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Archibald Finnie joined the RAFVR in November 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September 1939, he went to 10 FTS Tern Hill in early November where he completed his training, being commissioned in early May 1940.
Finnie arrived at 5 OTU Aston Down on 23rd June 1940 for a conversion course on Spitfires. He joined 54 Squadron at Rochford on 8th July 1940.
On the 24th he made a forced-landing at Great Bainden Farm, Mayfield after sustaining damage attacking Do17’s bombing a convoy in the Channel off Dover. He later returned to Rochford.
Finnie was shot down and killed the next day in Spitfire I R6816 during combat with Me109’s off Dover.
He was 24 years old and is buried in Margate Cemetery, Kent - Section 50. Grave 15937.
Ref
CWGC
Battle of Britain Monument London
The Kent Battle of Britain Museum