The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. G D Bushell

Gordon Downs Bushell of Fenny Stratford, Buckinghamshire was born on 15th October 1916, the son of Joseph Downs Bushell (1883-1957) and Margery Bushell (nee King 1894-1924).

His mother died when he was eight years old.

Bushell was educated at Magdalen College School, Brackley, Northamptonshire.

He joined the RAFVR in April 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. He was working as a broker in the tea trade when he was called up on 1st September 1939.

He completed his training at 5 FTS Sealand on No. 44 Course, which ran from 6th November 1939 to 18th May 1940. He arrived at 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 18th May 1940.

After converting to Hurricanes he was posted to 213 Squadron on the 25th. On 12th August he claimed two Me110s destroyed and another two days later.

On the 13th he probably destroyed a Me109 and on the 15th he claimed another Me110 destroyed.

On 15th October he was flying as No.2 to F/Lt. JM Strickland when they were engaged by Me109s over Swanage. Strickland, in Hurricane V6544, went down badly damaged. Three Me109s attempted to finish him off but Bushell warded them off till Strickland was able to force-land in a field.

Bushell damaged one of the 109s and for his conduct was awarded a Mention in Despatches (gazetted November 1940).

He damaged another on 17th October.

Bushell was killed on 31st December 1940 when he crashed in a snowstorm at Risby Park, Beverley, Yorkshire in Hurricane P3267.

He was 24 years old and is buried in Bletchley Cemetery, Buckinghamshire.

Above image courtesy of Wertypop.

He is commemorated at Magdalen College School (below).