George Bulman (pilot)

Group Captain Paul Ward Spencer Bulman CBE, MC, AFC and Bar (1896 – 6 May 1963), universally known as George Bulman, was a pilot whose flying life spanned thirty years (1915–1945).

Early years
Bulman was born in Luton in 1896 the son of Thomas and Eveline Bulman, his father was a Church of England clergyman.

First World War
He transferred from the Honourable Artillery Company to the Royal Flying Corps early in the First World War. He continued in the Royal Air Force until 1925 and was a test pilot in the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough from 1919 to 1925.

He was awarded the Military Cross in 1918 with the following citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On five occasions; in most difficult weather conditions, he dropped bombs and fired on enemy infantry from a low altitude, inflicting heavy casualties. During these flights he frequently obtained valuable information, and twice drove off enemy machines which attempted to interfere. He showed the greatest initiative and resource."

Between the wars
In 1925, he resigned his permanent commission and transferred to the reserve as a Flight Lieutenant to become the Chief Test pilot at Hawker Aircraft (and its forerunner) from 1925 to 1945 and became a director of the company in 1935. He won several air races in the mid-1920s flying the Hawker Cygnet.

He made the first flight for the following Hawker aircraft and tested many other types.


 * Hawker Danecock 1925
 * Hawker Heron 1925
 * Hawker Horsley 1925
 * Hawker Hart 1928
 * Hawker Tomtit 1928
 * Hawker F.20/27 1928
 * Hawker Demon 1933
 * Hawker Hurricane 1935
 * Hawker Hector 1936

Second World War
During the Second World War, in 1941 and 1942, he was head of the test branch of the British Air Commission in Washington D.C. and was appointed an honorary Group Captain.

Honours and awards
His medals and awards include appointment as Commander of the Order of the British Empire, the Air Force Cross and Bar, and the Military Cross.

Family
His son, Raymond Paul Bulman, was killed in action over Germany in 1945, aged 21, flying with No. 605 Squadron RAF.