The Airmen's Stories - P/O D H Gage

Douglas Hugh Gage of Staines, Middlesex, was born in January 1918, the son of Charles Henry Gage FRIBA and Elizabeth Mary Gage.

He attended Shrewsbury School from 1931 to 1935 and trained as an architect before the war. Gage joined the RAFVR in July 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot.

Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his flying training and was commissioned.

After converting to Spitfires at 7 OTU Hawarden he was posted to 616 Squadron at Coltishall on 2nd September 1940. He moved to 602 Squadron at Westhampnett on the 21st.

On the 27th Gage was jumped by a Me109 and hit in the glycol tank. He made a forced-landing at Bivelham Forge Farm, Mayfield, unhurt. After being damaged by Me109s in a surprise attack over Dungeness on 30th October Gage made a forced-landing at Millbank Farm, Newchurch, again unhurt.

He was killed on 16th June 1941, aged 23, serving with 91 Squadron at Hawkinge.

His Spitfire IIA, W3126, was shot down by a Me109 during an ASR escort sortie.

He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 32.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.