The Airmen's Stories - F/O R L Glyde

Richard Lindsay Glyde was born in Perth, Australia on 29th January 1914, the son of Frank Cave Glyde and Phillis Napier Glyde.

He joined the RAAF in 1935 and did most of his flying training at Point Cook. However a medical examination revealed a defect that prevented his continuing flying and he left the service.

After remedial treatment Glyde went to England at his own expense and was successful in obtaining a short service commission in the RAF. He joined in June 1937, completed his initial training and was posted to 3 FTS South Cerney on 21st August. Glyde joined No. 1 AACU at Farnborough on 26th March 1938 as a staff pilot.

On 24th October 1938 he was posted to 87 Squadron at Debden and went to France with it at the outbreak of war. On 14th November 1939 Glyde and 87's CO, S/Ldr. WE Coope, in two Hurricanes, made a forced-landing at DePanne in Belgium and were interned. They escaped on the 24th and, with the help of the British Consulate, made their way back to France in civilian clothes and rejoined 87 Squadron on the 27th.

On 19th May 1940 Glyde destroyed a Me109, probably another and shared a Hs126.

He was awarded the DFC (gazetted 4th June 1940), being then credited with four enemy aircraft destroyed.

Glyde destroyed a Me110 and damaged another on 11th July south of Portland and returned to Exeter damaged by return fire. On 13th August Glyde shared a Ju88 and a He111.

His Hurricane, P3387, was hit by return fire from a He111 engaged south of Selsey Bill. He crashed into the sea and was reported 'Missing'.

Glyde is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 5.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.