The Airmen's Stories - P/O M E Staples

Michael Edmund Staples, of Kent, joined the RAFVR about November 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on September 1st, he completed his training, was commissioned and arrived at 5 OTU, Aston Down on June 23rd 1940. After converting to Spitfires he joined 609 Squadron at Middle Wallop on July 8th.

On August 12th Staples claimed a Me110 destroyed, on the 13th destroyed a Ju87 and damaged another, on September 7th he got a probable Me110 and damaged two others, on the 15th shared a Do17, on the 24th destroyed a Do17, probably destroyed Me110’s on the 27th and 29th and got a probable Me109 on the 30th.

On October 7th Staples was shot down in flames in a surprise attack by enemy fighters over Yeovil. He baled out, wounded, and was admitted to Blandford Hospital. His Spitfire N3231 crashed at Shotcombe Farm, Wynford Eagle. He did not return to 609.

Staples was killed on November 9th 1941, as a Flying Officer with 604 Squadron. He crashed coming in to land at night at Colerne.

He was 24 and is buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery.