Remembrance Season and F/Lt Francois de Spirlet.

All day I have been wondering what to post for my 2000th. Something worthwhile.

Last year, as many of you will remember, Remembrance Sunday sparked off a quest to erect a memorial to first one, then two pilots from 609 (WR) Squadron – Sgt John Wiseman and F/Sgt Alan Haddon. I guess it’s now time for my second one…..

At 06:15HRS ON Friday 26th June 1942 at Duxford aerodrome, whilst taking off as a pair, the Belgians Raymond ‘Cheval’ Lallemand and Francois De Spirlet collided (De Spirlet’s Typhoon, R7710 PR-E, having a blow-out that swung the aircraft across the runway and into Chevals R7817 PR-D). F/Lt Francois Xavier Egenoff De Spirlet was killed. A very popular flight Commander, de Spirlet was the squadron’s only fatality at that station, and their first on Typhoons. Initially buried at Brookwood, he now lies at Evere in his homeland. Perhaps some entries from the diary of ‘Babe’ Haddon say things best. (What this text does not, however, show is the marked difference in handwriting on 26th June.) Alan was incredibly affected by this, as was the rest of the squadron:

“Jun 25th. Practice Wing in morning, No. 2 to de Spirlet. Aircraft is u/s after that so nothing else during day. Have a bath then Cheval and I go for a quiet ride in the country.

Jun 26th. A terrible day – de Spirlet killed – I can’t believe it. Am in daze for rest of the day. Why had he to go. I pray to the Lord to look after François. I get very drunk in evening.

Jun 27th. Go to Coltishall in morning, return in afternoon. Have a quiet evening. Feel pretty bloody. Haven’t recovered from shock yesterday.

Jun 28th. Weather u/s for flying in morning. Fly in afternoon and then escort body of François to station. Saxce, Beamont and I go out on a blind in evening. Finish up at dance.

Jun 29th. Formation in morning and in afternoon. François buried at Brookwood in afternoon. God will certainly find an honoured place for him in His home.

Jun 30th. No flying. Weather u/s all day. Stay in my room all evening. Have a drink and then go to bed. Lie listening to wireless.

Jul 1st. Early morning readiness. Do some air firing. Some new fellows come to squadron. Hope 609 can recover its old glory – will have to fight like devils now for Pyker and François.”

De Spirlet had been posted to 87 Squadron on 12th August 1940, and had flown through the Battle of Britain before 609 the squadron on 15th April 1941. He is credited with 2 Bf109E’s destroyed (17/6/41 and 29/8/41) and was himself shot into the Channel on 22/6/41.

I think this time a simple affair at Duxford would be nice – provided I can persuade the neccessary people! Depending on how much I raise, initial thoughts are a bench with plaque (12″x8″ engraved brass”). Should I reach a higher amount, and if Duxford are agreeable, then perhaps a second in the style of Johnny and Babe’s plinth might be in order.

Visit of Belgian Minister Of War Camille Gutt. Remy ‘Mony’ Van Lierde DFC**, Raymond Dopere, Roger Malengreau, Andre ‘Mel / Le Men’ Blanco, Christian Ortmans, Camille Gutt, Francois de Spirlet, Raymond ‘Cheval’ Lallemand DFC* at Duxford