Operation: Aircraft test

Date: 09th March 1942 (Monday)

Unit: No. 401 Squadron (The Rams)

Type: Spitfire Vb

Serial: BL538

Code: YO-?

Base: RAF Biggin Hill, Kent

Location: Fairfield, Kent

Pilot: Sgt. Alexander Douglas Blakey R/78705 RCAF Age 21. killed

We are extremely grateful to François Dutil (438 Squadron Archivist) for supplying photographs and information to Aircrew Remembered in October 2017. All photographs shown within this page are available to relatives at a higher resolution (as are most of those named within this page) - courtesy of François.

REASON FOR LOSS:

Understood that the aircraft suffered structural failure with the port wing becoming detached during a roll during an aircraft test. We welcome any further information on his loss.

Above left: P/O. John Tucker with Sgt. Alexander Blakey - P/O. Tucker was lost later that year on Spitfire Vb BM429 on a Rodeo when he crashed into the English Channel. Right: RAF Biggin Hill December 1941 L-R: Fl/Lt. Jeep Neal, Sgt. Dennison, Sgt. Morrison, P/O. Hutchinson, Sgt. Blakey, Sgt. Murray, P/O. Blakeslee.

L-R: P/O. John Randolph Patton, Sq/Ldr. Douglas, Sgt. Jim Flander, P/O. Gerald Bickle Whitney, P/O. Hugh Merritt, Sgt. Slim Cosburn, Fl/Sgt. James Whitham, Sgt. Alec Blakely, Sgt. Jerry Denancrede, P/O. Hugh Godefroy, P/O. Ormston. Front: Sgt. Don Morrison, Sgt. Chuck Pope, Sgt. Frank Duff.

Burial details:

Sgt. Alexander Douglas Blakey. Brookwood Military Cemetery. Grave: 36.G.8. Born on the 23rd September 1920 in Elgin County, the son of Herbert Douglas and Mabel Daisy Blakey (née Harmer), 85 Maple Street, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. Grave inscription reads: “In Our Lonely Hours Thoughts Of Him Are Always Near. "Our Son”. A total of 217 flying hours logged, 44 of which on this type.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Francois Dutil and sources as quoted below: