The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. A L McNay

Alexander Logan McNay of Shawlands, Glasgow was born on 3rd November 1917, the son of John McNay and Williamina McNay (nee Logan).

He joined the RAFVR in May 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot.

Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training and was serving with 73 Squadron in France from early June 1940.

On 14th June McNay was shot down in Hurricane TP*D at Le Mans after escorting Fairey Battles. He had a bullet lodged in his shoulder and was taken to hospital by French troops. The hospital was being evacuated as he arrived. He spent the next fourteen days on the move by rail and road and flying a Harvard and then a DH Rapide before arriving by ship at Plymouth, still with the bullet wound untreated.

Above: (L to R) McNay, F/Lt. RE Lovett, Sgt. JJ Brimble with souvenirs from a Ju88

Back with 73 Squadron on 21st July, he claimed two Ju88s destroyed on 15th August and two more next day.

Following a combat over Burnham on 5th September McNay's Hurricane, P3224, crashed and burned out at White House Farm, North Fambridge, Essex.

He was reported Missing, aged 22. McNay is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 17.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.