George Unwin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Unwin
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_confers_with_Flight_Lieutenant_Walter_%27Farmer%27_Lawson_and_Flight_Sergeant_George_%27Grumpy_Unwin_at_Fowlmere_near_Duxford,_September_1940._CH1366.jpg)
Flight Sergeant Grumpy Unwin, right, confers with Squadron Leader "Sandy" Lane, centre, at RAF Fowlmere, September 1940
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| Nickname(s) | Grumpy |
| Born | 18 January 1913 Barnsley Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 29 June 2006 (aged 93) Dorset, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1929–1961 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Service number | 46298 |
| Unit | No. 19 Squadron RAF |
| Commands held | No. 84 Squadron RAF (1949–51) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War Malayan Emergency |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Medal & Bar |
George Cecil Unwin (born January 18, 1913 – died June 28, 2006) was a brave pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He was known as a "flying ace" during the Second World War. This means he shot down many enemy planes. He was also called "Grumpy" by his friends.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the RAF
George Unwin was born in a town called Bolton upon Dearne, near Barnsley in Yorkshire, England. This was on January 18, 1913. When he was 16, in 1929, he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF). He started as an apprentice, learning how to help with office work.
In 1935, George was chosen to train as a pilot. After finishing his training, he became a sergeant pilot. He was then sent to join No. 19 Squadron RAF.
Flying the Spitfire
First Flights and a Brave Crash
No. 19 Squadron RAF was the very first RAF unit to get the new Supermarine Spitfire plane. This happened in 1938. George Unwin was one of the first pilots to fly this famous aircraft. He flew his first Spitfire on August 16, 1938.
George spent a lot of time testing different Spitfire planes. He flew 15 different ones to see how they worked. On March 9, 1939, something amazing happened. His engine failed while he was flying a Spitfire (K9797). To avoid crashing into a children's playground, he bravely crashed the plane on purpose in a safer spot.
World War II Combat
Battle of France and Dunkirk
George Unwin's first time fighting in the war was during the Battle of Dunkirk. This was part of the French Campaign. For nine days, from May 26 to June 4, he flew patrols. During this time, he shot down three enemy planes and possibly a fourth. This period was called Operation Dynamo.
George described his first combat experience as "stage fright":
I could see this aircraft diving down in an arc towards me, with what looked sparks lighting up his wings – I then realised he was shooting at me, all I could was sit there in the cockpit and watch him. I was so fascinated! I was shaken from this stupor when two shells hit my aircraft behind the cockpit and I took evasive action. I survived this moment of stage fright and never hesitated again.
The very next day, George got his first confirmed victory. He shot down a German Henschel Hs 126 plane. On June 1, he shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 110 and possibly another. He also probably shot down a Heinkel He 111.
Battle of Britain Hero
George Unwin became a hero during the Battle of Britain. By the end of 1940, he was credited with shooting down 14 enemy planes. He received the Distinguished Flying Medal in October 1940. He then got a Bar to this medal in December, showing he had earned it again.
On September 15, George shot down three German Bf 109 planes. On September 18, he added a Bf 110 to his score, making it his 11th victory. He continued to fight bravely, shooting down more enemy planes. On November 5, he got his last personal victory, a Bf 110 over the English Channel.
After the intense fighting of 1940, George was given a break. He became an instructor at a flying school.
Later War Service
In July 1941, George Unwin became an officer. He continued to serve in different training roles. In April 1944, he started flying DeHavilland Mosquito fighter-bombers. He flew these planes until October 1944. He then worked at gunnery schools, teaching others how to shoot.
After the War
Continuing in the RAF
George Unwin stayed in the RAF after the Second World War ended. In 1948, he started flying Bristol Brigand aircraft. He flew these planes during the Malayan Emergency in 1952. For his efforts there, he was given the Distinguished Service Order. This is a very important award.
George Unwin retired from the RAF in 1961. He had reached the rank of Wing Commander.
Later Life and Nickname
George Unwin's nickname in the RAF was "Grumpy." One story says he got this name because he complained about the noise his squadron friend, Douglas Bader, made. Bader was fixing his artificial legs late at night, and it kept George awake! Another story says he was called Grumpy because he was upset when he couldn't fly missions during the Battle of Dunkirk. This was because there weren't enough planes.
In May 2006, a company called Corgi Toys made a model of his Spitfire plane. They gave one to George. He passed away peacefully on June 28, 2006, at the age of 93.
Awards and Recognition
George Unwin received several important awards for his bravery and skill:
- Distinguished Flying Medal (October 1, 1940):
This airman has displayed great courage in his attacks against the enemy and has destroyed ten of their aircraft. On a recent occasion, when returning from an engagement alone, he intercepted a formation of enemy bombers escorted by about thirty fighters, and destroyed two of the fighters. He has displayed skill and courage of the highest order.
- Bar to the Distinguished Flying Medal (December 6, 1940):
This airman has shown the greatest keenness, courage and determination to engage the enemy. He is an outstanding fighter pilot and has destroyed a total of thirteen enemy aircraft and assisted in the destruction of others.
- Distinguished Service Order (March 21, 1952)
Exhibition
George Unwin was featured in an exhibition. This display was about the people who lived, worked, and fought at RAF Duxford in Cambridgeshire. The exhibition opened on March 28, 2013.
