Stowell, John Edward

Date of birth:: November 27th, 1921 (Royal Oak/Michigan, United States)
Date of death:: October 4th, 1999 (Pacoima/California, United States)
Service number:: 55893
Nationality:: British

Biography

6 November 1946: Resigned

His mother was Scottish, father English; they migrated to the US where he was born and the family was deported back to England when he was around 10 years old. Brothers and sister were raised in England and stayed till after the war. He enlisted into the RAF when he was 17+, started out as a mechanic and in later years became a Lancaster pilot with 9 Sq 5 Grp Bomber Command. Him and crew flew many missions, some as 'Wind Finders'. He was one of the few pilots that were on all three Lancaster bombing raids on the Tirpitz. 1st run he carried Johnnie Walker mines, 2nd a 12000lb Tall boy, 3rd a 12000lb Tall Boy (info out of his log book). Received DFC for Gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy.

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Flying Officer
Unit:: No. 9 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: January 30th, 1945
Awarded for:: Operation Catechism

"These members of aircraft crew have each completed many operational missions and have displayed the highest standard of keenness and and determination throughout. In November 1944, they participated in the decisive attack on the German warship "Tirpitz," a target against which all of them had previously been in action. On this occasion the battleship was sunk. The success achieved reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of these members of aircraft crew who, in their various capacities as pilots, navigators and air bombers displayed skill, courage and resolution of a high order."