Leicestershire Battle of Britain fighter pilot awarded Green Plaque

Sgt Black is thought to be the only Battle of Britain pilot to be buried in Leicestershire.

A Second World War pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain is to be honoured with a Green Plaque in his home village of Ibstock.

Sergeant Herbert Black RAFVR – known as Bert – was born Measham in 1914 and moved to Ibstock as a child.

He was killed in action following an aerial dogfight with the Luftwaffe.

During Sgt Black’s RAF career he flew on numerous missions in France.

Dr Kevin Feltham, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, said: “Sergeant Bert Black was a true hero, and his bravery and sacrifice is an example to us all. I cannot think of a more fitting person to be honoured with a Green Plaque.”

In June 1940, Sgt Black returned home to marry his childhood sweetheart Gwendoline Annie Cuthbert at St Denys’s Church in Ibstock, before transferring to Fighter Command and serving throughout the Battle of Britain.

On 29 October 1940, Sgt Black and his fellow pilots attacked a Luftwaffe force at 22,000ft over Deal in Kent. Sgt Black managed to get out of his burning Hurricane as it fell 20,000 feet however he suffered severe leg injuries and facial burns and died in Ashford Hospital 11 days later, aged 26.

Sgt Black is thought to be the only Battle of Britain pilot to be buried in Leicestershire.

The Green Plaque, awarded by Leicestershire County Council, will be unveiled on Thursday 13th October at the Waggon & Horses public house in Curzon Street, Ibstock, where Sgt Black lived with his family.

Sgt Black was nominated for the Green Plaque by Dixie Grammar School – where there is a piece of the Hurricane and a plaque in Sgt Black’s memory - and John Reed of the 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron Association.