Derrick Simpson was killed along with Flying Officer Hugh Haswell RAFVR (72482), age 21 from South Africa, and Sergeant Raymond Bradshaw Martin RAFVR (751104), age 21, when Bristol Blenheim IV, L9473 was shot down over the English Channel on 25 July 1940.  

Perthshire Advertiser, 10th May 1941

“INTIMATIONS - DEATHS - ON ACTIVE SERVICE"

“SIMPSON.– Formerly reported missing, now officially presumed killed in action, Sergeant Derrick B. Simpson, R.A.F.V.R., aged 19 years, beloved son and only child of the late James Simpson, factor Scone Estates, and Mrs Simpson, 18 Balvaird Place, Perth.”

“PERTH AIRMAN PRESUMED KILLED"

“LOST ON FLIGHT FOR WHICH HE VOLUNTEERED: PILOT’S TRIBUTE – ‘ONE OF THE BRAVEST PEOPLE I KNOW"

“‘He was one of the bravest people I know,’ is an R.A.F. pilot’s tribute to a Perth wireless operator and air-gunner, Sergeant Derrick B. Simpson, R.A.F.V.R., who is now officially presumed killed in action after having been reported missing."

"Only son of the late Mr James Simpson, factor, Scone Estates, and of Mrs Simpson, 18 Balvaird Place, Perth. Sergt. Simpson was 19 years of age."

“He is presumed to have lost his life, it is learned, on a flight for which he volunteered. In a matter of urgency he offered to take the place of another airman who had taken ill."

“Sgt. Simpson’s own pilot has written of him this fine tribute:- ‘He was my gunner and wireless operator and one of the bravest people I know. ‘It was always a reassuring thought to me to know that I had such a splendid fellow for a rear-gunner. When things were not looking too good he would often give both my observer and me a feeling of absolute confidence by passing some cheery remark in the inter-communicating telephone. ‘He was ready to do anything at any time and it was probably his courage and devotion to duty that led to his last flight.'"

"Sergeant Simpson joined the R.A.F.V.R. while at Perth Academy and was called up on the outbreak of war, being promoted Sergeant the following May.”

Derrick Simpson is also commemorated on the Scone War Memorial, and the Scone Parish Church War Memorial.