The Airmen's Stories - F/O J H Laughlin

John Hamilton Laughlin was born on 19th June 1915 in Southampton and joined the RAF on a short service commission in June 1937.

He was awarded Aero Certificate 13652 at Bournemouth Flying Club on 13th March 1936.

Laughlin was posted to 3 FTS South Cerney on 21st August and after completing the course he went to RAF Gosport on 26th March 1938 for further instruction. Laughlin was posted to the FAA Pool at Gosport on 10th October 1938.

He joined 235 Squadron, operating Blenheims, on 22nd January 1940.

On 13th August he destroyed a He115 over the North Sea.

On 7th September Laughlin and other airmen were at a dispersal when Hudson T9276 of 206 Squadron stalled on its final approach when avoiding an off-course Hurricane. It crashed amongst the Blenheims and burst into flames. The sole pilot, F/O J Davis, escaped.

P/O J Coggins, F/Lt. FW Flood and Laughlin immediately ran to these aircraft, started the engines and taxied them away. During this time two of the bombs exploded. Three aircraft were taken to safety without damage and a fourth, Flood's second, with only minor damage.

Flood was recommended for the George Medal, the citation read:

Recommended by the Secretary of State for Air.

On 7 September 1940, a Hudson aircraft, carrying a full load of bombs, crashed among four Blenheim aircraft and burst into flames. Flight Lieutenant Flood, accompanied by Flying Officer Laughlin and Pilot Officer Coggins, immediately ran to the Blenheims, started the engines of three and taxied them to safety. During this time two bombs on the burning Hudson exploded.

Knowing that the remaining bombs were likely to explode any second, Flight Lieutenant Flood ran back, started up the engine of the fourth Blenheim, which had its rudder in the fire and taxied it to safety.

Throughout, these officers showed complete disregard for their own personal safety in the face of the greatest danger, and it was due to their prompt action, especially Flight Lieutenant Flood, that three of the Blenheims were taken to safety without damage and the fourth with only minor damage.

Flying Officer Laughlin and Pilot Officer Coggins are recommended for appointment as Members of the British Empire Order.

In the event Coggins and Laughlin were awarded a MBE (gazetted 21st January 1941). As Flood was reported Missing before his award could be made, the only possible posthumous award was a Mention in Despatches, Flood's MiD was gazetted on 17th March 1941.

Laughlin later transferred to Bomber Command, gaining a DSO (gazetted 23rd March 1945) while serving as a Squadron Leader on Lancasters with 149 Squadron.

He was released from the RAF in 1946. His portrait was made by Sir William Rothenstein (below).

Laughlin died in March 1977 in Cirencester.