George Bennions facts for kids

George Herman Bennions (born March 15, 1913 – died January 30, 2004) was a brave pilot during World War II. People called him "Ben." He was one of the best Spitfire pilots in the famous Battle of Britain. He even received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his courage.

Early Life

George Bennions was born in Burslem, a town in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. When he was 16, in 1929, he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF). He started as an aircraft apprentice at RAF Halton. Three years later, he became an expert at fixing aircraft engines.

In 1935, George married Avis Brown. They had three daughters. George trained to become a pilot. In January 1936, he joined No. 41 Squadron RAF as a sergeant pilot. He flew Hawker Demon fighter planes in Aden. Later that year, his squadron returned to England. They received new planes, first the Hawker Fury, then the Supermarine Spitfire in 1940. George became an officer in April 1940.

A Wartime Hero

Flying in Battle

George Bennions was based at RAF Hornchurch during the war. On July 28, 1940, he shot down his first enemy plane, a Messerschmitt Bf 109. The next day, he shot down another Bf 109. However, his own Spitfire was damaged, and he had to make an emergency landing in Kent.

On August 15, 1940, his squadron fought a large German air force. This force included 120 bombers and 21 fighter planes. George destroyed a Messerschmitt Bf 110 and damaged another. His squadron then returned to Hornchurch.

George continued to be very successful. On September 5, he shot down a Junkers Ju 88 bomber. He also likely destroyed another Bf 109. The next day, he shot down two more Bf 109s. By the end of September, he had shot down 12 enemy planes. He also likely destroyed five more and damaged five others.

Facing Injuries

On October 1, 1940, George Bennions received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award is given for bravery in air combat. He was about to go on leave, but then he was called to fly. He had to quickly take off in his Spitfire to stop enemy planes.

He shot down one enemy plane. But then, a shell exploded in his cockpit. This caused serious injuries. He lost sight in his left eye. His right arm and leg were also badly hurt. He suffered serious burns and was bleeding heavily. Despite his injuries, he managed to open his parachute and jump out of his plane. He then lost consciousness.

George was found in a field near Hatfield. He was rushed to the hospital. Doctors saved his right eye, but his left eye could not be helped. He was then moved to Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead. Here, he was treated by Sir Archibald McIndoe. Sir McIndoe was a pioneer in plastic surgery for severe burns. George became one of "Archie's Guinea Pigs." This group of injured pilots formed the Guinea Pig Club. Because he used a parachute to save his life, he also joined the Caterpillar Club.

Helping from the Ground

After an amazing recovery, George Bennions became a fighter controller. This meant he directed fighter planes from the ground. He was promoted to squadron leader. In January 1943, he was recognized for his service again.

Later, he served in North Africa. He worked with an American Fighter Group that flew Spitfires. Even though he could not fly in combat, he was allowed to fly on convoy patrols. In October 1943, George was in charge of a ground control unit. This unit landed on Corsica. As he left the landing craft, an enemy "glide bomb" exploded. A glide bomb is a bomb that can glide through the air to its target. George received shrapnel wounds. Shrapnel are small pieces of metal from an exploding bomb.

For the second time, he became a patient of Sir McIndoe at East Grinstead. For the rest of the war, George was a senior fighter controller. He worked at different units in the North of England.

Life After the War

George Bennions left the RAF in 1946. He then trained to become a teacher. He taught woodwork, metalwork, and practical drawing. He lived in Catterick for the rest of his life.

George was a very skilled silversmith. He even had his own special mark for his silver creations. His hobbies included building and sailing a small boat called a dinghy. He also loved flying. He owned a share in a de Havilland Tiger Moth aircraft and flew it until he was in his seventies.

For many years, he was an honorary member of the RAF Catterick Officers' Mess. He was always pleasant and humble. Younger members often did not realize what an amazing life he had lived. He was also a keen golfer. He was elected captain of his local club and later became an honorary life member.