Casson, John

Date of birth:: November 20th, 1922 (Sea Scale-Whitehaven/Cumberland, Great Britain)
Date of death:: May 27th, 1944 (239 Air Wing Hospital, Italy)
Buried on:: Commonwealth War Cemetery Minturno
Plot: IV. Row: A. Grave: 16.
Service number:: 778890 (NCO)/160186 (Officer)
Nationality:: Rhodesian (1923-1980, British Colony)

Biography

Pilot Officer John Casson, a P-40 Kittyhawk pilot from Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, was educated at Plumtree School, and as a Desert Air Force Sergeant Pilot in early 1944 flew anti-shipping and ground attack missions with 250 (Sudan) Squadron during the Battle for Rome. He was the brother to William Henry Casson

Promotions:
? Flight Sergeant
16 May, 1944: Pilot Officer on Probation (emergency)

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Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CMG - Flying)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flight Sergeant
Unit:: No. 250 (Sudan) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: June 23rd, 1944

Citation:
"One morning in May, 1944, this airman took part in an attack on mechanical transport on the Alatri-Frosinone Road. Despite intense opposing fire, Flight Sergeant Casson pressed home his attacks with great determination. Whilst making a second, run over the target his aircraft was hit by a shell. Flight Sergeant Casson was badly wounded in the thigh. Although faint through the loss of blood and shock, this valiant pilot flew his damaged aircraft to base. He was unable to operate one rudder-bar owing to his exhausted condition. Nevertheless, he effected a safe landing. As he was lifted from the controls, Flight Sergeant Casson collapsed. This airman displayed courage, fortitude and devotion to duty of the highest order."

Casson was recommended for a Victoria Cross by Christopher Lee, who was stationed nearby as an Intelligence Officer with 260 Squadron RAF.