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Royal Air Force (RAF) Officers
1939-1945

 

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L. Galvin  to  P.E. Gwyer
Galvin,
Lawrence
L. Galvin
From Marlborough.
26.11.1894
Lancashire
-
1975
Keighley district, West Riding of Yorkshire
Army:
 
Cpl.
?
Sgt.
? [13282]
RAF:
 
AC2
1920 [357443]
Wt.Off.
?
F/O (prob)
08.08.1944 [55806]
F/O
08.02.1945 (retd 10.10.1945; retaining rank of F/Lt.)
(T) F/Lt.
?
Distinguished Conduct Medal DCM
01.01.1918
*
Mention in Despatches MID
01.01.1945
?
Mention in Despatches MID
WW I
?
Mention in Despatches MID
WW I
?
1939-1945 Star 39|45 St
-
-
Burma Star Bur St
-
-
Defence Medal Def M
-
-
War Medal 1939-1945 WM 39|45
-
-
* For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. For over two years he has been employed as battalion signalling serjeant, and has during a period of eight months been serjeant instructor. His zeal and devotion to duty are very largely responsible for the high state of efficiency of the battalion signallers.
1915
 
 
served as a Signaller, West Riding Regiment (Duke of Wellington's) [served in France & Belgium]
31.01.1924
 
 
enlisted, RAF (Equipment Branch)



various postings in the UK
?
-
20.09.1926
M Squadron (UK)



served for many years in the Middle East (two tours)
21.09.1926
-
13.11.1928
Air Division, Iraq (in hospital Hinaldi, 20.03.1928-30.03.1928)
14.11.1928
-
14.12.1928
HQ Middle East (Depot)
15.12.1928
-
?
Wireless Telegraphy Station Middle East
?
-
21.11.1929
6 (AC) Squadron
22.11.1929
-
18.12.1931
HQ Middle East (Depot)
19.12.1931
-
30.12.1931
HE (?)
31.12.1931
-
09.10.1934
RAF Base Gosport
10.10.1934
-
24.10.1934
RAF Base Aden
25.10.1934
-
15.02.1939
Stores & Supplies Depot Aden [in hospital 09.12.1935-23.12.1935, then in Aden & Aboukir]
16.02.1939
-
26.02.1939
HE (?)
27.02.1939
-
26.07.1942
RAF Base Catterick
27.07.1942
-
?
Air Stores Park, India
08.08.1944


commissioned, RAF (Equipment Branch) [emergency commission]
01.10.1944


to New Delhi, eventually also service in Burma
22.06.1945


No. 104 Personnel Dispersal Centre



Gatehouse,
William James Martel
"Billy"
W.J.M. Gatehouse
27.04.1919
Neath district, Wales
-
07.1994
Ealing district, London
Sgt.
? [569018]
(A) P/O (prob)
23.12.1943 [53805]
P/O
06.10.1944, seniority 23.12.1943
(WS) F/O
06.10.1944
(WS) F/Lt.
1945?
F/O
31.10.1946
06.05.1947, seniority 06.04.1945
F/Lt.
23.06.1947
Sq.Ldr.
01.07.1963 (retd 07.04.1973; medical unfitness)
23.12.1943


commissioned, RAF (Technical Branch) [emergency commission]
31.10.1946
 
 
extended service commission
02.10.1948

 
permanent commission
Gawith,
Alan Antill
A.A. Gawith
1916
New Zealand
-
(A) P/O (prob) 20.08.1938 [41012]
... ...
Sq.Ldr. ?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 15.05.1941 ?
20.08.1938     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]

Gawith sailed for the UK on 20 May 1938 and went to 11 E&RFTS, Perth on 27 June for his ab initio training moving to 6 FTS, Little Rissington in September. On 15 April 1939 he joined 23 Squadron at Wittering. Flying from Ford on 11 October 1940 he damaged a Ju 88. On 8 March 1941, on an intruder flight over Beauvais aerodrome, he damaged a He 111 and a Do 17. In a bombing attack in early May he destroyed the entire telephone communication system of the German bomber group at Deume, near Eindhoven. Awarded the DFC (15.5.41), he was posted in June to command 1451 Flight operating with Turbinlite Havocs. In January 1942 he was posted to HQ 9 Group, Preston as Ops Night. He went to RAF Staff College in August 1943 and afterwards joined the staff at HQ ADGB to work on plans for the invasion of Europe. In mid-April 1944 he became Senior RAF Liaison Officer at the US 9th Air Defence Command. He crossed to France on 26 June, spent six weeks in the beach-head area and then remained in France with the Americans returning to England in December 1944 to command RAF Cleave. On August 2 1949 he received the Bronze Star (US) for his service in 1944.

