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A young New Zealand fighter pilot who sacrificed his life for a small Scottish village in World War II was honoured with the unveiling of a bronze bust last night.
Carlisle Everiss became a local hero in Cowie, Stirlingshire, after he refused to bail out from his stricken Spitfire in order to steer it clear of the village on October 2, 1941.
The Spitfire crashed into railway sidings at the Cowie Colliery. The 26-year-old was pulled from the wreckage by three villagers but died after being given the last rites.
Afterwards, his portrait was hung in the clubhouse of the local bowling green, with the inscription "Carlisle Everiss - The Face of Courage".
Cowie residents raised £12,000 (NZ$32,430) to erect a bronze bust of the pilot upon a large rock statue.
The Royal Air Force was to hold a flyover of Tornado fighters at last night's unveiling.
Local councillor Gerard O'Brien said the statue was "a testament to his fantastic courage and sacrifice.
"No one here underestimates the contribution Carlisle Everiss made in sacrificing his own life for the sake of not just the villagers at that time but for all generations to come.
"This tribute is about ensuring he will be remembered not just by Cowie but by the rest of the world, and forging lasting links with his homeland."
Scottish New Zealand Society chairman Peter Leslie said: "His split second decision saved the lives of countless miners and their families and it is only right that his actions should be recognised."
Everiss was originally from Te Kuiti.
