Date of birth:

March 3rd, 1918 (Renmark/South Australia, Australia)

Date of death:

August 29th, 1988

Service number:

40674

Nationality:

Australian

John Cock sailed to England in 1938 to take up a short service commission. After receiving his wings he was posted to No. 87 Squadron which was sent to France as a part of the Advanced Air Strike Force. After the start of hostillities he made five confimed victories. Back in England he was shot down over Portland Bill on 11th August, baling out with light injuries. His Hurricane 7233 was recovered by archealogists in the 1980's.
By October 1940, he had claimed 10 victories (but would not make any more claims during the war). He was then sent off to become an instructor and was from then off attached to several squadrons in the UK and in Australia. He was released form the RAF in 1948 and returned home to Australia.

Promotions:
7 May, 1938: Acting Pilot officer (probation)
3 September, 1940: Flying Officer
1942: Fllight Lieutenant
1 January 1944: Temporary Squadron Leader
9 May, 1946: As Fit. Lts. extended service (four years on the
active -list)
20 janauri 1948: commision relinquished

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flying Officer

Awarded on:

October 25th, 1940

Citation:
"This officer has destroyed seven enemy aircraft.
In August, 1940, when in action against a large formation of enemy aircraft, he attacked and destroyed a Junkers 88. During this combat he was attacked from below and his aircraft caught fire. Though wounded, he escaped by parachute and fell into the sea, but saved himself by swimming ashore.
Flying Officer Cock has shown magnificent courage and initiative against overwhelming odds."

The Investiture took place on 25 October 1940 at Buckingham Palace.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "BATTLE OF BRITAIN" clasp.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "FRANCE AND GERMANY" clasp.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• - SHORES, CH. & WILLIAMS, C., Aces High, Grub Street, London, 1994.
  - The London Gazette Issue 34513 published on the 24 May 1938
  - The London Gazette Issue 34949 published on the 20 September 1940
  - The London Gazette Issue 34978 published on the 25 October 1940
  - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36340 published on the 18 January 1944
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37659 published on the 19 July 1946
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 38391 published on the 27 August 1948
  - The South East Echo