Rank:

Flight Cadet

Unit:

RAF Cranwell, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

1927

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

January 2nd, 1939

"On 10 February 1938 he made a record flight (with a healthy tail wind) from Turnhouse (Edinburgh) to Northolt, 327 miles, in 48 minutes at an average speed of 408.75 m.p.h.an event noted in almost all histories of the Hawker Hurricane. At take-off a weather report indicated winds of 75 mph at 17,000 feet. He took off at 1705 hours, climbed at 200 mph (no drift) and at 5,000 feet had a considerable impression of speed. At height the windscreen frosted up and he had some wing icing, forcing a partial descent."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Wing Commander

Unit:

No. 615 (County of Surrey) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

July 30th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

No. 49 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

September 9th, 1941

"This officer has led the wing on nineteen occasions since July, 1941, and his fine leadership and cool courage have been an inspiration to his fellow pilots throughput all operations. On three recent escort missions Wing Commander Gillan has displayed especial skill and determination. He has destroyed one and damaged another enemy aircraft."

Posthumously awarded. Awarded as bar.