Gerald Le Mesurier
Gerald John Le Mesurier | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Nickname(s) | Lemmie |
| Born | 27 June 1914 |
| Died | 8 July 1943 (aged 29) |
| Buried | |
| Service | South Africa |
| Rank | Major |
| Service number | P102636V |
| Commands | |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Gerald John Le Mesurier DFC (1914-1943) was a South African flying ace of World War II, credited with 3 'kills'.[1]
After completing his schooling at Diocesan College in Cape Town, he studied at the University of Cape Town. He joined the Special Service Battalion in 1936 but later in 1936 transferred to the South African Military College, joining the South African Air Force.[1]
He joined 1 Squadron SAAF in November 1940, in East Africa, as a flight commander. He served as temporary Officer Commanding on his arrived and then again in 1941. He was appointed OC in May 1942. He was shot down in July 1942 and hospitalised and was declared unfit to fly in November 1942 and returned to South Africa.[1]
He was awarded a DFC in April 1943.[2] He flew to England to attend a course and receive his medal but was killed in a flying accident.[1]
Record
[edit]He was credited with 3 kills, 1 probable and 1 damaged.[1][3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Shores, C; Williams C (15 July 2008). Aces High: A Tribute to the Most Notable Fighter Pilots. Grub Street. ISBN 978-1-898697-00-8.
- ^ "No. 35989". The London Gazette. 20 April 1943. p. 1855.
- ^ Thomas, Andrew (2003). Hurricane Aces 1941 -1945. Osprey. p. 87. ISBN 978-1841766102.
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- South African World War II flying aces
- 1914 births
- 1943 deaths
- Burials at Brookwood Cemetery
- South African recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)
- University of Cape Town alumni
- Alumni of Diocesan College, Cape Town
- South African military personnel killed in World War II
- South African military personnel stubs