Service number:

551542 (NCO)/50222 (Officer)

Nationality:

British

Michael gardiner joined the RAF in May 1937 and qualified as an Air Gunner with 215 Squadron on 4 January 1939. On 10 February of the same year he qualified as a Wireless Operator with 75 Squadron. In August 1940 he was transferred to 99 Squadron, and in January 1941 he was posted to 7 Squadron.
In November 1941, after flying 53 missions, he was transferred to 1425 Communications Flight and in October 1942 to 511 (Transport) Squadron, where he remained until December 1943. During this period he carried many distinguished passengers, including Winston Churchill, H.R.H. The Duke of Gloucester, Field Marshals Alan Broke and Alexander, General De Gaulle, and Generals Ismay and Ritchie. He was then posted to 525 Squadron before moving to 1332 H.C.U., and in November 1944 he was promoted to Chief Signals Leader; in June 1945 he was posted to 232 Squadron. In May 1946 he transferred to 1359 (V.I.P.) Flight, 24 Squadron, where he remained until 1950.

Promotions:
? Flight Sergeant
13 September, 1942: Pilot Officer on Probation (emergency)
13 March, 1943: Flying Officer on Probation (war sub)
13 September, 1944: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
15 May, 1946: Flying Officer: extended service
1 July, 1946: Flight Lieutenant
29 April, 1949: Flight Lieutenant (permanent) and transfer to the Technical Branch
1 July, 1954: Squadron Leader
2 December, 1973: retirement (at own request)

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Sergeant

Unit:

No. 7 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

August 22nd, 1941

REPORT from East Grinstead “Courier” or “Observer”

"Local Airman Honoured.
The King has approved the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal to Flight Sergent Mickey Gardener.Sergent Gardener joined the RAF in 1937, passing out as a Wireless Operator 1st.Class. Until the hostilities began, he worked as an Instructer, but has since flown 52 missions over enemy territory.
Sergent Gardener plays bowls for West Hoathly."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pilot Officer

Awarded on:

June 2nd, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "NORTH AFRICA 1942-43" clasp.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Awarded on:

June 8th, 1950

With "Malayan Peninsula" clasp.

• - The London Gazette Publication date:22 August 1941 Issue:35254Page:4864
  - The London Gazette Publication date:18 December 1942 Issue:35831Page:5557
  - The London Gazette Publication date:28 May 1943 Issue:36033Page:2474
  - The London Gazette Publication date:15 June 1943 Issue:36059Page:2770
  - The London Gazette Publication date:26 September 1944 Issue:36722Page:4481
  - The London Gazette Publication date:21 June 1946 Issue:37625Page:3220
  - The London Gazette Publication date:11 October 1946 Issue:37758Page:5081
  - The London Gazette Publication date:20 December 1949 Issue:38787Page:6023
  - The London Gazette Publication date:2 June 1950 Issue:38929Page:2805
  - The London Gazette Publication date:29 June 1954 Issue:40220Page:3871
  - The London Gazette Publication date:17 December 1973 Issue:46155Page:15031
  - Morton and Eden
  - Trevor Swainson