Tweets

  1. 22 Nov

    why not try a visit to the National Archives in Kew, or their online documents for a start

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  2. 24 Sep

    For 54 years John lay in Spitfire EBG. Support RAFBF and share your own photo of EBG

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  3. 20 Sep

    This has been the story of Sergeant John Stanley Gilders, the Forgotten Ace. 4 Oct 1919-21 Feb 1941

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  4. 20 Sep

    11 May 1995- John Gilder's funeral, Brookwood Cemetary. 54 years since parting, Molly attends the funeral to say her final goodbyes.

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  5. 20 Sep

    1995 And a team of archaeologists finally recovered and identified John's body. Plane and body were recovered. Ready for a Christian burial

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  6. 20 Sep

    For 54 years John Gilders lay in his Spitfire beneath a quiet meadow in Kent. For 30 years his Father wrote to the MOD seeking answers

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  7. 20 Sep

    21 Feb 1941 Sergeant Gilders broke from formation into a vertical nose dive, crashing into a field, Chilham, Kent. Suspected Oxygen failure.

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  8. 20 Sep

    21 Feb 1941 Sptifire E.B.G. Routine patrol over Kent from Hornchurch. Regret to inform PATROL - FAILED TO RETURN

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  9. 20 Sep

    21 February 1941 Newly engaged, Sergeant John Stanley Gilders climbed into his Spitfire for a routine patrol. It was to be his last flight.

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  10. 20 Sep

    14 February 1941 - Valentines day. Given 3 days leave after a week of sweeps into France. John proposes to Molly...

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  11. 20 Sep

    February 1941 and 41 Squadron commenced offensive sweeps over France, "circus" operations under new CO of 11 Group, Trafford Leigh-Mallory

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  12. 20 Sep

    Nov 1940 and John transferred to the battle-hardened 41 Squadron, led by Squadron Leader Don Finlay, Olympic Hurdler

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  13. 20 Sep

    John stayed with 72 Squadron through to the end of what is now known as the Battle of Britain. He was transferred to 616 Squadron early Nov

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  14. 20 Sep

    On the 27th September 1940 Sergeant Gilders shot the wing off an Me 109, and brought a Junkers 88 down in flames, becoming an Ace

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  15. 19 Sep

    18 Sep 40 As I update my hours.. ink drying on this log.. as I turn this page, surely I am turning a page in History?

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  16. 19 Sep

    18 Sep 40 Into storm of 100 Me109's wheeled and tumbled gave good chase, over the coast- probably damaged, Broke back with Rolls to Biggin

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  17. 19 Sep

    18 Sept 1940 Scramble !- Sptifre X.4063, set off in pairs, 72 Squadron followed by 66. Incoming over Gravesend. Wing to wing with Sgt Rolls

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  18. 19 Sep

    18 Sep 40 Spoke with WAAF's off duty at Biggin Hill. Gerry is changing focus past 2 days. 11 Group changing tactics

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  19. 19 Sep

    18 Sep 1940 - All is changing. Briefed in morning on new tactics - to be flying out in pairs only - break off intruders - attack and return

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  20. 19 Sep

    17 Sep 1940 Return to base to await any orders for instrument flying, night defence. When we have pushed them back I will make Molly my wife

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