British officers  |  RAF(VR)  |  home

For detailed biographies of key RAF personnel (Air Commodore and higher) there is already an excellent website: www.rafweb.org
Only RAF officers of ranks below Air Commodore will be shown here in detail.

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

L. Galvin  to  P.E. Gwyer

Galvin, Lawrence From Marlborough.	c. 1895 Lancashire -	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. ? DCM 01.01.1918 * MID 01.01.1945 ? MID WW I ? MID WW I ? 39|45 St - - Bur St - - Def M - - BWM 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
Gent, Samuel Richard 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 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	? -	Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937
Gibbs, Edward Philip Patrick	? - 23.01.1967	(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) DFC 27.01.1942 for gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy * 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 first commission, 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 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 VC 28.05.1943 **** DSO 20.11.1942 ** DSO 02.04.1943 *** DFC 09.07.1940 ? DFC 16.09.1941 * 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 first commission 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, Humphrey Trench Son of Comdr. 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.	1919 - 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? 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.	19.02.1938 first commission, RAF (General Duties Branch) [short service commission] 601 Squadron RAF 71 Squadron RAF ? - 02.05.1942 pilot, 65 Squadron RAF [his Spitfire BL372/YT-Z crashed at Loves Farm, Cutlers Green, Thaxted, Essex *] * 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 u/s. The CO then took a Spitfire.
Gillies, Kenneth McLeod "Ken" Son of R.W. Gillies and Mary R. Gillies, of Great Crosby, Liverpool. Married; one son.	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 first commission, 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	? -	Sq.Ldr. 01.02.1937	Education: psa
Goadsby, John Richard Duncan	(03?).1888 West Derby, Lancashire -	Sq.Ldr. 01.10.1936	qualified at specialist signals course
Golder, William Henry	? -	Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1936 DSM ? ?	qualified at specialist engineering course; additionally qualified at university course in engineering
Gordon, Cedric Foskett	? -	Sq.Ldr. (retd) 30.06.1922 OBE ? ? MC ? ? DFC ? ?
Gordon, John Farquhar	(06?).1893 Eastry, Kent -	Sq.Ldr. (retd) 01.01.1926 DFC ? ?
Grace, Charles Frederick Hallyburton see also: www.rafweb.org	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) MID 01.01.1943 ? St Olav 18.12.1942 ?	Education: psa 29.12.1921 first commission, 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 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.
Gray, Selwyn Harmer Cecil	(12?).1907 Derby, Derbyshire -	Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1937
Green, Donald Salisbury	24.02.1902 Lambeth, Greater London - 11.1992 Windsor and Maidenhead, Berkshire	Sq.Ldr. RAFO 07.09.1939
Green, Joseph Henry	14.05.1888 -	Sq.Ldr. 01.07.1928 (retd 20.07.1935) (WS) W/Cdr. 27.05.1941 (A) Gp.Capt. ? CBE ? ?	01.04.1918     first commission RAF 03.09.1939 - 26.11.1946 recalled to active service
Greenberg, Albert Aaron	? - 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 first commission, 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	? -	Sq.Ldr. (retd) 01.01.1924
Griffiths, John Francis	? -	Sq.Ldr. 01.04.1947	qualified by examination as interpreter
Grindon, John Evelyn 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) CVO 01.01.1957 New Year 57 DSO 17.07.1945 ? 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 i