Gent,
Samuel Richard
S.R. Gent
Son of Samuel Richard and Amy Gent
Husband of Vera Gent, of Greenford.
12.1916
Sunderland district, Durham / Tyne and Wear
-
03.04.1946
[age 29]
[Golders Green Crematorium, panel 2]
Wt.Off.
? [519819]
P/O (prob)
30.07.1942 [49885]
(WS) F/O (prob)
30.01.1943
(WS) F/Lt.
30.07.1944
Commendation Cmdn
01.01.1945
for valuable service in the air
30.07.1942


commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
?
-
03.04.1946
pilot, 46 Squadron RAF [based at RAF Stoney Cross]
George,
Edward John
E.J. George
?
-
Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937
       
Gibbings,
Peter Henry
P.h. Gibbings
Son of ... Gibbings, and ... McCormick.
28.12.1912
Northampton district, Northamptonshire
-
15.11.1975
Saighton, Chester/Ellesmere Port district, Cheshire
(A) P/O (prob)
06.06.1933 [34068]
P/O
06.06.1934
F/O
06.01.1936
F/Lt.
06.01.1938
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.01.1940
Sqd.Ldr.
17.10.1946, seniority 01.01.1941 (emgcy list) (reld 28.02.1957; retaining rank of W/Cdr.)
(T) W/Cdr.
01.09.1941-01.11.1947
(A) Gp.Capt.
?
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) OBE
13.06.1946
?
06.06.1933


commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
23.06.1933


flying training, No. 4 Flying Training School, Abu Sueir, Egypt
30.04.1937


RAF Station, Ismaila, Egypt
08.08.1938
 
 
Central Flying School, Upavon
06.06.1944


transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up to air force service)
Captain, Delamere Forest Golf Club in Cheshire, 1968.
Gibbs,
Edward Philip Patrick
E.P.P. Gibbs
1911 ?
-
23.01.1967
Westminster district, London
[age 56]
(A) P/O (prob)
02.09.1932 [32225]
P/O
02.09.1933
F/O
02.04.1935
F/Lt.
02.04.1937
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.06.1941
(WS) Sq.Ldr.
01.09.1942
(T) W/Cdr.
01.06.1942 (retd 02.1946) (reld 21.02.1955)
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
27.01.1942
for gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy *
Mention in Despatches MID
11.06.1942
?
* This officer has been engaged on active operations over a long period and has participated in many sorties over France. During a sortie near Calais, in July, 1941, Squadron Leader Gibbs was involved in combat with 4 enemy fighters and shot down i and damaged another of the attackers. Since assuming command of No. 130 • Squadron, Squadron Leader Gibbs has, by his excellent leadership and devotion to duty, raised the unit to a high standard of operational efficiency. In December, 1941, during a bombing attack on Brest, Squadron Leader Gibbs probably destroyed i of 3 Messerschmitt 1095 which attempted to intercept our bombers.
02.09.1932


commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)
17.09.1932
-
08.1933
No. 5 Flying Training School, Chester
28.08.1933
-
03.1936
41 Squadron RAF (flew Siskins, and then Demons) (UK)
18.09.1935
-
01.11.1935
attached 8 (B) Squadron RAF (Aden)
01.11.1935
-
10.03.1936
41 Squadron RAF(re-attached upon its arrival in Aden)
05.1936
-
08.1936
Flying Instructors Course, Central Flying School, Upavon
08.1936
-
03.1938
Instructor, No. 9 Flying Training School
02.03.1938


transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers, Class A
03.1938
-
11.1940
Instructor, 8 E and RFTS, South Cerney (11.1939 renamed: No. 3 Flying Training School)
11.1940
-
12.1940
56 Officer Training Unit, Sutton Bridge
12.1940
-
01.1941
232 Squadron RAF (supernumerary)
01.1941
-
05.1941
Commanding Officer, 3 Squadron RAF
05.1941
-
06.1941
56 Squadron RAF
06.1941
-
09.07.1941
616 Squadron RAF
[went down with his Spitfire IIa [P8070] 12 miles East of Le Touquet, France; evaded and escaped via Spain & Gibraltar]
10.1941
-
07.1942
Commanding Officer, 130 Squadron RAF
07.1942
-
10.1942
Wing Leader at Middle Wallop
10.1942
-
12.1942
sent to tour the USA
12.1942
-
01.1943
HQ 11 Group RAF
01.1943
-
02.1943
night fighter OTU at Cranfield
02.1943
-
09.1943
HQ 93 Group RAF
09.1943
-
02.1944
attended the Empire Central Flying School, Hullavington
02.1944
-
09.1944
Commanding Officer, RAF Station Kenley
09.1944
-
09.1945
Commanding Officer, RAF Satation Woodvale
09.1945
-
11.1945
posted to Germany
11.1945
-
02.1946
HQ, 2 Group, BAFO



Victories:
21.05.1944


Bf 109 dam, Hurricane Iib, Z2767, St Omer, 56 Sqn
22.06.1944


Bf 109 prob, Spitfire IIa, P7838, Hazebrouck, 616 Sqn
09.07.1941


Bf 109, Spitfire IIa, P8070, Mazingarbe, 616 Sqn
09.07.1941


Bf 109 prob, Spitfire IIa, P8070, Mazingarbe, 616 Sqn
30.12.1941


Bf 109 prob, Spitfire Vb, AP370, Brest, 130 Sqn
19.08.1942


½ Do 217, Spitfire Vb, EP120, Dieppe, Middle Wallop Wing
Joined Hawkers, 02.1946. In September 1946 he was attached to the Iranian Air Force to instruct pilots on Hurricanes. On his return to the UK in April 1949, he spent some time delivering Furies by air to Pakistan.
Gibson,
Guy Penrose
G.P. Gibson



