Date of birth:

1912

Service number:

521256

Nationality:

British (1801-present, Kingdom)

John Copley joined the RAF in July 1935 as a Flight Rigger, becoming a Flight Rigger/Air Gunner in July 1938.
During 38 Squadrons first operational flight of the war, bombing enemy ships off Helgoland on 3rd December 1939, the aircraft that LAC Copley was rear gunner in was attacked from astern by an Bf. 109, Copley was able to fire two bursts at point blank range, (200yards) and saw the fighter climb sharply and stall, falling out of control out of the sky into the sea.
On landing the Wellington bomber back at base in RAF Marham the aircraft ground looped due to the punctured port wheel, in the Wellington rear turret wings hanging in strips, and punctured petrol tank, all crew were evacuated quickly.
When LAC Copley landed he found a German machine gun bullet lodged in the quick release box of his parachute buckle just touching his flesh.
This he saved to remind him of how lucky he had been, it is now on show in The Yorkshire air Museum, Elvington . Yorks. With his DFM and other items of interest.
It was during 1941 that the aircraft Copley was in was shot down, and his family were informed he was missing believed dead. However Copley had survived, spending the war as PoW.
At the end of the war he returned to his family running a garage repair shop and petrol station in his home village.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Leading Aircraftman

Unit:

No. 12 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1940

Citation:
"Leading Aircraftman Copley was the tail air gunner in an aircraft taking part in a raid over enemy territory during December, 1939. When his aircraft became isolated from the formation and was attacked by an enemy fighter aircraft from astern he opened fire at a range of approximately 150-200 yards, subsequently getting in at least two
bursts of 20 rounds each at point blank range, causing the aircraft to pull, into a climbing turn, stall and dive out of control.
During this engagement Leading Aircraftman Copley's aircraft was hit in numerous vital places by enemy bullets, and yet despite the fact that he himself was injured by the gunfire from the attacking aircraft, he maintained control of his fire and manipulation of the gun turret, setting a very high standard for other air gunners."

He was presented with the medal at RAF Fretwell on 20th March 1940.

• - The London Gazette Publication date:2 January 1940 Issue:34765Page:2
  - BBC - People's War