wollescote Cemetery.

There is a plaque in Bethel Chapel, Lye to his memory. There is a memorial to the airmen lost from Bolt Hill in Marlborough Parish Church, South Devon. Barry is featured in 2 Books written by Norman Franks – Another kind of Courage and The RAF Air Sea Rescue Service in the 2^nd World War.

Barry and Winnie Hill
Photo courtesy and Copyright of Paul Yardley

Barry & Winnie Hill
Photo courtesy & copyright of Paul Yardley

Memorial to Allen ‘Barry’ Hill in Bethel Chapel
Photo Courtesy & Copyright of Paul Yardley

Memorial in Marlborough Parish Church

Barry Hill’s grave. Photo courtesy & copyright of Paul Yardley