The Airmen's Stories - P/O J G Lecky

John Gage Lecky was born on 10th November 1920 in Yokohama, Japan, the son of Lt.-Col. John Gage Lecky (1883-1969) and Marion Dorothy Hume Lecky (nee Balfour 1894-1973).

His father, from Jersey, had previously served in the Indian Army and was then Language Officer at the British Embassy.

JG Lecky's uncle, Lieutenant Averell Lecky, was serving with the 2nd Battalion, Prince of Wales Leinster Regiment when he was killed in action on 20th October 1914 aged 29.

He lies in Chapelle-D'Armentieres Old Military Cemetery.

Lecky's cousin, P/O John William Lecky, was serving with 85 Squadron in France when he was killed in a road accident in Le Touquet on 18th May 1940 aged 20.

He was returning from leave. He lies in Etaples Military Cemetery.

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JG Lecky was educated at Highfield Preparatory School, Liphook and Wrekin College, Shropshire.

Lecky entered the RAF College, Cranwell in April 1939 as a Flight Cadet. The normal course was shortened because of the war and he was commissioned in March 1940.

(Lecky is shown above, left, at far left sitting on wing)

His first posting was to an army co-operation squadron and he then joined 610 Squadron at Biggin Hill in August. Lecky moved to 41 Squadron at Hornchurch on 1st October 1940.

He was shot down in combat with Me109s on the 11th and baled out but was killed. His Spitfire, P9447, crashed at Preston Hall, Maidstone.

Lecky was 19. He is buried in All Saints' churchyard, Tilford, Surrey.