This year has marked a particularly poignant period of remembrance for the school community: Herbert Black, who attended the school throughout the 1920s and lost his life to the Battle of Britain in 1940, was recently awarded a Green Plaque by the Leicestershire County Council. The plaque was unveiled on Thursday 13th October, in a service attended by the Headmaster Mr Richard Lynn and the school’s Head Girl and Boy, Eleanor Bee and Elliot Breadon. Sgt Black became a full-time front-line RAF pilot after having joined the volunteer reserve in 1937. His plane was shot down during an aerial dogfight against German fighters, and he died from his injuries 10 days later. The Dixie have honoured him with an onsite plaque since 2008 and continues to display a piece of his Hurricane. They were joined by John Reed of the 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron Association in nominating him for the plaque, and were delighted to receive news that they were successful in their application. The Green Plaque is placed on Curzon Street, Ibstock, where Sgt Black lived with his family.
