The Airmen's Stories - P/O H H Chalder

Harry Hutchinson Chalder was born on 8th March 1915 in Newcastle, the son of Thomas Chalder (1865-1939) and Sarah Chalder (nee Russell 1870-1940).

He attended the Royal Grammar School in Jesmond. He joined the RAF on 26th August 1935 as a direct-entry Airman u/t Pilot.

Chalder married Ann Carr in the 4th Quarter of 1937.

His service after the completion of his training is not known but he was serving with 66 Squadron at Duxford on 1st April 1940, when he was commissioned.

Chalder was posted to 266 Squadron at Martlesham Heath on 15th April 1940.

On 12th August the squadron moved temporarily to Eastchurch to carry out possible anti-shipping operations. Early the next morning the Germans attacked Eastchurch, using thirty Do17s. Severe damage to buildings and hangars was inflicted and six aircraft were destroyed on the ground. Five Do17s were destroyed.

Chalder was injured in the foot by a bomb.

On 15th September he went to 41 Squadron at Hornchurch. On the 17th his Spitfire, N3266, was badly damaged by a Me109 off Dover.

Chalder was shot down in a combat over Charing on 28th September 1940 and baled out, seriously wounded, landing near Garlinge Green.

His Spitfire, X4409, was possibly that which exploded over East Stour Farm, Chilham.

He was admitted to Chartham Hospital and died there on 10th November aged 25.

Chalder is buried in St Nicholas Cemetery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Above image courtesy of Brian Chandler.