Son of Alexander James Gibson and Norah Mary (Strike) Gibson. Married (1940) Eve Mary (Moore) Gibson, of Westminster, London.
12.08.1918
Simla, India
-
19.09.1944
Steenbergen, Netherlands
(KIA) [age 26]
[Steenbergen- en-Kruisland, Roman Catholic Cemetery, Netherlands]
(A) P/O (prob)
31.01.1937 [39438]
P/O
16.11.1937
F/O
16.06.1939
(T?) F/Lt.
03.09.1940
(WS) F/Lt.
13.07.1942
(A) Sq.Ldr.
29.06.1941
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1941
(WS) Sq.Ldr.
13.07.1942
(A) W/Cdr.
13.04.1942
Victoria Cross VC
28.05.1943
****
Distinguished Service Order DSO
20.11.1942

**

Distinguished Service Order DSO
02.04.1943
***
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
09.07.1940
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
16.09.1941
*
Commander, Legion of Merit (US) LoM
03.12.1943

in recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the war



Education: St Georges Prep School, Folkstone & St Edward's School, Oxford
08.1936


joined RAF
16.11.1936


transferred to Yatesbury
31.01.1937


commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
31.01.1937


No 24 Depot
06.02.1937


No 6 Flight Training School
04.09.1937


83 Squadron
26.09.1940


No 14 Operational Training Unit
10.10.1940


No 16 Operational Training Unit
13.11.1940


29 Squadron
16.11.1940


transferred to Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up for air force service)
23.12.1941


No 51 Operational Training Unit
23.03.1942


No 51 Group Headquarters (No. 5 ?)
13.04.1942


106 Squadron
?


No. 5 [Group?] Headquarters
24.03.1943


617 Squadron
08.1943


Special Duties
03.01.1944


transferred to Air Ministry
13.03.1944


28 Group Course
12.06.1944


No 54 Base Headquarters
Published: Enemy coast ahead (1946); Pilot's flying log book No. 2 (1976; facsimile of his log)
Literature: Jan van den Driesschen, De dammenbrekers : de roemruchte aanval van Guy Gibson en zijn 'Dam Busters' op de stuwdammen in het Ruhrgebied tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog (1979; in Dutch); Susan Ottaway, Dambuster : a life of Guy Gibson, VC, DSO, DFC (1994); Richard Morris with Colin Dobinson, Guy Gibson (1994)
* This officer continues to show the utmost courage and devotion to duty. Since joining his present unit, Squadron Leader Gibson has destroyed three and damaged a fourth enemy aircraft. His skill was notably demonstrated when, one night in July, 1941, he intercepted and destroyed a Heinkel 111.

** Since being awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has completed many sorties, including a daylight raid on Danzig and an attack at Gdynia. In the recent attack on Le Creusot, Wing Commander Gibson bombed and machine-gunned the transformer station nearby from 500 feet. On 22nd October, 1942, he participated in the attack on Genoa and, two days later, he led his squadron in a daylight sortie against Milan. On both occasions, Wing Commander Gibson flew with great distinction. He is a most skilful and courageous leader whose keenness has set a most inspiring example.
*** This officer has an outstanding operational record, having completed 172 sorties. He has always displayed the greatest keenness and, within the past 2 months, has taken part in 6 attacks against well defended targets, including Berlin. In March, 1943, he captained an aircraft detailed to attack Stuttgart. On the outward flight engine trouble developed but he flew on to his objective and bombed it from a low level. This is typical of his outstanding determination to make every sortie a success. By his skilful leadership and contempt for danger he has set an example which has inspired the squadron he commands.

**** This officer served as a night bomber pilot at the beginning of the war and quickly established a reputation as an outstanding operational pilot. In addition to taking the fullest possible share in all normal operations, he made single-handed attacks during his "rest " nights on such highly defended objectives as the German battleship Tirpitz, then completing in Wilhelmshaven. When his tour of operational duty was concluded, he asked for a further operational posting and went to a night-fighter unit instead of being posted for instructional duties. In the course of his second operational tour, he destroyed at least three enemy bombers and contributed much to the raising and development of new night-fighter formations. After a short period in a training unit, he again volunteered for operational duties and returned to night bombers. Both as an operational pilot and as leader of his squadron, he achieved outstandingly successful results and his personal courage knew no bounds. Berlin, Cologne, Danzig, Gdynia, Genoa, Le Creusot, Milan, Nuremberg and Stuttgart were among the targets he attacked by day and by night. On the conclusion of his third operational tour, Wing Commander Gibson pressed strongly to be allowed to remain on operations and he was selected to command a squadron then forming for special tasks. Under his inspiring leadership, this squadron has now executed one of the most devastating attacks of the war—the breaching of the Moehne and Eder dams. The task was fraught with danger and difficulty. Wing Commander Gibson personally made the initial attack on the Moehne dam. Descending to within a few feet of the water and taking the full brunt of the antiaircraft defences, he delivered his attack with great accuracy. Afterwards he circled very low for 30 minutes, drawing the enemy fire on himself in order to leave as free a run as possible to the following aircraft which were attacking the dam in turn. Wling Commander Gibson then led the remainder of his force to the Eder dam where, with complete disregard for his own safety, he repeated his tactics and once more drew on himself the enemy fire so that the attack could be successfully developed. Wing Commander Gibson has completed over 170 sorties, involving more than 600 hours operational flying. Throughout his operational career, prolonged exceptionally at his own request, he has shown leadership, determination and valour of the highest order.

