Robert "Bob" Edward Barckley (RAF No. 138650) was first a soldier in the BEF, then joining RAF and flew Hurricane, Typhoon and Tempest with No. 3 Squadron. He was shot down in his Typhoon while on a "Rhubarb" over Belgium on 2 June 1943. He was picked up by the Comet Line and he successfully evaded via south west France, Madrid and Gibraltar - returning to 3 Squadron on 25 August 1943 where he continued flying the Typhoon.
He subsequently went on to fly the Tempest and he was credited with destroying 12½ V1s between 18 June and 29 August 1944.
He was awarded a DFC on 3 November 1944.
Bob Barckley passed away on 28 March 2020, aged 99.
Barckley's victories in Tempest
| Date | Type claimed | Aircraft Serial No. | Location of claim | Unit |
| 18 June 1944 | V-1 | 3 Sqn | ||
| 19 June 1944 | V-1 | JN759 | W Horley | 3 Sqn |
| 19 June 1944 | V-1 | JN768 | nr Biggin Hill | 3 Sqn |
| 24 June 1944 | V-1 | 3 Sqn | ||
| 7 July 1944 | V-1 | JN815 | nr East Grinstead | 3 Sqn |
| 9 July 1944 | 2 V-1s | 3 Sqn | ||
| 10 July 1944 | 2 V-1s | 3 Sqn | ||
| 14 July 1944 | V-1 | 3 Sqn | ||
| 14 July 1944 | 1/2 V-1 | 3 Sqn | ||
| 20 July 1944 | V-1 | JN755 | 5m W Rye | 3 Sqn |
| 29 August 1944 | V-1 | 3 Sqn |
- Bob Barckley, 3 Squadron, RIP
- Aviateurs alliés passés par Comète via les Pyrénées
Photo:
Don Butcher
Text:
Philip Butcher
Aces High Vol. 2 by Christopher Shores