The Airmen's Stories - F/O D K C O'Malley

Derek Keppel Coleridge O'Malley, of Ealing, London was born on 7th November 1910, the son of Barret Lennard Albemarle O'Malley (1877-1976) and Lorna Josephine O'Malley (nee Coleridge 1886-1959).

He was educated at Westminster School, was awarded a scholarship and went on to Christ Church, Oxford reading History.

From 1929 to 1932 O'Malley was a member of the University Air Squadron. He later became a barrister and on 11th November 1938 he was commissioned in the RAFVR.

Above: O'Malley at Cranwell.

Soon after the outbreak of war he married Rachel Mary Genevieve Macdonald at Henley. Their son was born the following summer.

Called to full-time service on 18th September 1939, O'Malley completed his training and was serving with 264 Squadron in early July 1940.

On 24th August his Defiant was damaged in collision with another aircraft during a scramble at Hornchurch. O'Malley and his gunner were unhurt.

At 2205 on 4th September 1940 he was the pilot of Defiant N1628, ordered to take off on an interception patrol from Kirton-in-Lindsey. For some reason it remained at low altitude until striking the ground near Northorpe, about 3 miles west of the airfield. O'Malley and his gunner, Sgt. LAW Rasmussen were both killed.

O'Malley was 29. He is buried in Kirton-in-Lindsey Burial Ground, Lincolnshire.

His brother-in-law, Major AD Macdonald, was killed on 16th february 1945 serving with the 5th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers in Holland.

He lies in Milsbeek War Cemetery.