George Chesworth

Background

Chesworth was born on 4 June 1930.

Education

Once Chesworth had completed his flying training, and converted to Sunderland Flying Boats, he joined Number.

Career

He began his association with the Royal Air Force when he joined the Air Training Corps. He began his military service on 28 July 1948, when he went to the recruitment office to sign on for National Service. He was one of the few National Service pilots.

He was commissioned into the Royal Air Force in May 1950.

205 Squadron in the Far East Air Force. After the Korean War ended, Chesworth became a Flying Instructor on Percival Provost at Royal Air Force Hullavington.

This was followed by a ground tour. He then went to Royal Air Force Kinloss as a Shackleton Instructor and finally back to squadron life as a Flight Commander with Number.

201 Squadron Royal Air Force. On 15 April 1980, Air Commodore Chesworth was appointed Chief of Staff (Air), Headquarters Number.

18 Group Royal Air Force, with the acting rank of air vice marshal. Air Vice Marshal Chesworth retired from the Royal Air Force in 1984. In 1985, Chesworth became Chief Executive of the Glasgow Garden Festival.

He was Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Scotland between 21 April 1994 and 20 August 2005, when he was replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Grenville Johnston.

On 25 February 2009, Chesworth presented 80 personnel of his previous squadron, Number. He is currently the Vice President of Houses for Heroes.

Achievements

• On 23 February 1954, the then Flight Lieutenant Chesworth was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross "in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in of Korea." In the 1972 New Year Honours, the then Wing Commander Chesworth was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire). On 11 October 1982, he was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (Central Bank) "in recognition of service within the operations in the South Atlantic." He was appointed to the honorary role of Air Commodore of Number. 2622 (Highland) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment based at Royal Air Force Lossiemouth in 2001. He held that position for eight years to 2009. On 3 August 1992, he was appointed as Honorary Colonel of the 76 Engineer Regiment (Volunteers).