Wing Commander TH Archbell “Archie”

Links of Long Standing

Several joined well before war was declared including amongst others, TH Archbell, AS Ainslie, I Bocock, CBE Burt-Andrews GL Cruickshanks, G Chater, IB Difford, FA Harte, GDL Haysom, CB Hull, GLB Hull, AG “Sailor” Malan, EJ Morris, MT Pattle, H Rosofsky, JF Roulston RN Selley, HWL Sheahan CR Taylor and FL Watson.

More than a “Few” South Africans

Durban born, Michaelhouse educated Tempest Haigh “Archie” Archbell another airman turned down by the SAAF, had some flying experience when he was accepted for RAF flying training. His service number suggests he passed the RAF Selection Board process in Salisbury at the same time as his school contemporary Spencer Peacock- Edwards but their RAF flying careers were very different. Archbell, granted a short service commission in July 1938 resigned his commission in July 1947, both commanded RAF squadrons and, earned the “Distinguished Flying Cross”.

More than a “Few” South Africans

Peacock- Edwards was a fighter pilot. Archbell, a transport pilot, flew various aircraft and carried out a wide range of airborne transport and support functions in defenceless aircraft, receiving less publicity than Coastal Command’s unglamorous “Cinderella” activities. “ The London Gazette” April 7th, 1942,” announcement of his “Distinguished Flying Cross” appears to be the only award to a South African RAF transport pilot.

More than a “Few” South Africans

Wing Commander Archbell DFC who also had the unique distinction of being the only South African to fly the King, Queen and Princess Elizabeth as well as other key military and political figures, returned to South Africa after resigning his commission. An unfortunate injury ended his commercial flying career, and he spent most of his working life with a well-known consumer goods group in Durban where he died in 2003.

More than a “Few” South Africans

Patrick Arthur Dorehill flew over 60 bomber sorties including at least one “Thousand Bomber Raid” and the Nuremberg Raid. Awarded the “Distinguished Service Order” and a “Bar” to his “Distinguished Flying Cross”, the last Augsburg Raid survivor attended Michaelhouse several years after “Archie” Archbell and died in 2016 at the age of 94.