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The Airmen's Stories - S/Ldr. J E McComb

 

James Ellis McComb was born in 1909 and educated at Stowe. He trained as a solicitor and worked for the Legal Department of Lancashire County Council.

In early 1934 he joined 600 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force and transferred to 611 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force on 25th September 1936.

In 1938 McComb became a Flight Commander. In March 1939, on a visit to 611, Leigh-Mallory told him that in the event of war he would have command of the squadron.

 

Above: his wedding in October 1939.

 

611 went to summer camp at Duxford on 4th August 1939 and learned on the 24th that the squadron had been embodied into the RAF for the duration. As promised, McComb was given command on 3rd September 1939.

Over Dunkirk on 2nd June 1940 McComb claimed a Me109 and a He111 as probably destroyed. On 21st August he claimed a Do17 destroyed and shared another and on 15th September he claimed a Do17.

He was posted away for a rest on 19th October and awarded the DFC (gazetted 22nd November 1940).

His subsequent service is currently undocumented until 1945 when McComb was released from the RAF as a Wing Commander.

McComb was appointed CBE in 1964 for his work with the Cwmbran Development Corporation.

He died in August 1982.

His portrait was made by Cuthbert Orde.


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