John and I had similar careers primarily of course in the Royal Air Force but also some enjoyable years in the aircraft industry.

John enjoyed his flying so much that he focussed on flying tours, this at the expense of ground training courses. He did not care that this would reduce his chances  of promotion. John’s was an excellent flying instructor. On one occasion I watched him nurture a young cadet, who was very nervous and prone to air sickness, to pass the required examinations. Others would have given up.

Although John had a wry sense of humour he was never flippant. Unlike most of us on the crew he never got into trouble for bad behaviour. There are therefore no incidents that I can recall for you to relate.

There was one occasion that to me personified John. We were flying from St Mawgan to Gibraltar. On such a routine trip there was little for us down the back got to do. On such trips John would act as radio operator. Not a very exciting task but it kept him happy so we let him get on with it. Crossing the coast over Lands End John as a courtesy called Lands End Coastguard radio station. Not necessary but John liked to let people know where we were and where we were going. With no-one else to talk to on this straightforward flight John left the radio on the Coastguard frequency.

Whilst over the Bay of Biscay John heard a yacht trying to make contact with Lands End Coastguard radio. However from sea level the yacht was well out of range. John decided to help. He called the yacht and asked if he could relay for him. Explaining that he was an RAF aircraft in contact with Lands End radio. The appreciative sailor agreed and asked John to tell the Coastguard that they would be 20 hours behind planned arrival time at Falmouth. This quite normal as vessels often left their schedule with the coastguard.

John passed the message. The coastguard responded and asked if we knew the yachts position. By this time all the crew were listening to this conversation. John told the yacht that their message had been relayed and asked the yachtsman his position. The reply was “I am the managing Director of a shoe shop”.

Whilst everyone in the aeroplane burst out laughing John’s immediate response was, “that’s  interesting which branch.”  "Tunbridge Wells, Surrey.” " A very nice town" , said John, and by the way what is your geographical position. At last some Lat and Long numbers came and every one was satisfied.

John, getting a surprise and somewhat foolish response from the yachtsman carried out a gentle exchange, he got the information he required and everyone was happy. Some would have replied with ‘not your position, the yacht’s position” in a sarcastic tone. This would have embarrassed the yachtsman.

To me the way he handled this little unimportant incident is an example  of John’s nature....always reacting quickly and calmly. A good man to have in the crew.

John Bussey