The Airmen's Stories - P/O J Howard
John Howard was born on 1st April 1919 in Sedgefield, Durham, his parents Samuel and Isabella Howard are recorded as 'Grocers and Confectioners'.
He was awarded Aero Certificate 14408 the Kent Flying Club on 25th August 1919, his ID photo below.
He is described as a Mechanical Engineering Student in the 1939 Census, he joined the RAFVR about April 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September he completed his training, was commissioned and then joined 54 Squadron at Catterick on 18th September 1940.
He moved to 74 Squadron at Biggin Hill on 24th October.
Howard damaged a Me109 on 7th April 1941. He was killed in Spitfire IIA P7928 which was shot down by a Me109 during a Roadstead sortie escorting Blenheims of 101 Squadron to France on 6th May.
His body was washed ashore at Audinghen on 11th June 1941 and he was buried, aged 22, in Marquise Communal Cemetery.
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