Gilbert,
Colin Leslie
C.L. Gilbert C.L. Gilbert (Photo courtesy of Mr Noel Baker)
C.L. Gilbert (Photo courtesy of Mr Noel Baker) C.L. Gilbert (Photo courtesy of Mr Noel Baker)
Son of Mr & Mrs Leslie M. Gilbert, of Adelaide, South Australia.
Married ((06?).1940, Newmarket district, Suffolk) Daphne Edna H. Corbett (31.03.1916 - (06).1983), daughter of Capt. Noel Marcus Francis Corbett, RN (1888-1962), and Alice Jane Averina Hughes (1886-1936); one son.

1917/18 ?
-
07.05.1942
(KIA) [age 23]
[Mannheim Cemetery, field 1, row 1, grave 2, in 1946 reburied at Durnbach War Cemetery, Bayern, Germany, 2.G.4]
P/O 19.02.1937 [39458]
F/O 19.09.1938
(A) F/Lt. 07.07.1939
(WS) F/Lt. 21.09.1940
(A) Sq.Ldr. 13.06.1941
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1941
Education: Prince Arthur College (where a member of the Cadet Force, the ‘Force’s Shooting Team which won a presitgious shooting competition, and the school’s Rowing Eight).
Member of Kilkenny Amateur Cycling Club (under 16 South Australia State cycling champion).
08.12.1936     completed training at Point Cook and commissioned Pilot Officer in the RAAF (left Australia for UK 07.01.1937)
19.02.1937     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
06.03.1937     No. 3 Flying Training School RAF (Grantham)
20.03.1937     No. 9 Flying Training School RAF (Thornaby)
30.06.1937 - (1940?) 214 (Bomber) Squadron RAF (Feltwell)
(1940) - (1941) 75 (Bomber) Squadron RNZAF (operations over Germany & occupied Norway 1940/41) [21.10.1940 injured when crash landing on return from bombing operation over Hamburg]
02.1942?     transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers
11.1941 - 07.05.1942 Flight Commander, 460 (Bomber) Squadron RAAF
[On 8th sortie of his first tour with 460 Squadron, and while flying his Vickers Wellington bomber Z1254 [UV-L], shot down and killed over Stuttgart. Casualty report here.]
Gilbert,
Humphrey Trench
H.T. Gilbert H.T. Gilbert
Son of Cdr. Walter Raleigh Gilbert (1889-1977) and Lady Beryl Franziska Kathleen Biance Le Poer Trench (1893-1957) [first married Stanhope, then Gilbert, then Groves], of Revesby Abbey, Lincolnshire.

03.11.1919
Revesby, Lincolnshire
-
02.05.1942
(KIA) [age 22]
[Saffron Walden Cemetery, Essex, compt. 41, grave 17]
(A) P/O (prob) 19.02.1938 [40530]
P/O (prob) 06.12.1938
F/O 03.09.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 03.09.1941
(A) Sq.Ldr. 1942?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 29.05.1942 *
* This officer has been engaged on operational flying since August, 1940, and fought through the Battle of Britain. He has completed numerous operational sorties over enemy occupied territory and although he has been shot down and wounded, he has always displayed great keenness to engage the enemy. Since February, 1942, Squadron Leader Gilbert has participated in a number of operational sorties, including an attack on German battleships. In this operation he destroyed one enemy aircraft and damaged another. He has led his squadron, and occasionally the wing, with considerable success and his fine leadership and determination have been an inspiration to his pilots. Squadron Leader Gilbert has destroyed 5 enemy aircraft.
Education: Durnford School; Cheltenham College (01.1934-07.1937).
12.1937 - 18.02.1938 No. 7 Elementary & Reserve Flying Training School RAF (Desford)
19.02.1938     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
19.02.1938 - 04.03.1938 No. 1 Depot RAF (Uxbridge) (for short disciplinary course)
05.03.1938 - 16.09.1938 No. 9 Flying Training School RAF (Hullavington) [awarded pilot wings 01.06.1938]
17.09.1938 - 22.10.1938 73 Squadron RAF (Digby)
23.10.1938 - 01.1939 Central Flying School RAF (Upavon) [qualified as instructor 22.12.1938]
01.1939 - 1939 Flying Instructor, 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron AuxAF
1939 - 02.08.1939 No. 9 Flying Training School RAF
03.08.1939 - 15.08.1939 6 Operational Training Unit RAF (Sutton Bridge)
16.08.1939 - 02.09.1941 601 Squadron RAF (Debden) [from 04.1941 "B" Flight commander]
03.09.1941 - 31.10.1941 Flight Commander, 71 (Eagle) Squadron RAF (Martlesham Heath)
01.11.1941 - 22.12.1941 Commanding Officer, 222 Squadron RAF (North Weald)
23.12.1941 - 02.05.1942 Commanding Officer, 65 Squadron RAF (Debden) (DFC)
[his Spitfire BL372/YT-Z crashed at Loves Farm, Cutlers Green, Thaxted, Essex *]
      achieved 3 full + 2 shared victories [officially 3,75]
* They took off from Great Sampford, the Debden satellite, having consumed 6-8 bottles each of Benskins Colne Springs beer, according to the licensee of the pub. This info was not revealed until after the Court of Enquiry. The CO tried to borrow a Magister but his flight sergeant, realising that he was in no fit state to fly, told him it was unserviceable. The CO then took a Spitfire.
Gillies,
Kenneth McLeod
"Ken"

K.M. Gillies at RAF Duxford, c. 1939 (Photo courtesy of Mr John Gillies) K.M. Gillies

Son of R.W. Gillies and Mary R. Gillies, of Great Crosby, Liverpool.
Married; one son.

