John Bryson (RAF officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Samuel Bryson
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|---|---|
| Birth name | John Samuel Bryson |
| Born | Westmount, Quebec, Canada |
| Died | 24 September 1940 |
| Buried |
St Andrew's, North Weald Bassett, Essex
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| Allegiance |  Canada |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1939 – 1940 |
| Rank | Pilot Officer |
| Unit | No. 92 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Pilot Officer John Samuel Bryson (born around 1913 – died 1940) was a brave Canadian fighter pilot. He was known as "Butch" and flew with the Royal Air Force (RAF) during a very important time called the Battle of Britain.
Contents
Early Life and Joining Up
John Samuel Bryson was born in Westmount, Quebec, Canada. Westmount is a small area near the city of Montreal. His parents were John T. Bryson and Marion Elphinstone Bryson.
Before World War II began, John Bryson was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). This is Canada's national police force. However, he really wanted to help defend Britain. So, he left the RCMP to join the fight.
Becoming an RAF Pilot
In January 1939, John Bryson joined the Royal Air Force. He signed up for a special short-term service. He completed his flight training at a place called No. 13 Flying Training School. This school was located at RAF Drem.
After finishing his training, he was sent to No. 92 Squadron RAF. This was a fighter squadron. He joined his new squadron at RAF Tangmere on October 10, 1939.
First Victories in the Sky
John Bryson quickly showed his skill as a pilot. On June 2, 1940, he successfully shot down an enemy plane. It was a German Heinkel He 111 bomber. This happened over the town of Dunkirk.
Later, on July 24, 1940, he helped shoot down another German plane. This time, it was a Junkers Ju 88 bomber. He shared this victory with other pilots from his squadron. This event took place over the Bristol Channel.
The Battle of Britain
During the Battle of Britain, John Bryson's squadron, the 92nd, was based at RAF Biggin Hill. This was a very important air base. His squadron often flew as part of a larger group of planes. This group was sometimes called a "Big Wing."
Final Mission
On September 24, 1940, John Bryson was flying with his squadron. They were responding to an attack by ten German Ju 88 bombers. These bombers were protected by more than one hundred German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter planes.
During this intense air battle, Bryson was last seen flying alone. He was bravely attacking a large group of the enemy Me 109 fighters. Sadly, he was shot down during this fight. His Supermarine Spitfire plane, with the number X4037, crashed and caught fire near North Weald.
John "Butch" Bryson was only 27 years old when he died. He was buried at St Andrew's Church in North Weald Bassett, Essex.
