Gordon Duncan (RAF officer) facts for kids

Gordon Metcalfe Duncan (born March 25, 1899 – died December 7, 1941) was a brave Scottish pilot. He was known as a "flying ace" during World War I. This means he shot down many enemy planes. He flew for the Royal Flying Corps, which was the UK's air force at the time. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery.

Early Life and Education

Gordon was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. His parents were Isabel Graham and John Duncan. He went to school at The Leys School in Cambridge. Later, he studied at the University of Edinburgh.

Flying in World War I

When Gordon turned 18, he joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was on June 20, 1917. He trained to be a pilot at Castle Bromwich. On October 25, 1917, he became a temporary second lieutenant. He was officially confirmed in his rank in February 1918.

Joining the Squadrons

Gordon was sent to 60 Squadron. His first flight on April 10, 1918, ended with a forced landing. Two months later, on June 19, he was hurt when his plane had mechanical trouble and he had to land again.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Gordon flew a single-seat fighter plane called the S.E.5a. He became very skilled. In just 28 days, he achieved eight victories against enemy planes. Five of these victories happened in August during the important Battle of Amiens. He got three more victories in the first week of September.

On September 16, 1918, Gordon was promoted. He became a flight commander with the rank of captain. He then served in 56 Squadron.

Distinguished Flying Cross

Gordon was given the Distinguished Flying Cross on December 3, 1918. This award recognized his courage. The award said:

Lieutenant Gordon Metcalfe Duncan.

A brave fighter and a skilled leader who has shot down seven enemy planes. On September 5, 1918, while flying to protect other planes, he attacked five enemy Fokker planes. He fought one of them very closely, and it broke apart in the air. He then forced a second enemy plane to crash out of control.

Gordon left the Royal Air Force (RAF) on June 2, 1919.

Life After the War

After the war, Gordon went back to Scotland. He studied civil engineering at the University of Edinburgh. On December 7, 1929, he married Augusta Mildred Durran in Edinburgh. They had two daughters and one son.

Gordon had a successful career as a civil engineer in Kent, England. When World War II started in 1939, he returned to Edinburgh. He became unwell with kidney problems. Gordon Metcalfe Duncan passed away on December 7, 1941.