1943

Michael Patrick Campion, GC

Countries: Ireland

War served, WW2 i

Commemorated on a memorial as having served in, and survived, WW2.

Born in Dublin. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force, becoming a leading aircraftman in 220 squadron, transferring to 90 bomber squadron when WW2 broke out.

On 12th March 1940 at RAF Upwood, two Blenheim bombers collided on take off and burst into flames. Campion and aircraftman Ernest Frost were among the first to arrive on the scene. Although the crew of one of the planes escaped unaided, Campion and Frost managed to free the crew of the other one, at great risk to themselves. The planes petrol tanks exploded shortly afterwards.

For their heroism, both men were awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal, which was later replaced by the newly created George Medal.

Campion was killed when his Fortress HA FK206 "K" crashed off the Azores. His body was never recovered.

The Wandsworth memorial mistakenly credits him with a VC instead of a GC.

Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of plaquesoflondon.co.uk

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