22/05/2026
A burial service with full military honours has taken place at our London Cemetery and Extension in France for Second World War pilot, Squadron Leader George Marley Fidler from Great Ayton, North Yorkshire.
In 2022, work on the Seine-Nord Canal at Oisy-le-Verger in northern France, unearthed a Hurricane with the pilot still inside near to where Sqn Leader Fidler’s aircraft was last seen. Our Recovery Unit recovered his remains and DNA testing then proved this pilot was Sqn Leader Fidler. You can read more on his recovery on our website.
“It is an honour for the Commission to pay our respects to Sqn Ldr Fidler, following the 2022 discovery of his Hurricane along the route of the future Canal Seine-Nord Europe. That another commemorative service will be held today at his local church - in Great Ayton, Yorkshire - shows the power and impact of his war experience eight decades on. Now resting amongst fellow airmen at London Cemetery and Extension, Longueval, his grave will be cared for in perpetuity.” Dr James Wallis, CWGC Head of Commemorations.
