Dambusters Exhibition Programme

A FIRST WORLD WAR ACE: JOHN GILMOUR FROM THE EXHIBIT

Captain John Gilmour, an ace with 39 ‘kills’, is shown here in front of a Martinsyde G.100, which was nicknamed the ‘Elephant’ because it was large and unwieldy. Gilmour flew this aircraft with No 27 Squadron and the Sopwith Camel with No 65 Squadron. The notification (below) was signed by Winston S Churchill on 1 March 1919 to confirm that Captain John Gilmour was mentioned in Despatches by Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig on 8 November 1918 “for gallant and distinguished services in the field”. This Certificate (right) appoints Captain John Gilmour, a leading ace of the RAF, who had formerly served with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, to be a member of the Distinguished Service Order, 3 August 1918. IWM: Private Papers of Captain J Gilmour DSO MC** (80/15/1)

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