RAF Gunner Gordon Cummins’ Double Life and Capture

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, August 1, 2026

Gordon Cummins, a Royal Air Force gunner, was convicted and executed in 1942 for a series of murders targeting women during London’s Blitz blackout period. His case highlighted the difficulties of wartime policing and is the subject of an upcoming book examining his hidden violent crimes despite his respected military role.

Between February 8 and 13, 1942, a series of brutal attacks and murders targeting women in London’s Blitz blackout period were linked to Gordon Cummins, a Royal Air Force gunner. Cummins, who was well-regarded by his commanding officers and had been recommended for pilot training, led a hidden life marked by violent crimes that shocked the wartime capital.

The victims included Evelyn Oatley, Evelyn Hamilton, Margaret Lowe, and Doris Jouannet, whose cases drew intense police attention. On one night, Cummins attacked Greta Heywood and Catherine Mulcahy. Heywood survived after an 18-year-old night porter unexpectedly interrupted the assault, an event critical to the investigation. During the assault, Cummins abandoned his RAF gas mask, which ultimately provided a key lead for detectives. This item allowed authorities to trace him back to his billet in Regent’s Park.

Further evidence was uncovered in Cummins’ quarters, where police found stolen property belonging to the victims. Fingerprints matching Cummins were also discovered at multiple crime scenes, strengthening the case against him. Despite this, his first trial was undermined by procedural errors related to fingerprint photographs and ended without a verdict.

A retrial was held, concluding on April 28, 1942, when a jury found Cummins guilty of the murders. He maintained his innocence until the end but was sentenced to death and executed by hanging on June 25, 1942. Years after his execution, a confession note surfaced, in which Cummins expressed profound remorse and the heavy burden of his actions.

Detective Chief Inspector Frederick Greeno, the lead investigator in the case, remained convinced of Cummins’ guilt until his death. The case exposed the challenges faced by wartime law enforcement dealing with complex crimes amid the chaos of blackouts and bombings.

Cummins’ story has been revisited in the upcoming book *Force of Darkness: Confronting Blackout Killer Gordon Cummins* by Robin Jarossi, set for publication on August 20 by History Press. The volume promises to explore the disturbing duality of a man who was trusted by his peers yet capable of heinous violence against innocent women during a turbulent period in British history.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.