Robert_MacIntyre_Gordon

Robert MacIntyre Gordon

Robert MacIntyre Gordon

Scottish World War I flying ace


Lieutenant Robert MacIntyre Gordon (30 September 1899 19 April 1983) was a Glasgow-born seventeen-year-old World War I flying ace. He was credited with nine aerial victories as a Sopwith Camel pilot for the Royal Naval Air Service in 1918. Postwar, he became a medical doctor.

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Early life

Robert MacIntyre Gordon was born in Queen's Park, Glasgow, Scotland on 30 September 1899.[1][2]

World War I

During World War I, Gordon became a Sopwith Camel fighter pilot for 4 Squadron of the Royal Naval Air Service. He remained with this unit when it was incorporated into the Royal Air Force as 204 Squadron. Between 30 June and 27 October 1918, he scored nine aerial victories and won a Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery. His DFC was gazetted on 2 November 1918:

In three months this brilliant young pilot has destroyed or driven down eight enemy machines. On all occasions he displays remarkable gallantry and dash, never hesitating to fly to the assistance of other pilots when they are in difficulties. In one combat his action saved his flight commander.[3]

On 29 September 1918, he was wounded and hospitalized. Freed from bed rest in early October, he was sent on leave. Upon return to duty, he scored his last victory on 27 October but was wounded again in the process. He sat out the rest of the war.[2]

Combat record

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Post World War I

Gordon qualified as a doctor in 1924. He was awarded a DSO and GM for his service during World War II. He died on 19 April 1983.[4]


Endnotes

  1. "Robert MacIntyre Gordon". The Aerodrome. 2014.
  2. Shores et al, p. 172.
  3. "No. 30989". The London Gazette (Supplement). 1 November 1918. p. 12966.
  4. "Robert MacIntyre Gordon". ancestry.co.uk. Retrieved 13 August 2014.

References

  • Shores, Christopher F.; Franks, Norman & Guest, Russell F. (1990). Above the Trenches: a Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915–1920. London, UK: Grub Street. ISBN 978-0-948817-19-9.

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