Daughters in arms
Plea to find relatives of hero Scots airman pays off – and daughters will attend VE Day celebrations
A SCOTS war hero’s family will attend the unveiling of a tribute to him on Victory in Europe (VE) Day – thanks to the Daily Record.
Sergeant John Hannah won the Victoria Cross after suffering horrific injuries as he battled a fire on his aircraft during a raid over Nazi-occupied Belgium in 1940.
John died, aged 25, as a result of his injuries.
He will be honoured at an event in Scotland to remember VE Day and organisers feared they would not be able to trace his family – until the Record stepped in to help.
Forces veteran Terry McCourt, from Glasgow, said: “Thanks to the Record, John’s daughters have been in touch so we hope to see them on the day.
Some of his family are in England but are very keen to come along and see him remembered. “Five trees and plaques commemorating members of the Army, Royal Navy and RAF will be unveiled at the veterans’ monument in Knightswood, Glasgow.” John, from Paisley, joined the RAF only two weeks before the World War II engulfed Europe. A year later, the teenager embarked on a bombing run that would come to define his life. The target was a flotilla of German barges harboured in Antwerp. Taking heavy fire from forces on the ground, his plane managed to drop bombs over the target. However, an incendiary shell exploded in the plane’s gaping bomb bay, sending shrapnel ripping through its mid-section and engulfing the plane in flames. As some of the aircraft’s metal melted in the heat, two crew members baled out from the plane but John, who was already suffering burns, saw that his parachute had been damaged in the fire.
As he struggled to breathe, John fought the flames and tossed spare ammunition overboard to prevent it from exploding.
Despite suffering severe burns and smoke inhalation, he helped the pilot guide the damaged plane back to base at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.
Former paratrooper Terry added: “I read about John’s incredible heroism and sacrifice after I saw a picture of him in the Royal British Legion Club in Knightswood. I couldn’t think of a more fitting person to get this honour. I’m delighted his family have been located.”
Trees and plaques will honour three veterans of the Highland Light Infantry – including living D Day legend John Lamont. One will be dedicated to the men and women who served on the ship HMS Glasgow.
A service will be held on May 9 in Knightswood St Margaret’s Church at 11am, with the unveiling at the veterans’ memorial at 12.30pm then a parade for ex-forces personnel.