The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J B McCormack

John Bernard McCormack was born in 1919, the son of Daniel and Margaret McCormack, of Brosna, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland.

He joined the RAF in October 1938 as an Aircrafthand. His nationality is recorded as British though this does not seem to tally with his background.

He later remustered as an Air Gunner, completed his training and was serving with 23 Squadron at Martlesham Heath in April 1940.

On 14th August 1940 Blenheim L1418 ZK-F was returning from a night patrol when it overturned on landing. The aircraft was written off but F/O WAC Emmett and McCormack escaped unhurt.

His subsequent service is currently unknown though he served with 96 Squadron at Cranage during 1941 and was commissioned from Flight Sergeant in May 1942.

He had married Audrey Vera Hewitt in October 1941 in Epping.

McCormack failed to return from operations on 10th September 1942 and was reported Missing, aged 23, while serving with 102 Squadron operating Halifaxes from Pocklington.

Halifax II W7752 DY-R came down in the North Sea on a raid to Dusseldorf.

Also lost were:

F/Sgt. GF Fargher RCAF
F/O BGH Smith
F/Sgt. SH Jackson
F/O PAV England RCAF
Sgt. DRW Schofield
Sgt. K Marshall
Sgt. R Moore

McCormack is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 70.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.