ONE OF "THE FEW"

Archibald McKellar DSO, DFC and Bar, is celebrated as Paisley's renowned ace fighter pilot from World War II. He was a small, fair-haired man, known for his sharp wit and infectious humor. Often described as “the little Scottish fighter from the past, with the build of Alan Breck, with his hood up against the world,” he embodied resilience during a time of turmoil. As the “Battle of Britain” unfolded above us, with gas masks, shrapnel, and bombings, several men from Paisley, including Pinkerton, Howell, and “Doc” Allan, made their mark, but none shone brighter than the legendary Archibald McKellar. Born in 1912 at 4 Southpark Drive, he was the only child of John and Margaret McKellar. His father, along with his brother, operated a successful plastering business, but the family relocated to Glasgow when Archie was just three. There, he attended Shawlands Academy, where, despite his small stature, he excelled in athletics, showcasing keen reflexes and coordination that would later prove invaluable in combat. Archie harbored two dreams: to follow in his father's footsteps as a plasterer and to soar through the skies as a pilot. While his parents opposed the latter, Archie was determined to pursue aviation. In 1936, he secretly began flying lessons at the Scottish Flying Club in Renfrew, mastering the Tiger Moth and earning his pilot's license. To celebrate, he joyfully flew over his father's house in Glasgow, triumphantly waving the wings of his aircraft. In 1937, he joined the 602 Squadron City of Glasgow, where his flying prowess quickly earned him RAF wings. he opened his account with the Luftwaffe alongside fellow Paisley pilot George Pinkerton during the first raid of the war over the Forth River. Just two weeks later, on November 28, 1939, McKellar became the first to spot a Henkel above Dalkeith. He fired at close range, marking the first enemy aircraft of the war to be shot down over British soil. Following this historic achievement, McKellar found himself in the spotlight, surrounded by photographers, journalists, and the government’s propaganda machine. That day, Archie appeared quite pleased with himself, feeling he had redeemed his earlier blunder from two weeks prior when, after an engagement over the Forth, he had rolled his Spitfire so low over the airfield that he nearly bent its wings! Throughout the first winter of the war, McKellar honed his skills in preparation for the battles ahead. Within a year, he would gain fame in Fighter Command, earning the DSO and two DFCs. On the direct orders of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, he was given command of the 605 Squadron, stationed at Drem, during the dark days of the Battle of Britain. At Drem, McKellar was introduced to his Hurricane Fighter for the first time. Undeterred by its bulky appearance, he remarked, “No problem. I’ll fly it standing up!” In a memorable display of solo aerobatics, he did just that. He was a master at work. His squadron's actions over Newcastle resulted in “4 kills,” “4 probable,” and “3 damaged.” In August, McKellar received his first DFC for his service with the 602 and 605 Squadrons. Soon after, the 605 Squadron was relocated closer to the action, based in Croydon. For eight consecutive days, McKellar averaged one kill per day. News of his remarkable performance spread throughout Fighter Command, earning him the nickname “Killer McKellar.” It came as no surprise when he was awarded a bar to his DFC.