Ian Gleed

Ian Richard Gleed, DFC (25 September 1916 – 16 April 1943), was a Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilot and flying ace of the Second World War. He was credited with the destruction of 13 enemy aircraft, 8 shared, 6 unconfirmed, and 5 damaged.

Born in Islington, London, Gleed joined the RAF in 1936. He served with No. 87 Squadron at the outbreak of war, flying Hawker Hurricanes. He participated in the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions.

In 1941, Gleed was promoted to command No. 87 Squadron. Later, he was transferred to the Middle East, where he commanded No. 244 Wing. He continued to score victories against Axis aircraft.

Gleed was killed in action on 16 April 1943, during a dogfight over Tunisia. His aircraft was shot down by a Bf 109 flown by a German pilot from Jagdgeschwader 53. He is buried in the Massicault War Cemetery in Tunisia. Gleed was known for his daring flying skills and his meticulous approach to aerial combat. His personal diary, published posthumously as "Arise to Conquer," provides a valuable insight into the life of a fighter pilot during the Second World War.