The Airmen's Stories - S/Ldr. J R MacLachlan

James Robert Maclachlan was born on 27th February 1911 at Longueil, Quebec, Canada. He was brought up in Ottawa.

He joined the RCAF in October 1932 but was placed on the Reserve of Officers on 1st June 1933. He next joined the RAF in May 1934 on a direct-entry permanent commission as a University Entrant.

He was posted to 3 FTS Grantham on the 26th and joined 19 Squadron at Duxford on 4th March 1935. He moved to the newly-reformed 213 Squadron at Church Fenton on 23rd March 1937 as a Flight Commander.

MacLachlan went to the RAF School of Aeronautical Engineering at Henlow on 3rd January 1938 for a course.

He took command of 46 Squadron at Digby in June 1940 and was posted away on 6th October.

MacLachlan transferred to the Technical Branch later in 1940.

He was Mentioned in Despatches in June 1942 and 1943.

His subsequent service is currently undocumented though he stayed in the RAF postwar, serving in Singapore and was also seconded to the De Havilland aircraft company.

He retired on 1st September 1956 as a Group Captain.

Subsequently MacLachlan joined the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment as Senior Superintendent, Weapons Development. He resigned in 1964.

MacLachlan died in 1989.