John Allen Parker

Pilot Officer (Pilot)
Royal Canadian Air Force
Killed in Action – February 15, 1944

Service Summary

John Allen Parker enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Brandon, Manitoba, on September 20, 1941, at the age of 21. He was living in Minnedosa and working at Burgess’ Meat Market. He was the son of First World War veteran Lewis “Lou” Parker and May Laver.

He trained at Brandon, Edmonton, Virden, and Saskatoon, earning his pilot wings on November 6, 1942.

Wartime Experience

After advanced training in England, John was posted to No. 419 Squadron (“Moose Squadron”), flying Halifax bombers.

He successfully completed nine operational bombing missions over enemy territory.

On his tenth mission, targeting Berlin on February 15, 1944, Halifax aircraft JD456 was shot down over the Baltic Sea off Denmark. All crew members were lost.

John was 23 years old.

Commemoration

Pilot Officer Parker has no known grave and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• 1939–45 Medal

• War Medal 1939–45