Robert MacIntyre Gordon

      Robert MacIntyre Gordon
      Nickname "Bobby"
      Born 30 September 1899
      Died 19 April 1990
      Allegiance United Kingdom
      Service/branch Aviation
      Rank Lieutenant
      Unit No. 4 Naval Squadron RNAS/No. 204 Squadron RAF
      Awards Distinguished Flying Cross

      Lieutenant Robert MacIntyre Gordon (30 September 1899 – 19 April 1990) 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.

      Early life

      Robert MacIntyre Gordon was born in Glasgow, Scotland on 20 September 1899.[1]

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      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."[2]
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      List of aerial victories

      See also Aerial victory standards of World War I

      No. Date/time Aircraft Foe Result Location Notes
      1 30 June 1918 @ 1430 hours Sopwith Camel serial number D1868 German reconnaissance plane Driven down out of control Zeebrugge
      2 30 June 1918 @ 1440 hours Sopwith Camel s/n D1868 Fokker D.VII Driven down out of control Zeebrugge
      3 31 July 1918 @ 1930 hours Sopwith Camel s/n D8146 Fokker D.VII Driven down out of control Northeast of Ypres
      4 12 August 1918 @ 1055 hours Sopwith Camel s/n D9498 Fokker D.VII Destroyed Blankenberghe
      5 12 August 1918 @ 1055 hours Sopwith Camel s/n D9498 Fokker D.VII Driven down out of control Blankenberghe
      6 15 August 1918 @ 1900 hours Sopwith Camel s/n D8145 Fokker D.VII Set afire; destroyed Menen Victory shared with Charles Hickey
      7 15 August 1918 @ 1900 hours Sopwith Camel s/n D8145 Fokker D.VII Set afire; destroyed Menen
      8 3 September 1918 @ 1150 hours Sopwith Camel s/n D8146 Fokker D.VII Driven down out of control Geluveld
      9 27 October 1918 @ 0910 hours Sopwith Camel s/n F3929 Fokker D.VII Set afire; destroyed South of Ghent [3]
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      Post World War I

      Gordon's postwar activities are unknown except for his death on 19 April 1990.[4]

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      Endnotes

      1. ^ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/scotland/gordon3.php Retrieved 21 July 2011.
      2. ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 2 November 1918, p. 12966.) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30989/supplements/12966Retrieved 20 July 2011.
      3. ^ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/scotland/gordon3.php Retrieved 14 July 2011.
      4. ^ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/scotland/gordon3.php Retrieved 21 July 2011.
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      Central Powers air services


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      Last modified on 22 April 2013, at 15:37