Proudfoot, Samuel George (Squadron Leader, b.1915 - d.1943)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of 403006 Squadron Leader Samuel George Proudfoot, 11 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, India and Australia, 1943-1948.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Consists of three letters to Squadron Leader Proudfoot’s father, Mr Hector Thomas Proudfoot, relating to his son’s death in India on 13 September 1943. The first letter, dated 24 September 1943, was written by Squadron Leader Proudfoot’s previous commanding officer, Wing Commander Harley Charles Stumm. In his letter, Wing Commander Stumm offers his sympathy and describes Squadron Leader Proudfoot’s good character, popularity within the squadron, and skill as a pilot. The second letter, dated 30 September 1943, was written by Flight Lieutenant W.S. Ferguson [identity unknown]. Flight Lieutenant Ferguson expresses his sympathy, and writes about the circumstances of Squadron Leader Proudfoot’s death and funeral. The third letter was written in March 1948 by a representative of the Department of Air. It relates to the burial site of Squadron Leader Proudfoot.

Squadron Leader Samuel George Proudfoot enlisted to the Royal Australian Air Force on 11 November 1940. He underwent training in New South Wales and Queensland, and qualified as a pilot in June 1941. Proudfoot did further training in Egypt, the Middle East, and Kenya before being posted to 11 Squadron in Ceylon in January 1942. Alongside the rest of 11 Squadron, he was transferred to India in early 1943, and flew missions over Burma. Squadron Leader Proudfoot was killed in an aircraft accident on 13 September 1943. He is buried at Madras War Cemetery, Chennai, India.