Evan Mackie

Who was Evan Mackie?

Wing Commander Evan "Rosie" Mackie, DSO, DFC & Bar, was a New Zealand fighter pilot and ace of the Second World War.

Many New Zealand pilots who served overseas enlisted in the RAF; Mackie chose to join the RNZAF and as such he was the highest scoring member of that service.

Born in October 1917, 'Rosie', trained as an electrician before the war. Mackie joined the RNZAF in January 1941, and on completion of flying training was posted to the No 485 Squadron in the UK in early 1942. On 26 March he shared in destroying a Bf 109, and a month later probably destroyed a FW 190. His Spitfire was hit by flak in the port wing but he returned to base safely.

In March 1943 he was posted to North Africa, to No. 243 Squadron, flying the Spitfire Mk V. He was shot down over Pont du Fahs area on 24 April, but returned on foot to Allied lines the next day. He was awarded the DFC in May, and achieved success in combat through April- October 1943. On 7 April the squadron intercepted fifteen Ju 87's with Bf 109 escort. The Spitfires shot down five, Mackie claiming two. Three days later he claimed a Bf 109 and in the next month claimed another two destroyed and share in a third. He was subsequently awarded the DFC.