On or near this spot on the 16th August 1940, during the Battle of Britain, the late Wing Commander (then Flight Lieutenant) J. B. Nicolson VC DFC RAF of no.249 Squadron, landed after parachuting from his burning Hurricane following an engagement with the enemy. After being hit and his aircraft set on fire, he continued with the action and was successful in destroying an Me 110 before abandoning his aircraft. For this act of gallantry he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the only pilot of Fighter Command to be so honoured during World War II.