Gordon Ernest “Tiger” Camplin; decorated WW2 Spitfire Pilot from Cleethorpes.

Gordon Ernest Camplin was born in the Grimsby/Cleethorpes area in the early part of 1921. He had a brother, George and a sister Lily. His parents were Ernest and Lily who were married in Louth.

Gordon Ernest Camplin joined the Volunteer Reserves early in 1939. His initial training was at RAF Grimsby (Waltham). His training continued until November 1940. He just missed out on being a Battle of Britain pilot! He saw action with 145 Squadron in early 1941 and certainly destroyed 2 or 3 enemy aircraft. He eventually became a ferry pilot in the Middle East then ended up in South Africa. Using his considerable experience, he successfully flew the first Spitfire from Cairo to the Cape. It went in response to a request from the South African Government for exhibition in the Union where it remains on display to this day.

This original photo of G. E. “Tiger” Camplin was taken in March 1944. The date suggests that this is the Spitfire he flew to the Cape.

Many thanks to George Chapman of London for the photo of the medals, which include an Air Force Cross, and the photo of the log book and also for some of the information.