John Candy (RAF officer) facts for kids

John Geoffrey Sadler Candy (19 February 1897 – 11 May 1955) was a brave British pilot and military officer. He was known as a flying ace because he shot down six enemy aircraft during the First World War. After the war, he joined the Royal Air Force. He retired in 1937 but was called back to serve during the Second World War. He finally retired for good in 1946.

Early Life

John Candy was born on 19 February 1897. His family lived in a place called Froyle in Hampshire, England. He was the oldest son of John Alfred Sadler Candy, who was a farmer, and Emily Louisa French Candy.

Military Adventures

John Candy started his military journey on 26 October 1916. He finished his training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He became a second lieutenant in the Royal Sussex Regiment, which was part of the British Army.

Flying in World War I

On 2 May 1917, John Candy joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain during World War I. He became a temporary flying officer and flew a plane called the SPAD S.VII.

He started becoming a "flying ace" on 26 August 1917. He worked with other pilots to destroy a German spy plane. On 30 September, he helped force another German plane down. He also teamed up with other pilots to take down an Albatros spy plane on 9 October.

John Candy had another shared victory on 11 November 1917. Two days later, he helped destroy an Albatros D.V plane. His sixth victory was all his own on 29 December 1917. He forced another Albatros D.V plane down by himself.

For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross on 3 June 1918. This was a special award from the King. On 6 July 1918, he became a flight commander, which meant he was in charge of a group of planes. He was given the temporary rank of captain. On 1 August 1919, he officially joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a captain.

After the First World War

After World War I, John Candy continued his career in the Royal Air Force. On 5 October 1921, he was sent to the RAF Depot. Later, on 1 October 1923, he worked at a training school for boys at Halton.

He then served in the Middle East. He was at the Aircraft Depot in Iraq from 27 November 1924. From 5 January 1926, he was in charge of the RAF base in Basrah. He moved to the RAF Depot in Egypt on 2 January 1927. On 12 December 1928, he was promoted to squadron leader.

On 30 June 1934, John Candy joined No. 99 Squadron RAF, a bomber squadron. He flew planes for them. On 11 July 1935, he went to the Royal Air Force College Cranwell for engineering duties. On 12 September 1937, he decided to retire from the RAF.

However, John Candy was called back to duty on 25 August 1939. This was just before the start of the Second World War. He joined the RAF Technical Branch on 24 April 1940. On 23 September 1941, he was mentioned in official reports for his good work. This is called being "Mentioned in Despatches". He was an acting wing commander at this time. He finally retired for good on 26 January 1946. He kept his rank of wing commander.

Later Life

On 2 September 1933, John Candy married Eileen Marcella Going in London. She was the older daughter of Dr. R. M. Going.

John Candy passed away on 11 May 1955 in East Kingston, near Littlehampton. He is buried with his wife, who died on 3 July 1954. They are buried at St Margaret's Church in Angmering, West Sussex.