Geoffrey Gaunt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Geoffrey Gaunt
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|---|---|
| Born | Blackpool, England |
| Died | 15 September 1940 Kenley, Surrey, England |
| Buried |
Salendine Nook Baptist Church
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| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Rank | Pilot Officer |
| Unit | 609 Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Relations | James Mason (cousin) |
Geoffrey Norman Gaunt was a brave Spitfire pilot during World War II. He was part of the famous No. 609 Squadron RAF. Geoffrey was killed in action on 15 September 1940. He came from a well-known family, and the famous actor James Mason was his cousin. Geoffrey was buried in his family's plot at Salendine Nook Baptist Church. He was also good friends with fellow pilot David Moore Crook.
Contents
Early Life and Training
Geoffrey Gaunt joined 609 Squadron before the war began. This squadron was part of the Auxiliary Air Force. He started his flying training with them.
In April 1940, Geoffrey officially became an officer in the Auxiliary Air Force. He finished his pilot training in June and July 1940. This training took place at Cranwell, in Lincolnshire. After that, he went to another training unit. There, he learned to fly the powerful Spitfire Mark One plane.
Serving with 609 Squadron
Geoffrey Gaunt rejoined 609 Spitfire Squadron on 16 August 1940. The squadron was based at Warmwell in Dorset. Their job was to protect important places like Portland Naval Base. They also defended areas like Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall.
The Battle of France
Before Geoffrey rejoined, 609 Squadron helped in the Dunkirk evacuation in May 1940. This was during the Battle of France. They flew missions to protect British soldiers being rescued from Dunkirk. The squadron lost many pilots during this difficult time.
The Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain started in July 1940. 609 Squadron played a big part in it. They flew from Middle Wallop and Warmwell. In August 1940, the squadron shot down 46 enemy planes. However, they also lost many of their experienced pilots. By October 1940, 609 Squadron was the first to shoot down 100 enemy aircraft.
Geoffrey Gaunt joined the squadron in the middle of this intense battle. He took part in many air fights in August. On 25 August, he helped shoot down a German Messerschmitt BF110 fighter. He shared this victory with Pilot Officer Noel Agazarian. Agazarian later became a famous fighter ace.
Final Mission and Legacy
Geoffrey Gaunt was killed on 15 September 1940. He was shot down while attacking German bombers over London. His Spitfire, R6690, crashed and burned near Kenley. This day became known as "Battle of Britain Day." The strong defense by the RAF on this day made Hitler cancel his plan to invade Britain.
Geoffrey's friend, David Crook, wrote a book called Spitfire Pilot. It was published in 1942. The book tells the story of David's friends, including Geoffrey Gaunt, who died during the Battle of Britain. The book helps us remember these brave pilots.
Remembering the Pilots
- A Spitfire flown by pilots like Noel Agazarian and David More Crook is now in the Imperial War Museum in London.
- There is a special Memorial Hut for 609 West Riding Squadron at Elvington Airfield. It is part of the Yorkshire Air Museum. The hut has a replica Spitfire and pictures of the pilots. It honors men like Geoffrey Gaunt who died fighting for their country.
