The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J J Griffin

John James Griffin of Twickenham, Middlesex, was born on 5th April 1910, the son of John and Grace Evelyn Griffin.

He was awarded Aero certificate 12401 on 16th October 1934 at the London Aeroplane Club.

Griffin joined the RAFVR about November 1938 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training and in early 1940 he was serving with No. 4 Ferry Pilots Pool.

He joined 73 Squadron in France on 31st May.

He claimed a Ju88 destroyed on 15th August. In an action over Maidstone on 14th September, Griffin was shot down and baled out. He was admitted to West Kent Hospital with a dislocated shoulder and minor wounds to the legs. His Hurricane crashed at Clapper Lane, Staplehurst.

Griffin was killed on 7th April 1942 as a Warrant Officer with 273 Squadron, then based at China Bay, Ceylon. His Fairey Seal K4781 collided with a Swordfish as it took off from Kokkilai.

Also killed was F/Lt. JC Anstie and F/Sgt. TA Quinn.

Griffin was 32 and is buried in Trincomalee War Cemetery, Sri Lanka.