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| PERSONALIA |
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| Name: |
Gillman, Ronald Edward (Service number: 1260024/145159) |
| Date of birth: | Unknown
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| Nationality: |
British |
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BIOGRAPHY:
In his publication, The Shiphunters, Gillman writes about his experiences joining the air force and the training in the UK. When he eventually gets his qualifications they send him to Gibraltar and then ultimately on to Malta.
Gillman joined the R.A.F. in 1939 and, after flying Blenheims on bombing and anti-shipping operations, was given command of a photographic unit formed to make "newsreel" records of both operational and experimental flying. His career as a commercial pilot began with Railway Air Services in 1946.
Post-war decorations:
2 juni 1962 (Queen's Birthday Honours: Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air (as Senior Training Captain, British
European Airways Corporation).
Promotions:
? Sergeant
? Flight Sergeant
February 3th, 1943: Pilot Officer (probation)
August 3th, 1943: Flying Officer (probation/war sub)
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DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL (DFM)
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Rank:
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Sergeant
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Unit:
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Royal Air Force, No. 107 Squadron (Royal Air Force, No. 107 Squadron)
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Awarded on:
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December 2nd, 1941
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Action:
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"On 17th November 1941 in company with six other Blenheims on a shipping sweep over the Ionian Sea, the formation sighted two merchant vessels escorted by a destroyer. During the run-up at mast height to attack one of the merchant vessels, there was intense fire from the merchant vessels, also from a destroyer. In spite of the opposition, Sergeant Gillman pressed home his attack and although his aircraft was hit several times, he scored two direct hits. The ship shortly afterwards was enveloped in thick black smoke which rose to a great height. Last seen, the ship was on fire with a pall of smoke to 2,000 feet as a result of this courageous action. One ship is claimed as seriously damaged and probably sunk."
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Details:
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Awarded as an immediate DFM.
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Provide alterations or additional information |
| Information source(s): |
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35364 published on the 28 November 1941
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36063 published on the 18 June 1943
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36175 published on the 14 September 1943
- Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36739 published on the 6 October 1944
- Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 42683 published on the 25 May 1962
- Chelsea Military Antiques
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