A COMMUNITY police officer is launching a campaign to further honour the only Allied airman to be killed over Bournemouth during the Second World War.

New Zealander Cyril Hight lost his life in a dogfight after his squadron intercepted German bombers heading back home.

His Mark I Spitfire took fire from one of the bombers’ rear guns and crashed at Leven Avenue, near Meyrick Park.

Although Officer Hight fell from the plane, his parachute did not open – it is thought he was too seriously injured to pull the ripcord.

He was buried at Boscombe and the town later named Pilot Hight Road, on PC Hammond’s West Howe patch, in his memory.

Now, the police officer wants to replace the street signs with ones with a picture of a Spitfire on.

He said: “I did a letter drop and got some positive feedback and the councillors are on board. I’ve got the support and the interest from people.”

Officer Hight was killed on August 15, 1940, and with the nation having marked the Battle of Britain 70 years on, PC Hammond is hoping support will swell.

He added: “When I first came down here I thought someone has spelt the name wrong (on the sign), but someone told me who it was named after and it stuck in my head.

“Some locals know but there’s others who don’t, now the idea has sparked a lot of interest. It’s only a simple thing, but it will be a good thing.”

PC Hammond said the Royal Air Force Association was also showing an interest in the idea. He has contacted the council and is waiting to hear how much replacement signs would cost.