The Airmen's Stories - S/Ldr. D A Pemberton

David Alwyne Pemberton was born in Stratford-on-Avon on 9th December 1912, the son of Guy Pemberton FRIBA and Emily Muriel Pemberton.

He was educated at Stowe School and entered RAF College, Cranwell in January 1931 as a Flight Cadet. On graduation in December 1932 he joined 99 Squadron at Upper Heyford.

In March 1934 Pemberton was posted to HQ Palestine and Transjordan in Jerusalem. He returned to the UK in September 1936 and was supernumerary at No. 1 RAF Depot Uxbridge until posted to the staff of 601 Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force on 22nd July 1937.

Pemberton was appointed a Flying Examining Officer at 26 (Training) Group on 16th September 1938.

In 1940 he was serving with HQ 67 Wing in France and on 23rd May he took command of No. 1 Squadron. The squadron was withdrawn to Tangmere on 17th June 1940.

On 16th August Pemberton claimed a He111 destroyed. His Hurricane, P2751, was set alight by return fire in this engagement but he returned safely to Northolt. On the 18th Pemberton destroyed a Me109.

He was awarded the DFC (gazetted 1st October 1940).

At dawn on 3rd November 1940 Pemberton was flying back from Collyweston to Wittering in Hurricane I P2751. He was killed when he slow-rolled and flew into the ground.

Pemberton was 28. He is buried in the churchyard of St. Eadburgh at Broadway, Worcestershire.