John Alan Quinton
Encyclopedia
John Alan Quinton, GC
, DFC
(February 2, 1921 - August 13, 1951) was posthumously awarded the George Cross for an act of outstanding bravery where he unselfishly saved a young air cadet whilst losing his own life after the aircraft he was in was involved in a mid-air collision over Yorkshire.
Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Unit: 228 Operational Conversion Unit, RAF Leeming
On 13 August 1951 Flight Lieutenant Quinton was a navigator under instruction in a Wellington aircraft which was involved in a mid-air collision. An Air Training Corps
cadet was with him in the rear compartment of the aircraft when the force of the impact caused the Wellington to break up and plunge to earth out of control. Flight Lieutenant Quinton picked up the only parachute he could see, clipped it on to the cadet’s harness, showed him how to pull the rip-cord and ordered him to jump. The cadet landed safely and was the only survivor of the disaster, all the other 8 occupants of the two planes perished. For his selfless action he was awarded the George Cross
(GC), the UK's highest award for bravery by a civilian or a military person where the award of the Victoria Cross
(VC) is not applicable. In order of precedence, the George Cross is second only to the Victoria Cross.
“The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the GEORGE CROSS to Flight-Lieutenant John Alan Quinton, D.F.C. (11571), Royal Air Force, No. 228 Operational Conversion Unit.
On August the 13th, 1951, Flight-Lieutenant Quinton as a Navigator under instruction in a Vickers Wellington
aircraft which was involved in a mid-air collision. The sole survivor from the crash was an Air Training Corps Cadet who was a passenger in the aircraft, and he has established the fact that his life was saved by a supreme act of gallantry displayed by Flight-Lieutenant Quinton, who in consequence sacrificed his own life. Both Flight-Lieutenant Quinton and the Cadet were in the rear compartment of the aircraft when the collision occurred. The force of the impact caused the aircraft to break up and, as it was plunging towards the earth out of control, Flight-Lieutenant Quinton picked up the only parachute within reach and clipped it on to the Cadet’s harness. He pointed to the rip-cord and a gaping hole in the aircraft, thereby indicating that the Cadet should jump. At that moment a further portion of the aircraft was torn away and the Cadet was flung through the side of the aircraft clutching his rip-cord, which he subsequently pulled and landed safely. Flight-Lieutenant Quinton acted with superhuman speed displaying the most commendable courage and self-sacrifice, as he well knew that in giving up the only parachute within reach he was forfeiting any chance of saving his own life, Such an act of heroism and humanity ranks with the very highest traditions of the Royal Air Force, besides establishing him as a very gallant and courageous officer, who, by his action, displayed the most conspicuous heroism.”
as a navigator to more actively contribute to the war effort. Consistently rated exceptional he flew in night-fighters and was commissioned in January 1942. For his splendid work in this most dangerous and exacting branch of the service he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
(DFC) in 1944 flying Mosquitos
with No. 604 Squadron. Promoted to Squadron Leader
, he served in India and the Far East and, uniquely for a navigator, became a flight commander.
In 1946 he left the RAF and went back to his old job at Specialoids, and then moved to a car accessory company (Brown Brothers) where he remained until 1951. During this time he married and became a father to a son. In 1951 he re-joined the RAF at the 228 Operational Conversion Unit where he had to start again as a Flight-Lieutenant as he was unable to return with his old rank of Squadron Leader
. He was killed only two months later on the point of completing his refresher course.
The George Cross was presented to his widow, Mrs Margaret Quinton, by HM The Queen
at an investiture held on the 27th February 1952, the first of the new reign.
His medals are currently on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum
in London.
and joined the 186 North London Scout Troop that met in their Church Hall of the Whetstone Congregational Church. He rapidly became a Patrol Leader and attended camps at Gilwell Park
, Essex, as well as the World Scout Jamboree
in Holland in 1937. In 1938 he was chosen to lead the troop camp in Kandersteg
, Switzerland. He then moved up to become a Rover Scout and was awarded the King’s Scout
badge. During the war his father, Charles, took on the Rover Scout leadership of the group and his mother, Kate, was also heavily involved with the families of the troop with one or more members on active service; his two brothers Ken and Mike were also members of the troop. After the end of the war John went back to Scouting
and the 186 Troop, ending up as their Group Scout Master. The story of his death was subsequently published in an article in the 1962 Scout Annual entitled "He Lived - and Died - by the Scout Law" which was written by Leslie Hunt who had served with him during the war.
He is buried in the grounds of the church of St John the Baptist in Leeming.
The Quinton Trophy – a commemorative Baton which all ATC members contributed to as a memorial to his bravery. This was originally awarded annually at RAF Halton
to the highest achieving ATC cadet, In 1993 the school closed and the Quinton Trophy is now held at RAF Cranwell
. A small replica of this was presented to Margaret Quinton and their son Roger on behalf of the Air Training Corps
.
