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Operation: Anti-Rhubarb patrol (1)
Date: 03rd April 1943 (Saturday)
Unit: No. 247 Squadron (motto: Rise from the East)
Type: Typhoon Ib
Serial: DN534
Code: ZY-E
Base: RAF Middle Wallop, Hampshire
Location: English Channel, South of Portland
Pilot: Fl/Sgt. David Archibald NZ/412643 RNZAF Age 21. Missing - believed killed
REASON FOR LOSS:
On detachment form RAF Middle Wallop - took off at 12:45 hrs with one other from RAF Warmwell in Dorset. After 25 minutes during the patrol south of Portland for some reason, dived into the English Channel.
The patrol leader searched for him as well as air sea rescue - but despite their efforts no trace could be found of pilot or aircraft.
(1) Rhubarb was a term used for small scale fighter or fighter-bomber operations directed against low-flying aircraft or on ground target - anti-Rhubarb same but against Luftwaffe fighters.
Above: Runnymede Memorial with panel insert to the pilot.
Burial details:
Fl/Sgt. David Archibald. Runnymede Memorial. Panel 198. Son of William and Fanny Coupar Archibald, of Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand. A total of 399 flying hours logged.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to the research by Errol Martyn and his publications: “For Your Tomorrow Vols. 1-3”, Auckland Cenotaph, Weekly News of New Zealand, other sources as quoted below:
KTY - 30.08.2017
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
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Last Modified: 18 April 2021, 14:27