Archibald Winskill facts for kids

Air Commodore Sir Archibald Little Winskill, known as Archie, was a brave British Royal Air Force officer. He was born on January 24, 1917, and passed away on August 9, 2005. He was famous for flying Spitfires during the Battle of Britain. He also managed to escape capture twice during Second World War in different parts of the world. After the war, he worked in many important roles around the globe. Later, he became the Captain of the Queen's Flight, which transported the Royal Family.

Early Life and Education

Archibald Winskill was born in Penrith, England. His father was James Winskill. Archie went to Penrith and Carlisle Grammar Schools. These schools helped him get a good start in life.

Military Adventures

Archie Winskill joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1937. He trained to become a pilot. When the Second World War began in September 1939, he was called to serve.

Flying in World War II

Archie learned to fly fast Spitfires. In October 1940, he joined No. 72 Squadron RAF. Soon after, he moved to No. 603 Squadron RAF. He flew in the famous Battle of Britain, defending the skies over England.

On October 29, 1940, he shot down his first enemy plane, a Messerschmitt Bf 109. In November, he helped destroy a Heinkel He 111 bomber. He even shot down two Italian Fiat CR.42 fighters on November 23. This was during one of the few times the Italian Air Force attacked England.

In January 1941, Archie became a flight commander for No. 41 Squadron RAF. He flew missions over Nazi occupied France, protecting bombers. On August 14, 1941, his Spitfire was hit by an enemy plane and caught fire. He had to bail out of his burning aircraft.

He landed safely and was quickly hidden by a French farmer. The farmer's son, Felix Caron, helped him get to their farm. Archie, who spoke French, was then guided by the French Resistance along a secret escape route called the Pat Line. He traveled through the Pyrenees mountains, Andorra, Spain, and finally reached British Gibraltar. It took him three months to get back to England in December 1941.

Because he had used an escape route, Archie could not fly over Europe again. He was sent to Scotland to an air defense squadron. In April 1942, he helped form No. 165 Squadron RAF and led it for a while. He then led No. 222 Squadron RAF and later No. 232 Squadron RAF.

In December 1942, his squadron went to North Africa. They supported the First Army in Algeria and Tunisia. On January 18, 1943, he was shot down again, this time off the coast of Tunisia. He landed in the sea and was rescued by local Arabs. He then made his way back to his squadron, passing through areas controlled by the Germans. This made him one of the very few people to escape capture twice during the war! In April 1943, he shot down a Junkers Ju 87 and helped destroy another. He also destroyed two planes on the ground at La Sebala Airfield.

Archie returned to England in June 1943. He became an instructor at the Central Gunnery School. He was promoted to squadron leader in June 1944. He then led the Fighting Wing of the school. After that, he attended a special training course at the Staff College, Camberley. In June 1945, he started working at the Air Ministry.

After the War

Archie continued his service in the Royal Air Force after the war. In 1947, he was sent to Japan. There, he led No. 17 Squadron RAF as part of the Allied forces. He learned to fly jets instead of Spitfires.

In 1949, he became an air adviser to the Belgian Air Force. He helped them set up their first group of Gloster Meteor jet fighters. He was promoted to Wing Commander in 1953 and group captain in 1959. He also commanded RAF Turnhouse and RAF Duxford air bases.

In 1961, Archie worked at the headquarters of Royal Air Force Germany. He was promoted to air commodore in 1963. In 1964, he became an air attaché in Paris, France. His last role before retiring was Director of Public Relations for the RAF in 1967. He retired from the Royal Air Force on December 18, 1968, after 31 years of service.

Life After the RAF

On February 15, 1968, Archie Winskill became the Captain of the Queen's Flight. In this role, he was in charge of the safety and comfort of the Royal passengers. He oversaw the introduction of new helicopters and aircraft for the Flight.

In 1971, he helped arrange the first parachute jump by Charles, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III). In 1972, he organized the flight of the Duke of Windsor's body from France for his funeral. Archie retired from this role in 1982.

Archie was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. He visited her summer home, the Castle of Mey, every year until she passed away. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and bridge.

Sir Archibald Winskill passed away on August 9, 2005, at the age of 88.

Family Life

In 1947, Archie married Christiane Bailleux from France. They had two children, a daughter and a son. Sadly, their son passed away before Archie. His wife and daughter survived him.

Awards and Recognition

Archie Winskill received many awards for his bravery and service.

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) on January 6, 1942. This award recognized his courage in flying against the enemy. His award mentioned that he had flown over 250 hours and destroyed at least three enemy aircraft. It also noted how he saved a bomber from attack.

On July 27, 1943, he received a second Distinguished Flying Cross. This was shown by adding a medal bar to his original DFC ribbon. He also received the Air Efficiency Award in 1944 for his long service.

In 1960, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). In 1973, he became a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). In 1980, he was promoted to Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO), which meant he could use the title "Sir."

Here are some of the ribbons for his awards:

Ribbon	Details
	Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (1980) Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (1973)
	Commander of the Order of the British Empire (1960)
	Distinguished Flying Cross (1942) and bar (1943)
	1939–45 Star with Battle of Britain clasp
	Air Crew Europe Star
	Africa Star with NORTH AFRICA 1942–43 clasp
	Defence Medal
	War Medal 1939–1945
	Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal (1977)
	Air Efficiency Award (1944)

He was also appointed an extra equerry to Queen Elizabeth II in 1968. In 1978, he was given the Freedom of the City of London.