HIGHAM, P/O John Brock (J7080) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.419 Squadron - Award effective 6 August 1942 as per London Gazette dated 21 August 1942 and AFRO 1413/42 dated 4 September 1942. Born in Boharm, Saskatchewan, 8 July 1920; home in Assiniboia. Enlisted in Calgary, 2 July 1940. To Eastern Air Command, 16 August 1940. To “S”, 19 September 1940. To No.1 ITS, 11 October 1940; graduated and promoted LAC, 20 November 1940; posted that date to No.7 EFTS; returned to No.1 ITS, 22 November 1940; to No.1 Manning Depot, 30 December 1940; to No.3 EFTS, 4 May 1941; to No.5 SFTS, 21 June 1941. Graduated and commissioned on 1 September 1941. To Embarkation Depot, 2 September 1941; to RAF overseas, 27 September 1941. Promoted Flying Officer, 1 September 1942. Repatriated at uncertain date but no later than 11 September 1942. To Western Air Command, 31 October 1942. To No.149 Squadron, 9 November 1942. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 February 1944. To Prince Rupert, 15 March 1944. To No.2 Training Command, 13 April 1944. Retired 26 September 1945. One night in July 1942, this officer was captain of an aircraft which attacked Dusseldorf. When approaching the target area one engine of his aircraft failed and caught fire. Despite this, Pilot Officer Higham resolutely flew on and successfully bombed the target in the face of considerable opposition from the ground defences. On the return flight the aircraft began to lose height until Pilot Officer Higham ordered certain equipment to be jettisoned. He was thus able to maintain height at some 2,000 feet and eventually succeeded in flying the damaged aircraft back to a base in this country where he made a skilful landing. Throughout, this officer displayed great determination and devotion to duty. Note: The diary of No.2 AOS, Edmonton, date of 11 September 1942 has the following: “A tumultuous welcome was extended to the aircrew of the RCAF aircraft which bombed Saarbrucken and arrived in Canada within 24 hours of the bombing. The crew arrived at the airport at 1700 hours and were met and welcomed to Edmonton by Government and Civic officials and representatives of the Armed Forces. The Premier of Alberta, Honourable William Aberhart, presented a gift to each airman. The officials and their guests then proceeded to 104th Avenue where a parade headed by No.4 Initial Training School band was formed. Five military cars were placed in the line-up, each carrying one of the bomber crew and a number of the welcoming delegation. The parade started down south on 104th Street to Jasper Avenue, thence west on Jasper Avenue, to 1007th Street, U-turn and east on Jasper Avenue to 100th Street, south on 100th Street, the band and cars breaking off to the left at the Macdonald Hotel, marching airmen continuing on to 100th Avenue for dismissal at the Memorial Hall.” A civic banquet followed. The diary identifies the aircrew as P/O J.B. Higham, Flight Sergeants K. Svernson, D. Morrison, S.C. Lee and Sergeant A. Loach. The diary also has a good photo of them posed with W/C J.C. Hutchison (CO of No.4 ITS), and F/L T.C. McCall.