P/O Leslie Gill, known as Les was
born in December 1920 in Melksham, Wiltshire. Educated at
Fitzmaurice Grammar School, Bradford on Avon,1932-36.He
joined the RAF on 26th January 1937 at 2 Wing, Halton before
receiving his passing out report from 3 Wing No.I E. & W.
School, Cranwell on 16th May 1939.
He joined 207
Squadron at RAF Cottesmore on 18th May 1939,then 207
Squadron at RAF Cranfield and 12 OTU , RAF Benson on 20th
April 1940. He and his wife, Barbara after marrying on 28th
April 1941, lived at No 28 Married Quarters, No 1 Squadron,
12 OTU, Benson. Les then went on to join 90 Squadron on 30th
August 1941 at Polebrook, Northants., serving on B-17's for
a while.
He then joined 1653
CU. on 12th February 1942, Snaith on 31st October 1942 and
1657 CU. on 9th November 1942.
Following his time at
the Conversion Units, he was posted to 199 Squadron at
Linholme before moving to Blyton after a few days and then
to 27 OTU, where he was instructing Polish airmen, quite
possibly after completing his first tour. He was then posted
1656 CU on 15th May 1943 before joining 460 Squadron on 14th
June 1943.
Lastly,came a posting
to 156 squadron on 24th September 1943 with three of the
Australian's from the 460 crew, P/O Gynther, F/O Robertson &
P/O Raper.
