Obituary Mr John O’Connor

Press, 11 April 1989, Page 27

Obituary Mr John O’Connor

Mr John (Jack) Jardon O’Connor, who received the Distinguished Flying Cross from King George VI, died in Christchurch, on March 22, aged 72. The citation at the presentation by King George said Mr O’Connor was “an extremely determined, able and courageous pilot with a fine fighting spirit.” Mr O’Connor had a distinguished career with flying squadrons in World War 11.

He came to New Zealand from Scotland.at the age of four and lived in Christchurch. He attended Christchurch Technical College and the University of Canterbury. He then joined the New Zealand Postal Services, before volunteering early

in World War II for aircrew training in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. He entered Levin for initial training in August, 1941, did his flying training at Taieri and Wigram and then went to Britain. After further training in Britain, Mr O’Connor was posted in 1943 to 455 (Australian) Squadron, flying out of R.A.F. Leuchars, Fifeshire, with Coastal Command, against German shipping in the North Sea, Atlantic Ocean and on the Norwegian coast.

Soon, because of aircrew losses, he was posted north to Wick, in Caithness, to join 489 (New Zealand) Squadron doing similar work. As the war escalated, 489 Squadron Irnoved

south to attack shipping on the French and Dutch coasts.

Mr O’Connor was engaged in flying manoeuvres where losses were severe and the chances of survival slim. He completed his tour of duty in September, 1944, was summoned to Buckingham Palace and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, presented by the King.

Mr O’Connor returned to New Zealand in 1945 with the rank of Flying Officer and returned briefly to his previous job. Because of ill health, however, as a result of his war service, he left work to live a quiet life for the next 40 years. He is survived by two sisters and a brother.