Gordon Cleaver was born in Stanmore, Middlesex and was educated at Harrow School.
14 Facts About Gordon Cleaver
1.
2.
Gordon Cleaver joined the Auxiliary Air Force in 1937, serving with No 601 Squadron RAF, known as "The Millionaires' Squadron".
3.
Gordon Cleaver went with the squadron to Merville, France on 16 May 1940.
4.
The next day, Gordon Cleaver's Hurricane was hit by debris from a He-111 that attacked over Douai and he force-landed near Lille.
5.
On 15 August 1940, Gordon Cleaver was shot down during combat over Winchester.
6.
Gordon Cleaver baled out and landed by parachute near Lower Upham outside Southampton.
7.
Gordon Cleaver participated in numerous offensive patrols during operations in France and the Dunkirk evacuation.
8.
Gordon Cleaver has displayed great determination and devotion to duty.
9.
Gordon Cleaver officially transferred to the Administrative Branch on 27 May 1941.
10.
Gordon Cleaver was released on medical grounds from the RAF on 9 November 1943, retaining the rank of squadron leader.
11.
Gordon Cleaver recovered some sight in one eye but was blinded in the other.
12.
Gordon Cleaver requested the Rayner company to manufacture a lens from ICI Perspex.
13.
Later in life, Gordon Cleaver developed cataract in his remaining eye.
14.
The organizers of Hahnenkamm named a cup after Gordon Cleaver, first presented in 2006.