JOHN FRANK SAWARD

Images courtesy of Chris.

Born: 1920, Ipswich.

Died: 29th June 1941; age: 20; killed during a training sortie when T8445 & T8448 collided in mid-air.

Residence: 53, Henley Road, Ipswich.

Employed at Marriage’s Flour Mills, Felixstowe, Suffolk.

Suffolk Territorial Army – late Cadet Sergeant – Ipswich School – Contingent – Junior Division – Officer Training Corps – to be Second Lieutenant – 1st April 1939, for the 58th (Suffolk) Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery. John was later promoted Lieutenant in another artillery unit.

In February 1941, he transferred to the Royal Air Force as Pilot Officer for Air Reconnaissance duties. 15th February 1941 – Temporary Commission as Pilot Officer, 45342 – Second Lieutenant – Royal Artillery.

http://www.ipswichschoolmuseumandarchives.co.uk

Rank: Pilot Officer; Service Number: 45342.

Regiment: Royal Air Force, Unit 9 Flying Training School.

Grave Reference:

X.E.3.51.

Ipswich Old Cemetery,

Ipswich.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of Albert Reginald & Ethel May Saward, of Ipswich.

Father: Albert Reginald Saward, born June 1887, Tottenham, Middlesex. A Bank Manager.

Mother: Ethel May Saward (nee Borman), born May 1883, Pinchbeck, Lincolnshire.

Ruth, John, Mary, David and Anne

A family note: 2019 – John was educated at Ipswich School and being a very sporty type was a member of the senior athletics team as well as being a very good fencer. At the outbreak of war John joined the RAF as an officer. (image) My father David and his siblings, taken I would suggest in about September 1939. From left to right they are: Ann, John, Mary, David and Ruth. Note John is wearing Royal Artillery uniform, he transferred to the RAF a short while later I believe, my father is in his RAF uniform. Mary is still living and celebrates her 100th birthday on 27th August later this month. Chris Burrell-Saward.

John attended Ipswich School – he left the school in July 1938.

John is also remembered on the Chapel war memorial at Ipswich School.

John as a Drum Major Combined Cadet Force Band – Ipswich School 

29th June 1941

Aircraft: Master Mk1; Serial Numbers: T8445 & T8448; Based at R.A.F. Hullavington, near Chippenham, Wiltshire. On the 29th June 1941, T8445 & T8448 were engaged on a training sortie when they collided in mid-air resulting in the deaths of three airmen. It is not known who was actually in which aircraft. There were no survivors.

The two other airmen killed:

Michael Frederick Sydney Laughton; Pilot Officer/Pilot; age 20; R.A.F.

Douglas Rodwell Parker; Pilot Officer/Pilot; age 26; R.A.F.

Michael & Douglas were laid to rest side by side at Chippenham Cemetery, London Road, Wiltshire.

Aircraft accident information courtesy of John Allan.