The Airmen's Stories - P/O A Lyall

Archibald Lyall, of Glasgow, was born on 4th January 1913, the son of Archibald Lyall and Ann Parker Lyall.

His father, a Lieutenant in 'B' Company of the 15th Battalion Highland Light Infantry, was killed on 3rd July 1916 aged 39. He lies in Bouzincourt Communal Cemetery.

His older brother Lieutenant James Lyall, serving in 'D' Company, was killed on the same day aged 41 and also lies at Bouzincourt.

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Archibald Jnr. was known as 'Pat' and was a noted Rugby player, he played for Glasgow Academy from 1931 onwards and was Captain on several occasions.

He joined the RAFVR about May 1937 as an Airman u/t Pilot and completed his training on being called up on 1st September 1939. He then joined 602 Squadron at Drem in March 1940 as a Sergeant-Pilot and was commissioned in June.

On 7th September Lyall shared a Me110 and damaged a Do17, on the 9th destroyed a Me109 and shared a Do17, on the 12th he damaged a Do17, on the 15th destroyed a Do17 and damaged another, on the 21st shared a Ju88, on the 24th and 25th he damaged Me110s and on the 30th probably destroyed a Ju88 and damaged another.

On 29th October Lyall destroyed a Me109 and damaged two more then on 6th November he claimed a probable Me109 followed by a damaged Ju88 on the 8th.

Lyall was shot down over the Isle of Wight on 28th November 1940. He baled out too low and was killed. His Spitfire, N3242, crashed at Whiteley Bank, Isle of Wight.

He was 27 years old and was cremated at Woodvale Crematorium, Brighton.