Peter Melville Gardner

Pete Gardner

RAF F/L - DFC

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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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Born 1 July 1918 in Grimsby
Joined the RAF in November 1937
Then posted to 32 Squadron in Sept. 1938
During May 1940 he was attached to 3 Squadron
- in France and claimed 4 kills
Returning to 32 Squadron for the BoB
Transfered to 54 Squadron

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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Peter Gardner

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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 Do17
one He111
one Do17
1/3 Do17
one Me109
one Me109
one Do 17
one Ju88
one Me109

one Me109

destroyed
destroyed &
damaged *
destroyed
destroyed
destroyed
damaged *
destroyed &
destroyed
destroyed
destroyed

destroyed

* Shores states he has one damaged claim but shows these two.

8.66 / 0 / 2

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--- English Aces ---

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Thanks to Tony for the pics !

On these pages I use info from the London Gazette Archives,
Newspaper articles via the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation (CMCC)
as well as other sources both published and private