16 Facts About Geoffrey Warnes

Geoffrey Warnes was described by Group Captain Johnnie Johnson as a "gay, cheerful character" who was a "leader of men".

Geoffrey Warnes was a member of the Civil Air Guard where he learnt to fly with the Yorkshire Aeroplane Club at Yeadon Aerodrome, his instructor was "Ginger" Lacey.

Geoffrey Warnes played rugby with Headingley Rugby Club from 1936 until the outbreak of war.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Geoffrey Warnes volunteered as a pilot, but was rejected because he wore glasses and his eyesight was too bad to be corrected by lenses in flying goggles.

Geoffrey Warnes persisted and was eventually rewarded when he was accepted for ground duties.

Geoffrey Warnes was commissioned as an acting pilot officer in April 1940.

Geoffrey Warnes was posted to France, but on returning after the Fall of France, he was posted to a barrage balloon squadron.

Geoffrey Warnes continued in his efforts to fly and was transferred to the General Duties Branch in November 1940, for training as a flying instructor.

Geoffrey Warnes accumulated 400 hours teaching trainee RAF pilots on Tiger Moths, whilst still trying to get transferred to a combat unit.

Geoffrey Warnes was wearing spectacles under his flying goggles, but was challenged by his medical officer about the safety of this.

Geoffrey Warnes was sent to Group Captain Philip Livingston, a consultant ophthalmologist in the RAF Medical Services, who gave permission for Warnes to fly on active missions.

Geoffrey Warnes was posted to No 263 Squadron RAF at Charmy Down in Somerset.

Geoffrey Warnes's first recorded mission on 19 September 1941 was a Mandolin operation to attack Morlaix aerodrome in Brittany.

On 9 December 1942, Geoffrey Warnes became Commanding Officer of No 263 Squadron and was promoted squadron leader, his predecessor having been shot down off Jersey two days before and later presumed killed.

Geoffrey Warnes was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 17 February 1943 and the Distinguished Service Order on 13 June that year.

On 5 December 1943, Geoffrey Warnes returned to active duty with his squadron.