The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. R J Gent

Raymond John Mitchell Gent, of Midhurst, joined the RAFVR in June 1939. Called up on September 1st, he completed his flying training at 5 FTS, Sealand and was posted direct to 32 Squadron at Biggin Hill on July 27th 1940. Gent arrived there with two other newly-trained pilots, Sergeants TG Pickering and SAH Whitehouse. The CO, Squadron Leader J Worrall, would have none of this and after the new arrivals had made a few short flights they were sent to 6 OTU, Sutton Bridge on August 3rd. Having converted to Hurricanes, they rejoined 32 on the 25th.

Two days later the squadron was ordered to Acklington for a rest. Worrall said that Gent, Pickering and Whitehouse were not in need of a rest and they were posted to 501 Squadron at Gravesend on the 28th.

Gent claimed a Me109 destroyed on October 25th. Whilst ferrying a new squadron Magister from Kemble to Filton on January 2nd 1941, Gent crashed at Greenore, Wells after hitting some trees in low cloud and was killed.

He was 24 and is buried in St Martin's churchyard, Ashurst, Kent.