The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J McB Christie

John McBean Christie was born on 23rd August 1918 at Oldhall, Paisley, the son of Alexander Christie and Margaret Christie (nee McBean).

He joined the RAFVR in July 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot.

Christie was called up on 1st September 1939 and did his elementary flying training at 12 EFTS Wick.

He moved on to 5 FTS Sealand on No. 48 Course, which ran from 27th May to 10th August 1940.

Christie arrived at 7 OTU Hawarden on the 10th and after converting to Spitfires he joined 152 Squadron at Warmwell on 22nd August.

Above: with his fiancee Williamina.

Above image courtesy of Danny Burt.

On 26th September Christie was shot down by Me109s in combat over the Channel off Swanage. His Spitfire, K9882, crashed into the sea and he was picked up dead.

Christie was 22 and is buried in Arkleston Cemetery, Renfrew.