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The Airmen's Stories - P/O G B Atkinson

 

Gordon Barry Atkinson was born on 7th February 1921 and joined the RAF on a short service commission on 28th December 1938. With his training completed he joined 248 Squadron at Hendon on 30th October 1939.


On 3rd November 1940 he returned to Sumburgh with a damaged oil cooler caused by return fire from a He111 that he attacked over the North Sea. He and his crew were unhurt.

 

 

In 1943 Atkinson was serving with 603 Squadron in the Mediterranean as 'A' Flight Commander. Normally a fighter squadron, 603 was then operating as a Coastal Strike Unit, equipped with Beaufighters.


Atkinson was awarded the DFC (gazetted 14th December 1943) the citation stating that he had flown a large number of sorties, including many attacks on shipping.


He remained in the RAF after the war, graduated from the Staff College and was made an MBE (gazetted 1st January 1963).

Atkinson retired on 18th March 1976 as a Wing Commander.

He died on 16th September 1997.


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