The pilot Norman Merrett, originally from Michaelston-le-Pit, was the first member of the squadron to be killed in the Second World War.
The book, ‘On Dragons’ Wings’, is the brainchild of former Penarth Times journalist Martin Wade, who hails from Dinas Powys.
Included in the book is the story of Norman Merrett (Image: Martin Wade)
It tells the story of Number 614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, Wales’ sole RAF Reserve unit.
The unit was created in 1937, with men serving in their free time.
However, when war began, they were mobilised and served in the UK, North Africa, and Europe.
Following his death, the Michaelston-le-Pit community raised £5,000 for a spitfire. Norman’s father led the effort (Image: Martin Wade)
The squadron also flew jet fighters from South Wales during the Cold War and supported RAF operations globally, including Wales during the pandemic.
One of the key figures featured in the book is Mr Merrett, who joined No. 614 Squadron shortly after its establishment on June 1, 1937.
Mr Merrett had learnt to fly with Cardiff Flying Club.
His aircraft collided with another while operating in Scotland as an Army Co-Operation unit in 1940.
Mr Merrett’s untimely death sparked an overwhelming response from his community.
Martin Wade wrote On Dragons’ Wings about the 614 squadron (Image: Martin Wade)
In honour of his memory, villagers, led by his heartbroken father, raised £5,000 to buy a Spitfire which was named after the pilot.
This donation marked the village of Michaelston-le-Pit as the smallest community in Britain to make such a contribution to the Spitfire Fund.
His father also had a stained-glass window built in St Michael’s Church as a symbol of remembrance.
The memory of the squadron, and particularly that of Mr Merrett, still lives on within the community.
Alongside the spitfire, Norman Merrett’s father had a stained glass window installed in St Michael’s Church in his memory (Image: Martin Wade)
Given the strong ties between the church in Michaelston-le-Pit and 614 Squadron, its Squadron Association Standard has been placed within the church, and the church has celebrated their link by adopting them.
‘On Dragons’ Wings’ casts new light on the heroic role played by these Welsh volunteers, in time for the centenary year of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
It is now available for purchase from Y Lolfa, priced at £14.99.
