Stirlingshire Community Pays Tribute to Heroic New Zealand WWII Pilot
Members of the Cowie community in Stirlingshire recently gathered to honour the heroic actions of New Zealand Pilot Officer Carlyle Everiss during World War II. Everiss, a pilot in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, sacrificed his life to save the villagers of Cowie when his Spitfire aircraft went out of control during a training flight in 1941. Witnesses reported that Everiss steered his plummeting plane away from the village, avoiding a potential disaster, but unfortunately perished in the crash. This act of bravery has been commemorated annually ever since.
The community, along with visitors and VIPs, held a ceremony at Cowie Bowling Club on February 4 to remember Pilot Officer Everiss. Attendees included scholarship winners from New Zealand, the Vice-Lieutenant of Stirlingshire and Falkirk, a representative from the RAF, and members of Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen. Maddie Simpson, this year’s Everiss Scholar from Otaki College in New Zealand, read a poignant poem during the ceremony, paying tribute to the courageous pilot.
Residents of Cowie raised funds to erect a bronze bust in memory of Everiss near the crash site, which was unveiled in 2007. The annual ceremony serves as a reminder of the selfless actions of Everiss, who chose to stay with his aircraft and protect the village instead of abandoning it. The scholarship programme established in his honour aims to strengthen ties between Scotland and New Zealand, with students from both countries participating in cultural exchanges.
The event also highlighted the importance of preserving the memory of foreign pilots who served in Scotland during WWII. Councillor Alasdair MacPherson, along with staff and pupils from local schools, attended the ceremony to show their respect for Everiss and his ultimate sacrifice. The legacy of Pilot Officer Carlyle Everiss lives on through the annual commemoration and the educational opportunities provided by the scholarship programme in his name.
In conclusion, the tribute to Pilot Officer Everiss is a testament to the bravery and camaraderie shared between nations during times of conflict. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals like Everiss to protect and serve communities, transcending borders and leaving a lasting impact on future generations.