2/Lt IAN DERMID CAMPBELL - 24 Sqn

192. Memorial Plaque to 2 Lieut IAN DERMID CAMPBELL 24 Sqn RFC. Scout Pilot, KIA France 30/11/1917 aged 19 years and one month.

Ian was the son of the wealthy South African merchant John Stuart Campbell and lived at Inverdunning House, Dunning, Perthshire. He was a pupil at Murchison Castle when war was declared and enlisted from this school directly into the army where he was granted a commission in the RFC.

After completing pilot training he was posted to 24 Sqn flying DH 5 scouts. In company with Capt Beanlank his flight commander he was jumped by four scouts of Jasta 11 and shot down by the Ace Leutnant Von Osten on the 30/11/17 .

Campbell 's aircraft smashed into farmland south of Bourlon Wood, Arras where he disappeared in the fog of war and he remains missing in action. He is listed on the Arras Flying Services Memorial.

The ace Van Osten was himself shot down but survived active service in both wars before returning to his estates in Pomerania where at the time of his death in 1987 he is noted as being both the CO and the second last survivor of Jasta 11. He was actively involved in Richthofen Geschwader reunions.

Research with this plaque includes copies of a poignant letter from Capt Beanlank to Campbell 's sister, a Red Cross nurse; a photo of Cambell's wrecked aircraft; his birth certificate; M.I.A. telegram to Miss Campbell and photographs and info on Van Osten.

Another lost school boy who did not live to complete his education at Edinburgh University or enjoy the vast fortune his father left him.