Clive Alan Gillions Dale

 
The 125 (Newfoundland) Squadron reformed during June 1941, at RAF Colerne, Wiltshire, they were equipped with Bolton-Paul Defiant night fighters.  The squadron had been founded in February 1918, with the outbreak of the Second World War, the squadron was raised because of a war loan raised by the Newfoundland Commission of Government in 1940. After it was discovered that there was a surplus of $500,000, which was presented to the British Government to establish a squadron, with the hope that they came from Newfoundland. During the early days of the squadron, there were at least a dozen Newfoundlander along with a contingent of English, Scottish, Welsh, Commonwealth, and Polish pilots.

In September 1941, the squadron moved to RAF Fairwood and became fully operational flying Bolton-Paul Defiant night fighters.  Whilst at Fairwood, the squadron began to convert to a twin-engine Bristol Beaufighter in February 1942, which became operational during April of that year.

With many Newfoundlander found in the ranks of the squadron, their aircraft were named in recognition of the regions of Newfoundland.

December 1942, the squadron operated a detachment at RAF Sumburgh, Shetland Islands. In November 1942, the squadron moved to RAF Valley, Anglesey.

Clive Alan Gillions Dale
credit - aucklandmuseum.com

One of those early pilots, Sergeant Clive Alan Gillions Dale, was killed on 25^th October 1941, aged 20.  Dale was the son of Dale and Victoria Dale, Linton, Wellington.

Taking off at 22.00 on the 25^th of October, during a night patrol, Clive who was flying a Boulton Paul Defiant Mk 1, and air gunner John Barron Bayliss.  The aircraft hit a barrage balloon cable. Both men were able to abandon the aircraft before it crashed at Park Crescent, Skewen.  However, Clive’s chute didn’t open to save him, and his body was found 200 yards from the crash site.

Boulton Paul Defiant Mk 1

Clive Alan Gillions Dale
St. Hillay
credit - findagrave

Clive who was born in August 1921, worked as a surveyor in the Public Works Department before enlisting in July 1940. In January 1941, Clive was awarded his pilot’s badge and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in February 1941. Joined 125 Squadron July 1941. Clive was buried at St. Hillary.

John Barron Bayliss survived the war and died in July 1990, and is buried at Maunu Cemetery, New Zealand