Click on the image to enlarge
[via Spitfire Association]

Yet another sad news arrived in the mailbox yesterday.
John Allan Doyle, Australian Spitfire pilot passed away on the 13 th August.

John enlisted with the RAAF in June 1942 and served with No. 85 Squadron in the rank of Flying Officer. The squadron was fitted out originally with Boomerangs until they received Spitfires Mk. Vs, which as is widely known, did a much better job. No. 85 Squadron mainly served on the West Australian coast during the War.

John often spoke about one of his wartime experiences when his wingman decided to land on top of his Spitfire. The result was more than a dent or two in his cockpit Perspex and to his head which required a few weeks off duty. His wingman was killed two weeks after the incident, and John did not have a chance to discuss the incident with him.

John’s funeral service will take place this Friday.

Labels: history