Derek Boitel-Gill

Derek Boitel-Gill, (13 March 1911 – 18 September 1941) was a British flying ace who served with the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. He is credited with having shot down at least eight aircraft.

Born in Claygate, Surrey, Boitel-Gill joined the RAF in 1929 and served for five years before going onto the reserve. He then worked in civil aviation until he was called up for military service in April 1940, six months after the outbreak of the Second World War. He was posted to No. 152 Squadron and achieved a number of aerial victories during the Battle of Britain. The recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross in October, he was appointed the commander of the squadron the following month. In June 1941, he was posted to No. 59 Operational Training Unit at Crosby-on-Eden. He was killed on 18 September in a flying accident.

Early life Derek Pierre Aumale Boitel-Gill was born in Claygate in Surrey, England, on 13 March 1911. He went to Milbourne Lodge School before going on to Steyne School in Worthing. He joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1929, training at No. 5 Flying Training School at Sealand before being posted to No. 3 Squadron. At the time, the squadron was based at Upavon and operated the Bristol Bulldog biplane aircraft in both a day and night fighter role. He was promoted to flying officer in March 1931. He ended his service in the RAF in 1934, going onto the Reserve of Air Force Officers (RAFO). He was posted to No. 152 Squadron as one of its flight commanders. He was only here for a few weeks before being sent to No. 5 Operational Training Unit (OTU) at Ashton Down for familiarisation with the Supermarine Spitfire fighter. Once he completed his conversion course, he was put on the instructing staff at the OTU to help train pilots on the Boulton-Paul Defiant two-man fighter.

Later war service In November, Boitel-Gill was appointed commander of No. 152 Squadron. Although by this time the Luftwaffe's offensive campaign against England had slowed, the squadron continued in a defensive role until April 1941, at which time it shifted to Portreath. From here it was engaged in flying protective patrols over shipping convoys. In June, it began night-fighting duties but mid-month Boitel-Gill was posted away. He is credited with the destruction of eight German aircraft, with a share in one damaged.