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'Flash' Gordon was a pilot who flew with Hornet Squadron before and during the first year of World War 2.

Early Life[]

Born in Hendon, he spent his entire life living close to his parents, until Hornet Squadron moved to France at the start of World War 2.

Assigned to Hornet Squadron's B Flight before the war, Gordon was ironically nicknamed Flash, due to his reserved nature. During the early summer of 1939, 'Moggy' tried to snatch the copy of the Daily Express that Dordon was reading. The resulting scuffle ended with Gordon's nose being bent, and the newspaper splattered with blood.[1]

World War 2[]

Gordon was the first person Barton met when the latter rejoined Hornet Squadron, following the inquiry into the Battle of Southend Sands, and medical treatment for severe earache. Later in the month, Gordon and 'Fitz' were chosen to visit the local school, where the pair met Mary and Nicole.[2]

Following Dutton's death, Gordon acquired the late pilot's copy of Lady Chatterley's Lover, by stating that 'Dumbo' said he could have it.[3]

Early in the new year, Flash and Nicole were married by a minister friend of Nicole's family.[4] Shortly afterwards, the pair moved into a nearby cottage outside the base.[5][N 1]

During the Spring of 1940, while the squadron was escaping the Blitzkrieg, Gordon used a P-36 fighter, originally claimed by the now dead Squadron Leader Rex, as his personal aircraft, downing at least one Messerschmitt Bf 110.[6]

Following his return to England, Gordon was posted to Army Operation Command, flying Lysanders. After crashing three aircraft, he was passed to Training Command, before eventually joining the reformed Hornet Squadron, by which time he had been informed of Nicole's death. WHen the rest of the squadron arrived at their new base, Gordon was busy firing flares at seagulls.

Subsequently promoted tp Flying Officer, Flash was eventually killed in action, dying of injuries after landing at base agaisnt orders from the ground controller codenamed Teacake. Barton later tells CH3 it was delayed shock', occurring 'half an hour ago.'[N 2]

Notes[]

  1. In the miniseries, Flash and Nicole have a double wedding with Fitz and Mary at the end of April. The joint reception is cut short by Luftwaffe fighter attack.
  2. In the miniseries, Kellaway tells Barton and CH3 that it was 'Post operational shock', and that the death was 'a couple of hours ago.'

Sources[]

  1. Piece of Cake September 1939
  2. Piece of Cake October 1939
  3. Piece of Cake December 1939
  4. Piece of Cake January 1940
  5. Piece of Cake February - April 1940
  6. Piece of Cake
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