Mitchner, John Davidson
- Date of birth:
- July 3rd, 1914 (Saskatoon/Saskatchewan, Canada)
- Date of death:
- December 8th, 1964 (Penticton/British Columbia, Canada)
- Service number:
- J.16799
- Nationality:
- Canadian
Biography
John Davidson Mitchner was credited with 10,5 air victories.
Promoyions:
July 1941: Sergeant;
December 1941: FLight Sergeant;
July 1942: Warrant Officer;
January 1943: Pilot Officer;
July 1943: Flying Officer;
August 1943: Flight Lieutenant;
November 1944: Squadron Leader.
Career:
October 26th 1940: Entering service RCAF, Vancouver;
January 5th, 1941 - February 7th, 1941: No. 2 ITS;
February 8th, 1941 - Match 29th, 1941: No. 8 EFTS;
April 10th, 1941 - July 8th, 1941: No. 10 SFTS;
August 16th, 1941: Great Britain;
November 17th, 1942 - February 22nd, 1944: No. 402 Squadron;
August 13th, 1944 - September 27th, 1944: No. 421 Squadron;
September 28th, 1944 - January 15th, 1946: No. 416 Squadron;
March 31st, 1946: RCAF Canada;
1960: Retirement.
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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- No. 402 (Winnipeg Bears) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
- Awarded on:
- November 9th, 1943
"This officer has completed a large number of sorties, including several very successful attacks on shipping. He is a most determined and able leader, whose confidence in action has proved inspiring.
In combat, Flight Lieutenant Mitchner has destroyed 3 enemy aircraft."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 416 (City of Oshawa) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
- Awarded on:
- July 6th, 1945
"This officer has completed many sorties against the enemy since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He has consistently displayed a high degree of skill and determination and has been responsible for the destruction of 10 enemy aircraft. One day in April, 1945, Squadron Leader Mitchner led two armed reconnaissances, resulting in the destruction of 45 motor transport, whilst more than another 100 were damaged. His devotion to duty has been most commendable."
Second DFC receiver in the form of a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.
Vliegerkruis (VK)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 421 (Red Indian) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
- Awarded on:
- July 31st, 1945
- Awarded for:
- Operation Market Garden
"This officer is a pilot and flight commander of outstanding ability. During the invasion of Holland, as squadron commander, he participated in many successful sorties in support of the First Airborne Division at Arnhem. During these operations large formations of enemy aircraft were encountered. Flight Lieutenant Mitchner enabled his squadron to destroy at least 18 enemy aircraft, while may more were damaged and probably destroyed. Flight Lieutenant Mitchner himself destroyed five aircraft. Throughout the operations Flight Lieutenant Mitchner set a very fine example."
Citation:
"Has distinguished himself during the operations near Arnhem from September 17 to 25, by deeds of initiative, courage and perseverance and showing in every respect an uncommon devotion to duty and a great tenacity of purpose."
419th Award.
Royal Decree No.29, dated July 31st, 1945.
Permission to wear the decoration was granted on January 1st, 1946.
Sources
- Photo 1: Wilco Vermeer
- - MEIJER, H.G. & VIS, R., Het Vliegerkruis, De Bataafsche Leeuw, Amsterdam, 1997.
- Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette of 5th November 1943, Issue 36241, dated 9th November 1943
- Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette of 3rd July 1945, Issue 37165, dated 6th July 1945
- Ninth Supplement to The London Gazette of 28th December 1945, Issue 37415, dated 1st January 1946
- The Dutch Medals Page
- Ciel de Gloire
Photo
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