The Airmen's Stories - P/O J V Gurteen

John Vinter Gurteen, of Haverhill, Suffolk, was born on 10th February 1916. He was at Marlborough College from 1929 to 1933. He won a scholarship to the USA, sponsored by the English Speaking Union.

He joined the RAFVR about March 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September, he completed his training at 5 FTS, Sealand and after converting to Hurricanes went to 504 Squadron at Castletown in late June 1940.

He was shot down and killed in combat over the southern outskirts of London on 15th September 1940. His Hurricane, N2481, dived at full throttle on to a house at Hartley, near Longfield.

Gurteen was 24. He was cremated at Hendon Crematorium and his ashes were scattered over his house by Flight Lieutenant WB Royce of 504 Squadron.