IWM Duxford has today been gifted the war medals of Wing Commander
G D M Blackwood
The medals were presented to Stephen Woolford, Head of Interpretation and Collections at
Imperial War Museum Duxford by Miss Maureen Blackwood and Mr Michael Blackwood, the
daughter and son of Wing Commander Blackwood.
Stephen Woolford, Head of Interpretation and Collections, Imperial War Museum Duxford,
said: "It's wonderful to have these medals because they represent the story of one man and
his career in the RAF, in which he was a Commander of 310 Squadron, a Czech unit based at
Duxford. The medals represent his personal story but also illustrate the wider story of how
the Czechs and other people from occupied Europe flew and fought in the Battle of Britain.
The medals will have pride of place in Historic Duxford, the new exhibition which will tell the
story of Duxford's history."
Michael Blackwood, son of Wing Commander Blackwood, said: "My sister and I discussed
what would happen to father's medals when we died. My sister has no children and I have
one son who lives abroad. We felt that my father would be absolutely delighted to know that
his medals were going to play a small part in the future of Duxford, which was a part of his life
that he clearly enjoyed. I know he would be delighted to think that a part of his history would
be available for others to see into the future."
Wing Commander George Douglas Morant Blackwood was educated at Eton and joined the
RAF on a short service commission in early 1933. In 1934, he took part in the Hendon Air
Display and he served at Hawkinge and Lee-on-Solent before his term of service ended in
1938.
In 1939, at the outbreak of the Second World War, he was recalled to the Royal Air Force.
A naturally gifted pilot, his request for operational flying saw him join 213 Squadron as a
supernumerary Squadron Leader in early June 1940.
At the end of the month, he was posted to Duxford to form 310 Squadron, the first
completely Czech fighter squadron. Following the fall of France, a group of Czechoslovakian
pilots and ground crew, who had escaped the German occupation of their country, arrived at
RAF Duxford. They had seen a great deal of combat, having fought their way up from the
middle of France, and risked life and limb to reach England in order to continue to fight for
world freedom.
Whilst not being able to communicate in the English language, the Czech pilots of 310
Squadron were tremendously skilled and eager to enter combat.
The squadron became operational on 17 August 1940 and on 26 August Blackwood claimed
the destruction of a Dornier 17. His aircraft was shot down by return fire and he bailed out,
unhurt, when his Hurricane P3887 crashed at Maldon.
He ended the Second World War as Wing Commander commanding the Czech Fighter Wing
in the RAF Second Tactical Air Force. He was decorated with the Czech War Cross and
Czech Military Medal and was presented with the Czech Medal of George of Podebrady in
1993.
It is anticipated that the medals of Wing Commander Blackwood will be displayed as part of
Historic Duxford, the Museum’s new development project created to bring Duxford’s
heritage to life through the stories of the men and women who lived and worked on this
historic site. The medal collection includes the 1939/45 Defence Medal, the 1939/45 George
Star with Battle of Britain bar, the Aircrew Europe Star and the two Czech medals.
IWM Duxford commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a fascinating
range of events in 2010:
Duxford in the Battle of Britain photographic exhibition (19 April –December 2010) presents
evocative photographs showing the men and women who served at RAF Duxford.
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF Today (Saturday 15 May) gives visitors the
opportunity to see the legendary aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and to meet
and mingle with RAF pilots and Battle of Britain veterans.
The Spring Air Show (Sunday 16 May)presents aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
and the RAF in breath-taking aerial action.
Summer holiday activities (Friday 23 July to Tuesday 31 August) bring the Battle of Britain to
life with a range of hands-on activities. Families can learn about the aircraft involved in the
Battle of Britain, discover what life was like for a fighter pilot and meet a costumed
interpreter recreating the role of a Battle of Britain pilot.
The Battle of Britain Air Show (Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 September) remembers the pilots
and aircraft that flew from RAF Duxford. We’re delighted to announce that the Red Arrows
will display on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 September and the Patrouille de France will display on
Sunday 5 September. Expect to see squadrons of Battle of Britain aircraft at Europe’s bestpreserved
Second World War airfield.
Duxford, Spitfires and the Battle of Britain (Saturday 11 September) explores the momentous
events of Britain’s ultimate air campaign and considers RAF Duxford’s role within the Battle of
Britain.
For further information on all IWM Duxford events go to www.iwm.org.uk/duxford.
Imperial War Museum Duxford is just south of Cambridge at junction 10 of the M11. Ample
free parking is available. For a full list of Duxford’s air shows and other exciting events in
2010, including half term activities for families, visit www.iwm.org.uk/duxford or telephone
01223 835 000.
