Date of birth:

(Aberdour/Fife, Scotland)

Service number:

989022 /141865

Nationality:

British

Known by his other name "John" or " Johnny". Scotsman Robert Affleck received his commission to the rank of P/O on probation on 23rd February 1943 and was then promoted to F/O on 23rd August 1943. After serving with 77 Squadron he briefly spent time at 24 OTU before returning to operational flying with 161 (Special Duties) Squadron.
He is mentioned several times in the book "We Landed by Moonlight by Hugh Verity".

Promotions:
February 23rd, 1943: Pilot Officer on probation;
August 23rd, 1943: Flying Officer.

Career:
No. 77 Squadron;
No. 24 Operational Training Unit;
No. 161 (Special Duties) Squadron.

After the war, John joined Scottish Airways who became British European Airways BEA and then British Airways. He flew the Comet, the first commercial aircraft and before retirement was a Senior Training captain on the Trident 3. Throughout his 32 years service in BA, he was the most highly decorated pilot in the fleet. He died in 2000 aged 80.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Sergeant

Awarded on:

June 2nd, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pilot Officer

Unit:

No. 161 (Special Duties) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

September 14th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flying Officer

Unit:

No. 161 (Special Duties) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

March 7th, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Bludgeon

Citation:
"Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross this officer has successfully completed many sorties, several of which have demanded a high degree of skill, courage and determination. He is an outstanding captain, whose gallant example has inspired all."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

July 3rd, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• Photo 1: Valerie Griffith
• - MEIJER, H.G. & VIS, R., Het Vliegerkruis, De Bataafsche Leeuw, Amsterdam, 1997.
  - The London Gazette Publication date:28 May 1943 Supplement:36033Page:2453
  - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36170 published on the 10 September 1943
  - Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36412 published on the 3 March 1944
  - The Dutch Medals Page
  - Forum RAF Commands