Nationality:

British

Service number 67733.

John Dobbin was originally commissioned in the RAF Balloon Branch. He transferred to the Administrative and Special Duties Branch as a Flying Officer on 15th February 1943.
He returned to the U.K. from the Mediterranean in December 1943.
He was an officer of No. 4 R.A.F. Beach Unit when it was formed in January 1944 and then, in March 1944, he was posted to No. 1 R.A.F. Beach Unit. On joining No. 1 R.A.F. Beach Unit, he was appointed officer commanding No. 101 Beach Section and, promoted Acting Squadron Leader, led this section (renamed No. 101 R.A.F. Beach Flight) in the invasion of Normandy.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

Awarded on:

November 30th, 1943

Citation:
"Acting as an assistant military landing officer, Flight Lieutenant Dobbin landed with assault troops on one of the beaches in Italy. The beach was under heavy fire from enemy guns and mortars. Realising the urgency of establishing the beach, Flight Lieutenant Dobbin started the organisation in a most prompt and praiseworthy manner and it was due to his efforts that immediately the first vehicles arrived, they were landed and despatched to the assembly area. Later, though wounded by cannon fire from an enemy aircraft, this officer refused to leave his duties. Throughout the whole operation he displayed fine courage and leadership."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1945

In recognition of his conduct in Normandy

• - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36267 published on the 26 November 1943
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36866 published on the 29 December 1944
  - RAF Beach Units