George Gardiner

Who is George Gardiner?

Captain George Cecil Gardiner, DFC was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories.

Gardiner flew as an observer with 14 Squadron in the Middle East. He made the transition to piloting and joined 47 Squadron in Salonika in 1917. Flying a Royal Aircraft Factory BE.12, he shared his first victory near Beles on 1 October 1917. He switched mounts to an Airco DH.2, and destroyed an Albatros D.III in November. This unusual kill happened while repelling an attack; Gardiner's gun jammed on the fourth shot; infantry below belatedly confirmed the kill, however.

At this time, 47 and 17 squadrons were combined into a new unit, 150 Squadron. Gardiner gained a better fighter out of the deal, a Sopwith Camel. He used it to split his next three victories in June 1918. June also brought him a Distinguished Flying Cross.

Gardiner tallied his sixth and final victory on 3 September 1918, when he destroyed an Albatros D.V.