Memorable Manitobans: George John Malcolm (1891-1916)

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George John Malcolm
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Pioneering aviator.

Born at Dominion City on 24 June 1891, son of England-born liveryman George Malcolm and Frances Emily Sykes, his family eventually moved back to England where he earned a BSc degree at London University in 1911. He was commissioned in the Royal Field Artillery later that year and earned his Royal Aero Club Aviator Certificate at Brooklands in November 1913. He joined the Royal Flying Corps in June 1914, the first Canadian-born pilot to do so, and was with the first pilots to travel to France on August 1914.

His military service was recognized with a mention in dispatches and promotion to squadron commander. As Commanding Officer of 20 squadron, he was not expected to engage in unnecessary flying but he felt he had to share the risks of his men. He was killed in 1916 when the engine of the aircraft he was ferrying stalled. His squadron went on to achieve 630 aerial victories, the highest total of any British scout unit of the war.

Sources:

Birth registration, Manitoba Vital Statistics.

1891 Canada census, Ancestry.

Robert A. Sellwood, Winged Sabres: One of the RFC’s Most Decorated Squadrons, 2018.

Officer's Records, Royal Flying Corps.

This page was prepared by James Kostuchuk and Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 13 November 2020

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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