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The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J G Parsons

 

John Graham Parsons was born on 22nd December 1905 at Westbury, Wiltshire.

He was awarded Aero Certificate 10180 at the Phillips & Powis School of Flying on 5th July 1930, his occupation being recorded as 'Building contractor'.

He joined the RAFVR on 14th April 1939 as an Airman u/t Observer, possibly being considered, despite his licence, as too old for pilot training by the standards of the time.

Called up on 3rd September 1939, he was posted to 8 Civil Air Navigation School at Sywell on 16th October, moved to 9 Air Observer Navigation School at Squires Gate on 25th November and then completed his training at 3 BGS Aldergrove.

He was awarded his brevet, promoted to Acting Sergeant and then joined 235 Squadron at Bircham Newton on 23rd March 1940.

 

 

Parsons served with the squadron throughout the Battle of Britain, operating in Blenheims on bomber-escort, long-range fighter patrols and reconnaissance sweeps along the English Channel.

On 5th April 1941 Parsons was posted to 2 BGS Millom as an armament instructor. He was promoted to Warrant Officer on 1st April 1942.

Commissioned in January 1943, he was appointed Bombing Leader in April and on 6th December posted to No. 1 Staff Pilots Training Unit at Cark.

Parsons was released from the RAF on 26th January as a Flight Lieutenant. He rejoined the RAFVR in February 1950 and served with it until February 1955.

He died on 6th August 1992 in Warminster.

 

 

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