Very rare - fighter pilot who served during World War 2 and flew Spitfires

The RAF service number 37482 belongs to Wing Commander Gerald Alfred Wellesley Saunders, DFC.     He was a notable British fighter pilot who served during World War II and flew Spitfires with the elite No. 65 Squadron during the historic Battle of Britain.  Key Biographical & Service Details:

• Full Name: Gerald Alfred Wellesley Saunders

• Born: June 30, 1914

• Died: October 1999 (Exeter, UK)

• Rank: Released from the service in 1945 with the rank of Wing Commander.

• Primary Unit: No. 65 Squadron RAF (Hornchurch). 

Notable Wartime Actions:

• Battle of Britain Command: Following the tragic death of Squadron Leader H.C. "Sam" Sawyer on August 2, 1940, Saunders stepped up and briefly assumed operational command of No. 65 Squadron. He later took official command as an Acting Squadron Leader on October 30, 1940. 

• Aerial Combat Record: During the Battle of Britain, he was credited with multiple aerial victories, including destroying Messerschmitt Bf 109s, sharing in the destruction of a Henschel Hs 126 and a Dornier Do 17, and damaging a Junkers Ju 88. 

• Decorations: He was officially awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his bravery and leadership, which was gazetted on April 4, 1941.

***Picture***

L to R:

F/Sgt. RR MacPherson, F/O JBH Nicolas, F/O SB Grant, F/Lt. CGC Olive, Capt. Balfour (Air Ministry), S/Ldr. HC Sawyer, F/Lt. GAW Saunders, F/O T Smart, Sgt. JR Kilner