The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. M H Sprague

Mervyn Herbert Sprague was born on 27th May 1910 in Richmond, Surrey, the son of Henry Douglas Sprague, Lt. Col. RFA and Ethel May Sprague (nee Brayne).

He was educated at St Paul's School. After leaving school he joined his father's accountancy firm but also served in the RAF 'F' Reserve from 13th May 1935 until 14th May 1938 when he joined the RAFVR as an u/t pilot.

Called to full-time service at the outbreak of war, Sprague was posted to 4 EFTS, Brough on 7th October 1939. He went to 3 ITW, Hastings on 6th November and then to 14 FTS, Kinloss on 5th February 1940, moving to Cranfield on 18th April.

Above: 14 FTS, Sprague standing third from right rear row.

Above images courtesy of Simon Eyre.

******************

At some time in April 1940 he married Mary Cumming at Uxbridge (below).

******************

Sprague joined 602 Squadron at Drem on 18th June.The squadron relieved 145 Squadron at Westhampnett on 12th August and was soon in action. Sprague was shot down in combat in Spitfire N3226 over Dorchester on 25th August. He baled out, unhurt, and was rescued from the sea by a Walrus aircraft. His Spitfire came down in the sea off Portland.

On 11th September Sprague was shot down and killed in combat with Me110s south of Selsey Bill. His Spitfire, N3282, crashed into the Channel.

Sprague's body was washed ashore at Brighton on 10th October. He is buried in St Andrew's churchyard, Tangmere.