Gordon Sampson Clear was born on the 9th February, 1912 to parents Edwin Arnold Clear, a Goods Manager and Margaret Ethel (nee Sampson) at Somersby, Bricket Road, St Albans.

Gordon married Joyce Ella Smith in 1936 in the London Brough of Westminster. On the 1939 census Joyce is living at the post office in Leverstock Green and Gordon an Insurance Clerk, lived with his parents in St Albans

After his basic training Gordon is promoted to Flight Sargent on 21st February 1942.

The original 139 Squadron was serving overseas and was renumbered 46 Squadron. The air ministry reformed 139 Squadron at Horsham St Faith on the 8th June 1942, to re-equip with Blenheim V's, aircraft, fortunately, these aircraft were never used operationally and 139 Squadron was equipped with the Mosquito aircraft.

This new squadron needed air crew and Gordon having finished his training as a Navigator and now with the rank of pilot officer, along with a number of new members transferred from No 17 Operational Training Unit at R.A.F. Upwood on the 13th June, followed by 7 days leave. 29 airman died during 1942 whilst training with at 17 O.T.U. on Blenheim bombers.

The new squadron was in training from June until the end of September when the Squadron moved to a new base at RAF Martlesham, Suffolk. And the start of operations against the Germans.

Gordon’s first operation on the 13th October was a meteorological flight to Holland, the weather was reported, not favourable, it was a perfectly clear day. Two days later Gordon first bombing sortie takes place to the docks at Den Helder.

25th Bombing sortie abandoned due to, no cloud cover.

No more operations for Gordon until February, between the 12th and 20th November he is on a course at Upper Hayford, for Gee training, this was a radio navigation system and on the 30th he is promoted to Flying Officer.

Listed below are the flying operations by Gordon

12th February, bombed the armaments works at Liege

14th February, Bombed the Railway shed at Tours.

17th February, This was a photo reconnaissance mission over the railway sheds at Tours, at 4000 feet. These sheds had been bombed on the 14th.

26th February, Bombing of Naval stores at Rennes

3rd March, 1943, 10 aircraft of 139 squadron take off to bomb the Molybdenum washing plant at Knaben in Southern Norway a flight time of 4 and half hours. This target was high in importance and a great deal of preparation and practices made before the attack, made it a very successfully mission. Gordon and his pilot, Michael Myers Wayman were awarded the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) along with Acting Squadron Leader Robert Beck BAGGULEY (44775), No. 139 Squadron (since missing). Flight Lieutenant Michael Myers WAYMAN (89359), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 139 Squadron (since deceased). Acting Flight Lieutenant Charles Kenneth HAYDEN (44407), No. 139 Squadron (since missing). Flying Officer Gordon Sampson CLEAR (116769), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 139 Squadron (since deceased). 

A joint DFC Citation in the London Gazette, 23rd March 1943, read as follows: "In March 1943, these officers were members of aircraft crews detailed to attack the Molybdenum1 Plant at Knaben, Norway. Such a task, necessitating a flight over mountainous terrain covered by a blanket of snow which obscured all prominent features, demanded the highest degree of leadership and skill. At various points the formation had to fly through deep ravines and contend with most treacherous air currents. Despite this the correct target, hidden away in the mountains, was located and subjected to a telling attack from a low level. The success achieved reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of these officers whose high courage and faultless work were worthy of the highest praise".

The next day an attack was made on the engine shed at Aulnoye in Belgium.

Gordons was not of flying duties again until the 20th March, on this occasion he is the navigator in the leading aircraft for an attack by 6 Mosquitos on the marshalling yards at Malines in Belgium. The attack was a disaster with poor visibility the target was not located and the squadron were met with heavy flak over the coast. This flak hit Gordons Mosquito, forcing a returned to England. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant, Michael Myers Wayman D.F.C. attempted a landing at RAF Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, at 19:25hrs but the first attempt at landing the now one-engine Mosquito was unsuccessful. While preparing for a second attempt, the Mosquito crashed at Foxburrow Wood near Brightwell. Both crew members died as a result. Gordon died at East Suffolk Hospital later that day. He was buried at Holy Trinity church, Leverstock Green on 25th March 1943, aged 31.

Gordon’s name also appears as G. S. Clear on the Hemel Hempstead War Memorial in Boxmoor.

His address was recorded as, 1 West Wick Close, Leverstock Green

1964 film 633 Squadron

The original plot, however, is similar to a real RAF mission. The novel's plot did not mention the nature of the target, only that it was a highly rated objective in Norway that could not be reached by the RAF until the Mosquito became operational. There was such a target, the molybdenum mine in Knaben, southern Norway. Typical of the mineral wealth that Hitler stated was worth the sacrifice of a significant portion of the Kriegsmarine, Knaben could produce four-fifths of Germany's requirements for molybdenum, an important element in the production of armour plate. The mine at Knaben was too small to hit in a night raid, and sending heavy, long-range bombers in daylight would have met with disaster. Light bombers such as the Blenheim were ideal for the job, but did not have the necessary range. However, Knaben was within the range of the Mosquito, and 139 Squadron was given the task on 3 March 1943. Ten Mosquitoes were dispatched. All placed their bombs on target, though one failed to return. The target was out of action for some time.