Sgt John W. Hammett, RCAF

[georgetanksherman]

Greetings, back again for some help, if available

I have found a Sgt John W. Hammett, Shreveport, Louisiana, he was to young at 17 to join the American Air Force prior to WW II, so with signed letter from his father he ventured up to Canada to join the RCAF, he got his wings and was sent to England, was qualified to fly the Hudson, Hurricane and Spitfire, Squadron assigned not known, while flying air cover over Dunkirk, France, he was shot down and wound up in the English Channell, he was rescued, apparently being shot down again, but no details.

He did transfer to the USAAF, in 1942, sent stateside, where he trained in artillery observation, sent back to the desert, where his mission was to fly low, draw fire and report the positions back to the artillery section, then stay in the area to direct the fire.

Prior to the Korean War, he trained on Helicopters, and was assigned to a M.A.S.H. Unit, most of his flights was at night in darkness to pick up the wounded.

During Vietnam he was assigned to fly "Dustoff" missions, flying 124 missions

Sadly, he passed away November 30, 2011 in San Antonio, Texas

Any help finding any info on this warrior would truly be appreciated, obviously flying cover over Dunkirk, would also tell me he might have flown in the Battle of Britain

Cheers

George

[Temujin]

Sorry George, Haven’t found much on this man

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[georgetanksherman]

Temujin,

I cannot believe that there is no info on Sgt Hammett, being shot down twice, with the loss of two aircraft, nothing said about the second time shot down, I can understand somewhat Dunkirk, I imagine it was very hectic, but being rescued in the Channel, thought there should be something on paperwork. Appreciate you taking time to look anyway !

Hope all is well, finished P.T., so pressing on,

Thanks again, the search continues

Cheers

George

[georgetanksherman]

Sgt John W. Hammett, RCAF

Tried looking on the Aviation Safety site looking at both the Hurricane and Spitfire loses during the Dunkirk Evacuation, could not find anything about Sgt Hammett. According to records, 56 Hurricanes were lost, 45 Spitfires were lost and 8 Bolton Paul Defiants were lost. Of the total 109 Fighter Aircraft lost 68 were either Killed or captured.

Did find out during this time RAF Sqdn. No. 242 was manned entirely by Canadians

Will keep looking !

Cheers

George