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Name: George Brian Gates
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and Bar
Country: England
Rank: Captain
Service: Royal Naval Air Service
Royal Air Force
Units: 1 Naval (RNAS)
201 (RAF)
Victories: 15
Born: 21 July 1899
Place of Birth: Hove, Sussex
Died: 1 July 1975
Place of Death: Cuckfield, West Sussex
 
 
Having joined the Royal Naval Air Service on 22 June 1917, George Brian Gates and was posted to 1 Naval Squadron in early 1918. Later that year, he claimed 14 enemy aircraft and 1 balloon flying the Sopwith Camel before being wounded in action near the end of September.
UK, RAF Officer Service Records, 1918-1919
 
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Lieut. George Brian Gates
   On a recent occasion this officer, singlehanded, engaged two enemy two-seaters, bringing down both in flames. He has, in addition, destroyed a third machine and shot down two kite balloons in flames. On whatever duty engaged—bombing, attacking troops on the ground, or fighting in the air—this officer displays consistent courage and skill.
 
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Bar
Lieut. (A./Capt.) George Brian Gates, D.F.C. (FRANCE.)
   This officer sets a fine example to the other pilots of his squadron, being conspicuous for his cool courage and brilliant leadership. During the past month he has accounted for six enemy two-seaters, five being driven down in flames and one crashed.
 
Victories
Date Time Unit Aircraft Opponent Location
1 15 Mar 1918 1145 1N Sopwith Camel (B7233) Pfalz D.III (DES) E of Dixmude
2 16 May 1918 1920 201 Sopwith Camel (D3350) Fokker DR.I (OOC) S of Albert
3 16 Jul 1918 1945 201 Sopwith Camel (D3419) Rumpler C (DESF) SE of Villers-Brettoneaux
4 16 Jul 1918 1735 201 Sopwith Camel (D3419) Balloon (DES) 1 Achiet le Grand
5 19 Jul 1918 1220 201 Sopwith Camel (D3419) Balloon (DES) Fricourt
6 10 Aug 1918 1615 201 Sopwith Camel (F5941) Halberstadt C (DESF) SE of Rosières
7 10 Aug 1918 1620 201 Sopwith Camel (F5941) Halberstadt C (DESF) SE of Rosières
8 03 Sep 1918 1310 201 Sopwith Camel (F5941) Hannover C (DESF) Near Moeuvres
9 03 Sep 1918 1925 201 Sopwith Camel (D9672) Albatros C (DESF) E of Metz en Couture
10 07 Sep 1918 1020 201 Sopwith Camel (F5941) Albatros C (DES) Noyelles
11 08 Sep 1918 0650 201 Sopwith Camel (F5941) Albatros C (DESF) Cantaing
12 14 Sep 1918 1325 201 Sopwith Camel (F5941) LVG C (DESF) Villers-Plouich
13 16 Sep 1918 0905 201 Sopwith Camel (F5941) LVG C (DES) 2 Haynecourt
14 23 Sep 1918 1725 201 Sopwith Camel (F5941) LVG C (DES) N of Bourlon Wood
15 27 Sep 1918 1130 201 Sopwith Camel (F5941) Balloon (DES) 57 C L 12C

1 Shared with Lt R S S Orr (D9648)
2 Shared with Lt J M Mackay (D9672)
 
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