Our Archie was greatest of The Few. It’s only fair that he is added to war Roll of Honour
Airman killed 8hrs after Battle of Britain
Squadron Leader Archie McKellar, of Paisley, earned a place in history after shooting down more enemy fighters and bombers than any other pilot during the military campaign.
But his name was left off the distinguished list of pilots who gave their life in the conflict, as he died in action eight hours after the Battle of Britain was ruled to have ended.
Today, as the RAF mark their 100th anniversary, Archie’s relatives are calling for his name to finally be added alongside the list of heroes. Melvin McKellar said :“Archie McKellar was one of the greatest of The Few – young men from Fighter Command who wrecked Hitler’s invasion plans by stopping the Luftwaffe winning control of Britain’s skies.
“But the nation continues to deny him a place on the Battle of Britain Roll of Honour at Westminster Abbey – because he died eight hours too late.”
Archie, who joined the RAF in 1936, shot down more than 20 enemy planes. He hit five German fighter planes in one day and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar.
Archie was killed shortly after 8am on November 1, 1940, when his Hurricane plane crashed after being hit by enemy fire above Kent. Government officials later ruled the Battle of Britain had lasted until midnight on October 31, 1940.
But records from both sides of the conf lict show missions continued well into November.
David McKellar, 65, whose late father Ian was Archie’s cousin, said: “Surely the 100th anniversary of the RAF is a great time for the Ministry of Defence to show reconciliation and amend the end dates of the Battle of Britain.”
Archie is credited as the first pilot to bring down a German war plane over British soil in the conflict.
Melvin, 50, added: “Growing up, my mum and dad told me many stories about Archie’s bravery. Whenever I was asked my heroes, I never named a footballer or music star, I would name Archie. It still makes me sad that so few people know who he is.”
Paisley MSP George Adam is backing the McKellars’ campaign.
He said: “Not enough people know about Archie and I include those in his home town of Paisley.”
The Ministry of Defence did not respond to our request for a comment.