He took off with two colleagues from RAF Gravesend to intercept a single German raid (Heinkel He-111) which they intecepted heading south east from London. In very bad weather they chased the enemy aircraft losing it a number of times in cloud and pressing home inconclusive attacks. Ken finally pushed in a stern attack, result not known, and was heard to say on the R/T that he has been hit but thought he could make it back to base. It is also recorded that he stated he thought he was over the sea. He was not seen again and his body was washed up at Covehithe - 21 days later. The other two pilots attacked the enemy a/c again but it escaped into cloud. They returned to Gravesend. The action took place between Hastings and Dungeness. Fom reasearch carried out, my personal conclusion is that he went down in the English Channel and his body was pushed by tide, wind and weather through the Straits of Dover and on to the Suffolk Coast at Covehithe. [Information provided by his son, Mr John Gillies.]



12.04.1913
-
04.10.1940
(KIA) [age 27]
[Thornton Garden of Rest, A.50]
(A) P/O (prob)
04.05.1936 [37799]
P/O
09.03.1937
F/O
09.09.1938
(A) F/Lt.
11.1939
F/Lt.
03.09.1940
Education: Merchant Taylor's School, Great Crosby.
03.1936


joined RAF
04.05.1936


commissioned, RAF [short service commission]



ab initio flying training, No. 1 Elementary Flying Training School, Hatfield



advanced flying training, No.8 Flying Training School, Montrose
25.12.1936
-
11.1939
66 (F) Squadron RAF (at RAF Duxford)
11.1939
-
04.1940
posted to 254 (Blenheim) Squadron RAF (at RAF Stradishall) to bring up to operational state for convoy duties
04.1940
-
04.10.1940
66 (F) Squadron RAF (at RAF Coltishall till 03.09.1940, then RAF Kenley till 11.09.1940, then RAF Gravesend)
04.10.1940


while on patrol failed to return from interception of He 111 at 1535 hrs; his Spitfire I X4320 crashed probably into the sea and he washed up at Covehithe, Suffolk on 21.10.1940 [see also "personal touch" button]

20.08.1940
31.08.1940
15.09.1940
18.09.1940
27.09.1940












victories:
½ Bf 110
½ Do 215
1 Do 17
1 He 111
½½½ Do 17
Gillmore,
Alan David
A.D. Gillmore

17.10.1905
-
27.05.1996
Sq.Ldr. 01.02.1937 [16171]
Air Vice Marshal 01.07.1951 (retd 29.04.1959)
Education: psa.
       
Goadsby,
John Richard Duncan
J.R.D. Goadsby
22.12.1887
West Derby, Lancashire
-
1980
Chichester district, West Sussex
Sq.Ldr. 01.10.1936
      qualified at specialist signals course
Godsell,
Ralph Allan
"Rafe"
R.A. Godsell
Son of Allan Henry Godsell (1881-1962), and Mary Janet Rosa Cole (1883?-1963).
Married ((06?).1934, Surrey South Western district) Margaret Ross.
(12?).1907
Lurgashall, Midhurst district, Sussex
-
20.04.1954
Uxbridge district, Sussex (formerly of Epsom, Surrey)
Wt.Offr. ? [362932]
P/O (prob) 11.12.1940 [45045]
(WS) F/O (prob) 12.01.1941
F/O 11.12.1941
(T) F/Lt. 01.03.1942
(WS) F/Lt. 05.12.1943
(T) Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1945
F/Lt. 01.09.1945
28.02.1947, seniority 01.03.1945
Sq..Ldr. 01.08.1947
W/Cdr. 01.07.1953
11.12.1940     commissioned, RAF (Technical Branch) [emergency commission]
01.09.1945     permanent commission
Goffey,
Peter Scott
P.S. Goffey
12.12.1920
-
Sgt. ? [571308]
P/O (prob) 23.09.1943 [53036]
(WS) F/O 23.03.1944
(A) F/Lt. ?
F/O 24.02.1948, seniority 23.09.1944
F/Lt. 23.03.1947
Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1959 (retd 12.12.1975)
Member of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) MBE 08.06.1963 HM's birthday 63
Mention in Despatches MID 01.01.1945 ?
23.09.1943     commissioned, RAF (Technical Branch) [emergency commission]
01.07.1946     permanent commission

AMBIM.

