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Greenwood, John Peter Bowtell

    Date of birth:
    1921 (Stratford-London/England, Great Britain)
    Date of death:
    December 31st, 2014
    Service number:
    41920
    Nationality:
    British

    Biography

    John Peter Bowtell Greenwood served with No. 253 Squadron during the Battel for France in May/June 1940 and the following Battle for Britain. He was one of the few survivors of his unit after the Battle for Britain. Later he served with the RAF and Merchant Navy as pilot on the Hurricane (Hurricat's) on the CAM ships (Catapult Aircraft Merchant) and the Merchant Aircraft Carriers. After this he served with No. 615 Squadron in the India/Burma theatre.

    He married the Australian Joyce Tomlinson and received the Australian Nationality.

    Despite his distinguished service record he did never receive any high award for bravery or distinguished service.

    Promotions:
    ?: Acting Pilot Officer;
    6th November 1939: Pilot Officer on probation;
    6th February 1940: Pilot Officer;
    6th November 1940: Flying Officer;
    6th November 1941: Flight Lieutenant (war subs.);
    6th May 1942: Flight Lieutenant.

    Career:
    6th February 1943: Transferred to Reserves and called for duty to RAF Service;
    5th May 1948: Transfer to Class "A";
    26th February 1950: Transfer to class "C".

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    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)

    Received with "BATTLE OF BRITAIN" clasp.
    1939-1945 Star
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)

    Received in the form of the "ATLANTIC" clasp to be worn on the ribbon of the Aircrew Europe Star.
    Atlantic Star

    Sources

    • Photo 1: Family
    • - Family records
      - The London Gazette of 28th November 1939, Issue 34732
      - The London Gazette of 27th February 1940, Issue 34801
      - The London Gazette of 3rd January 1941, Issue 35032
      - The London Gazette of 24th February 1942, Issue 35467
      - Supplement to The London Gazette of 25th June 1943, Issue 36070, dated 29th June 1943
      - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 9th November 1945, Issue 37345, dated 13th November 1945
      - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 9th September 1949, Issue 38711, dated 13th September 1949
      - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 16th June 1950, Issue 38946, dated 20th June 1950
      - Battle of Britain Historical Society

    Photo