The Airmen's Stories - P/O J G Pippet

John Gilbert Pippet was born on 21st September 1919 in Sculcoates, Hull, the son of Charles Joseph Pippet and Marie Adelaide Pippet (nee Caley).

Pippet was named after a relative, 2nd Lieutenant John Gilbert Pippet, who was awarded the Military Medal serving with the 'Hull Commercials' battalion. Later, serving with the 1st Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, he was killed in action aged 23 on 29th May 1918 and lies in Jonchery-sur-Vesle British Cemetery.

His brother Corporal Cyril Pippet was killed serving with 11th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment on 27th March 1918 and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial.

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JG Pippet joined the RAFVR around June 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot.

Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training, was commissioned in September 1940 and joined 64 Squadron at Biggin Hill on 16th October.

Above: Officers Mess Hornchurch November 1940

(L to R): P/O N Howkins, P/O J Lawson-Brown, F/Lt. J Thomson, F/Lt. D Taylor, P/O J Rowden, P/O A Towers, P/O E G Gilbert, P/O A R Tidman, S/Ldr. A R D MacDonell, P/O E J Watson, P/O R Jones, S/Ldr. J Rankine, P/O J Pippet, P/O P Beake, P/O T Gray

Still with 64 Squadron, Pippet took part in a convoy patrol on 23rd February 1941 in Spitfire II P7852. He collided over the sea with P/O N Howkins in P7778. Both men were lost.

Pippet is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 34.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.