The Airmen's Stories - P/O G R Bennette

Geoffrey Ryding Bennette, from Carshalton, Surrey, was born on 8th June 1917 in Birkenhead, Cheshire. His parents were Horace William Paul Bennette (1876-1957) and Maud Bennette (nee Bloor 1885-1950).

He he began his education at Birkenhead Preparatory School and moved on to Park High School in January 1930. The family moved south in July and Bennette completed his education at Wellington County School for Boys in Surrey.

He entered the RAF on a short service commission in June 1939. With his training completed, Bennette arrived at 5 OTU Aston Down on 6th April 1940.

After converting to Hurricanes he was posted to 17 Squadron at Debden on 6th May.

Above: Bennette (left) and F/O WJ Harper (right) in conversation with Sgt. Robinson

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On 9th July he shared in the destruction of a He111.

He was posted away to 6 OTU on 16th October 1940 as an instructor.

Bennette was reported 'Missing' after operations over the English Channel on 19th August 1942 as a Flight Lieutenant with 245 Squadron at Middle Wallop.

His Hurricane IIC BP741 was shot down by ground fire whilst supporting the Dieppe Raid.

Bennette is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 65.