Gordon Neil Spencer 'Mouse' Cleaver, (27 April 1910 – 24 December 1994) was a Royal Air Force fighter pilot and flying ace (with 7 confirmed "kills") during the Battle of Britain in the Second World War. After the war he played a role in developing artificial lenses to restore sight. Early life Gordon Cleaver was born in Stanmore, Middlesex and was educated at Harrow School. Cleaver was the inaugural winner of the Hahnenkammrennen Combined in 1931, and for 91 years was the only British skier to have won at Kitzbühel. In the same race was Roger Bushell, of Great Escape fame, who finished in 14th place. Air Force career Cleaver joined the Auxiliary Air Force in 1937, serving with No. 601 Squadron RAF, also known as "The Millionaires' Squadron". Cleaver went with the squadron to Merville, France on 16 May 1940. On 18 May, Cleaver, with F/L Archibald Hope, brought down a Do-17 of 2/KG 76 west of Mons, the crew being captured. The next day, Cleaver's Hurricane was hit by debris from a He-111 that attacked over Douai and he force-landed near Lille. 601 Squadron was then transferred back to the UK. On 27 May, he claimed two Bf 110s destroyed over Dunkirk. Cleaver next claimed a Ju-87 destroyed and a He-111 'probable' on 11 July, a Bf 109 destroyed on 26 July, a Bf 109 and a Bf 110 both probables on 11 August and a Bf 110 probably destroyed on 13 August. On 15 August 1940, Cleaver was shot down during combat over Winchester. The perspex canopy of his Hurricane was hit by cannon shells and the perspex fragments shattered into his face and both eyes. Cleaver baled out and landed by parachute near Lower Upham outside Southampton. On arrival at Salisbury Hospital, it was discovered that he had been blinded in his right eye and had seriously reduced vision in the left. This ended his flying career. Cleaver was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross Despite his injuries, Cleaver was able to remain in the RAF. He officially transferred to the Administrative Branch on 27 May 1941. He was released on medical grounds from the RAF on 9 November 1943, retaining the rank of squadron leader. List of air victories Eye operations and later life Following the incident over Winchester on 15 August 1940, Cleaver had 18 operations on his eyes and face at several hospitals in