| Admitted to: Faversham Hospital. RAF Hospital Halton (14/09/40). |
Date of Injury: 14/09/1940 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| D.O.B/Age when admitted: 22/11/1916 (24) |
Cause of Incident: Enemy Action. Shot down. |
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| Transferred to QVH: 09/08/1941 |
Injuries: Burns to face, hands and legs. |
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| No. of Operations at East Grinstead: 2 |
IDENTITY CARD
This is to certify that the patient mentioned below and whose description is stated hereon is the authorised holder of this Identity card.
| Forename: John Anthony |
Surname: Anderson |
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| Service No: 187307 |
Nationality: British |
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| Awards/Honours: --- |
Patient Unit: 253 Sqn |
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| Profession: Pilot |
Patient Rank: Sgt |
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| Death: 28/05/1978 |
Age at Death: 61yrs |
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| Dr Rank: |
Dr Unit: |
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Anderson joined the RAF prior to the war and transferred to flying in time to get his wings in the Spring of 1940. His Hurricane squadron had two Fairey Battles that were used during target practice, and one of them caught fire while Anderson was flying it. He was blown off the plane by the slipstream while trying to persuade his passenger to jump, and landed safely via parachute, with minor burns. The passenger also landed safely, having broken his leg.
Anderson continued to fly with the Squadron throughout the Battle of Britain until 14th September. He was shot down, and was injured, including severe burns.
He returned to operational flying after treatment at QVH, with several more close shaves.
We've been looking through our collections, and discovered this 1972 photograph from the East Grinstead Observer, o…