The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J Rourke

John Rourke joined the RAF in August 1939 as an Aircrafthand. He later remustered as an Airman u/t WOp/AG and after completing his training joined 248 Squadron at Dyce, serving with it throughout the Battle of Britain.

On 3rd October 1940 P/O AL Fowler was on a North Sea patrol in Blenheim T1808 with Sgt. CF Fenn and Rourke. He engaged a Do215. Although wounded in the hand, face and eyes, he pressed home his attacks until the enemy broke off the engagement. He then flew his badly damaged aircraft back to base. A radio message was picked up from the Dornier, reporting that it was returning to base, badly damaged and with members of its crew killed and injured.

Fenn had been wounded by perspex splinters in his face and eyes after return fire from the Dornier.

For this action Fowler was awarded the DFC (gazetted 24th January 1941).

Rourke's subsequent service is currently undocumented until he was commissioned from Warrant Officer in January 1945.

Rourke was released from the RAF in 1946 as a Flying Officer. He must have rejoined as the London Gazette of 11th June 1957 records that he had relinquished his commission.

Rourke died in January 1966 in London.