The Airmen's Stories - F/O J D Humphreys

Jack David Humphreys was born on 10th October 1918 in Hampstead, the son of Jack Edmund Humphreys (1875-1965) and Violet Muriel Humphreys (nee King 1875-1923).

His father was a noted dentist.

JD Humphreys attended Uppingham School from 1933 to 1935, in Redgate boarding house. He went on to join the RAF on a short service commission in October 1938.

He joined 29 Squadron at Debden on 10th September 1939. He was detached to 12 Group Pool, Aston Down on 2nd October for advanced training. Humphreys was again detached to 12 Group Pool on 29th November 1939, this time for instructor duties.

On 18th June 1940 he destroyed a He111 just before midnight, off the coast of Norfolk.

On 13th October 1940 Blenheims K7135 and L6637 were aloft from Tern Hill when they were attacked in error by S/Ldr. J Ambrus, F/Lt. HAG Comerford and Sgt. J Stehlik in Hurricanes of 312 Czech Squadron over the Point of Ayr, SW of Liverpool.

Despite firing the colours of the day L6637 was shot down with the loss of Sgt. RE Stevens, Sgt. OK Sly and AC2 A Jackson.

K7135 with Humphreys, Sgt. EH Bee and AC1 JF Fizell was able to break off and return to base.

In late July 1941 he destroyed a He111 over the East Coast and he was awarded the DFC on 21st October 1941. He was then posted to 51 OTU at Cranfield as an instructor.

Later serving with 605 Squadron as a Squadron Leader he was killed on the night of 1st/2nd August 1942 on a night intruder sortie to Beauvais. His Havoc I BJ489 'L' came down off the English coast, his crew members WO DL McConnell and Sgt. WR Wells also being killed.

It is recorded that '..his body was washed ashore on 17th August 1942 ' but no location was given.

Humphreys is buried at Putney Vale Cemetery, Wandsworth, London.