Museum tells the story of Paisley war hero Archie
New exhibition puts pilot who shot down plane in the spotlight
A Paisley war hero is at the centre of a major new exhibition.
Archie McKellar was the first British serviceman to shoot down a German plane over the UK during the Second World War.
His story forms part of the wider Conflict and Consequences gallery at Kelvingrove.
A new display centred on the 602 (City of Glasgow) Auxiliary Air Force Squadron’s actions at the start of World War II has been unveiled at the Glasgow museum.
The exploits of Squadron Leader Archibald ‘Archie’ McKellar, who shot down the first German aircraft on British soil on October 28, 1939, helps convey the human side of conflict.
Exhibits include a wing panel from the Heinkel HE-111 Bomber downed by McKellar, which crash landed intact.
This was important as it allowed others to study the plane and learn the secrets of German aircraft and engine design.
Pieces were often taken as souvenirs, two of which survive to this day.
Also on show are letters he wrote and received, photographs and a portrait, together with a uniform representing the one McKellar would have worn in 1940.
Roddy MacGregor, Honorary Secretary of 602 (City of Glasgow) Auxiliary Air Force Squadron Museum Association was among the first to see the new display.
He said: “We’ve relished the opportunity to work with the team at Glasgow Museums to create this new display on the 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron’s actions at the start of World War II.
“We very much hope it will add to the important conversation about the human side of conflict today.”
Colin McKellar, a relative of Archie’s was at yesterday’s exhibition opening.
He said: “It is wonderful to see Archie’s story on show.
“I have long admired Archie’s contribution to the war effort and it’s fitting it is recognised in the new display.
“I am sure Archie would be quietly moved to see his squadron’s achievements marked in this way.”
Councillor David McDonald, chair of Glasgow Life, which runs the museum, said: “More than one million people visit Kelvingrove every year and they return time and again because we work hard to refresh the stories we share in our 22 themed galleries.
“Our Conflict and Consequences gallery explores themes that are sadly all too real for many across the world today, therefore, it is important we continue to raise awareness of the enduring human cost of conflict.
“This idea is imbued in Archie McKellar’s story.
“It is evident to all he was an incredibly brave man and we are all grateful to him for making the ultimate sacrifice.
“We are also grateful to the 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron Museum Association for helping to create this new display.”
Born in Paisley in 1912, Archie wanted to join the army, but his parents thought it too dangerous.
Before the war he was a parttime pilot, working as an apprentice plasterer for his family business.
He joined the Auxiliary Air Force in 1936 and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in 602 ( City of Glasgow) Squadron.
Following the outbreak of war in September 1939, the Spitfires of 602 Squadron were posted to RAF Drem in East Lothian.
On October 28, he shot down a Heinkel HE- 111 Bomber over Humbie, near Edinburgh, claiming the first German aircraft shot down on to British soil in WW2.
In 1940 he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant and went on to become one of the ‘Few’, the men credited by Prime Minister Winston Churchill as winning the Battle of Britain and seeing off invasion.
Archie became a successful and decorated fighter pilot.
He was awa rd e d 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’.
Ultimately, after only 14 months, like so many other young men of his generation, war cost him his life.
He was shot down and killed in action over Kent on November 1, 1940, aged just 28.