John Keith DOUGLAS DFC, AFC

DOUGLAS, John Keith

Service Number: 403564
Enlisted: 3 February 1941
Last Rank: Wing Commander
Last Unit: No. 467 Squadron (RAAF)
Born: Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia, 17 June 1921
Home Town: Tamworth, Tamworth Municipality, New South Wales
Schooling: Not yet discovered
Occupation: Salesman
Died: Flying Battle, Dortmund, Germany, 8 February 1945, aged 23 years
Cemetery: Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany
Plot 24, Row E, Grave 9 Headstone inscription reads: Greater love hath no man Roll of Honour - Tamworth
Memorials: Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, International Bomber Command Centre Memorial
Show Relationships

World War 2 Service

3 Sep 1939: Involvement Wing Commander, 403564
3 Feb 1941: Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Wing Commander, 403564

World War 1 Service

3 Feb 1941: Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Wing Commander, 403564, No. 467 Squadron (RAAF), Enlisted at Sydney

World War 2 Service

13 Jun 1941: Embarked Royal Australian Air Force, 403564, Embarked for Canada
3 Oct 1941: Embarked Royal Australian Air Force, 403564, Embarked for UK from Canada
12 Jan 1943: Honoured Distinguished Flying Cross, Citation reads: Flight Lieutenant Douglas has taken part in many operational sorties. On one occasion on mine laying operations much flying n clouds was necessary and blind flying instruments became unserviceable. Nevertheless he pressed on with the misson which was achieved successfully. On a later occasion this officer detailed to attack Munich. Approaching target area his aircraft was attacked by enemy night fighter. Skillful evasive tactics enabled his gunners to destroy enemy aircraft after which target was attacked successfully. Has proved most determined and successful captain of aircraft whose quiet confidence and keen spirit have been an inspiration to all London Gazette 12 January 1943 on page 267 at position 1
3 Aug 1944: Honoured Air Force Cross, Commonwealth of Australia Gazette - 3 August 1944 on page 1547 at position 7 London Gazette 8 June 1944 on page 2649 at position 1

Help us honour John Keith Douglas's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.

Biography contributed by Carol Foster

Son of Thomas Sholte Douglas and Marion Annie Douglas of Vaucluse, NSW

Plane was Lancaster NG 455 lost at Dortmund EMS Canal, Germany  about 20  minutes after leaving the target area it is believed it had been hit by a night fighter and caught fire

Medals: Distinguished Flying Cross, 1939-45 Star, Air Force Cross

At the time of enlistment he was employed as a salesman with David Jones Ltd, Sydney

Also served with the Scots College Cadets