Battle of Britain: Veteran at Goodwood was Chichester High School for Boys pupil

A former pupil of Chichester High School for Boys was among the veterans at Goodwood Aerodrome today.
Chichester veteran Peter Hale, 93, at the Battle of Britain event at GoodwoodChichester veteran Peter Hale, 93, at the Battle of Britain event at Goodwood
Chichester veteran Peter Hale, 93, at the Battle of Britain event at Goodwood

Peter Hale, 93, from Chichester, was one of the special guests at the Battle of Britain commemorative flypast which set off from Goodwood this afternoon (September 15).

Mr Hale left Chichester High School in 1940, before training to become a pilot.

“I got my wings in Canada in 1942,” said Mr Hale.

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He later became an instructor, training the best pilots in the world to fly Harvard aircraft.

“I was 16 when I left Chichester High School. Lots of us wanted to become pilots but I had to wait until I was old enough in January, 1942.

“Being here today - this is something I will never see again. It brings back many memories.

“It’s strange finishing at Chichester High School and coming back here all these years later.

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“The Battle of Britain was going on - there was a lot of action. Having seen the action, like many others I wanted to join in.

“I had always been interested in flying. We used to cycle around Tangmere and watch the planes.”

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