|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name: |
RICHARDS, John Kennedy |
|
Nationality: |
Canadian |
|
Regiment/Service: |
Royal Canadian Air Force |
|
Rank: |
Pilot Officer |
|
Service No.: |
J/85552 |
RICHARDS, P/O John Kennedy (J85552) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.218 Squadron - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London Gazette dated 17 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. Born 1920 in Welland County, Ontario; home in Collingwood; enlisted in Toronto, 11 June 1941. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 31 August 1941), No.10 AOS (graduated 27 February 1942), No.6 BGS (graduated 11 April 1942) and No.2 ANS (graduated 11 May 1942). Commissioned March 1944. Decoration sent by registered mail, 10 March 1949. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." Public Records Office document Air 2/8827 has recommendation dated 18 August 1944 when he had flown 31 sorties (145 hours 55 minutes).
| 3 Oct 43 | GARDENING Frisians (2.55) | 7 Mar 44 | Special Target (4.55) |
| 4 Oct 43 | GARDENING Bay of Biscay (5.45) | 10 Mar 44 | Special Target (7.20 |
| 7 Oct 43 | GARDENING Kattegat (7.05) | 9 Apr 44 | Lille (3.30) |
| 8 Oct 43 | Bremen (4.40) | 20 Apr 44 | Chambley (4.10) |
| 19 Nov 43 | Leverkusen (4.15) | 22 Apr 44 | Laon (4.15) |
| 16 Dec 44 | GARDENING San Sebastian (7.10) | 23 Apr 44 | N. Brussels (3.15) |
| 14 Jan 44 | Special Target (3.30) | 26 Apr 44 | Chambley (4.05) |
| 21 Jan 44 | Special Target (3.15) | 1 May 44 | Chambley (3.40) |
| 27 Jan 44 | GARDENING Heligoland (3.50) | 12 Jun 44 | GARDENING Le Havre (3.15) |
| 28 Jan 44 | GARDENING Kiel Bay (5.50) | 24 Jun 44 | Special Target (2.55) |
| 10 Feb 44 | GARDENING La Pallice (5.40) | 4 July 44 | GARDENING Brest Harbour (4.25) |
| 15 Feb 44 | GARDENING Kiel Bay (5.00) | 27 Jul 44 | France (3.25) |
| 24 Feb 44 | GARDENING Kiel Bay (6.50) | 28 Jul 44 | Formental (2.55) |
| 4 Mar 44 | Special Target (7.45) | 9 Aug 44 | Falaise (1.55) |
| 5 Mar 44 | Special Target (7.25) | 16 Aug 44 | Stettin (7.45) |
|
Pilot Officer Richards has completed 31 operational sorties. This navigator has shown great skill in the use of all navigational aids, to the best advantage in order to reach the target. He was detailed for Special Operations on "D" Day, which proved so successful. At all times Pilot Officer Richards has displayed exceptional coolness and devotion to duty, and his navigational ability has been an example to less experienced navigators of the squadron. |
SOURCE: Air Force Association of Canada website.
Return to Remembering Those Who Served Page
Return to Pennfield Ridge Air Station Page
Return to Pennfield Parish Home Page
