Baldwin, John Robert
- Date of birth:
- July 16th, 1918 (Bath/Somerset, Great Britain)
- Date of death:
- March 15th, 1952
- Nationality:
- British
Biography
Service number 122337.
John Baldwin joined the RAFVR in September 1939 and served as a ground crewman in France during 1940. Back in England, he spent the ‘Blitz’ period on bomb-disposal duties. In 1941 he volunteered for aircrew duties, and was trained in the California/United States. Back in the UK, he gained experience at No. 59 OTU in the summer of 1942 and was posted at No 609 (West Reading) Squadron on November 17th, 1942, at that time equipped with Typhoons.
He was posted to No. 198 Squadron as its Commanding Officer in November 1943, before taking command of 123 Airfield.
He was ultimately to become the highest scoring Typhoon pilot of all, with 15 confirmed solo victories, 1 shared destroyed, a further 1 probable and 4 damaged.
He was posted missing during the Korean War when he failed to return from a weather reconnaissance sortie on 15th March 1952. His body has never been recovered.
Post-war decorations:
January 1st, 1948: Air Force Cross
October 30th, 1953: America DFC for Korea
Promotions:
March 14th, 1942: Pilot Officer (probation/emergency)
October 1st, 1942: Flying Officer (war sub/probation)
March 6th, 1944: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
September 18th, 1944: Squadron Leader (war sub)
1944: Acting Wing Commander
August 20th, 1945: Wing Commander (war sub)
1945: Group Captain
Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flying Officer
- Unit:
- No. 609 (West Riding) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- February 26th, 1943
"This officer has participated in numerous sorties, invariably displaying great courage and operational efficiency. This was amply demonstrated during a sortie one day in January, 1943, when he attacked a formation of three enemy aircraft. In his first attack, Flying Officer Baldwin shot down the leading aircraft of the hostile formation. Following this success he destroyed another of the formation before his own aircraft was hit in one of the wings. When the third enemy fighter attempted to attack from the rear. Flying Officer Baldwin outmanoeuvred the attacker and shot it down. On another occasion during a sortie over Belgium, he damaged four locomotives."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 609 (West Riding) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- January 14th, 1944
"Squadron Leader Baldwin is a keen, skilful and determined fighter. He has participated in much operational flying during which he has destroyed at least 9 enemy aircraft. In addition he has attacked some 14 locomotives, 6 barges, a tug and a tanker with damaging effect. He is a highly efficient squadron commander, whose example of courage and determination has inspired all."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 198 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- March 10th, 1944
"Since being awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross, Squadron Leader Baldwin has led his squadron on very many sorties, during which 30 enemy aircraft have been shot down. Much of the great success achieved can be attributed to Squadron Leader Baldwin's superb leadership, fine tactical ability and iron determination. His sterling qualities were amply demonstrated on one occasion in January, 1944, when he led a small formation of aircraft in an attack on a force of some 30 Focke Wulf 190's, 9 of which were shot down, Squadron Leader Baldwin being responsible for 2 of the successes. His example was inspiring."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Wing Commander
- Awarded on:
- December 29th, 1944
Second DSO awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DSO.
Commandeur in de Orde van Oranje Nassau met zwaarden (ON.3x)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Wing Commander
- Unit:
- 123 Wing RAF
- Awarded on:
- October 31st, 1947
"Group Captain Baldwin commanded No.123 Wing from 20th February 1945 to present time. During the winter of 1944-45 it was stationed at Gilze Rijen. Group Captain Baldwin had previously taken part in the initial battles for the liberation of the Netherlands as a Wing Commander (Operations). He organized the ground side of the Wing so effectively that he found time to fly on numerous missions. The Wing continued to specialize in direct close support work on the front of the First Canadian Army and the standard of attacks remained high. Under the leadership and guidance of Group Captain Baldwin, the Wing began to perfect a method for briefing pilots, whilst airborne, for attacks against fleeting targets and, within a short space of time, the Army was being provided with close support from the air within a few minutes of their demanding he support."
Sources
- - SHORES, CH. & WILLIAMS, C., Aces High, Grub Street, London, 1994.
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35919 published on the 23 February 1943
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36329 published on the 11 January 1944
- Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36418 published on the 7 March 1944
- The London Gazette Issue 37863 published on the 24 January 1947
-The London Gazette Issue 38113 published on the 31 October 1947
- 609 (West Reading) Squadron
- Unithistories
Photo
Looking for reliable information or news facts about WW2? Do you want to create your own battlefield tour to sights of wars from the past? Or are you interested in war medals and their recipients? TracesOfWar.com tells you more!
More information
© STIWOT, 1999-2024. All rights reserved. Privacy statement, cookies, disclaimer and copyright