The Airmen's Stories - F/O P Collard

Peter Collard was born in London and joined 615 Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force in late 1937. He was called for full-time service on 24th August 1939. Two weeks later he was sent on a Hurricane conversion course, having been used to Gladiators. However he flew with 615 to Merville on 15th November in a Gladiator from Croydon. The squadron did not receive Hurricanes until April 1940.

During the fighting in France Collard destroyed a Hs126 on 15th May and one other enemy aircraft.

The squadron was withdrawn to Kenley on 21st May. Collard claimed a He111 probably destroyed on 22nd June and then a Ju87 destroyed on 14th July. He shared a He59 on the 27th.

Collard failed to return from a combat off Dover on 14th August 1940. His Hurricane, P3109, crashed into the sea.

Collard was 24 years old and lies buried in Oye-Plage Communal Cemetery, France.

Collard was awarded the DFC (gazetted 23rd August 1940).