Archie Mc Kellar - Joining The AAF and RAF

Joining The AAF and RAF

His flying skills earned him the attention of Lord Hamilton, Commanding Officer of No. 602 Squadron AAF. Hamilton invited McKellar to join the Auxiliary Air Force (AAF) and was soon commissioned into the RAF as a Pilot Officer on 8 November 1936, joining No. 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron RAF. Mckellar's comrades nicknamed him "Shrimp" owing to his short, 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 m), stature. Mckellar stayed with the Squadron and on 8 May 1938 was promoted to Flying Officer.

Based at RAF Abbotsinch near Paisley, the squadron operated the Hawker Hind light bomber. The members of squadron—both pilots and ground staff—were reservists and completed their service on a part-time basis, in the evenings, weekends and an annual two–week summer camp. With the approach of war, the squadron converted to a fighter role and re-equipped with the Supermarine Spitfire. It mobilised on the outbreak of war at RAF Grangemouth on 6 October 1939 and then to RAF Drem a month later, charged with defending Edinburgh and the shipping area around the Firth of Forth.

Upon completing training McKellar was deemed to have exceptional eyesight which earned him a reputation as a good marksman in air-to-air combat. Yet, paradoxically, when shooting with his rifle he was a well below average shot; a trait he shared with other successful pilots. McKellar's was a keen sportsman. He believed physical fitness was a critical attribute in aerial combat; ensuring his mind and body were always at their peak of alertness, able to react swiftly with a fluid battle situation.

McKellar was also considered a capable leader in combat. Aggressive and instinctive, Mckellar’s fighting spirit was an inspiration to his Squadron but according to one biographer, he was highly strung, vociferous and blunt with members of his unit. Nevertheless, his direct honesty and socially confident nature singled him out for command. His dedication to his job as a fighter pilot and leader led him to refuse any leave from his Squadron while the battle lasted. Invariably McKellar led from the front of his unit. He spent most hours with his Squadron practising battle techniques and tactics. While intensely loyal to anyone he considered a friend, McKellar's attitude to others was either of utmost friendliness or utter dislike; having a tendency to see everything and everyone in "black and white"—with no grey areas between the extremes.