Ubique Speculabundus : The eyes of the guns are everywhere
204003, Captain (Pilot), John Patrick Gordon BENSON
Aged 24
medals unknown
653 (Air Observation Post) Squadron R.A.F.
56th Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery
Died on Tuesday 18th May 1943
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Born in John Partick Gordon LITTON in 1919 (Kensington 1st qtr 1A:103). His father was Marcel Victor LICHTENSTADT (English born) who married his mother in
1909, and changed the family name to LITTON in 1914. That marriage ended in divorce and both his parents re-married, his mother to Martin Henry BENSON in 1930
Youngest son of Sybil Marjorie BENSON (née BEATTIE) and stepson of Martin Henry BENSON. His address had been 22A Carlton House Terrace, London SW1. In the 1939 register his stepfather Martin [24-8-1879] breeder of race horses, and his mother Sybil were at Beech House Stud, Ashley Road, Newmarket
He was attached to 653 (Air Observation Post) Squadron RAF at Detling in Kent John died when Auster III, NJ986, hit a tree while low flying during fighter evasion training at Chigwell Row, Essex. Also killed was Major Ernest Ballard (the Squadron CO). CWGC have the date of his death as 14th May. Ross McNeill on RAFCommand.com forum finds F1180 for Auster NJ986 gives No.653 Squadron, BALLARD pilot and two killed. CWGC have 655 squadron. |
click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details
