John Kenneth Haviland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Kenneth Haviland
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|---|---|
| Born | 19 January 1921 Mount Kisco, New York, U.S. |
| Died | 1 July 2002 (aged 81) Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940–1945 |
| Rank | Flight Lieutenant |
| Service number | 82690 |
| Unit | No. 151 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
| Other work | Professor in Aerospace Engineering Department at the University of Virginia |
John Kenneth Haviland (born January 19, 1921 – died July 1, 2002) was a brave American pilot. He flew for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. Haviland was one of only 11 American pilots who joined the RAF's Fighter Command. He flew during the important Battle of Britain between July and October 1940. Because of his service, he earned a special award called the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
Contents
Early Life and Training
John Haviland was born in Mount Kisco, New York, in the United States. His father was an officer in the US Navy, and his mother was English. When he was five years old, John moved to England. He studied at the University of Nottingham and the University of London. In July 1939, he joined the Royal Air Force Reserve. When World War II began in September 1939, he was called to serve.
Serving in World War II
Haviland completed his flying training at No. 10 Flying Training School. He was then sent to No. 1 (Army Co-Operation) Squadron. In August 1940, he volunteered to join RAF Fighter Command. After more training, he joined No. 151 Squadron RAF at RAF Digby on September 23, 1940. He flew Hurricane planes.
On September 24, Haviland was involved in a mid-air accident during a practice flight. His plane had to make an emergency landing. After this, he did not see much more action during the Battle of Britain.
Haviland continued to serve throughout the war. He worked as an instructor, flew missions to attack enemy targets, and supported bomber planes. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on February 16, 1945. At that time, he was a flight lieutenant flying with No. 141 Squadron RAF.
Life After the War
After World War II ended, John Haviland moved to Canada. Later, he earned a special degree called a PhD from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He then became a professor at the University of Virginia. He taught engineering in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department. He was an expert in projects related to aerospace, which is about aircraft and spacecraft.
Awards and Honors
- 16 February 1945 – Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award recognized his bravery and skill as a pilot.
See also
