Robert MacIntyre Gordon
Scottish World War I flying ace
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Lieutenant Robert MacIntyre Gordon (30 September 1899 – 19 April 1983) 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. Postwar, he became a medical doctor.
Royal Air Force
Robert MacIntyre Gordon | |
|---|---|
| Born | 30 September 1899 Glasgow, Scotland |
| Died | 19 April 1983 (aged 83) Colchester, Essex |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Branch | Royal Navy Royal Air Force |
Rank | Lieutenant |
| Nickname | "Bobby" |
| Unit | No. 4 Naval Squadron RNAS/No. 204 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Early life
Robert MacIntyre Gordon was born in Queen's Park, Glasgow, Scotland on 30 September 1899.[1][2]
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.[3]
On 29 September 1918, he was wounded and hospitalized. Freed from bed rest in early October, he was sent on leave. Upon return to duty, he scored his last victory on 27 October but was wounded again in the process. He sat out the rest of the war.[2]
Combat record
| 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 | Blankenberge | |
| 5 | 12 August 1918 @ 1055 hours |
Sopwith Camel s/n D9498 |
Fokker D.VII | Driven down out of control | Blankenberge | |
| 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 | |
Post World War I
Gordon qualified as a doctor in 1924. He was awarded a DSO and GM for his service during World War II. He died on 19 April 1983.[4]