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MCKELLAR, Archibald Ashmore |
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| PERSONALIA |
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| Name: |
McKellar, Archibald Ashmore |
| Date of birth: | April 10th, 1912 (Paisley/Renfrewshire/Scotland, Great Britain)
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| Date of death: |
November 1st, 1940 (Addisham/Kent, Great Britain)
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| Buried on: |
Commonwealth War Graves Glasgow - Eastwood |
| Nationality: |
British |
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BIOGRAPHY:
Service number 90168.
Archie McKellar was a plasterer in his fathers business before he joined the RAF in 1938.
He shared in the shooting down of the first Heinkel bomber to perish over Britain. McKellar shot down at least 3 Heinkels on the 15th of August 1940 and on the 9th of September scored four more kills. On the the 11th of September 1940 he took over command of No 605 Hurricane Squadron from Squadron Leader Walter Churchill. Another four were shot down by McKellar on the 15th of September 1940. On the 7th of October his score rose another five kills, all Bf 109's. McKellar shot down 21 enemy aircraft before his death on the 1st of November 1940 when he was in combat with Bf 109's over Kent. His Hurricane crashed at the side of Woodlands Manor near Addisham at 18:20hrs - the day after The Air Ministry had decided that the Battle of Britain was finished.
His gallantry awards, presented to his father by HM King George VI, are now displayed in the 602 Squadron Museum, within the RHF Museum, Glasgow.
Promotions:
November 8th, 1936: Pilot Officer (commissioned)
May 8th, 1938: Flying Officer
June 1st, 1940: Flight Lieutenant
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DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (DFC)
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Rank:
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Flight Lieutenant
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Unit:
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Royal Air Force
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Awarded on:
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September 13th, 1940
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Action:
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Citation:
"This officer has at all times displayed the keenest desire to engage the enemy. In his first large-scale encounter against enemy aircraft he displayed a great sense of leadership and tactics in launching his flight against ninety Heinkel m's. As a result, at least four enemy aircraft were destroyed, of which Flight Lieutenant McKellar destroyed three. He has displayed outstanding leadership and courage."
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DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (DFC)
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Rank:
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Flight Lieutenant
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Unit:
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Royal Air Force
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Awarded on:
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October 8th, 1940
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Action:
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Citation:
"During a period of eight days in the defence of London, Flight Lieutenant McKellar has destroyed eight hostile aircraft, bringing his total to twelve. He displays an excellent fighting spirit, is a particularly brilliant tactician and has led his squadron with skill and resource."
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Details:
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Second DFC awarded as abar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER (DSO)
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Rank:
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Squadron Leader
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Unit:
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No. 605 Squadron
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Awarded on:
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November 26th, 1940
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Action:
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This officer has led his squadron with outstanding courage and determination. He has destroyed 20 enemy aircraft, and his magnificent fighting spirit has proved an excellent inspiration to his fellow pilots.[
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Provide alterations or additional information |
| Information source(s): |
- The London Gazette Issue 34945 published on the 13 September 1940
- The London Gazette Issue 34964 published on the 8 October 1940
- Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35029 published on the 31 December 1940
- Shores Ch., Aces High - A tribute to the most notable fighter pilots of the British and Commonwealth Air Force in WWII
- National Museum of Scotland
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