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Gardiner, Frederick Henry

    Service number:
    517540
    Nationality:
    British

    Biography

    Frederick Gardiner attended St Bart's. He left when he was 15 to work in Buckland Paper Mills, and then joined the RAF as an aircraftman in June 1934. He became a wireless operator, and, after service abroad, trained as an air observer. He passed and was promoted sergeant.

    Promotion:
    May 4th, 1950: Pilot Officer (permanent)
    May 4th, 1951: Flying Officer
    November 4th, 1953: Flight Lieutenant
    January 1st, 1960: Squadron Leader
    May 1st, 1963: Retirement at his own request

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    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Sergeant
    Unit:
    Royal Air Force
    Awarded on:
    November 14th, 1939
    Citation:
    "In September, 1939, the aircraft in which Sergeant Gardiner was air observer was attacked by enemy aircraft and seriously damaged. Two petrol tanks were punctured and despite the fumes and much bleeding from a slight gunshot wound over the right eye, this airman continued his duties, and succeeded in setting an accurate course to the base. The aircraft caught fire on landing and, although his clothes were alight, Sergeant Gardiner commenced to extinguish the burning clothing of the wireless operator by rolling him on the ground, and beating the flames with his hands. Not until his efforts were successful did he attend to his own clothing."
    British Empire Medal (BEM & EGM)

    Sources

    Photo