Date of birth:

October 8th, 1910 (Ireland)

Nationality:

Irish (1919-present, Republic)

Service number 34072.

Pat Meagher was born in 1910 at Haulbowline, County Cork in Ireland, though he later lived in Neston, Cheshire. He joined the Territorial Army in 1931 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 67th (7th London) Field Brigade, Royal Artillery. He then resigned his commission on 29th April 1933 after gaining a six year short service commission with the RAF. In 1935 he served as Pilot Officer with No. 84 (Bomber) Squadron based at Shaibah in Iraq, flying Westland Wapiti aircraft.
Early 1940,Meagher served with No. 107 Squadron on Blenheims, flying over France. He transferred to fighters and was posted at No. 41 Squadron as Squadron Leader in May 1941. A month later he moved to No. 602 Sqadron. He was restationed again in August. Late 1941/early 1942, he was posted out to the Far East and took command of No. 211 Squadron in October 1943, flying Blenheims and then converting to Beaufighters and becoming the most succesful pilot in Burma. In August 1944 he left the squadron to go and command 169 Wing. At the start of 1945 he returned to the UK.
He was credited with 9 confirmed victories.
There seems to be some confusion over his post-war career. One source quotes that he became Manager of Cardiff Airport in the late 1940’s and in 1947 was present at a 211 Squadron reunion (which he commanded in India and over Burma during 1943/44). Another source indicates he might have drowned in a swimming accident in the Far East soon after the war.

Promotions:
June 6th, 1934: Pilot Officer (probation)
June 22nd, 1935: Pilot Officer
March 6th, 1936: Flying Officer
March 6th, 1938: Flight Lieutenant
January 1st, 1940: Squadron Leader
September 1st, 1941: Wing Commander (temp)
December 10th, 1944: Wing Commander

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Wing Commander

Unit:

No. 211 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

March 28th, 1944

Citation:
"In February, 1944, this officer flew the leading aircraft of a formation detailed to attack a ground target. During the operation, Wing Commander Meagher observed 4 enemy aircraft a few thousand feet above him. He promptly climbed to engage them and, after cleverly manoeuvring to close range, shot two of the enemy aircraft down. The other two fighters then attempted to engage Wing Commander Meagher but he frustrated them and flew safely to base. In this spirited action, during which he drew the enemy force completely away from his formation, Wing Commander Meagher displayed great skill, courage and determination. His success brought his total victories to 8."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Wing Commander

Unit:

No. 211 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 6th, 1944

• - SHORES, CH. & WILLIAMS, C., Aces High, Grub Street, London, 1994.
  - SHORES, CH. & WILLIAMS, C., Aces High Volume 2, Grub Street, London, 1999.
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36443 published on the 24 March 1944
  - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36733 published on the 3 October 1944