26 Facts About Michael Giddings

Michael Giddings was conscripted into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1940.

Michael Giddings completed his pilot training in the United States of America.

Michael Giddings moved with them when they were reposted to RAF Hornchurch in the south of England.

Michael Giddings was involved in the defence of the island from the Axis powers until November 1942, when he was injured during an accident.

Michael Giddings was taking off when a truck appeared on the runway in front of him.

Michael Giddings crashed into it at high speed and broke a wrist and an arm.

Michael Giddings later was given seniority from 1 September 1945.

In February 1945, Michael Giddings was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Flight Lieutenant Michael Giddings has completed a very large number of varied sorties.

Michael Giddings has led his flight and, on occasions, the squadron with great skill and determination, factors which have contributed in good measure to the successes obtained.

In 1946 Michael Giddings attended the Empire Test Pilots' School at RAF Cranfield in Bedfordshire.

Michael Giddings was promoted to squadron leader on 1 January 1950, and awarded the Air Force Cross in June.

Michael Giddings then spent five years as a Staff Officer at RAF Fighter Command, during which he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1952 Birthday Honours.

Michael Giddings was then appointed as Commanding Officer of a wing based at RAF Waterbeach.

Michael Giddings was promoted to wing commander on 1 January 1956, as part of the new-year promotions, and was awarded a Bar to his AFC the following day.

Michael Giddings's next flying role was as Commanding Officer of No 57 Squadron RAF that flew the Handley Page Victor.

On 1 July 1960, Michael Giddings was promoted to the rank of group captain, and served on the operational staff of Bomber Command.

Michael Giddings was promoted to air commodore on 1 January 1965.

Michael Giddings was appointed Air Officer Commanding Central Reconnaissance Establishment in 1967, and held the post for one year.

Michael Giddings took another staff appointment as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, in 1969.

Michael Giddings was promoted to air marshal on 1 January 1974, and knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in the 1975 New Year Honours.

Michael Giddings retired from the RAF on 19 June 1976.

Michael Giddings was an independent panel inspector with the Department of Environment between 1979 and 1991.

Michael Giddings presided over the year-long inquiry in May 1982 concerning the extension of the M1 motorway to link with the A1.

Michael Giddings chaired the inquiry concerning the Archway Road A1 extension in North London.

Michael Giddings wrote a number of music scores for television programmes, including the opening theme tune for the television drama Cathy Come Home.