Geoffrey David Leybourne Haysom
Born(1917-10-20)20 October 1917
Durban
Died17 June 1979(1979-06-17) (aged 61)
Service/branchRoyal Air Force
RankWing Commander
Service number39736
Commands held
Awards

David Haysom (1917–1979) was a South African flying ace of World War II, credited with 6 'kills'.[1]

Life

Haysome was born in Durban in 1917 and attended Durban High School[2] before going onto Natal University College, graduating with a BSc. He intended to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh but abandoned his studies to join the RAF on a short service commission in 1937.[1][3]

Haysom in flight

He joined 79 Squadron in 1938, flying Hurricanes.[1]

He commanded the squadron from June to September 1941 before being posted to the Middle East, joining 260 Squadron in July 1942. He was appointed Acting Wing Commander and posted as Wing Leader of 239 Wing three days after joining 260 Squadron.[1][3]

He was released from the RAF as a Group Captain in 1946. He died in 1979.[1][3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Shores, C; Williams C (15 July 2008). Aces High: A Tribute to the Most Notable Fighter Pilots. Grub Street. ISBN 978-1-898697-00-8.
  2. ↑ "Our Community – DHS Foundation". Archived from the original on 29 April 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 Wynn, Kenneth (2015). Men of the Battle of Britain. Frontline Books. ISBN 978-1473847675.


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