Gordon Raphael | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Wing_Commander_Gordon_Raphael.jpg) Portrait of Raphael taken around the time of being awarded the Distinguished Service Order | |
| Born | 25 August 1915 Brantford, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | 11 April 1945 (aged 29) Southeast England |
| Buried | Cudham Churchyard, Orpington, England |
| Allegiance | Canada |
| Service | Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1936–1945 |
| Rank | Group Captain |
| Commands | Biggin Hill station Manston station No. 85 Squadron |
| Battles / wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar Mention in Despatches (2) |
Gordon Raphael, DSO, DFC & Bar (25 August 1915 – 11 April 1945) was a Canadian flying ace who served with the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. He was credited with having shot down at least seven aircraft.
Born in Brantford, Raphael joined the RAF in 1936 and was serving in Bomber Command on the outbreak of the Second World War. He flew Armstrong Whitworth Whitley bombers with Nos. 77 and 10 Squadrons during the early stages of the war, and was mentioned in despatches and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). In early 1941 he was transferred to night fighting duties. He achieved most of his aerial victories during the Blitz on London, many with his radar operator William Addison, and was awarded a Bar to his DFC. In May 1942, he was appointed to command of No. 85 Squadron, overseeing the unit's conversion to de Havilland Mosquito night fighters. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order in February 1943, he held base postings for most of the remainder of the war. Appointed commander of Biggin Hill station in February 1945, he was killed in a flying accident when his Supermarine Spitfire fighter collided with a transport aircraft.