The Airmen's Stories - F/O G G Hyde
George Gordon Hyde was born on 11th February 1914 in Montreal, Canada, the son of George Gordon Hyde KC (1883-1946) and Lilian Hyde (nee Boronow 1890-1962).
His father was a Canadian politician and a prominent lawyer.
Hyde's nickname throughout his life was 'Kewp', short for 'Kewpie Doll', a newly released toy which he resembled as a baby.
He attended Westmount High School before going on to Trinity College School at Port Hope, Ontario in September 1931.
There he represented the college in rugby and hockey. After graduating he joined AE Ames & Co. in Montreal as an investment dealer. He gained his civil pilot's licence and was a member of 115 Auxiliary Squadron of the RCAF, joining on 1st September 1938.
He was called up on the outbreak of war and was serving with No.1 (RCAF) Squadron when it arrived in the UK on 20th June 1940.
Hyde was detached to RAF Uxbridge on 10th July for a short
R/T procedure course.
Hyde was shot down in combat with Me109s on 31st August and baled out with burns. His Hurricane, P2971, crashed near Staplehurst.
He was posted to 112 (RCAF) Squadron, a holding unit,
on 2nd September as non-effective sick.
Hyde was discharged from hospital on the 7th and after
convalescence he returned to No. 1 (RCAF) Squadron for duty on
2nd October.
Hyde was posted to 2 (RCAF) Squadron on 2nd January
1941. The unit was renumbered 402 Squadron on 1st March 1941.
He was killed in a flying accident on 17th May 1941 as a Flight Lieutenant, still with 402 Squadron at Digby. His Hurricane IIb Z3232 came down while performing aerobatics over Metheringham as part of the village's War Weapons Week celebration.
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(Above: his portrait was made by Eric Kennington)
Hyde is buried in Scopwick Burial Ground, Lincolnshire.
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