W/C John W Gillan, DFC & bar, AFC - KIA 29/8/1941

[Boris]

Hi all!
Does anyone know any details about the death of W/C John W Gillan, DFC and bar, AFC (called „Downwind“), former CO of 111 Squadron, who died on 29 August 1941 over Channel? Which Wing did he lead? What was the cause of his loss? Also any details about his 7 air victories would be of great help (date, type of e/c, location)…
When did he receive AFC and for what?

Thanks.

[Fairlop]

Hi Boris,

W/C John „Downwind“ Woodburn Gillan DFC and Bar, AFC
Service No: 26010
North Weald Wing Leader
S/d by Bf 109s (probably of III./JG 2) N of Dunkirk during early morning Circus 88 to railway yards in Hazebrouck, France. The North Weald Wing took part as Forward Support to six Blenheim IVs of No.139 Sqn.

Air Ministry, 9th September, 1941
Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross
This officer has led the wing on nineteen occasions since July, 1941, and his fine leadership and cool courage have been an inspiration to his fellow pilots throughput all operations. On three recent escort missions Wing Commander Gillan has displayed especial skill and determination. He has destroyed one and damaged another enemy aircraft.

Mentioned victories:
23/7/1941 one damaged Bf 109 during Circus 60
19/8/1941 one destroyed Bf 109 during Circus 82

I think the AFC had to bear to flight on 10 February 1938 when he flew his Hurricane from Turnhouse, Scotland to Northolt, covering 526 kilometers (327 miles) in 48 minutes. This gave an average speed of 658 KPH (409 MPH), and introduced the Hurricane to the British public with a splash of publicity.

Regards,
Michal

[Boris]

Hi Michal.

Thanks for your great help. I suppose that Gillan claimed his other air-to-air victories during "French campain" in 1940. (Next step: I must see "Aces high" from Ch. Shores.)

"Letu zdar"
Boris

[Fairlop]

Boris,

There´s no mention in Aces High.

Michal

[Bruce Lander]

Hi
Gillan was commanding a Hampden squadron in 1939-40 period - I think it was 49 squadron , the RAF system of allocating leaders of fighter units was initially not based on special experience of fighter tactics etc but on seniority and general experience. Gillan had commanded 111 Squadron pre-War but had no fighter combat experience when he took command of the North Weald Wing in 1941 !