George Beurling
George Frederick "Buzz" Beurling, DSO, DFC, DFM & Bar (1921 – 1948) was the most successful Canadian fighter pilot and flying ace of the Second World War.
NN
Beurling was recognised as "Canada's most famous hero of Second World War", as "The Falcon of Malta" and the "Knight of Malta", having been credited with shooting down 27 Axis aircraft in just 14 days over the besieged Mediterranean island. Before the war ended his official total climbed to 31.
NN
Beurling's wartime service was terminated prior to war's end, for repeated stunting and his lack of teamwork. Having found a way to potentially continue combat flying in the postwar era, Beurling was killed in a crash while attempting to deliver an aircraft to Israel.
NN
But Beurling was not invincible; he was shot down four times over Malta. On 14 October 1942 (his last flight over Malta), he was wounded in the heel, elbow and ribs, and his Spitfire was set on fire. He managed to bail out into the sea.
Photo: Department of National Defence, Canada • Believed to be in the Public Domain (Age)
On 4 November he received the Distinguished Service Order, the citation read:
NN
Pilot Officer George Frederick BEURLING, D.F.C., D.F.M. (128707), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 249 Squadron. Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Pilot Officer Beurling has destroyed a further six enemy aircraft, bringing his total victories to 28. During one sortie on 13 October 1942, he shot down a Junkers 88 and two Messerschmitt 109s. The following day, in a head-on attack on enemy bombers, he destroyed one of them before he observed his leader being attacked by an enemy fighter. Although wounded, Pilot Officer Beurling destroyed the fighter. Then climbing again, although his aircraft was hit by enemy fire, he shot down another fighter before his own aircraft was so damaged that he was forced to abandon it. He descended safely on to the sea and was rescued.
This officer's skill and daring are unexcelled.
Source: Wikipedia
Main
Menu
