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Hilary Patrick Michael Edridge joined the RAF on a short service commission in January 1939. He was with 222 Squadron at Duxford in 1940 and then moved with the squadron to Kirton-in-Lindsey to convert to the Spitfire. At the end of May they moved again to Hornchurch to cover the Dunkirk evacuation. Over Dunkirk on 1st June he probably destroyed a Me109.
On 30th August Edridge was shot down by Me109’s. He baled out, with burns to the face, landing at Broome Park. His Spitfire, K9826, crashed and burned out at Marley, near Barha.
Edridge made a forced-landing at Tillingham Hall, near Horndon in Essex on 15th October due to engine failure. (Serial number not known).
He shared in the destruction of a Me110 on the 20th, this aircraft being L2+MR 2228 of 7/LG2.
After being severely damaged in combat with Me109’s on 30th October 1940 in Spitfire K9939. Edridge, suffering from a head wound, attempted to land at Longwood Farm, Ewhurst. The aircraft caught fire and overturned. Edridge was cut free and rushed to an emergency hospital at Brickwall House, Northiam but died that day of his injuries.
Edridge was aged 21.
He is buried in Bath Roman Catholic Cemetery, Perrymead, Widcombe Somerset. - South Plot. Grave 107.
Son of Ray and Georgina Mary Edridge, of Bath.
Ref
CWGC
Battle of Britain Monument London.
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