Archie Boyd facts for kids

Wing Commander Archibald Douglas McNeill Boyd, DSO, DFC (20 June 1918 – 4 April 2014) was a brave pilot in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down many enemy aircraft. After the war, he became a successful businessman.

Archie Boyd's Early Life and Education

Archie Boyd was born on June 20, 1918, in Sheffield, England. He went to a famous boarding school for boys called Harrow School in London. After school, he went to Trinity College, Oxford to study engineering. While at university, he joined the Oxford University Air Squadron. This is where he learned how to fly airplanes. His studies stopped when the Second World War began. He decided to join the military to help his country.

Archie Boyd's RAF Career During World War II

When the Second World War started in 1939, Archie Boyd joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. His first job was with No. 600 Squadron RAF, where he flew a plane called the Bristol Blenheim. He became a flying officer in April 1940.

Flying During the Battle of Britain

Later in 1940, he flew a Bristol Beaufighter as a special "night fighter" during the Battle of Britain. This was a very important air battle. He became a flight lieutenant in April 1941. He was very skilled at flying at night. On May 16, 1941, he shot down a Junkers Ju 88 enemy plane. He then shot down two Heinkel He 111 bombers later that year.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Archie Boyd continued to be successful in 1942. He shot down another Heinkel He 111 bomber in January. In March, he shot down a Heinkel He 115. By doing this, he became a "flying ace." A flying ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross award. This award is given for bravery in flying operations against the enemy.

Leading a Squadron and Overseas Missions

In June 1942, he was promoted to squadron leader. In March 1943, he became the leader of No. 219 Squadron RAF. This squadron was getting ready to go overseas. In June 1943, his squadron went to North Africa. They flew from Bône in French Algeria. Archie Boyd scored the first victories for his squadron there. He shot down two Junkers Ju 88 bombers on the night of June 30, 1943. He fought in the skies over Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, and Italy. He also helped support the Allied invasion of Italy. In August and September, he shot down three more enemy bombers.

Protecting Britain and Final Service

In January 1944, his squadron returned to England. They received new planes called de Havilland Mosquitos. In March 1944, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. This is another very high award for military service. His squadron helped protect the troops during the Normandy landings in June 1944. After that, he helped protect Britain from V-1 flying bombs. These were early types of missiles. He shot down his first V-1 bomb on June 15. His last job in the military was as an air attaché in Dublin, Ireland.

Archie Boyd left the military in 1946. By the end of the war, he had flown 595 missions.

Archie Boyd's Family Life

In July 1940, Archie Boyd married Ursula Steven. They had two sons, Archie and John, and one daughter, Corinne.