I was pleased to read Flt Lt Traynor’s letter confirming that the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain was suitably commemorated in Scotland, and without all the “the pomp and circumstance” of the Westminster Abbey affair (Letters, September 25).
The important role of the 602 (City of Glasgow) and 603 (City of Edinburgh) squadrons in the conflict, first in the skies above the Firth of Forth and later south-east England, is often airbrushed out of recognition in the London-based event.
The first German plane brought down over British soil was shot down by Squadron leader Archie McKellar of 602 Squadron. Later he was transferred to command 605 Squadron, whose leader had been wounded, and went on to become the one of the most renowned and successful pilots in the critical battle which arguably saved Britain from Nazi defeat.
For his outstanding bravery and skill McKellar was awarded the DSO, DFC and Bar, and was mentioned in dispatches by Air Chief Marshal Dowding, head of Fighter Command.
Yet Archie McLellar’s name does not appear in the Roll of Honour of Battle of Britain pilots who died during the conflict. He was finally shot down and killed on November 1, 1940, just one day after it was officially decreed that the Battle of Britain was over. So, bizarrely, the historical records do not include him among the hundreds of brave young men who lost their lives in the conflict.
Despite years of campaigning by his relatives and former colleagues, Archie McKellar’s name was never added to the list of those who died in the conflict. Such rigid and cold-hearted bureaucracy is perhaps to be expected from government departments, but perhaps it is still not too late to rectify this omission. No-one was ever more worthy of being honoured.
Iain AD Mann,
7 Kelvin Court,
Glasgow.
Donald Buchanan's letter (September 25) draws attention to two Scots, without whom the Battle of Britain would have been lost. The name of a third should be added: that of Air Chief Marshal Wilfred Freeman.
As Deputy Chief of Air Staff he was responsible for aircraft production. He revolutionised the industry to the extent that eventually more replacement planes were being delivered than were lost in combat. His house was at Myrtle on Deeside.
Robin Malcolm (son-in-law of Sir Wilfred),
Duntrune Castle,
Kilmartin,
Argyll.
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