In Memory Of

CASSON, JOHN

Service Details
Age:
 21
Date of Birth:
 1922-11-20
Service No:
 160186
Rank:
 Pilot Officer
Unit:
 250 Sqdn.
Regiment:
 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Date of Death:
 1944-05-27
Cause of Death:
 Died of wounds, Kittyhawk IV FX761, hit by flak ,leg very badly injured but flew back to base and landed but died at 239 Air Wing Hospital
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 IV, A, 16.
Cemetery:
 MINTURNO WAR CEMETERY
Country:
 Italy
Additional Information
Decorations:
 C G M
Citations:
 LG Sup 23 June 1944 pg. 2992 - "One morning in May, 1944, this airman took part in an attack on mechanical transport on the Alatri-Frosinone Road. Despite intense opposing fire, Flight Sergeant Casson pressed home his attacks with great determination. Whilst making a second, run over the target his aircraft was hit by a shell. Flight Sergeant Casson was badly wounded in the thigh. Although faint through the loss of blood and shock, this valiant pilot flew his damaged aircraft to base. He was unable to operate one rudder-bar owing to his exhausted condition. Nevertheless, he effected a safe landing. As he was lifted from the controls, Flight Sergeant Casson collapsed. This airman displayed courage, fortitude and devotion to duty of the highest order."
Son of Henry and Olive Beatrice Casson, of Inyanga, Southern Rhodesia. His brother William Harry also died on service. Entered Grey House in January, 1934. He passed his Junior Certificate examination in 1937, and after leaving Plumtree in December 1940, he was employed by the Imperial Tobacco Co. He attested in October, 1941, and after receiving his preliminary training in Rhodesia he proceeded to the Middle East in January 1943. On Plumtree School Roll of Honour.