Fighter Pilot: A Self-portrait by George Barclay

He was called up on the outbreak of war, and posted to No. 249 Squadron RAF in July 1940, he flew through the Battle of Britain, receiving the DFC in October. During the Battle of Britain, his diary records that he could see his house while flying from RAF North Weald.[2] Barclay's DFC citation from November 1940 reads: Flying Officer Richard George Arthur Barclay (74661), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve - No. 249 Squadron. This officer has shown admirable coolness and courage in combat against the enemy. His keenness and determination have enabled him to destroy at least four of their aircraft (DFC Citation[3]) As a flight commander with No. 611 Squadron RAF, Barclay was shot down over occupied France in September 1941. He force landed and evaded capture, making his way to Spain with help from the French Resistance. In April 1942 he was posted to North Africa and returned to flying as CO of No. 238 Squadron RAF, flying Hawker Hurricanes Mk II's. He was shot down and killed