The Airmen's Stories - P/O S J Madle

Sydney James Madle was born at Strood, Kent on 13th January 1921 and educated at St. Joseph Williamson Mathematical School. On leaving he worked for South Eastern Electricity at Rochester.

He joined the RAFVR in January 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot and learned to fly at 23 E&RFTS Rochester. Called to full-time service on 2nd September 1939, Madle completed his training and joined 615 Squadron at Kenley in June 1940.

On 28th August the engine of his Hurricane, R4116, was hit by return fire from a Do17 over Sandwich. He made a forced-landing at Snoadstreet Farm, Throwley and was admitted, injured, to Hothfield Hospital.

In late 1940 Madle was posted to the Middle East. He later served in Burma.

Madle was released from the RAF in 1947 and went on to fly as a Captain with Dan Air, BEA and BOAC. He was later Chief Pilot and Operations Manager with Gulf Aviation, Bahrein.

He finished his flying career as Manager of Air Freight at Lympne. Madle suffered from ill-health and had two heart bypass operations.

He died on 31st January 1984.