There is a Memorial in Whetstone United Reform (ex Congregational) Church referencing the Boy Scouts
The Coat-of-Arms was granted by the College of Arms
with the assistance of John Brooke-Little
CVO
FSA
Norroy and Ulster King of Arms
. The design shows an Eagle Owl (symbolising the Night Fighters) clutching a twin-headed serpent (symbolising the two enemies Germany and Japan) above a background of Night and Day. The winged amulet symbolises a navigator and the fleur-de-lis
represent the Boy Scouts
. The Motto – 'Animo et Fide' (Courage and Faith) was chosen by his eldest grandson Jason Quinton as being appropriate for his Grandfather.
RAF Leeming
had a special room constructed in his memory in the
old control tower. Later this was demolished and a separate room was established in the main buildings. On the 60th Anniversary of the accident, on the 13th August 2011, a new accommodation block was named the Quinton block in his memory.
Also on the 60th Anniversary a plaque was unveiled in Hudswell, North Yorkshire near the actual crash site. The memorial commemorates the seven Airman and one cadet who died in the crash as well as the story of the single cadet who survived.
1869 (Middlesbrough) Squadron ATC Headquarters building. An opening ceremony was performed on the 15th September 2007 by Mr. Roger Quinton naming their new Headquarters 'The Quinton GC Building' in memory of Flight Lieutenant John Alan Quinton GC DFC.
His name is included on the new Armed Forces Memorial
located at the National Memorial Arboretum
in Staffordshire
which was dedicated by the Queen on October 12, 2007. His details are also included on the Rolls of Honour that are kept on public display in the Church of St Clement Danes
in London, his name is also inscribed on a plaque near the altar listing the names of RAF and RFC personnel awarded the George Cross.
George Cross
The George Cross is the highest civil decoration of the United Kingdom, and also holds, or has held, that status in many of the other countries of the Commonwealth of Nations...
, DFC
Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against...
(February 2, 1921 - August 13, 1951) was posthumously awarded the George Cross for an act of outstanding bravery where he unselfishly saved a young air cadet whilst losing his own life after the aircraft he was in was involved in a mid-air collision over Yorkshire.
Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Flight Lieutenant
Flight lieutenant is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many Commonwealth countries. It ranks above flying officer and immediately below squadron leader. The name of the rank is the complete phrase; it is never shortened to "lieutenant"...
Unit: 228 Operational Conversion Unit, RAF Leeming
RAF Leeming
RAF Leeming is a Royal Air Force station in North Yorkshire, UK.HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is the Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Leeming. The Station Commander is Group Captain Anthony Innes....
On 13 August 1951 Flight Lieutenant Quinton was a navigator under instruction in a Wellington aircraft which was involved in a mid-air collision. An Air Training Corps
Air Training Corps
The Air Training Corps , commonly known as the Air Cadets, is a cadet organisation based in the United Kingdom. It is a voluntary youth group which is part of the Air Cadet Organisation and the Royal Air Force . It is supported by the Ministry of Defence, with a regular RAF Officer, currently Air...
cadet was with him in the rear compartment of the aircraft when the force of the impact caused the Wellington to break up and plunge to earth out of control. Flight Lieutenant Quinton picked up the only parachute he could see, clipped it on to the cadet’s harness, showed him how to pull the rip-cord and ordered him to jump. The cadet landed safely and was the only survivor of the disaster, all the other 8 occupants of the two planes perished. For his selfless action he was awarded the George Cross
George Cross
The George Cross is the highest civil decoration of the United Kingdom, and also holds, or has held, that status in many of the other countries of the Commonwealth of Nations...
(GC), the UK's highest award for bravery by a civilian or a military person where the award of the Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
(VC) is not applicable. In order of precedence, the George Cross is second only to the Victoria Cross.
Citation
Date of Gazette: 23 October 1951“The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the GEORGE CROSS to Flight-Lieutenant John Alan Quinton, D.F.C. (11571), Royal Air Force, No. 228 Operational Conversion Unit.
On August the 13th, 1951, Flight-Lieutenant Quinton as a Navigator under instruction in a Vickers Wellington
Vickers Wellington
The Vickers Wellington was a British twin-engine, long range medium bomber designed in the mid-1930s at Brooklands in Weybridge, Surrey, by Vickers-Armstrongs' Chief Designer, R. K. Pierson. It was widely used as a night bomber in the early years of the Second World War, before being displaced as a...
