George Gardiner (aviator)
| George Cecil Gardiner | |
|---|---|
| Born |
28 March 1892 Poona, India |
| Died | 30 July 1940 (aged 48) Helmieh, Egypt |
| Buried | Cairo War Memorial Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | c.1906–1940 |
| Rank | Group Captain |
| Unit | |
| Commands held |
No. 216 Squadron RAF RAF Helwan |
| Battles/wars | World War I Iraqi Revolt World War II |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross Légion d'honneur Croix de guerre |
Group Captain George Cecil Gardiner DSO, DFC (28 March 1892 – 30 July 1940) was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories.
Gardiner was born in Poona, India, the son of Colour Sergeant Charles Gardiner of the Worcestershire Regiment, and Beatrice Gardiner (née Delahay). He attended the Duke of York's Royal Military School in Dover, Kent, from 1901 until 1906, then joined the Army.
Gardiner was serving as a corporal in the 16th (The Queen's) Lancers when on 10 September 1915 he was commissioned as a second lieutenant "for service in the field" in the Royal Irish Regiment. On 21 May 1916 he was seconded for service with the Machine Gun Corps, and on 6 October he was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, being appointed a flying officer (observer) on 15 December. He served with No. 14 Squadron RFC in the Middle East, before training as a pilot, and he was appointed a flying officer on 24 June 1917. On 1 July he was promoted to lieutenant, and was assigned to No. 47 Squadron RFC, serving on the Macedonian Front. He gained his first victory there on 1 October, over Beles, flying a B.E.12, by driving down an Albatros C out of control. He was wounded in action later in October, but soon returned to flying as he was credited with destroying an Albatros D.III in November, while flying a DH.2. Gardiner gained this victory while repelling an attack, and even though his gun jammed on the fourth shot, infantry below belatedly confirmed the kill.
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