Lee graduated from the RAF College, Cranwell in 1937 and served with No 87 Squadron before moving to No 85 Squadron. He went with 85 to France at the outbreak of war and quickly became ‘B’ Flight commander, as an acting Flight Lieutenant. Lee scored the squadron’s first victory on 21 November 1939 and went on to be highly successful.
On 11 May 1940 he was shot down and captured, but escaped. He returned to the UK on leave on 17 May, but joined No 56 Squadron.
On 27 May he was shot down over Dunkirk and was rescued after an hour in the water. Lee rejoined 85. On 18 August Lee failed to return. He was last seen chasing enemy aircraft 30 miles off the east coast. He is remembered on panel 6 of the Runnymede Memorial.
For his service over France, Dickie Lee received the DSO and the DFC.