aircraft which was involved in a mid-air collision. The sole survivor from the crash was an Air Training Corps Cadet who was a passenger in the aircraft, and he has established the fact that his life was saved by a supreme act of gallantry displayed by Flight-Lieutenant Quinton, who in consequence sacrificed his own life. Both Flight-Lieutenant Quinton and the Cadet were in the rear compartment of the aircraft when the collision occurred. The force of the impact caused the aircraft to break up and, as it was plunging towards the earth out of control, Flight-Lieutenant Quinton picked up the only parachute within reach and clipped it on to the Cadet’s harness. He pointed to the rip-cord and a gaping hole in the aircraft, thereby indicating that the Cadet should jump. At that moment a further portion of the aircraft was torn away and the Cadet was flung through the side of the aircraft clutching his rip-cord, which he subsequently pulled and landed safely. Flight-Lieutenant Quinton acted with superhuman speed displaying the most commendable courage and self-sacrifice, as he well knew that in giving up the only parachute within reach he was forfeiting any chance of saving his own life, Such an act of heroism and humanity ranks with the very highest traditions of the Royal Air Force, besides establishing him as a very gallant and courageous officer, who, by his action, displayed the most conspicuous heroism.”
Life History
John Quinton was born in Brockley, near Lewisham, South London in 1921 and was educated at Christ’s College, Finchley leaving in 1937 having passed the London General School Examination with Matriculation. He joined an engineering company (Specialoids) as an apprentice and could have remained there as an exempt employee through the war, but in 1941 he joined the Royal Air ForceRoyal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
as a navigator to more actively contribute to the war effort. Consistently rated exceptional he flew in night-fighters and was commissioned in January 1942. For his splendid work in this most dangerous and exacting branch of the service he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against...
(DFC) in 1944 flying Mosquitos
De Havilland Mosquito
The de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito was a British multi-role combat aircraft that served during the Second World War and the postwar era. It was known affectionately as the "Mossie" to its crews and was also nicknamed "The Wooden Wonder"...
with No. 604 Squadron. Promoted to Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
, he served in India and the Far East and, uniquely for a navigator, became a flight commander.
In 1946 he left the RAF and went back to his old job at Specialoids, and then moved to a car accessory company (Brown Brothers) where he remained until 1951. During this time he married and became a father to a son. In 1951 he re-joined the RAF at the 228 Operational Conversion Unit where he had to start again as a Flight-Lieutenant as he was unable to return with his old rank of Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
. He was killed only two months later on the point of completing his refresher course.
The George Cross was presented to his widow, Mrs Margaret Quinton, by HM The Queen
Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Elizabeth II is the constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states known as the Commonwealth realms: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize,...
at an investiture held on the 27th February 1952, the first of the new reign.
His medals are currently on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum
Imperial War Museum
Imperial War Museum is a British national museum organisation with branches at five locations in England, three of which are in London. The museum was founded during the First World War in 1917 and intended as a record of the war effort and sacrifice of Britain and her Empire...
in London.
Scouting
John Quinton was a keen Boy ScoutBoy Scout
A Scout is a boy or a girl, usually 11 to 18 years of age, participating in the worldwide Scouting movement. Because of the large age and development span, many Scouting associations have split this age group into a junior and a senior section...
and joined the 186 North London Scout Troop that met in their Church Hall of the Whetstone Congregational Church. He rapidly became a Patrol Leader and attended camps at Gilwell Park
Gilwell Park
Gilwell Park is a camp site and activity centre for Scouting groups, as well as a training and conference centre for Scout Leaders. The 44 hectare site is in Sewardstonebury, Epping Forest, close to Chingford, London....
, Essex, as well as the World Scout Jamboree
World Scout Jamboree
The World Scout Jamboree is a Scouting jamboree of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, typically attended by several tens of thousands of Scouts from around the world, aged 14 to 17....
in Holland in 1937. In 1938 he was chosen to lead the troop camp in Kandersteg
Kandersteg
Kandersteg is a municipality in the Frutigen-Niedersimmental administrative district in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. It is located along the valley of the River Kander, west of the Jungfrau massif. It is noted for its spectacular mountain scenery and sylvan alpine landscapes. Tourism is a...
, Switzerland. He then moved up to become a Rover Scout and was awarded the King’s Scout
Queen's Scout
The Queen's Scout Award is the highest youth award achievable in the Scouting movement in several countries. It is awarded in realms of the Commonwealth, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand where the Scouts operate under the ceremonial leadership of the monarch.The...
badge. During the war his father, Charles, took on the Rover Scout leadership of the group and his mother, Kate, was also heavily involved with the families of the troop with one or more members on active service; his two brothers Ken and Mike were also members of the troop. After the end of the war John went back to Scouting
Scouting
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society....
and the 186 Troop, ending up as their Group Scout Master. The story of his death was subsequently published in an article in the 1962 Scout Annual entitled "He Lived - and Died - by the Scout Law" which was written by Leslie Hunt who had served with him during the war.
Memorials
He is buried in the grounds of the church of St John the Baptist in Leeming.
