Operation: Amiens Glisy Airfield, France

Date: 16th August 1943 (Monday)

Unit No: 174 Squadron (motto: 'Attack'), 11 Group, 2nd Tactical Air Force

Type: Typhoon IB

Serial: JP444

Code: XP:?

Base: RAF Lydd

Location: Amiens Glisy

Pilot: Flt Lt. John 'Johnnie' Rutherford Sterne DFC, J5831 RCAF Age 20. KiA

REASON FOR LOSS:

After crossing the French coast at Cayeux the squadron continued to the target. When the squadron reached the target they bombed from 11,000 - 5,000 ft. JP444 received a direct hit from flak.

Some reports state that he baled from the aircraft and after capture was murdered by the Germans. No evidence has been found to substantiate this claim.

The Citation for his DFC reads: "Flying Officer John Rutherford STERNE (Can/J.5831), Royal Canadian Air Force, No. 174 Squadron. This officer has displayed a fine fighting spirit, which, combined with his complete disregard of danger, has won the confidence and admiration of his fellow pilots. He has secured notable successes in night bombing attacks on enemy shipping. In one period of 3 nights, when operating alone against shipping he destroyed a 4,000 ton ship which was heavily defended by some 12 escort vessels, and damaged several armed ships with machine gun fire; he has also assisted in the destruction of a 1,200 ton enemy coaster in daylight". (London Gazette 21st August 1942)

Burial details:

Flt Lt. John Rutherford Sterne DFC. Saint Pierre Cemetery. Plot 1. Row C. Grave 11. Born on the 26th September 1922 at Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Son of William Harry and Ethel M. Beatty of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Husband of Ethel Rose Ward of Kenton Street, London, England.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Julian Proddow, The great people on the Typhoon Project.

Other sources listed below:

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