Alexander Rabagliati
Alexander Coultate Rabagliati | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1914 Scotland |
| Died | 6 July 1943 |
| Service/ | Royal Air Force |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Service number | 37309 |
| Commands held | |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |
|
Wing Commander Alexander Coultate Rabagliati DFC (1914 – 6 July 1943) known as Sandy was a Scottish flying ace of World War II, credited with 21 'kills'.[1]
Born in Scotland, not in South Africa as previously recorded.[1] His great grandfather was an Italian revolutionary from Genoa, who took refuge in Scotland, married a pastor's daughter and settled there.[1]
Educated at Charterhouse School he joined the RAF in 1935. After training was posted to 1 Squadron before moving to 27 Squadron in India in December 1936. He returned to England in 1939, joining No. 1 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit. In 1940 he converted to Hurricanes and joined 46 Squadron, taking command in December 1940.[2]
He returned to England for a stint at Fighter Command Headquarters. In 1943 he became Wing Leader of RAF Coltishall.[2]
During a shipping strike, flying with 195 Squadron on 6 July 1943, his Typhoon was hit by flak and he crashed in the sea.[2]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Shores, C; Williams C (15 July 2008). Aces High: A Tribute to the Most Notable Fighter Pilots. Grub Street. ISBN 978-1-898697-00-8.
- ^ a b c "The Airmen's Stories - F/Lt. A C Rabagliati". Retrieved 8 May 2020.
- 1914 births
- 1943 deaths
- People educated at Charterhouse School
- British World War II flying aces
- Scottish flying aces
- South African recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)
- Royal Air Force personnel killed in World War II
- Royal Air Force squadron leaders
- Aviators killed by being shot down
- Scottish people of Italian descent