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Peter Melville Gardner |
RAF F/L
DFC
Born 1 July 1918 in Grimsby
Joined the RAF in November 1937
Then posted to 32 Squadron in September 1938
During May 1940 he was attached to 3 Squadron in France and claimed 4 kills
Returning to 32 Squadron for the Battle of Britain
Transfered to 54 Squadron
On 18 May he was hit by return fire from a Do17 of 2/KG76 he was attacking.
After force-landing he set fire to his Hurricane.
He evaded until some time in 1941 (July?)
POW 11 July 1941 (Stalag Luft III)
Retired from the RAF in July 1948 as S/L
Died in the Bahamas 23 May 1984 |
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Air Ministry, 2oth August, 1940. ROYAL AIR FORCE.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the undermentioned appointment and awards, in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy: —
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
P/O Peter Melvill GARDNER (40527) - During a short time in France, this officer succeeded in destroying four enemy aircraft. Since returning to this country he has destroyed a further five enemy aircraft and possibly several others. He has displayed great keenness and courage.
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Victories Include :
15 May 1940
18 May 1940
19 May 1940
20 May 1940
3 Jul 1940
11 Aug 1940
12 Aug 1940
15 Aug 1940
16 Aug 1940
17 Jun 1941 |
one Do17
1/3 Do17
one He111
one Do17
1/3 Do17
one Me109
one Me109
one Do 17
one Ju88
one Me109
one Me109 |
destroyed
destroyed
destroyed
destroyed
destroyed
damaged *
destroyed &
destroyed
destroyed
destroyed
destroyed |
8.66 / 0 / 1
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Thanks go out to
Tony for the photos & infos !
On these pages I use Hugh Halliday's extensive research which includes info from numerous sources; newspaper articles via the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation (CMCC); the Google News Archives; the London Gazette Archives and other sources both published and private.
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