About
A triptych of grey stone rises on the banks of Loch Doon. It memorialises the Czech Spitfire pilot, Frantisek Hekl, whose plane crashed into the loch in October 1941.
Frantisek Hekl had enlisted with the RAF Volunteer Reserve in November 1940. Then in 1941, he joined the 312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron which was based out of RAF Ayr.
On the morning of 25th October 1941, Frantisek Hekl took off from RAF Ayr and headed towards Loch Doon. He flew fast and low over the loch. While doing so, the wingtip of his plane struck the surface and was quickly submerged under the water of the loch.
Frantisek Hekl's plane was eventually recovered in 1982, but sadly his body has never been found.
Frantisek's memorial was designed by local sculptor Kevin Roberts.
It was designed to represent the Spitfire wingtip that struck the loch as the plane banked, causing the fatal crash.
Wreaths are still laid at the memorial to commemorate the bravery of the Czech pilot who lost his life serving in the RAF.
Know Before You Go
The recovered Spitfire is now on display at Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum.
Community Contributors
Added By
Published
June 19, 2026
