ARCHER, F/L Phillip Leslie Irving (J3508) -
                     Distinguished Flying Cross

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Award effective 24 August 1942 as per London Gazette dated 11 September 1942 and AFRO 1535/42 dated 25 September 1942.

This officer has completed sorties over enemy territory and has destroyed at least four enemy aircraft. On one occasion, although wounded in the leg, Flight Lieutenant Archer flew his badly damaged aircraft back to the base where he executed a skilful landing. He is a most efficient leader.



Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, 1917.
Son of Frederick Leslie and Millicent Beryl Archer, - of Hastings St. Michael, Barbados. R Sc.
Joined RCAF in Montreal, 6 June 1940. Trained at No.1 ITS No.6 EFTS, and No.1 SFTS.
Posted overseas immediately; to No.57 OTU, 17 February 1941; then to No.92 Squadron, 5 May 1941 where he destroyed three enemy aircraft, damaged one & was Wounded In Action
No.412 Squadron, 11 November 1941; to No.416 Squadron ("A" Flight Commander), 10 March '42 To Station Kenley, 1 December 1942. Presented with award 9 February 1943. Designated CO, No.402 Squadron, 13 June 1943 and attached to No.421 Squadron for a few days (to get back to operational standards)
On 17 June 1943 he took command of No.421 Squadron Killed in Action 17 June 1943.
Aged 26.
Buried at : LONGUENESSE (ST OMER) SOUVENIR CEMETERY Plot 8. Row A. Grave 1 - Pas de Calais,France

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Air Casualties
Ottawa, July 25, 1943 - (CP) - The R.C.A.F. in its 636th casualty list of the war containing 38 names yesterday reported two men killed on active service overseas, one dead from injuries suffered on active service overseas, 12 missing on active service after overseas air operations and four killed on active service in Canada. Including with next of kin: ARCHER. Philip Leslie Irving - D.F.C. Sqdn. Ldr., missing after air operations overseas. Mrs. F.L. Archer (mother), Belleville, St. Michael, Barbados.



Air Force Casualties

Ottawa, November 16, 1943 - (CP) - The R.C.A.F. reported tonight in its 734th casualty list of the war, containing 50 names, that nine men have been killed on active service overseas, while 16 others are missing on active service after air operations. In Canada, three men were listed as killed on active service and three others as previously reported missing on active service and now for official purposes presumed dead. Including, with next of kin: ARCHER, Philip Leslie Irving – D.F.C., Sqdn. Ldr., previously reported missing on active service overseas, now for official purposes presumed dead. Mrs. F.L. Archer (mother), Clovelly, Barbados, B.W.I.