Pulford, John

Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)

Date of birth:: December 24th, 1919 (Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom)
Date of death:: February 13th, 1944 (Sussex Downs/Sussex, United Kingdom)
Buried on:: Commonwealth War Graves Hull - Northern Cemetery
Plot: 263. Grave: 77.
Service number:: 652403
Nationality:: British

Biography

John Pulford was born on 24 December 1919 in Sculcoates, a district of Hull. He was the second of the four children of George and Ada Pulford. He attended St Paul’s school, a local elementary school, and later pursued a career as a motor mechanic.

Prior to the outbreak of the war, he joined the RAF as ground crew and later volunteered for retraining as a flight engineer in 1942. Notably, his brother Thomas also served as a flight engineer. By December 1942, Pulford had become a part of 97 Squadron, which was based at Coningsby. During his service, he participated in 13 operations between December 1942 and March 1943. Subsequently, on 4 April, he was posted to Scampton and assigned to 617 Squadron in preparations of the Dams Raid.

His plane was the first to attack Möhne Dam. The mine exploded short of the dam.

Pulford was killed in an air accident.

9th August 1939: Aircraft Fitter Mechanic and Fitter Radio
8th October 1943: Temporary Flight Sergeant

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Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: May 28th, 1943
Awarded for:: Operation Chastise

"On the night of 16th May, 1943, a force of Lancaster bombers was detailed to attack the Mohne, Eder and Sorpe dams in Germany. The operation was one of great difficulty and hazard, demanding a high degree of skill and courage and close co-operation between the crews of the aircraft engaged. Nevertheless, a telling blow was struck at the enemy by the successful breaching of the Mohne and Eder dams. This outstanding success reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of the following personnel who participated in the operation in various capacities as members of aircraft crew."