The Airmen's Stories - W/Cdr. R A Chignell

Robert Alexander Chignell was born in October 1905 in Leighton Buzzard, the son of Dr. Alfred Leigh Chignell (1864-1925) and Ada Frances Chignell (nee Heley 1878-1952).

He joined the RAF on a short service commission in December 1927.

He went to 2 FTS Digby on 14th January 1928 and after completing his training he joined 12 Squadron at Andover on 15th December.

Chignell was posted to 444 (Fleet Spotter-Reconnaissance) Squadron at Lee-on-Solent on 29th January 1930, moving to the School of Naval Co-operation in March 1932. At the end of the year Chignell went to SHQ RAF Calshot.

He married Nancy Mettam in April 1935 in Bournemouth.

He was then posted to RAF Seletar, in the Straits Settlements, on 25th March 1937 and was put in charge of a detachment at Trincomalee.

Chignell returned to Britain and went to SHQ Biggin Hill on 10th July 1938. He commanded 32 Squadron there from 30th October 1939 to 6th May 1940. He arrived at Dyce on 12th May to take up the post of Fighter Sector Commander and Senior Controller in the Dyce Ops Room.

Whilst at Dyce Chignell flew two operational sorties with ‘B’ Flight of 145 Squadron, on 2nd and 6th September, thus qualifying him for the Battle of Britain Clasp.

Posted to the Far East, Chignell was killed at Kallang on 14th February 1942, as a Wing Commander, aged 36. He was aboard High Speed Launch 105 which was escaping from Singapore, it was attacked constantly by Japanese aircraft and he was killed by a shell splinter.

His body had to be buried at sea and he is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial in Kranji War Cemetery (picture below).

In recognition of gallant conduct in operations against the Japanese in early 1942, Chignell received a Mention in Despatches on 1st October 1946.

(Photograph above courtesy of Jonathan Morford and Captain Robert L Koprowski, US Army (Veteran))

He is also commemorated by a plaque in St.Michaels Church, Askerswell, Dorset (below).

Image courtesy of Dorinda Miles.