John was born on January 4, 1920 in Glasgow, Scotland. He received his matriculation, then joined the Royal Bank of Canada, Peterborough branch, as a junior at the sum of $400 per annum!

He enlisted in the RCAF in August 9, 1941 at Toronto. He was at No.5 Manning Depot, Valcartier, No.3 ITS Victoriaville, No.4 EFTS at Windor Mills, Quebec; No.13 SFTS at St. Hubert, Quebec. Where he was awarded his Pilot Wing on April 27, 1942.

John states that he was on a total of 21 stations in Canada and the UK prior to joining his Squadron. He was a navigation instructor (flying) at No.6 SFTS Dunnville from July 1942 - February 1944.

He received advanced training at No.2 ANS Pennfield Ridge N.B.; No.1 CNS Rivers; No.8 OTU Dyce, Scotland; No.8 OTU Haverford West, Wales; No.34 WSU Hartford Bridge.

Stations served on During Ops: B90 Petit Brogel, Belgium; B 108 Rheine, Germany; B 116 Wunstorf, Germany; B 154 Soltau, Germay; B 160 Copenhagen; B 156 Lunenberg, Germany; Dunsfold, England.

John was Flight Commander #400 Squadron doing high level/low level photographic reconnaissance attached to 2nd Tactical Air Force.

His most memorable operations, John says “nothing fit to print” and adds that he was never shot down - “shot at but missed!”. In an unarmed Spitfire, “we never picked a fight!”

John was demobilized on November 6, 1945 at Toronto.

He rejoined the Royal Bank in Peterborough. Served in various Canadian cities - Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver and Calgary. Also traveled internationally on behalf of the Bank. Retired in 1982 as an Executive Vice-president after a 45 year career, including war service.

John is married to Orma.

SOURCE: Toronto Aircrew website.

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