The news of Flt Lt George Dunn DFC’s passing was received with great sadness by everyone at the de Havilland Museum. George, a former wartime Mosquito pilot, died on April 28th at his Brighton home, aged 103. A true gentleman, George was a regular visitor and great supporter of our museum and will be greatly missed. 

George joined the Royal Air Force in June 1941, becoming a wireless operator/air gunner before retraining as a pilot in Canada under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. George went on to fly Halifax bombers with No.76 Squadron, playing a vital part in the strategic bomber offensive against Germany. Following a period as an instructor, George joined No.608 Squadron at Downham Market flying Canadian built Mosquito B.XX and B.XXV’s as part of the No.8 Group (Pathfinder Force) ‘Light Night Striking Force’ (LNSF). Between March 1st and 29th 1945, George flew a total of eleven operational sorties with 608 Squadron, nine of which were to Berlin. However, the vast majority of George’s operational flying on Mosquito’s took place with the little know  No.1409 Flight. In order to provide detailed forecast information prior to RAF and USAAF bombing raids, 1409 Flight Mosquito crews flew long-range meteorological reconnaissance missions (under the code name ‘PAMPA’) over enemy territory, often relaying their information home prior to landing. All in all George flew twenty-nine operations with 1409 Flight, several in the celebrated Mosquito PR.IX ML897 ‘D’ for ‘Dorothy’.

Always a popular figure at Museum events and book signings, George worked hard supporting many worthy causes, his quiet charm and modesty endearing him to all. Thank you George, we will miss you.

Our thoughts are with George’s family at this sad time.