Golder,
William Henry
W.H. Golder
?
-
Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1936
Distinguished Service Medal DSM ? ?
      qualified at specialist engineering course; additionally qualified at university course in engineering
Goodman,
George Ernest

G.E. Goodman
Son of Sidney Charles and Bida Goodman, of Lagos, Nigeria.
08.10.1920
Haifa

-
14.06.1941
(KIA) [age 20]
[Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acorma, Libya, 10.C.21]
(A) P/O (prob) 02.09.1939 [42598]
(WS) F/O 28.02.1941
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC ? ?
02.09.1939     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]

From: Jewish Pilots and Aircrews in the Battle of Britain / by Martin Sugarman
Was Pilot Officer, later Flying Officer in No. 1 Squadron. His story is exceptional as he was born in Haifa, Israel on 8/10/20, though he may not have been Jewish. Wynn says he was British solely because he had a British passport – like most born under the Mandate - but he was in fact an Israeli “sabra” and the only Israeli in the Battle of Britain. RAF Museum researcher John Edwards testifies to these facts in an article in “London Jewish News” , 22/9/2000, by reporter John Kaye [9]. Furthermore in Mason’s book [10] on page 506, Goodman is described as “Palestinian”, in another as “Israeli”, and yet another also as Israeli. The author also has in his possession an official copy of Goodman’s birth certificate, all in Hebrew, from the Haifa municipality in Israel, now kept at the AJEX Musuem. Educated at Highgate school he was son of Sydney and Bida Goodman, was in the OTC and took a commission in the RAF in early 1939, joining his Hurricane Squadron in France in March 1940, where he shared a kill of an HE 111 and shot down another later which had helped sink the SS Lancastria off St Nazaire. Later, flying from Northolt he shot down an Me109, shared in another, then shot down an He 111 and then shared a Do 17 and then shot down another 110. On August 18th he was hit in his Hurricane P3757 but managed to land safely. On September 6th 1940 he shot down another 110 but was himself shot down , baling out with an injury. His plane crashed at Brownings Farm, Chiddingstone Causeway. He later shared a Ju 88, damaged a Do 17 and was awarded the DFC on 26/11/40. In Nov. 1940 he flew the ferry route for the Middle East with 73 Squadron and stopped at Lagos where his parents were working in the diplomatic service. He saw his mother for the last time (his father was away) and as the Squadron later flew out, they did a roll over the Goodman home and then were away. In February 1941 he shot down a CR42 in the Western Desert, and a 110 at Tobruk, but he was shot down but crash landed behind the British lines. He then shared an Hs 126, destroyed a Ju 87 and shared another, all over Tobruk. In April he took leave in Haifa, Israel, with his two sisters, but on June 14th 1941 he was shot down and killed by flak over Gazala. He is buried in Knightsbridge cemetery, Acroma, Libya, grave 10.C.21.

Gordon,
Cedric Foskett
C.F. Gordon
07.08.1890
-
1979
Tonbridge district, Kent
Sq.Ldr. (retd) 30.06.1922
Officer of the Order of the British Empire OBE ? ?
Military Cross MC ? ?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC ? ?
       
Gordon,
John Farquhar
J.F. Gordon
(06?).1893
Eastry, Kent
-
Sq.Ldr. (retd) 01.01.1926
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC ? ?
       
Grace,
Charles Frederick Hallyburton
C.F.H. Grace

28.07.1902
Portsmouth, Hampshire
-
30.03.1975
Sussexdown, Storrington
P/O
29.12.1921 [15193]
...
...
Sq.Ldr.
01.02.1937
(T) W/Cdr.
01.03.1940
(T) Gp.Capt.
01.03.1942
W/Cdr.
14.04.1942, seniority 01.03.1940
(A) A/Cdre.
17.03.1943?
(WS) Gp.Capt.
17.09.1943 (retd 15.02.1946; own request)
Mention in Despatches MID
01.01.1943
?
Commander, Order of St Olav (Norway) St Olav
18.12.1942
?
Education: psa.
29.12.1921


commissioned, RAF (General Duties branch)
...
-
...
...
19.12.1940
-
1943
Air Staff, HQ No. 14 (Fighter) Group [RAF Kirkwall]
15.07.1943


Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO), HQ No. 13. (Fighter) Group
Graham,
Ronald
R. Graham
Son of late William Graham, Yokohama. Married (1918) Phyllis (Nancy), only daughter of late Henry E. Farmer, MBE, FRIBA; two daughters.


19.07.1896
[Yokohama ?]
-
23.06.1967
[Sannox, Isle of Arran, Scotland ?]
see: www.rafweb.org Education: Private; St Joseph's College, Yokohama; Castle Douglas Academy, Scotland
1939


Deputy Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO), HQ Fighter Command
12.1939
-
01.1940
Member, Air Mission to North Africa
1940


Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO), HQ Flying Training Command ?
27.05.1940


Air Officer in charge of Administration (AOA), HQ Technical Training Command (Reading)
01.02.1941


Air Officer in charge of Administration (AOA), HQ Bomber Command
1943


Planning Staff (Overlord), Air Ministry
08.1943


Chief of Staff (Air), HQ Combined Operations
23.01.1944


Air Officer Commanding (AOC), AHQ West Africa
12.1944


Commandant, RAF Staff College, Bulstrode Park
07.1945


Commandant, RAF Staff College, Bracknell
Justice of the Peace (JP). Deputy Lieutenant (DL), Bute, 12.07.1961. Lord Lieutenant, Bute, 19.07.1963.
Graham,
William Gilkinson
W.G. Graham (Photo courtesy of Mr David F. Boath)
(12?).1898
-
08.12.1954
Wt.Offr. ? [351314]
F/O (prob) 25.07.1941, seniority 27.05.1941 [46289]
... ...
? - 08.1941 No. 76 Course, Officers' School RAF
25.07.1941     commissioned, RAF (Administrative and Special Duties Branch) [emergency commission]
Gray,
Selwyn Harmer Cecil
S.H.C. Gray
26.08.1907
Derby, Derbyshire
-
28.04.1969
Deal, Dover district, Kent
Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937
A/Cdre. ?
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) OBE ? ?
       
