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George had volunteered for the RAF on 26th May 1941. As he was a practicing optician at the time, his papers stipulated 'Not to be employed other than as pilot or observer without reference to the Air Ministry.'

On 17th August 1944, George, then F/Sgt Shepherd, was attached to No.24 Squadron, Hendon (then the only Squadron in the Air Force that could take off in any weather) where he was made Special Courier to General Eisenhower at Supreme Allied Expeditionary Force Headquarters. Along with his pilot Sgt Patrick Cutts, George flew in a small Anson aircraft which could land in fields behind the lines with the help of metal mesh strips for safe landing. They took important peronnel to the General but never divulged who these persons were. They did this trip many times as the General moved forward.

At the end of his mission, General Eisenhower gave George and his pilot his personal commendation. George subsequently became one of the Air Traffic Controllers in the London area with the rank of Master Warrant Officer; one of the very few of this rank in the RAF.

This story was submitted to the People's War website by Helena Noifeld of 大象传媒 Radio Kent and has been added to the website on behalf of George Charles Shepherd with his wife Margot Shepherd's permission. She fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

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