Flying Officer (Pilot) Alistair John Oswald Jeffrey DFC

Alistair John Oswald Jeffrey joined the RAF in March 1937 on a short service commission. Following a period with 2FTS at Brize Norton, he was posted to the SHQ staff at RAF Church Fenton in June 1938.

In early 1940, Jeffrey joined 64 Squadron also at Church Fenton, where they converted to Spitfires in April. With the worsening situation in France and the Low Countries, 64 Squadron moved to RAF Kenley on 16 May. From here they were heavily involved in the fighting over Dunkirk, with Jeffrey achieving success against aerial and land targets with one Ju.87 shot down and three more plus a Ju.86 destroyed on the ground on 1 June.
In July he claimed a Bf.110 on the 7th and two He.115 floatplanes on the 19th. During this period the squadron were flying a mix of interception, convoy, reconnaissance and offensive patrols in numbers between one and nine aircraft. The single aircraft patrols were normally attempts at night interception. Unfortunately Flying Officer Jeffrey failed to return from an offensive patrol launched at 14.30 on 25th July.
Eventually it was determined his Spitfire, P9421, had crashed into the sea. However, his body was recovered by the Germans and he is buried in Vlissingen North Cemetery, Netherlands.
He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 13th August 1940.
Alistair was the son of John Patrick Jeffrey, and of Elizabeth S. Jeffrey, of Edinburgh.

Rest in peace Sir and thank you for your service.