Gordon Olley
| Gordon Percy Olley | |
|---|---|
| Born |
29 April 1893 Harleston, Norfolk, England |
| Died | 18 March 1958 (aged 64) Wimbledon, London, England |
| Nationality | United Kingdom |
| Occupation | Aviation and Company Director |
| Known for | First World War flying ace |
| Awards | Military Medal |
Flying Officer Gordon Percy Olley MM (29 April 1893 – 18 March 1958) was a First World War flying ace who later formed his own airline, Olley Air Services. He was the first pilot to fly a million miles in total.
Olley was born in Harleston, Norfolk on 29 April 1893. In the 1901 Census Olley, aged 7, is described as living at 161, Gloucester Road, Bristol with his parents George and Eliza Olley and a brother and sister. His father is described as a Tobacconist and Hairdresser. In the 1911 Census Olley is still living at the same address, now aged 17, and described as an Apprentice in a wholesale clothing warehouse. In 1912 he became a "motor salesman" at London's Selfridges department store.
Olley joined the Queen Victoria's Rifles in August 1914. He later transferred to the Royal Fusiliers, rising to the rank of serjeant, before being posted to the Royal Flying Corps as an Air Mechanic Second Class, going to France with them on 17 June 1915. At first he was a despatch rider, and then he became an air observer with No. 1 Squadron.
After training as a pilot he rejoined the squadron in 1917 to fly Nieuport scouts. In September 1917 he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He was then commissioned as a temporary second lieutenant on the General List, and appointed a flying officer in the Royal Flying Corps on 28 January 1918. He transferred to the Royal Air Force on its formation on 1 April 1918 and was promoted to lieutenant.
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