Green,
Charles Llewellyn
C.L. Green (Photo courtesy of Mr Rob Dawkins)
Married (26.05.1943, Duxford, Devon Central district) Leading Aircraftwoman Betty Jean Bowden, WAAF; two sons, three daughters.

23.09.1912
Marandellas, Southern Rhodesia
-
10.06.2001
Durban, South Africa
(A) P/O (prob) 14.12.1938 [41527]
P/O (prob) 03.09.1939
P/O 06.10.1939
F/O 03.09.1940
(WS) F/Lt. 03.09.1941
(WS) Sq.Ldr. 07.10.1943
(A) W/Cdr. (1944)
(T) W/Cdr. 03.12.1946, seniority 01.09.1941
(WS) W/Cdr. 13.02.1945 (reld 30.08.1945; on reversion to South Rhodesian Forces)
Distinguished Service Order DSO 05.09.1944

*

Distinguished Service Order DSO 03.10.1944 **
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 09.02.1943 ***
Mention in Despatches MID 11.06.1942 ?
Commander, Order of Oranje-Nassau with swords (The Netherlands) OON 23.01.1948 ?
Order of Lenin (USSR) Len ? ?
* This officer has led large formations of aircraft on very many sorties during which a wide variety of enemy targets have been attacked. The splendid results obtained are a fine tribute to this officer's brilliant leadership, great tactical ability and iron determination. His record is most impressive.
** Within recent weeks this officer has led formations of aircraft on numerous sorties during which outstanding successes have been obtained. On two occasions he was responsible for locating large concentrations of enemy armour which were subsequently attacked with great effect. Eighty-nine tanks were destroyed and a large number damaged; many other armoured vehicles, transport wagons and guns were also destroyed. Throughout these operations, Wing Commander Green set an example which inspired all. His leadership was exceptional and his skill and bravery of the highest order.
*** Squadron Leader Green has an impressive record of operational flights against the enemy. Since May, 1941, when he joined his present unit he has
participated in many operational sorties, acting as leader of his squadron on numerous occasions. In addition he has completed several other flights and defensive patrols and has destroyed 1 enemy aircraft. Squadron Leader Green has always displayed outstanding leadership and an intense desire to engage the enemy. By his example and keenness he has raised the efficiency of his
squadron to a very high standard.
Education: Umtali High School.
After a brief period farming with his father, he joined Imperial Airways as a clerk, serving at various southern Africa stations until he was appointed ground superintendent at Beira in Mozambique.
14.12.1938     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
11.1940     pilot, 500 (County of Kent) Squadron AuxAF
early 1941     pilot, 235 Squadron RAF (Bircham Newton, Norfolk)
      pilot, 266 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF
      Commanding Officer, 266 (Rhodesia) Squadron RAF
06.10.1942     transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (and called up for air force service)
      chief flying instructor, 59 Operational Training Unit RAF
01.1944 - 08.1944 Wing Commander (Flying), No 121 Wing RAF (Nos 174, 175 and 245 Squadrons)
08.1944 - 26.12.1944 Commanding Officer, No 124 Wing RAF (Nos 181, 182 and 247 Squadrons) (shot down on a recce mission & crashlanded his Typhoon Mk IB MP-156 near St-Vith Belgium; captured)
26.12.1944 - 05.1945 POW in German captivity (Stalag Luft 1)
Returned to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and created a tobacco, maize and cattle farm from virgin soil south-east of the capital, Salisbury. In 1961, as a group captain, he became the first post-war commanding officer of the Royal Rhodesian Air Force Volunteer Reserve. In this period farming became less profitable and Green entered the tobacco trade. The Transcontinental Tobacco Company recognised his talents and sent him to Formosa (now Taiwan), and he continued to travel extensively to areas with substantial tobacco interests. In 1977 Green retired and moved in the following year to Devon; but after six years in Britain he decided he would prefer life in South Africa and settled in Durban, where he joined the Virginia Wings flying club.
Green,
Donald Salisbury
D.S. Green
24.02.1902
Lambeth, Greater London
-
11.1992
Windsor and Maidenhead, Berkshire
Sq.Ldr. RAFO 07.09.1939
       
