Flt Lt Charles Gordon Olsen

Charles Gordon Olsen is born in United Kingdom. He joins the Royal Air Force in May 1940 and is trained as wireless operator and air gunner.

Charles Gordon Olsen is born on 5 February 1920 in Pancras, London. He is the son of Carl Valdemar Olsen and Gertrude Amy Olsen (nee Bell). [1] The father is a constructional engineer and a Danish national to his death in 1930. In consequence, Charles Gordon Olsen holds a dual citizenship when he volunteers during the Second World War. He does not speak Danish, though. [2]

Enlists in the Royal Air Force

He joins the Royal Air Force Voluntary Reserve in May 1940 and is trained as Wireless Operator/Air Gunner (1160824). He is posted to No. 77 Squadron at RAF at RAF Station Leeming, Yorkshire, in July 1941 holding the rank of Sergeant.

This squadron is operating Armstrong Whitworth Whitleys. In November 1941 he has taken part in several missions over enemy territory.

In early December 1941 he is posted to No. 51 Squadron, at RAF Station Dishforth.

In late 1941 to early 1942, when the Danish community considers the possibilities of creating a Danish squadron, Charles Gordon Olsen contacts the Recruiting Office, Danish Nationals, to enquiry about the possibility to joins this unit. [3]

On 21 august 1942 he is given an emergency commission as Pilot Officer (on probation) (130335) [4] and on 21 February 1943 he is promoted to Flying Officer (on probation). [5] He is promoted to Flight Lieutenant (war substantive) on 21 August 1944. [6]

Remains in Royal Air Force

Charles Gordon Olsen remains in the air force after the war. On 18 December 1945 he is appointed to commission in the Royal Air Force, General Duties Branch, at Flying Officer (extended service) for four years on the active list. He retains his exiting rank under wartime rules, with seniority from 21 February 1946. [7] On 1 July 1946 he is promoted from Flight Lieutenants (war substantive) to Flight Lieutenant. [8] On 12 September 1950 he relinquishes his commission on account of medical unfitness for Air Force service retaining his rank. [9]

Sources

1. Ancestry.com. England & Wales, Birth Index: 1916-2005 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2008, Ancestry.com. England & Wales, Death Index: 1916-2005 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007, Ancestry.com. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1861-1941 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010.
2. Rigsarkivet, Danske Råd i London, Rekrutteringskontoret, pk. 70
3. Rigsarkivet, Danske Råd i London, Rekrutteringskontoret, pk. 70
4. London Gazette, issue 35750, 16.10.1942
5. London Gazette, issue 35936, 09.03.1943
6. London Gazette, issue 36692, 05.09.1944
7. London Gazette, issues 37605, 07.06.1946 and 37892, 25.02.1947
8. London Gazette, issue 37758, 11.10.1946
9. London Gazette, issue 39014, 12.09.1950