The Airmen's Stories - P/O D A Maxwell

David Alexander Maxwell was born in 1917, the son of John Maxwell (1873-1961) and Margaret Nichol Maxwell (1886-1933).

He joined the RAFVR about July 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training at 22 EFTS and 5 FTS Sealand, was commissioned and arrived at 7 OTU Hawarden on 17th September 1940.

After converting to Spitfires he joined 611 Squadron at Tern Hill on 30th September, moved to 603 Squadron at Hornchurch on 24th October and went to 66 Squadron at Biggin Hill on 25th December.

Maxwell was killed on 14th February 1941 as a Pilot Officer with 66 Squadron, aged 24. He was in combat with Me109s over Maidstone in Spitfire IIa P7541, the combat moved eastwards and it is believed that he came down in the sea.

He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 33.

He is also commemorated on a memorial (below) in St. Stephens Church, Hatton, Lincolnshire. And there is an inscription on his parents' grave in All Saints Churchyard, Faldingworth, Lincolnshire twelve miles away implying a connection with the area.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.

Above image courtesy of Michael Peck.

Above image courtesy of Charles J Anderson.