George Barclay (RAF officer)
George Barclay | |
|---|---|
Barclay in 1941 | |
| Born | 7 December 1919 South London, England |
| Died | 17 July 1942 (aged 22) El Alamein, Egypt |
| Buried | El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Service years | 1939–1942 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Unit | No. 249 Squadron No. 611 Squadron |
| Commands | No. 238 Squadron |
| Conflicts | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Richard George Arthur Barclay, DFC (7 December 1919 – 17 July 1942) was a Royal Air Force fighter pilot and flying ace of the Second World War. He is credited with destroying at least eight aircraft.
From Upper Norwood, Barclay was a member of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve when he was called up to serve in the RAF on the outbreak of the Second World War. He volunteered to be posted to Fighter Command and once his training was completed in July 1940 he was posted to No. 249 Squadron. He flew during the Battle of Britain, claiming a number of aerial victories before being wounded shortly after the end of the battle. He later served with No. 611 Squadron during the Circus offensive of 1941 and was shot down over France in September of that year. He was able to evade capture and eventually returned to the United Kingdom. He was posted to Egypt in early July 1942 as commander of No. 238 Squadron. He was killed in action later that month during the First Battle of El Alamein