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The Airmen's Stories - P/O G M Head

 

Geoffrey Mons Head was born on 2nd October 1918, probably in South Africa as his father was stationed there as a Staff Sergeant in the Royal Engineers.

His parents were Robert Head (1882-1941) and Ellen Ann Head (nee Loundes 1881-1974).

He joined the RAF on a short service commission and began his elementary flying on 1st May 1939 at 15 E&RFTS Redhill. He went to No. 1 RAF Depot Uxbridge on 24th June 1939 for a short induction course.

Head moved on to 10 FTS Ternhill for No. 12 Course, which ran from 10th July to 9th December 1939. Head actually joined 219 Squadron at Catterick on 7th December.

 

Standing: Sgt. RV Cook, Sgt. GT Williams, Sgt. C Beveridge, P/O RV Baron, P/O RC Hall, Sgt. S Austin, Sgt. DC Bunch, Sgt. E Combes.

Seated: Sgt. HF Grubb, Sgt. EG Grubb, P/O WGM Lambie, F/O JC Carriere, F/O HG Goddard, F/Lt. JH Little, F/O JG Topham, P/O GM Head, P/O J Sinclair, Sgt. OA Dupee, Sgt. HK Crook..

Centre on ground unknown.

 

 

He was detached from 219 Squadron to the School of Air Navigation, St. Athan on 6th May 1940 for No. 6 Short Navigation Instructors Course, which ran from 6th May to 28th June. Head rejoined 219 on 1st July 1940. He made a crash-landing in a Blenheim at Catterick on 30th July when his undercarriage would not come down. Head, Sergeant ER Lacey and Aircraftman L Smith were all uninjured.

On 12th October he was flying Blenheim L1113 when it experienced engine vibrations during a routine night patrol. The engines were throttled back but the aircraft stalled and crashed at Court Lodge Farm, Ewhurst. Both crew bailed out but P/O RV Baron was killed when his parachute failed.

Head went to No. 1 Blind Approach School at Watchfield, for No. 5 Course, which began on 25th November. He rejoined 219 on 7th December.

On 8th February 1941 Head was carrying out practice AI interceptions in Beaufighter R2074 with another 219 squadron aircraft when he radioed that his aircraft was filling with smoke. Nothing further was heard and the Beaufighter came down at Gumber Farm, Slindon in Sussex. Head was killed along with Sgt. RF Willis and Sgt. T leDong.

Head was 22 years old and was cremated at Woking Crematorium, Surrey.

 

 

 

 

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