George Barclay (RAF officer)
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George Barclay DFC was a British squadron leader who was killed in action on 17 July 1942 during the battle of El Alamein aged 22.
Born in South London, and attending Stowe School and Trinity College, Cambridge, Barclay joined the University Air Squadron in 1938, and was called up on the outbreak of war. Posted to 249 squadron in July 1940, he flew though the Battle of Britain, receiving the DFC in October.
As a flight commander with 611 Squadron, Barclay was shot down over occupied France in September 1941. He force landed and evaded capture, making his way to Spain with help from the French Resistance. In April 1942 he was posted to North Africa and returned to flying as CO of 238 squadron RAF, flying Hawker Hurricanes Mk II's.
He was shot down and killed by Lt. Werner Schroer of III/ Jagdgeschwader 27on 17 July 1942.
His diaries, written during his wartime career up until his death, were published in 1974 and give a rare, descriptive and highly articulate first hand account of the life of a fighter pilot in 1940-41.
[edit] Bibliography
- Angels 22, George Barclay, Arrow Books, London, 1976 ISBN 0-09-916130-3
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