Pilot Squadron Leader
John Francis
Jackson (KIA)
Shot Down April 28, 1942
Pilot History
A veteran of North Africa, he was known to his men as "Old John", and
was 34 in 1942. His brother, Les served with him in 75 Squadron,
and replaced him as C.O. after his death. John Jackson
is credited with 8 or 9 victories.
Aircraft History
Assigned to RAAF 75 Squadron with code I. Operated from 7-Mile Drome in defense of Port Moresby. On March 25, 1942, suffered a force landing. On April 5 was damaged during aerial combat, but landed safely.
Mission History
Took off from 7-Mile Drome to intercept A6M2 Zeros. Shot down and crashed vertically near Mt.
Lawes' eastern slope.
Memorials
Jackson remains were later recovered and was
buried at Bomana War Cemetery.
Honors
The main airport at Port
Moresby, 7-Mile
Drome was
renamed "Jackson" in honor of the pilot, where
there is a memorial
dedicated to his memory. He is buried
at Bomana
War Cemetery.
Wreckage
Crashed into the hillside of Mount Lawes, burying the engine and compressing the wing from eight feet to only eight inches.
Recovery of Artifacts
In the 1970s, Bill Champan recovered
a rudder pedal was recovered for the museum, including machine guns, engine and cockpit
pieces from a ten foot deep crater from the crash. Other relics including landing gear legs were recovered in 2005 to a small museum at 14 Mile Drome.
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Last Updated
October 1, 2009
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