George Genders

George Genders, DFM, AFC (15 February 1920 – 1 May 1950) was a flying ace of the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. He is credited with the destruction of at least ten aircraft. He was also a test pilot in the postwar period.

From Oldham in England, Genders joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1939 and was called up to serve in the RAF on the outbreak of the Second World War. After completing his flying training, he was posted to Greece to serve with No. 33 Squadron in early 1941 as a sergeant pilot. Flying Hawker Hurricane fighters, Genders claimed several aerial victories during the fighting in Greece and later in Battle of Crete. He continued to serve with the squadron following its withdrawal to Egypt, achieving further aerial victories during its involvement in the Western Desert campaign. Commissioned in March 1942, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal the next month. From May 1942 to May 1943, he served with a maintenance unit in Egypt but also flew successful high altitude interception sorties in specially modified Supermarine Spitfire fighters. Much of the remainder of his war service was in repair and maintenance units. In the postwar period, he remained with the RAF as a test pilot. He was killed on 1 May 1950 in a flying accident while testing the de Havilland DH 108 experimental supersonic jet aircraft.