Six: Squadron Leader G. E. Kerridge, Royal Air Force

1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Canal Zone (Sqn Ldr G E Kerridge RAF); Air Efficiency Award, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Act. Sqn. Ldr. G. E. Kerridge. R.A.F.V.R.) 5th in named card box of issue, remainder mounted as worn, generally good very fine (6) £400-£500

M.I.D. London Gazette 31 December 1944.

Geoffrey Earnest Kerridge was born in Islington, London, in February 1918. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Pilots Section) in May 1939, advanced to Sergeant, and then was commissioned Pilot Officer (On Probation), General Duties (Flying Branch) in August 1940. Kerridge is recorded in Bomber Command Losses as crashing and writing off a Hampden bomber during take off, whilst stationed at No. 14 O.T.U., Cottesmore, on 3 March 1941. It is believed that he was on instructional duties following his first tour of active operations. Kerridge’s M.I.D. is recorded as being announced whilst he was serving at No. 120 O.T.U. (Wellingtons), at Benson - again, it is believed that he had further operational experience after leaving Cottesmore.

Kerridge advanced to Acting Squadron Leader, and was confirmed in that rank in July 1951 following his transfer to a permanent commission in the R.A.F. He retired, still mustered in a flying role, in December 1957. Kerridge resided in Penn, High Wycombe in later life, and died aged 92 in June 2010.

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