22/05/2026
On Tuesday 19 May 2026, RAF Halton personnel supported JCCC and the MoD War Detectives at the burial service for Squadron Leader George ‘Morley’ Fidler Royal Air Force, exactly 86 years after he was killed in Northern France on 19 May 1940. The Station Warrant Officer commented ‘It was truly an honour to be part of the ceremony laying Squadron Leader George Morley Fidler to rest after so many years. Despite the most frightful weather conditions, the service was conducted with exceptional professionalism, reflecting the unwavering dedication and excellence that defines the Royal Air Force. All involved demonstrated not only respect for Morley’s legacy, but also a deep commitment to upholding the highest standards, ensuring the occasion was both poignant and dignified. The sense of duty and pride on display was a powerful reminder of the enduring values of the RAF’
His remarkable story is detailed below:
Squadron Leader Fidler, known to his family and friends as 'Morley', was born on 30 September 1912 in Great Ayton, North Yorkshire. As a young man he joined the family business for a few years, but his real passion was for flying, and in 1934 he joined the Royal Air Force.
He spent time in Egypt, Cyprus and India, being described as an 'exceptional' pilot by his superiors. Morley would often visit Great Ayton on leave, sometimes arriving by aircraft, looping-the-loop and landing in a field nearby much to the joy of the local children.
When war was declared in September 1939, Morley went to France as part of the Air Component of the British Expeditionary Force, sent to assist France to resist the German threat. In February 1940, he joined 607 Squadron. As the Germans pushed through Europe, the squadron found themselves in the middle of intense aerial combat. On 19 May 1940, Hurricanes from 607 Squadron were patrolling the skies above Cambrai when they encountered a Dornier bomber with an es**rt of Messerschmitts. In the ensuing air battle, Morley's Hurricane was shot down.
On the same day, another Hurricane pilot came down in the town of Bachy. This pilot was mistakenly identified as Squadron Leader Fidler. The grave was subsequently named for him and a personal inscription was supplied by Morley's mother.
However, in 2005 metal detectorists discovered pieces of plane wreckage from a site in Oisy-le-Verger, about 35km from Bachy. One piece had a serial number 'P3535' which suggested it came from the Hurricane flown by Morley. This prompted the Ministry of Defence to look at the grave in Bachy and determine it could not possibly belong to Morley. The headstone was changed to 'unknown airman' to reflect this.
But Morley's story did not end there. There is currently an extensive construction project ongoing in Northern France due to a major extension of the Seine-Nord Canal. In 2022, whilst undertaking some preliminary archaeological works in an area due for expansion, a crash site was discovered of a Second World War era airplane, believed to be a Hurricane. The pilot was also discovered at the same time. After extensive research and DNA testing, this pilot was positively identified as Squadron Leader George Morley Fidler and he was finally laid to rest today at Commonwealth War Graves Commission London Cemetery and Extension, Longueval, France.
The service was conducted by Rev’d (Sqn Ldr) Helene Grant.
‘WE WILL REMEMBER THEM’ 🇬🇧
