The Airmen's Stories - P/O J H Rothwell

John Hedley Rothwell, from Brighton, was educated at Tonbridge School and entered RAF College, Cranwell in April 1939, as a Flight Cadet. After the outbreak of war, the course was shortened and Rothwell passed out in March 1940 with a Permanent Commission.

On 28th August he joined 601 Squadron at Debden but was attached to 6 OTU, Sutton Bridge on 3rd September. After converting to Hurricanes Rothwell was posted to 32 Squadron on the 21st. He moved to 605 Squadron at Croydon on 12th October.

Rothwell was killed on 22nd February 1941 when his Hurricane II Z2347 crashed near Littlehampton, possibly due to oxygen failure.

He is buried in Poynings Cemetery, Sussex.