LEST WE FORGET
Flying Officer John Wilson THORPE DFC
Service No: 414368
Born: Brisbane QLD, 4 April 1923
Enlisted in the RAAF: 13 September 1941
Unit: No. 69 Squadron (RAF)
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), 2 October 1945
Died: Injuries (from a Motor Cycle accident on 10 June 1945), Netherlands, 13 June 1945, Aged 22 Years
Buried: Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
CWGC Additional Information: Son of John and Isabell Thorpe, of Hendra, Queensland, Australia
Roll of Honour: Brisbane QLD
Remembered: Panel 131, Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT
DFC Citation: Flying Officer Thorpe has proved himself to be a successful and resourceful night reconnaissance pilot. He has consistently brought back valuable information. During a recent night attack, his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire, severing the aileron control and damaging the wing. By skilful flying he brought his aircraft back to base where he executed a masterly landing. Flying Officer Thorpe’s enthusiasm and efficiency have set a fine example to all. (London Gazette 2 October 1945, page 4858)
Flying Officer Thorpe (Pilot) was listed as dangerously ill on 10 June 1945 as the result of a motor cycle accident and died on 13 June 1945.
References:
Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour On-Line Records (RAAF Casualty Information compiled by Alan Storr (409804))
Commonwealth War Graves Commission On-Line Records
Department of Veterans’ Affairs On-Line WWII Nominal Roll
National Archives of Australia On-Line Record A705, 166/39/585