He was later selected for pilot training, and after qualifying he served with No 151 Squadron. He was promoted to Flight Sergeant in October 1939 and commissioned in April 1940.
Muirhead joined No 605 Squadron at Wick on 6 April. On the 10th he damaged a He 111.
The squadron moved south to Hawkinge during the Battle of France. Muirhead destroyed a He 111 and damaged another on 22 May, destroyed a Hs 126 and two Ju 87s on the 25th and destroyed a Bf 110 on the 26th. On this day Muirhead was patrolling Dunkirk when he was shot down. He baled out, was rescued from the sea and admitted to hospital. Muirhead did not return to 605 until 15 July. He was awarded the DFC.
He claimed a He 111 destroyed on 15 August and shared a Do 17 on 24 September. He was appointed ‘B’ Flight Commander on the 29th and promoted to acting Flight Lieutenant shortly afterwards.
Muirhead was shot down in combat with Bf 109s over south London on 7 October and baled out, unhurt. His Hurricane crashed and burned out at Bexley. In the action he damaged a Bf 109.
Eight days later Muirhead was shot down and killed by Bf 109s over Maidstone. His aircraft crashed at Spekes Bottom, Darland, near Gillingham. He was 27.
He is buried in St Mary’s churchyard, Holme Cultram, Cumberland.
