Museum goes public with tribute to pilot

Kelvingrove Museum has unveiled a new display dedicated to a Scottish former Second World War fighter pilot.

Paisley-born Archie McKellar was the first British serviceman to shoot down a German plane over the UK during the war, and the squadron leader’s actions have been immortalised as part of the display.

Forming part of the wider Conflict and Consequences gallery, the new exhibit will show the exploits of Mr McKellar, as well as the rest of the 602 Auxiliary Air Force Squadron during the fighting.

A number of items from the squadron’s collection have been donated to the museum for the exhibit, including a panel from the German plane shot down by Mr McKellar, on October 28 1939, which was used to study Nazi aircraft design.

The pilot took out the enemy craft over Humbie, near Edinburgh.

Roddy MacGregor, honorary secretary of the 602 Squadron Museum Association, was among the first to see the exhibit on Monday.

He said: “We’ve relished the opportunity to work with the team at Glasgow Museums to create this new display on the 602 Squadron’s actions at the start of the Second World War.

“We very much hope it will add to the important conversation about the human side of conflict today.”

Colin McKellar, a relation of the squadron leader, also attended.

He said: “It is wonderful to see Archie McKellar’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.”

The panel will be joined by a number of letters sent by Mr McKellar, as well as photographs and a portrait of the former fighter pilot.

Picture: SNS.