George Barclay

Who was George Barclay?

Squadron Leader Richard George Arthur Barclay DFC RAF was a British pilot who was killed in action on 17 July 1942 during the battle of El Alamein aged 22.

Born in South London, his father was an Anglican rector, and his family home for most of his childhood was in the rectory at Great Holland, on the Essex coast, near Frinton-on-Sea. In 1940, during the Battle of Britain, his diary records that he could see the house while flying from RAF North Weald. He attended Hawtreys preparatory school, Stowe School, and Trinity College, Cambridge, and joined the University Air Squadron in 1938. He was called up on the outbreak of war, and posted to No. 249 Squadron RAF in July 1940, he flew through the Battle of Britain, receiving the DFC in October.

Flying Officer Richard George Arthur Barclay, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve - No. 249 Squadron. This officer has shown admirable coolness and courage in combat against the enemy. His keenness and determination have enabled him to destroy at least four of their aircraft

As a flight commander with No. 611 Squadron RAF, Barclay was shot down over occupied France in September 1941.