The Quinton Trophy – a commemorative Baton which all ATC members contributed to as a memorial to his bravery. This was originally awarded annually at RAF Halton
RAF Halton
RAF Halton is one of the largest Royal Air Force stations in the United Kingdom, located near the village of Halton near Wendover, Buckinghamshire.HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is the Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Halton.-History:...
to the highest achieving ATC cadet, In 1993 the school closed and the Quinton Trophy is now held at RAF Cranwell
RAF Cranwell
RAF Cranwell is a Royal Air Force station in Lincolnshire close to the village of Cranwell, near Sleaford. It is currently commanded by Group Captain Dave Waddington...
. A small replica of this was presented to Margaret Quinton and their son Roger on behalf of the Air Training Corps
Air Training Corps
The Air Training Corps , commonly known as the Air Cadets, is a cadet organisation based in the United Kingdom. It is a voluntary youth group which is part of the Air Cadet Organisation and the Royal Air Force . It is supported by the Ministry of Defence, with a regular RAF Officer, currently Air...
.
There is a Memorial in Whetstone United Reform (ex Congregational) Church referencing the Boy Scouts
The Coat-of-Arms was granted by the College of Arms
College of Arms
The College of Arms, or Heralds’ College, is an office regulating heraldry and granting new armorial bearings for England, Wales and Northern Ireland...
with the assistance of John Brooke-Little
John Brooke-Little
John Philip Rudolph Dominic Derek Aloysius Mary Brooke-Little, CVO, KStJ, FSA, FSG, FHS, FHG , FRHSC , FHSNZ, KM, GCGCO was an influential and popular British writer on heraldic subjects and a long-serving officer of arms at the College of Arms in London...
CVO
Royal Victorian Order
The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood and a house order of chivalry recognising distinguished personal service to the order's Sovereign, the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth realms, any members of her family, or any of her viceroys...
FSA
Society of Antiquaries of London
The Society of Antiquaries of London is a learned society "charged by its Royal Charter of 1751 with 'the encouragement, advancement and furtherance of the study and knowledge of the antiquities and history of this and other countries'." It is based at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London , and is...
Norroy and Ulster King of Arms
Norroy and Ulster King of Arms
Norroy and Ulster King of Arms is one of the senior Officers of Arms of the College of Arms, and the junior of the two provincial Kings of Arms. The current office is the combination of two former appointments...
. The design shows an Eagle Owl (symbolising the Night Fighters) clutching a twin-headed serpent (symbolising the two enemies Germany and Japan) above a background of Night and Day. The winged amulet symbolises a navigator and the fleur-de-lis
Fleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis or fleur-de-lys is a stylized lily or iris that is used as a decorative design or symbol. It may be "at one and the same time, political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic, and symbolic", especially in heraldry...
represent the Boy Scouts
Scouting
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society....
. The Motto – 'Animo et Fide' (Courage and Faith) was chosen by his eldest grandson Jason Quinton as being appropriate for his Grandfather.
RAF Leeming
RAF Leeming
RAF Leeming is a Royal Air Force station in North Yorkshire, UK.HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is the Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Leeming. The Station Commander is Group Captain Anthony Innes....
had a special room constructed in his memory in the
old control tower. Later this was demolished and a separate room was established in the main buildings. On the 60th Anniversary of the accident, on the 13th August 2011, a new accommodation block was named the Quinton block in his memory.
Also on the 60th Anniversary a plaque was unveiled in Hudswell, North Yorkshire near the actual crash site. The memorial commemorates the seven Airman and one cadet who died in the crash as well as the story of the single cadet who survived.
1869 (Middlesbrough) Squadron ATC Headquarters building. An opening ceremony was performed on the 15th September 2007 by Mr. Roger Quinton naming their new Headquarters 'The Quinton GC Building' in memory of Flight Lieutenant John Alan Quinton GC DFC.
Armed Forces Memorial
The Armed Forces Memorial is a national memorial in the United Kingdom, dedicated to the 16,000 servicemen and women of the British Armed Forces killed on duty or through terrorist action since the Second World War.-History:...
located at the National Memorial Arboretum
National Memorial Arboretum
The National Memorial Arboretum is a national site of remembrance at Alrewas, near Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. It gives its purpose as:-Origins:...
in Staffordshire
Staffordshire
Staffordshire is a landlocked county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes, the county is a NUTS 3 region and is one of four counties or unitary districts that comprise the "Shropshire and Staffordshire" NUTS 2 region. Part of the National Forest lies within its borders...
which was dedicated by the Queen on October 12, 2007. His details are also included on the Rolls of Honour that are kept on public display in the Church of St Clement Danes
St Clement Danes
St Clement Danes is a church in the City of Westminster, London. It is situated outside the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand. The current building was completed in 1682 by Sir Christopher Wren and it now functions as the central church of the Royal Air Force.The church is sometimes claimed to...
in London, his name is also inscribed on a plaque near the altar listing the names of RAF and RFC personnel awarded the George Cross.