Ace pilot’s heroic actions in war marked by Glasgow exhibition
A RELATIVE of the first World War Two pilot to shoot down a German aircraft on British soil says he would have been “quietly moved” by a Glasgow exhibition in his honour.
Colin McKellar, whose relation Archie McKellar was a Squadron Leader with 602 (City of Glasgow) Auxiliary Air Force, said: “I have long admired Archie’s contribution to the war effort and it’s fitting it is recognised in the new display. It is wonderful to see his story on show in Kelvingrove Museum. I am sure Archie would be quietly moved to see his squadron’s achievements marked in this way.”
Located within Kelvingrove’s Conflict and Consequences gallery, which explores the true cost of war, the display features a number of items on loan from 602 Squadron Museum’s collection, including a wing panel from the Heinkel HE-111 Bomber shot down by Archie on October 28, 1939.
Also on show are letters Archie wrote and received, photographs and a portrait, his medals and a uniform representing the one he would have worn in 1940.
Roddy MacGregor, Honorary Secretary of 602 (City of Glasgow) Auxiliary Air Force Squadron Museum Association said: ‘We’ve relished the opportunity to create this new display on the 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron’s actions at the start of World War II. We hope it will add to the important conversation about the human side of conflict today.”
Glasgow Life chairman Councillor David McDonald, said: “Our Conflict and
Consequences gallery explores themes that are sadly all too real for many across the world today. It is important we continue to raise awareness of the enduring human cost of conflict. It is evident to all Archie was an incredibly brave man.”
Born in Paisley in 1912, apprentice plasterer Archie wanted to join the army, but his parents thought it too dangerous. He joined the Auxiliary Air Force in 1936 and was promoted to Flight Lieutenant in 1940.
He went on to become one of the ‘Few’, the men credited by Prime Minister Winston Churchill as winning the Battle of Britain.
Archie was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar and the Distinguished Service Order for shooting down 21 enemy aircraft, including five Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters in a single day, earning him the illustrious honour of ‘ace in a day’.
Sadly, he was killed in action over Kent on November 1, 1940, aged just 28.
Glasgow’s Lord Provost at the time, Sir Patrick Dollan, conveyed his sadness and thanks in a letter to the McKellar family on the death of their son – calling him a ‘Number One Man’. This letter forms part of the display.
John Messner, curator with Glasgow Museums, who worked with 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron to create the display added: “Archie’s story is a fantastic addition to the displays already to be found in the Conflict and Consequences Gallery, which give insight into the human impact of war.”