PDF
« Previous

Casson, John (J)

Next »
Identity
Person No.
3506
Service No.
160186
Last Name
First Name
John
Initials
J
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
Age at Death
21
Military Service
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause of Death
Died of wounds, Kittyhawk IV FX761, hit by flak ,leg very badly injured but flew back to base and landed but died at 239 Air Wing Hospital
Grave Reference
Location
Locality
Unknown
Additional Information
Notes

Son of Henry and Olive Beatrice Casson, of Inyanga, Southern Rhodesia. His brother William Harry also died on service. Entered Grey House in January, 1934. He passed his Junior Certificate examination in 1937, and after leaving Plumtree in December 1940, he was employed by the Imperial Tobacco Co. He attested in October, 1941, and after receiving his preliminary training in Rhodesia he proceeded to the Middle East in January 1943. On Plumtree School Roll of Honour.

Citation

LG Sup 23 June 1944 pg. 2992 - "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."

External Source
Unknown
South African War Graves Project

southafricawargraves.org — record #3506