Iain MacLeod of Ruaig
Photograph of Iain MacLeod of Ruaig in RAF uniform.
After only one year at university, Iain MacLeod of Ruaig enlisted in the RAF. Along with two other Tiree lads, Alasdair Campbell of Kenovay and Hector Campbell from Crossapol, he was sent to the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
These three young Tiree men were in the first group of fifty RAF pilots sent to North America to be trained. After a year, they gained their wings and returned to Britain.
In 1943 while on patrol in two Mustangs, Iain and a fellow pilot were surprised by four Messerschmitts. His friend dived and escaped, but Iain turned to face his attackers, was shot down and killed.
Black and white photograph of Iain MacLeod, Ruaig.
Iain MacLeod, Ruaig, in RAF uniform. He trained at the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was killed on 15/5/1943.