Service number:

1291574 (NCO)/155220 (Officer)

Nationality:

British

John Petrie-Andrews joined the RAF in 1940. After training as a pilot, in January 1943 he was posted to join 102 (Ceylon) Squadron at Pocklington for his first tour, flying Halifaxes. In February 1943 he transferred to 158 Squadron, still on Halifaxes. John the joined 35 Squadron, one of the original squadrons forming the Pathfinder Force. Here he flew first Halifaxes before converting to Lancasters. John Petrie-Andrews completed a total of 70 operations on heavy bombers, including 60 with the Pathfinders.

? Flight Sergeant
16 May, 1943: Pilot Officer on Probation (emergency)
16 November, 1943: Flying Officer (war sub)
2 December, 1949: Appointment to commission as Flying Officer
2 December, 1949: Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Auxilary Air Force
2 December, 1954: Transfer to Reserve
2 December, 1959: Commission relinquished

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Sergeant

Unit:

No. 35 (Madras Presidency) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 15th, 1943

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pilot Officer

Unit:

No. 35 (Madras Presidency) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

February 18th, 1944

Citation:
"This officer is a capable and courageous pilot whose example of devotion to duty has been highly commendable. His determination was well illustrated during a sortie one night in November, 1943. Before reaching his target, one of the aircraft's engines failed. Nevertheless, he went on to reach and bomb the objective. Whilst over the area, a second engine failed. Thereupon, Pilot Officer Petrie-Andrews decided to set course for Sardinia. On his flight to the island a third engine became useless and Pilot Officer Petrie-Andrews was compelled to bring his aircraft down on to the sea. He and his crew got safely aboard the dinghy and paddled their way to the Sardinia coast which they reached 70 hours later.
This officer has completed many sorties and his record is impressive."

• - The London Gazette Publication date:17 September 1943 Supplement:36178Page:4179
  - The London Gazette Publication date:14 March 1944 Issue:36428Page:1276
  - The London Gazette Publication date:12 October 1943 Supplement:36211Page:4562
  - The London Gazette Publication date:15 February 1944 Issue:36386Page:850
  - The London Gazette Publication date:15 February 1955 Supplement:40408Page:992
  - The London Gazette Publication date:8 April 1960 Supplement:42005Page:2646
  - Battleships-Cruisers.co.uk