BARCLAY-RICHARD

A  CASUALTY  OF  D-DAY  1944

Naval aviation had only limited opportunities to engage Hitler’s armed forces during World War II.  Although no carrier task force was present to support the landings at Normandy on June 6, 1944, Naval Aviators did in fact participate in this greatest amphibious invasion in history.  When the Navy was planning for the Normandy Invasion it became obvious that the scout planes aboard cruisers and battleships normally used to spot for naval bombardment would be sitting ducks for the high performance German fighters.  So, a decision was made to give the spotters a high performance fighter and thus even the odds a little.  Seventeen pilots from three U.S. cruisers and three U.S. battleships were assembled in a group designated VCS-7 and in May 1944 were given rapid indoctrination in flying the British Spitfire Mk.V borrowed from the Royal Air Force, all  complete with British markings and paint schemes. 

LT Richard Miller Barclay, the senior OS2U Kingfisher pilot assigned to USS TUSCALOOSA (CA-37), was one of the pilots who found himself assigned to VCS-7 and training to fly the Spitfire.  On D-Day, June 6, 1944, missions were flown from a base in England and typically utilized two aircraft, the lead plane functioning as the spotter and the wingman providing protection escort against enemy aerial attack.  A typical spotting sortie lasted almost two hours which provided 45 minutes on station and one hour in transit.  German fighters were rarely encountered and although missions were normally flown at 6,000 feet, poor weather often forced the spotter to operate between 1,500 and 2,000 feet, or even lower, where they were particularly vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire.  It has been reported that on D-Day, LT Barclay successfully flew two spotting recognizance flight missions.  When a lesser-ranked pilot refused to fly his assigned mission, LT Barclay volunteered to fly a third mission in the man’s place.  During the flight LT Barclay was shot down and killed by anti-aircraft fire and crashed in a field near Colleville-sur-Mer.  His wingman, despite severe damage to his right wing and aileron, managed to return home.  LT Barclay became the only pilot of VCS-7 to be killed due to enemy action during the short existence of VCS-7 which disbanded on June 26, 1944.

LT Barclay, a native of Riverton, New Jersey, was laid to rest at Westfield Friends Burial Grounds in Cinnaminson, New Jersey.

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS CITATION

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Richard M. Barclay, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period of the invasion of the coast of France on 6 June 1944.  Lieutenant Barclay, with tireless energy and exceptional skill provided accurate spotting for naval gunfire support missions.  Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire and without regard for personal safety, he flew his plane into the thick of battle to report back to the ships, important tactical targets.  During the period of the invasion he flew sorties in a type aircraft in which he had little prior instruction, demonstrating highest standards of flying technique and much determination.  The courage and devotion to duty of Lieutenant Barclay was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Submitted by CDR Roy A. Mosteller, USNR (Ret)