In Memory Of

DUFF, GEORGE GORDON

Service Details
Age:
 24
Date of Birth:
 -0001-11-30
Service No:
 89378
Rank:
 Flight Lieutenant
Unit:
 158 Sqdn.
Regiment:
 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Date of Death:
 1942-03-10
Cause of Death:
 Died in Aircraft Accident, Wellington W5431, took off at 19.34 hrs from Driffield, crashed at 02.50 hrs and burst into flames on return to base. Fl/Lt Duff, a South African serving in the R.A.F. and his Australian Co- pilot are buried in Driffield Cemetery. Sgt. Caldwell was taken to Tansley, where his father, the Rev'd George Caldwell, was the vicar. The tail gunner owes his life to Cpl. Hughes who, without regard to his own safety, smashed into the rear fuselage and dragged Sgt. Clarke to safety. In recognition of this courageous act, an entry appeared in the Notable War Services despatch, issued on 11th May 1942.
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 Grave 6179.
Cemetery:
 DRIFFIELD CEMETERY
Localitly:
 Yorkshire
Country:
 United Kingdom
Additional Information
Decorations:
 D F C
Citations:
 LG Sup 30 September 1941 pg. 5650 - "One night in September, 1941, this officer was the captain of an aircraft detailed to attack a target at Turin. On the outward journey, it became apparent that, owing to a technical fault, it was not possible to use the fuel in the reserve petrol tank. In spite of the long and difficult flight ahead, Pilot Officer Duff decided to continue his mission and, by skilful control of his engines, thus conserving his fuel, was able to reach and bomb his objective and return safely to base. On a previous occasion, Pilot Officer Duff successfully searched for a dinghy some eighty miles from the English coast. He flew over the position for three hours, until he was relieved. This officer has carried out thirty operational missions and has displayed exceptional ability, keenness and courage throughout"
Son of James Anderson Duff and Winifred Duff. Of South Africa. His brother also died in service