The Airmen's Stories - F/Lt. K M Stoddart

Kenneth Maxwell Stoddart was born on 26th May 1914 and educated at Sedbergh and Clare College, Cambridge. He joined 611 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force at Speke in December 1936 and qualified as a pilot in late 1937.

He was appointed 'B' Flight Commander on 10th August 1939, with the rank of Acting Flight Lieutenant. He was called to full-time service on 24th August 1939.

Above: 611 Squadron members in 1937/8 with a Hawker Hind.

L to R: P/O K Stoddart, P/O JE McComb, F/Lt. WL Lang, P/O SH Bazley, Medical Officer, Unknown,

F/Lt. HC Parker (Adjutant).

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He married Jean Roberta Young on 4th September 1940 at Christ Church, Hampstead (below).

Stoddart made his last flight with 611 on 28th September 1940. He fell ill and relinquished his command of 'B' Flight on 7th October. He was made non-effective sick from 16th October.

He later went on sick leave and was posted from 611 Squadron to RAF Digby on 24th November 1940, whilst still on sick leave. His subsequent service is currently undocumented until he was released from the RAF in 1945 as a Wing Commander. Stoddart was made a Deputy Lieutenant for Lancashire in 1958.

He became High Sheriff of Merseyside in 1974 and was Lord Lieutenant Metropolitan County of Merseyside 1979 to 1989.

He became an Hon Ll.D Liverpool in 1986 and a KCVO in 1989.

Sir Kenneth died on 26th December 2008 at Neston, Cheshire.