Thomas Percy Gleave

Survived a burning Hurricane to lead RAF Manston into battle

Thomas Percy “Tom” Gleave joined the Royal Air Force in 1930 and commanded No. 253 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. In aerial combat on 30 and 31 August 1940, he led his fighter pilots against German aircraft. His Hurricane was shot down on 31 August, leaving him with severe burns to his face, hands and legs. Contemporary combat credits and later historical reassessments differ, so a precise victory total remains unsettled.

After initial treatment at Orpington Hospital, Gleave underwent reconstructive surgery at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead. He became a founding member of the Guinea Pig Club and served as its “Chief Guinea Pig” until his death. His recovery allowed him to return to RAF operational responsibilities by 1941.

As a wing commander, Gleave took command of RAF Manston in October 1941. During the Channel Dash on 12 February 1942, six Swordfish of No. 825 Naval Air Squadron flew from Manston against German warships; the aircrews carried out the attack, while Gleave held command responsibilities at the station. He recommended Lieutenant Commander Eugene Esmonde for a posthumous Victoria Cross and sought recognition for the other airmen. At Manston he also pressed for a broad, durable runway to help damaged aircraft returning across the Channel.

Gleave held group captain rank during the war and later worked in Allied air planning, including preparations for the Normandy invasion and service as Head of Air Plans at Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force. His substantive promotion to group captain took effect on 1 July 1947. His honours included a military CBE, the American Bronze Star Medal, and two Mentions in Despatches. Historical sources also name the French Légion d'honneur and Croix de Guerre, although their class and citation device have not been established.

Medically retired from the RAF in 1953, he became an official historian in the Cabinet Office. His leadership and long service to the Guinea Pig Club remain part of his legacy. Gleave died on 12 June 1993.