81909 Wing Commander Jaroslav Maly RAF

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Info from the Battle of Britain Monument website:

Jaroslav Maly was born in Prague on July 17th 1905. He was in the Czech Air Force when the Germans took over his country on March 15th 1939. He was demobilised two days later and in June went to Poland and joined the Czech Air Force there. When Poland fell he made his way to France and joined the Armee de l'Air in late 1939.

After the French collapse in June 1940, Maly escaped to England and joined 310 Squadron at Duxford at its formation on July 10th. Maly was commissioned in the RAF on the 13th. He claimed a Me109 destroyed on August 31st and returned to base damaged after the combat over the Thames Estuary.

On October 29th, whilst formating for a wing patrol, Maly collided with fellow Czech pilot, Pilot Officer Emil Fechtner. He made a forced-landing near Duxford, and was injured, but sadly PO Fechtner was killed.

Maly died on June 5th 1941. He was then serving as a Wing Commander in the RAF with the Inspectorate of the Czech Air Force (in London). The circumstances of his death are not known for certain, but he probably committed suicide whilst depressed over Fechtner's death. 

Probate. Of 3 Grosvenor Square, London. Died 6(sic).6.1941. Admin to Josef Kalla, Lieut Colonel, and Jan Pavel Pleva, Lieut—both Czechoslovakia Army. Effects £248.

Wg Cdr Jaroslav Maly is buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery, RAF Section 20, Row B, Grave 1. 

For PO Fechtner DFCs details please see page https://tellthemofus.uk/biography-pilot-officer-emil-fechtner-raf-czech-