Green,
Joseph Henry
J.H. Green
14.05.1888
-
(09?).1970
Hillingdon district, Greater London
P/O 01.04.1918 [04031]
F/Lt. 31.12.1920
Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1928 (retd 20.07.1935)
(T) W/Cdr. 03.12.1946, seniority 01.09.1941
(WS) W/Cdr. 27.05.1941
(A) Gp.Capt. ?
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) CBE ? ?
01.04.1918     commissioned, RAF
03.09.1939 - 26.11.1946 recalled to active service
? - 15.05.1948 Reserve of Air Force Officers (Class CC)
Greenberg,
Albert Aaron
A.A. Greenberg (Photo courtesy of Mr Brian Deacon) A.A. Greenberg (Photo courtesy of Mr Brian Deacon)
A.A. Greenberg (Photo courtesy of Mr Brian Deacon) A.A. Greenberg (Photo courtesy of Mr Brian Deacon)
?
-
14.03.1940
[Leuchars Cemetery, Fifeshire, S. 11 S]
(A) P/O (prob)
15.04.1939 [41919]
P/O (prob)
05.11.1939
P/O
06.02.1940
Education: King Edward VII School, Johannesburg, South Africa.
15.04.1939


commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
?
-
14.03.1940
pilot, 224 Squadron RAF *
* served together with M.B. Mallet & A.H. Deacon, but not completely clear whether this was in 224 Sqn or perhaps 242 Sqn
Greenwood,
Vincent
V. Greenwood
?
-
Sq.Ldr. (retd) 01.01.1924
       
Grieve,
William Eric Warr
W.E.W. Grieve (Photo courtesy of Mr Brian Grieve)
Married ((09?).1928, Brentford district, Middlesex) Dorothy Louise Watts (11.06.1905 - 09.1995); one son.
18.08.1903
Lewisham district, London
-
07.09.1980
Surrey Northern district, Surrey
P/O (prob) 06.01.1926
P/O 06.07.1926
F/O 10.01.1928
F/Lt. 03.09.1939
(T) Sq.Ldr. 03.09.1941
(WS) W/Cdr. 06.05.1943 (Emgcy List) (reld 10.02.1954; retaining rank of Gp.Capt.)
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) OBE 11.06.1942 HM's birthday 42
Mention in Despatches MID 24.09.1941 ?
Officer, Order of Leopold with Palme (Belgium) Leo 27.06.1947 ?
Croix de Guerre 1940 with Palme (Belgium) CdeG 27.06.1947 ?
Education: Margate Grammar School; Starborough College.
06.01.1926     commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission]
08.01.1927     RAF Depot, Uxbridge
18.02.1927     503 Squadron RAF (Waddington)
06.01.1931     transferred, Reserve of Air Force Officers (General Duties Branch) (Class A)
1939 - 1940 Commandant, No. 9 Air Observer and Navigation School RAF
1940 - 1941 Chief Instructor, 1 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF
1942 - 1946 Command Training Officer, HQ Coastal Command
Chairman and managing director of Brooklands Aviation, Ltd.
Griffiths,
John Francis
J.F. Griffiths
?
-
Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1947
      qualified by examination as interpreter
Grindon,
John Evelyn
J.E. Grindon
Son of Thomas Edward Grindon (killed in action, Ypres, Oct. 1917), and Dora (née Eastlake), Corisande,
East Pentire, Cornwall.
Married; one daughter, three sons.

30.09.1917
Newquay, Cornwall
-
2001
Hampshire
P/O
31.07.1937 [33206]
F/O
31.01.1939
F/Lt.
03.09.1940
(T) Sq.Ldr.
01.12.1941
Sq.Ldr.
20.11.1942, seniority 01.12.1941
(A) W/Cdr.
?
(T) W/Cdr.
01.07.1945-01.11.1947
W/Cdr.
01.01.1949
Gp.Capt.
01.07.1956 (retd 01.09.1959; own request)
Commander, Royal Victorian Order CVO
01.01.1957
New Year 57
Distinguished Service Order DSO
17.07.1945
?
Air Force Cross AFC
10.06.1948
?
Education: Dulwich College; Fligh Cadet, RAF College, Cranwell (1935-1937)
31.07.1937


commissioned, RAF (General Duties Branch)
1937
-
06.1939
98 Squadron RAF (Hucknall, Nottinghamshire)
06.1939
-
1940
150 Squadron RAF (Advanced Air Striking Force, BEF, France)



two postings as an instructor in Canada and a spell on the navigation staff at Bomber Command
07.1944
-
08?.1944
Flight Commander, 106 Squadron RAF
08?.1944
-
1945
Commanding Officer, 630 Squadron RAF
1945
-
1945?
Commanding Officer, 617 ("Dambusters") Squadron RAF
1946
-
1949
Chief Instructor, Long Range Transport Force
01.03.1953
-
09.09.1956
Commanded The Queen's Flight
1956
-
1957
V­bomber captain and Station Commander
Director/General Manager in printing/publishing, 1961-1971; Metropolitan Police, New Scotland Yard, 1976-1981.
Groom,
Albert Edward
A.E. Groom
?
-
Sq.Ldr.
01.04.1937
Member of the Order of the British Empire MBE
?
?
Distinguished Service Medal DSM
?
?



qualified at specialist armament course
Groves,
Hugh Marsland
H.M. Groves
?
-
Sq.Ldr. 01.10.1936
       
Guppy,
Cecil
C. Guppy
1901 ?
-
1949
Bournemouth district, Hampshire
[age 48]
Sq.Ldr. 01.12.1936
       
Gwyer,
Percy Edward
P.E. Gwyer
1888 ?
-
17.02.1951
Saltdean, Brighton district, Sussex
[age 63]
Sq.Ldr. (retd) 01.01.1932
W/Cdr. ?
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) OBE ? ?
Member of the Order of the British Empire MBE ? ?
       


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