Norman Lees - A Tribute

The black granite memorial plaque

The Bay Museum remembers the sacrifices of the people of Canvey Island, Benfleet and further afield in the conflicts around the world. Today they paid tribute to Norman Lees. Not a Canvey man and someone whose name you may not know but when you read the museum’s quote below I am sure you will say ‘Oh yes I remember’.

Quote from the Bay Museum’s Plaque:

• Do you remember that grey helicopter easing into the smoke on the stem of the munitions-laden Sir Galahad offering the soldiers the only hope off the burning ship? That was Norman.
• Do you also remember the SAS storming the Iranian Embassy in 1980, how did they get there? By helicopter of course – that too was Norman.

Norman died twelve years ago today in a spitfire accident at Goodwood. Castle Point Mayor Jackie Govier, after saying a few words both about Norman and also the great work being done by the trustees of the museum, was invited to unveiled the plaque in memory of Norman Lees. Also at the event was Cllr Ray Howard who said a few words.

Norman’s partner at the time of his death Jill Moss and his friend Collin Wingrave talked of Norman and some of the things he had done in his life.

In memory of Norman Lees

Catle Point Mayor Jackie Govier unveils the plaque

The Bay Museum’s tribute

Jill Moss talks about her partner with the Mayor and Dave Thorndike one of the trustees of the museum and friend of Norman

Janet Penn

Norman's friend Collin Wingrave

Janet Penn

Norman in his helicopter 1983

Norman at the controls