Herbert Massey
| Herbert Martin Massey | |
|---|---|
| Born |
19 January 1898 Hilton, Derbyshire, England |
| Died |
1976 (aged 78) Barnstaple, Devon, England |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom |
| Service/branch |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1915 – 22 June 1950 |
| Rank | Air Commodore |
| Battles/wars | World War I, Arab Revolt, World War II |
| Awards |
CBE DSO MC |
Air Commodore Herbert Martin Massey CBE DSO MC (19 January 1898 – c. 1976). On February 4, 1917 while serving with No. 16 Squadron RAF Massey was wounded and his observer killed by Werner Voss.[1] He was a senior officer in the Royal Air Force during World War II. After being captured by the Germans, Massey became the Senior British Officer at Stalag Luft III.
After Massey's death, a memorial service in his honour was held on 22 May 1976 at St Clement Danes Church.[2]
Massey was the basis for the character Group Captain Ramsey in the film The Great Escape (who also walks with a stick), played by actor James Donald.
Honours and awards
He received the following awards and honours:
- CBE - 2 Jan 1950
- DSO - 6 Nov 1936
- MC - 1917
- Mentioned in Dispatches - 23 Jul 1937, 1 Jan 1941 and 24 Sep 1941
References
- ↑ The Aerodrome Forum
- ↑ "Memorial Services", The Times, 12 May 1976, p. 32.
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