The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. R R MacPherson

Robert Reid MacPherson of Dinas Powis, Glamorgan was born in January 1914, the son of John and Elizabeth Taylor Macpherson.

He was educated at Barry County Secondary School. He joined the RAF in January 1930 as an Aircraft Apprentice. He passed out in September 1932 as a Fitter, Aero Engines.

He later applied for pilot training and was selected. MacPherson was serving with 65 Squadron from 1937.

Over Dunkirk on 27th May 1940 he destroyed a Do17. He claimed a Me109 destroyed on 12th August, shared another on the 14th and destroyed one on the 20th.

Commissioned in November 1940, MacPherson was killed on 13th October 1941 as a Flight Lieutenant with 129 Squadron, aged 27.

He was taking part in a sweep near Arcques in Spitfire Vb P8542 (presentation aircraft Violetta) and failed to return after combat with Me109s.

He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 29.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.