Pilot Officer Douglas James M. Neill RAFVR (81336) was the son of James M. Neill (Surveyor) and Jemima T. W. Neill, Gwalior, Newton Street, Blairgowrie. He had qualified as a pilot before the war and had a considerable amount of experience flying solo. Douglas had been nearly three years in the RAFVR, he joined at the rank of Sergeant – Pilot and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in June of 1940.
Douglas Neill was born 20 October 1918 in Forfar and educated at Blairgowrie High School. He was a science and engineering student at Glasgow University between 1936 and 1939 where he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer reserve. During part of his university vacation, he obtained experience of practical work in Birmingham and at the Riverside Brass Works in Dundee. He was a member of the Blairgowrie Cricket Club.
Pilot Officer Neil was killed in an accident whilst piloting Lockheed Hudson Mk. I, N7273 of RAF 1 Coastal Operational Training Unit at RAF Silloth, Cumbria on 30 September 1940. Hudson N7273 stalled at low altitude and dived into the ground north of Cummertrees, Dumfries and Galloway. All the crew were killed.
The crew of Hudson N7273:
Pilot Officer Douglas James M. Neill RAFVR 81336, Pilot, age 21
Sergeant Herbert Reginal Clayton RAFVR 939677, Wireless Operator, age 24
Sergeant Fred Smith RAFVR 970132, Wireless Operator, age 21
Sergeant William Hereward Wake RAFVR 742271, Pilot, age 21
