James Hayter. After baling out of his burning Hurricane at 25,000 feet, Sqn Ldr Hayter drifted down into the manicured grounds of a country estate in Cranbrook, Kent. Sqn Ldr Hayter had interrupted a cocktail party hosted by a member of Parliament, but unfazed, he had his wounds dressed by a guest and even joined the gathering. Where Sqn Ldr Hayter landed in Cranbrook after being shot down in the Battle of Britain was only about 500m from Mr Piper’s house. When considering Sqn Ldr Hayter’s remarkable toughness, Mr Piper thought he must have had a guardian angel flying as wingman.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 24, 2026 18:45 UTC