Dave Glaser facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernest Derek 'Dave' Glaser
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|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Dave |
| Born | 20 April 1921 |
| Died | 2001 |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1939–1953 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Commands held | No. 234 Squadron RAF No. 548 Squadron RAF No. 64 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Efficiency Award, Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air |
Ernest Derek 'Dave' Glaser (born April 20, 1921 – died 2001) was a brave British pilot. He served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He was a hero in the famous Battle of Britain. After the war, he became a well-known test pilot, flying and checking new airplanes.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the RAF
Dave Glaser grew up in Hampshire, England. His father was also a pilot, which might have inspired him! Dave went to Lancing House and Bloxham School. In April 1939, he joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. This is where he began his training to become a pilot.
World War II Hero
Flying in the Battle of Britain
In 1940, Dave Glaser joined No. 65 Squadron RAF. He flew amazing Supermarine Spitfire planes. He fought alongside other brave pilots like Jeffrey Quill. This was during the Battle of Britain, a very important air battle. His Spitfire even had special art on its nose! It showed a picture called 'The Laughing Cavalier'.
In July 1940, Dave became a Flight Lieutenant. He then moved to No. 234 Squadron RAF. Sadly, on July 13, 1940, he was accidentally shot down. A Royal Navy warship off the English coast mistook his plane for an enemy aircraft. Luckily, he survived! In 1941, he was promoted to Pilot Officer.
Fighting in Australia
Dave became the temporary leader of his squadron in October. In August 1942, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award is given for bravery in air operations. In 1943, Dave was sent to Australia. He joined No. 549 Squadron RAF. This squadron flew Spitfires to protect Darwin from Japanese air attacks.
In early 1945, Dave was promoted to Squadron Leader. He then took command of No. 548 Squadron RAF, also in Darwin. In 1946, he earned the Air Efficiency Award. This award recognized his long and valuable service in the Royal Air Force.
Life as a Test Pilot
Flying New Aircraft
After the war, Dave returned to England. He was given a permanent job in the Royal Air Force. He became a flight commander for No. 64 Squadron RAF. This squadron flew fast de Havilland Hornet fighter planes.
In 1949, Dave went to the Empire Test Pilots' School. This is a special school for pilots who test new aircraft. After graduating, he became a test pilot at the Royal Aircraft Establishment. In 1952, he joined Vickers Armstrong as a test pilot. He helped test and improve many famous planes. These included the Vickers Varsity, Vickers Viscount, and the large Vickers Valiant bomber. He also helped test the BAC One-Eleven, a popular passenger jet.
Later Career and Awards
In 1979, Dave Glaser became a flight operations manager. He also taught other pilots how to test planes for Rombac in Romania. In 1983, he retired from British Aerospace. He then worked as a successful aviation consultant. This means he gave expert advice about airplanes.
Dave received the military Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air in 1953. He received another commendation in 1968 for his civil test flying work. He was a truly dedicated and skilled pilot throughout his life.
