The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J McPhee

James McPhee was born on 3rd August 1919 in Greenock and joined the RAFVR in November 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot. He had carried out some flying training before being called up at the outbreak of war.

After ITW he was posted to 10 EFTS Yatesbury on 1st May 1940. He went on to 2 FTS Brize Norton for No. 48 Course, which ran from 1st June to 31st August 1940. McPhee arrived at 5 OTU Aston Down on 1st September where he converted to Hurricanes.

On 18th September McPhee joined 151 Squadron at Digby.

Above: standing first left and below (dates and location unknown).

On the 24th he collided with P/O JK Haviland during a formation practice and the tail of his Hurricane, P3306, was knocked off. McPhee baled out, unhurt.

On 29th September he was posted to 249 Squadron at North Weald and then to 17 Squadron at Martlesham Heath on 20th November.

McPhee went to CFS Upavon on 21st January 1941 for an instructors course after which he was posted to 8 FTS Montrose. He went to South Africa on 29th July and instructed at 24 Air School until 18th May 1942 and then 27 Air School.

Commissioned from Warrant Officer in October 1942, he was awarded the AFC (gazetted 1st January 1943) and posted back to the UK in July 1944.

He went to 13 OTU Harwell on 17th October and then joined 45 Squadron in the Far East on 19th February 1945 and served with it until 27th November when he returned to the UK for release.

McPhee rejoined the RAF on 24th July 1951 (photo above) and served at home and overseas prior to his retirement on 1st June 1968 as a Flight Lieutenant.

McPhee died on 14th January 2018.