The Airmen's Stories - P/O P D Pool

Peter Desmond Pool was born on 21st July 1916, the son of Gordon Desmond and Agatha Eleanor Pool.

He attended Cheltenham College from 1930 to 1934 and joined the RAFVR in April 1937 as an Airman u/t Pilot.

Called up on 1st September 1939, Pool completed his training at 2 FTS, was commissioned in August 1940 and joined 266 Squadron at Wittering on the 26th.

Pool moved to 72 Squadron at Biggin Hill on 3rd October. He was shot down in flames by a Me109 during combat over a convoy off Deal on the 11th and baled out, wounded. His Spitfire, K9870, crashed at Milton Regis, Sittingbourne.

He married Diana Eileen Pickup at Marylebone in April 1941.

Pool was killed on 19th August 1942 as a Flight Lieutenant with 610 Squadron. He was flying in Spitfire Vb EP235 'F' which was shot down by an Fw190 whilst supporting the landings at Dieppe.

He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 66.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.