Date of death:

October 9th, 1957

Service number:

40777

Nationality:

British

John Woodroffe was killed in a flying accident in a B-47 during a practice demonstration at Pinecastle Air Force Base. The aircraft comes down north of downtown Orlando, killing pilot Colonel Michael N.W. McCoy, commander of the 321st Bombardment Wing, Group Captain John Woodroffe of the Royal Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Joyce, and Major Vernon Stuff.
At the time of the accident he was Station Commander of RAF Wittering.

Promotions:
May 7th, 1938: Acting Pilot Officer (probation)
? : Pilot Officer
September 3th, 1940: Flying Officer
September 3th, 1941: Fligth Lieutenant (war sub)
July 1st, 1944: Temporary Squadron Leader
September 1st, 1945: Squadron Leader
July 1st, 1947: Wing Commander
January 1st, 1955: Group Captain

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Awarded on:

June 2nd, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Wing Commander

Unit:

Reserve of Air Force Officers

Awarded on:

September 22nd, 1944

Citation:
"One night in July, 1944, these officers were captain and air bomber in an aircraft detailed to attack Givors. The operation called for a high degree of skill. En route bad weather was encountered. Nevertheless, Wing Commander Woodroffe reached his difficult target at the prescribed time. By now the weather had considerably worsened. Undeterred, Wing Commander Woodroffe persisted in his efforts to identify the precise target and, in the face of most trying conditions, executed a successful attack. Throughout, Pilot Officer Ormiston displayed the highest standard of efficiency and played his part worthily in the success obtained. These officers set an example of courage and resolution of the highest standard."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Wing Commander

Unit:

No. 61 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 31st, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Wing Commander (Acting wing Commander)

Unit:

RAFO

Awarded on:

March 13th, 1945

Citation:
"Since being awarded a Bar to the DFC, this officer has completed a number of difficult and dangerous sorties. On several occasions his aircraft has been hit and damaged by anti-aircraft fire but W.Cdr. Woodroffe has completed his missions successfully. Throughout an outstanding operational career, this officer has displayed the highest qualities of leadership and great bravery. His example both in the air and on the ground has been most inspiring."
London Gazette dated February 13th, 1945.

• - Familie
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36033 published on the 28 May 1943
  - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36713 published on the 19 September 1944
  - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36745 published on the 10 October 1944
  - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36942 published on the 13 February 1945
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