Date of death:

September 4th, 2010

Service number:

564646 (NCO)/47663 (Officer)

Nationality:

British

? Warrant Officer
19 January 1942: Pilot Officer on Probation (emergency)
1 October 1942: Flying Officer on Probation (war sub)
14 November 1943: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
28 February 1946: Appointment to commission as Flight Lieutenant (extended service)
1 August 1947: Squadron Leader
21 December 1948: Permanent Commission as Squadron Leader
21 February 1958: retirement

Squadron Leader Edward John Greenleaf DSO, DFC joined the RAF in September 1930 as a Trenchard 'Brat', passing the entrance exam (Entry 22) with ease. One of the few identified for pilot training, by the outbreak of war Johnnie was a sergeant pilot with the 57 Squadron, completing a tour of operations and enjoying a well-earned rest. Commissioned in January 1942, Johnnie exchanged the twin-engined Blenheim for the much faster De Havilland Mosquito, quickly gaining a reputation as an exceptional flyer. Twice Mentioned in Despatches in early 1944, Johnnie was chosen as one of a handful of pilots from 571 and 692 Squadrons to take part in a 'Gardening' sortie in November 1944 to drop mines in the Kiel Canal - a dangerous occupation - flying at low level against a target strongly defended by flak, searchlights and balloons.
Shortly after dropping his own mine, Johnnie - by now a Squadron Leader - was turning away from the target when his Mosquito was hit by flak. The shell splinters killed the navigator (Pilot Officer Ken Rendell - described by one contemporary as 'the life and soul of the crew room') and seriously injured Johnnie in the face and arm. Despite intense pain and fatigue, he made it home to an emergency landing at Woodbridge and received an immediate DSO for his actions. He later added the Distinguished Flying Cross before once again becoming tour expired and being appointed to serve on the staff of the AOC 8 Group, Air Commodore Donald Bennett.

Johnnie retired from the RAF in 1958, retaining the rank of Squadron Leader. He died in September 2010 at the age of ninety-five.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

January 14th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

June 8th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 571 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

November 17th, 1944

Citation (group):
'The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy. One night in October, 1944, a force of bombers was detailed for 'an important low level mining mission, an operation requiring considerable skill and accuracy in flying. The target was strongly defended by heavy and light anti-aircraft guns, searchlights and balloons. Undeterred by these hazards and the most adverse weather, the operation was completed successfully. The success achieved reflects the greatest credit on the following personnel."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 571 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

December 8th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "FRANCE AND GERMANY" clasp.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

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