Operation: Train

Date: 14th March 1942 (Saturday)

Unit: No. 111 Squadron (motto: Adstantes - 'Standing by')

Type: Spitfire Vb

Serial: BL429

Code: JU-E

Base: RAF Debden, Essex, England

Location: At airfield

Pilot: Sq/Ldr. 'Wee' George Francis Brotchie 39708 RAF Age 25. Killed

With many thanks to Medals Reubited of New Zealand for providing many details

REASON FOR LOSS:

He took off at 11.50am on the 20th of March 1940 for an interception of enemy aircraft which had been seen approaching the base. He gave chase and, at 12.25am he was involved in a short combat before landing safely back at base where he filed the following combat report: -

' I have the honour to report that on Tuesday, 20th March 1940 at 11.50 hours, I took off after some enemy aircraft sighted over the aerodrome. Before I could get anywhere near them I was ordered to patrol left front at 25,000 feet.
On my way to the patrol line, I saw some streaks over Metz and gave chase. The aircraft were too far away however and I commenced my patrol.

After about 10 minutes I saw a large formation of enemy aircraft flying east along the Luxembourg frontier. I gave chase and caught up with the formation, which consisted of five Dorniers and 5 ME110’s, just after passing the Loselle I started to attack what appeared to be the rearmost Dornier, and as I was about to fire he turned into my line of flight and I gave him a short deflection shot from astern. I broke away and found that other machines had closed in around me and were trying to effect cross fire.

As I broke away I tried another short deflection shot from almost dead ahead. At the commencement of my attack I could see 3 109’s approaching rapidly from Germany and at this point they passed overhead and tried to attack me from the rear. I had to break away from the bomber formation and a dog fight ensued. During the fight I tried one short deflection shot but apparently to no effect. After a few moments the ME109’s broke away and dived rapidly back into Germany'.

On the 14th of March 1942, 111 Squadron was spending the day in training. George Brotchie was leading the third section to take off from RAF Debden in Spitfire Vb BL429 JU-E. At 16:05 hrs, while his aircraft was still on the runway waiting for his No. 2 to taxi into position for takeoff it was struck by Spitfire Vb R7192 JU-Y, flown by Warrant Officer Ladislav Zadrobilek, the leader of the fourth section of three aircraft,. The aircraft burst into flames, killing him

Burial and further details:

Sq/Ldr. George Francis Brotchie. Dundee Crematorium. Also on the Trinity Church memorial plaque, Newport-on-Tay Church. Born at Calcutta on the 2nd of July 1916. Educated at George Watson's College from 1922 to 1926 and at Dundee High School. On leaving school he entered Dundee Technical College before enlisting in the Royal Air Force in 1937. He was commissioned as an Acting Pilot Officer on probation on the 18th of May 1937 and was confirmed his rank on the 15th of March 1938. Promoted to Flying Officer on the 15th of October 1939. After the outbreak of war, he saw action during the Battle of France with 73 Squadron.

Son of George Mcintosh Brotchie and Frances Hartley Brotchie, of Beckenham, Kent, England.

Above Dundee Crematorium

Link to Sq/Ldr. George Francis Brotchie panel at Dundee Crematorium (can be enlarged)

73 Squadron entertain a Greek newspaper correspondent at their base at Rouvres, December 1939.

Above: Sgt Albert Speake, Sgt, George H. Phillips,F/O Reginald Eric Lovett (KIA 7/9/40), P/O Aidan Boys Tucker, P/O George Francis Brotchie (KIFA 14/3/42), Sgt John Winn (KIA 22/12/39), P/O Peter Vigne Ayerst, Sgt Colin Campbell (POW 27/4/42), P/O G S Holliday, Sgt Leslie J Humphries, Greek journalist, Sgt Sydney George Stuckey (KIA 12/8/40), F/O Edgar ‘Cobber’ Kain (KIFA 7/6/40), P/O James Garland Perry (KIA 29/3/40) and F/O Newell 'Fanny’ Orton (KIA 17/9/41 (Courtesy IWM)

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this crew with thanks to Medals Re-United of New Zealand, Brett McKay, the National Archive Kew. AIR-27-868-5/6, George Watson College. IWM.

Other sources as quoted below:

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