The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J S Pugh

John Stewart Pugh joined the RAFVR about July 1939 as an Airman u/t Aircrew. Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training and was posted as an Air Gunner to 25 Squadron, operating Blenheims at Martlesham Heath, in early July 1940.

Early on 5th September he was flying as the gunner of P/O MJ Herrick when they shot down two He111's at night, the second one falling in pieces after a burst fired at less than thirty yards. They destroyed another He111 on the night of the 13/14th.

His subsequent service is currently unknown although it is known that he served with 69 Squadron in Malta, flying Marylands. He was credited with sharing a probable Ju52 and a Me109 confirmed. Commissioned in March 1942, Pugh was awarded the DFC (gazetted 21st September 1945), as a Flight Lieutenant with 149 Squadron, operating in Lancasters from Methwold. The citation stated:

This officer has a long record of operational flying and has nearly completed three tours of operational duty. On one occasion in February 1945, during a sortie to Dresden his accurate shooting warded off two attacks by enemy fighters and probably destroyed one hostile aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Pugh has, at all times, displayed cool courage and determination. He has destroyed at least four enemy aircraft.

He stayed on in the RAF, in the Physical Fitness Branch. His name does not appear in the Air Force list after July 1954.

Someone of this name is recorded as being born on 20th Aug 1916 and dying in March 1987 in Shrewsbury but there is no confirmation that it is the same person.