THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

PLAYER John Howard

RAF 40316, Wing Commander, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 28 September 1943, p4357

During December 1943, Wing Commander PLAYER was in charge of an advanced detachment which at the time had practically no ground crews.  Although a large part of the maintenance work had to be done by the pilots themselves, under his excellent leadership the detachment succeeded in destroying sixteen enemy aircraft in fifteen days.  In March 1943, this officer was largely instrumental in organizing intruder operations over Sardinia, frequently participating in sorties personally.  Under his command the Squadron destroyed fifteen enemy aircraft and damaged many more.  He has invariably displayed the greatest gallantry and shown complete indifference to enemy opposition and adverse weather

Distinguished Flying Cross

Gazetted 12 February 1943, p812

No. 255 Squadron.  This officer has completed much operational flying including operations at night. In operations in North Africa he has displayed great keenness and has destroyed 3 enemy aircraft.  Throughout his operational career, Squadron Leader Player has displayed great devotion to duty and set a fine example.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

Distinguished Flying Cross

1939-45 Star

Air Crew Europe Star

      France and Germany

Africa Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

NOTES

Born 13 July 1914, Auckland, New Zealand

Died 8 August 1947, Flying accident