THE LAST OF THE FEW

Hero’s death leaves six Battle of Britain fliers

Pilot Officer Archie McInnes,

601 Squadron

Archie joined the RAF in 1938 and completed pilot training in August 1940, with the Battle of Britain already raging.

He flew Hurricanes as part of 601 Squadron in Exeter before moving to 238 Squadron at Chilbolton. With the battle over, his career took him on board HMS Victorious as part of the team that hunted the German battleship Bismarck.

Joining the North Africa campaign, he was shot down and lost an arm. He was released from the RAF in 1946.

Archie marked his 99th birthday last year by taking to the skies in a refurbished Spitfire.

MISSION AT SEA Flight Lieutenant William Terence Clark, 219 Squadron

Joining the Auxiliary Air Force in 1938 as a 19-year-old aircraft hand, Croydon-born William was under training at the height of the Battle of Britain, learning to fly Fairey Battles, Ansons and then Hurricanes.

He was posted to Malta and Egypt – and was shot down and captured by the Germans just after his 21st birthday.

Held in PoW camps in Italy, Austria and Germany, he arrived home on VE Day in May 1945. He later became a head teacher, wed and had two children.

Now 98, his outstanding bravery was recognised on the battle’s 75th anniversary with three medals.

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