John Jellicoe Blair facts for kids

John Jellicoe Blair (1919-2004) was a brave Jamaican pilot and navigator. He served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. He was part of RAF Bomber Command, guiding large planes called Halifax Bombers.

In 1945, he received a special award called the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award is given for acts of courage or devotion to duty while flying.

Early Life and School

John Jellicoe Blair was born in 1919 in St Elizabeth, Jamaica. He was the youngest of eight children. When he was five, he started school. Later, he lived with his older sisters and brother. He finished his early education at age 17.

Becoming a Teacher

John wanted to become a teacher. He tried twice to get into Mico Training College in Kingston. He finally got in and studied there for three years. After graduating, he worked as an elementary school teacher for about a year and a half. During this time, the Second World War began.

Serving in World War II

Joining the RAF

In 1941, John wanted to join the military. At first, some parts of the British military did not allow Black people to join because of their race. This was called the "colour bar." However, the Royal Air Force (RAF) changed this rule because they needed more people.

In October 1942, when he was 23, John left Jamaica. He traveled to Canada with other volunteers. There, he trained with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He learned about military systems and completed his basic training.

Learning to Fly and Navigate

John was chosen for flying training. He went to McGill University to study. He then decided to train as a navigator. Navigators help pilots find their way. After finishing flight school in January 1943, he learned to fly on Ansons planes.

In January 1944, John and his friend, pilot Ralph Pearson, traveled to Scotland. John continued his navigation training. He learned to use special tools and systems to guide the planes. One system was called Gee, which used radio signals from the ground. John and Pearson stayed together for the rest of the war. Their crew included gunners, a radio operator, a flight engineer, and a bomb aimer.

Flying Missions

In December 1944, John joined 102 (Ceylon) Squadron. He navigated Halifax Bombers for Bomber Command. He remembered his first mission on December 21, when his aircraft attacked a place called Nippes.

John flew his last mission in April 1945. By the end of the war, he had completed 30 bombing missions. He also flew three more operational flights. He was one of over 400 Black Caribbean air crew members who served in the RAF during the war.

Life After the War

After the war ended, John continued his service. He joined No. 35 Squadron RAF and worked with Lancaster bombers until October 1947. He then became a navigation instructor at RAF Scampton.

John's last job was Chief Navigation Officer for No. 216 Squadron RAF. He retired from the RAF in 1963. He tried to find his wartime pilot, Ralph Pearson, but was not successful.

Awards and Recognition

In late 1945, John Jellicoe Blair was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. This was a high honor for his brave service.

Legacy

John Jellicoe Blair passed away in 2004. His life story is shared in a book called Caribbean Volunteers at War: The Forgotten Story of the RAF's 'Tuskegee Airmen' (2014) by Mark Johnson.

See also

• Tuskegee Airmen
• RAF Bomber Command aircrew of World War II
• RAF Transport Command