The Airmen's Stories - F/Lt. M M Irving

Maurice Milne Irving of Jesmond, Northumberland was born on 10th May 1911 in Kilmarnock, the son of Benjamin Irving (1875-1939) and Catherine Irving (nee Roberts 1880-1956).

After leaving school worked as an Engineer in the Locomotive Department of Armstrong Whitworth at Newcastle.

He joined 607 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force in 1934, having already obtained his A' Flying Licence.

Irving married Sheila Rose in July 1938 in Westminster.

He was called to full-time service on 24th August 1939 and flew with 607 Squadron to Merville, France on 15th November.

Irving was appointed Acting Adjutant on 14th March 1940. On 15th May he and P/O MR Mudie of 615 took off from Rosières at 0500 to engage nine Do17s that were attacking the aerodrome.

After Mudie had to make a forced-landing at Bapaume, Irving engaged the Dorniers single-handedly. One bomber was shot down but not confirmed. Irving landed back at Rosières.

Irving shared in destroying a Ju88 on 14th September 1940.

Above: 'A' Flight 607 Squadron September 1940

L to R: F/Sgt. Anderson (armourer), F/Sgt. Atkin, Sgt. RA Spyer, Sgt. WG Cunnington, Sgt. Ford (fitter), Sgt. Ventham (rigger), F/Lt. WF Blackadder, F/O MM Irving, P/O Watson (IO), P/O MR Ingle-Finch.

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He was shot down by Me109s east of Selsey on 28th September. His Hurricane, R4189, crashed into the Channel and he was reported 'Missing'.

Irving was 29 and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 4.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner