WIX Archives

The "John Bomber Fund"

Posted by andy saunders on Wed May 21, 2003 02:38:14 AM

Amongst my purchases at Shoreham a small black plate, apparently once attached to a wartime RAF bomber, type unknown.
It is engraved: "In gratitude and admiration from the John Bomber Fund. This aircraft is to be the representative of Wing Co John Woodburn Gillan, "Gillo", DSO AFC, who led his wing across the Channel on 29 August 1941 and after combat with the enemy did not return. Also, a few of the other gallant members of the services beloved by the contributors to the fund, who can themselves no longer carry on the fight but whose spirit lives on"
Can anyone throw any light on what the John Bomber Fund was or what aircraft this may have been on?? I do know all about Gillan, who had led 111 Squadron on Hurricanes pre-war with some distinction. What I'd like to find out more about is the story behind this plaque.
Andy Saunders.

Follow Ups: