GRIFFITHS, W/C John Francis (24037) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.99 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 2 January 1940. Born in Stamford City (now part of Niagara Falls, Ontario), 21 July 1905; attended Royal Military College, 1924-1926, while taking flying training at Camp Borden as a Provisional Pilot Officer (C403). He was at Borden 17 June to 3 September 1924, 17 June to 29 August 1925, and 28 June to 31 August 1926, on which latter date he qualified for his flying badge and graduated fifth in his class. DHist card indicates that at completion of Camp Borden courses he had flown 29 hours 45 minutes dual, 31 hours 25 minutes solo, of which all but 20 minutes had been on Avro 504K machines. e then accepted a commission in the RAF. Graded as Pilot Officer on Probation, 3 December 1926; confirmed as Pilot Officer, 3 June 1927 with seniority from 3 December 1925; an undated RCAF press release states that he celebrated his commissioning 'by doing a loop over the Tower Bridge in Lindon' (highly unlikely). Promoted to Flying Officer, 3 June 1928; promoted to Flight Lieutenant, 5 November 1930; Squadron Leader, 1937; Acting Wing Commander, 28 September 1939; Group Captain, 1 June 1940. His postings before the war were: Digby (February 1927, training on Bristol Fighters); to No.13 Army Cooperation Squadron (May 1927);India (February 1928; he joined No.28 Squadron, and remained at Ambala until June 1930 when he became Adjutant of the Aircraft Park, Lahore; next joined No.31 Squadron at Quetta, 1931): returned to Britain in 1932 (six-month Russian language course at King's College); Tallin, Esthonia (remained until 1934); Britain to help form No.22 Squadron (torpedo bombers); Ethiopia (1935); Malta (until August 1936) and back to Scotland. With No.99 Squadron from outbreak of war to 15 June 1940; with No.311 (Czech) Squadron, 15 June to 15 November 1940. In early 1941 he was attached to Ferry Command, delivering two Liberators to Britain (AM918 in May 1941 and AL525 in October 1941). Numerous staff appointments and commands during war; the RCAF press release says they included service in the United States test flying American aircraft intended for Britain (it is not clear whether this included type evuation or mere acceptance flights on machines coming off production lines). Killed in a road accident, 9 May 1945. The citation refers to an operation on 14 December 1939 - the least disastrous of daylight Wellington penetrations of German North Sea airspace. This award, together with P/O Selby R. Henderson's DFC (gazetted the same day) constitute the first Canadian gallantry decorations of the Second World War. Air Ministry Bulletin 276 refers. See also Epic Deeds of the RAF. pp.14-15. During December 1939, in spite of adverse weather and strong enemy opposition by anti-aircraft guns and enemy fighters, this officer led his squadron of twelve aircraft and carried out a successful reconnaissance over strong naval enemy forces. The determination with which he pressed home this reconnaissance enabled him to bring back information of vital importance. In the course of this operation his formation accounted for no less than five enemy aircraft. By his personal example and thoroughness he has been largely instrumental in maintaining his unit's high standard of efficiency. NOTE: The Air Officer Commanding No.3 Group recommended Griffiths for an immediate DFC on 17 December 1939 (Public Record Office Air 2/4094). The text of the recommendation bears comparison with the final text: In connection with the operations carried out by No.99 Squadron on the 14th December 1939 over the Schilling Roads, I have the honour to make the following recommendation for an award to the officer mentioned above, who was leading the squadron:- For his courage and keen devotion to duty in the face of the enemy. In spite of adverse weather and strong enemy opposition by anti-aircraft guns and enemy fighters, he led his squadron of twelve aircraft, and carried out a successful reconnaissance over strong naval enemy forces in the Schilling Roads. The determination with which he pressed home this reconnaissance enabled him to bring back information of vital importance. In the course of this operation his formation accounted for no less than five enemy aircraft. Almost throughout the entire engagement he kept a most accurate log of the various incidents, which has formed the basis of most useful information with regard to enemy tactics, and has enabled action to be taken to counter these in future operations. By his personal example and thoroughness he has been largely instrumental in maintaining his unit's high stand dard of efficiency. GRIFFITHS, W/C John Francis (24037) - Mention in Despatches - authority and date uncertain. GRIFFITHS, W/C John Francis (24037) - Czech Military Cross of 1939 - awarded as per London Gazette dated 10 January 1941, 'in recognition of valuable services rendered in connection with the war.'