Major J Gasson
John Gasson
- Rank
- Major
- Honours
- DSO DFC & Bar
- Squadron
- No 92 Squadron
- School
- St Joseph's College
- Fate
- Survived the war. Died 2010
- In the book
- Pages 131
From the book
SAAF Airmen in RAF Squadrons
Several SAAF airmen commanded RAF fighter squadrons. Major JE Gasson one of the youngest, commanded No 92, Lt Colonel RHD Rogers reportedly the youngest Lt Colonel in Middle East Command, commanded No 225 at the age of 22, others included Lt Colonel JPD Blaauw, Lt Colonel L Gordon, Major’s NF Harrison, WM Langerman, MS Osler, EC Saville, SVB Theron, PW Venter, FK Weingartz and JRR Wells.
SAAF Airmen in RAF Squadrons
St Joseph’s College educated John Gasson joined the SAAF in 1941 at the age of 17. Placed on the special reserve of Officer Pilots, he joined No 92 Squadron in 1943 flying Spitfires in North Africa, the Middle East, Malta, and Italy, one of several seconded SAAF airmen on the Squadron. Awarded the “Distinguished Flying Cross”, 20-year-old Gasson became the squadron’s Commanding Officer and just 21 when he was awarded the “Distinguished Service Order” in March 1945 with the “Bar” to his “Distinguished Flying Cross” in June. He retained his air force links after the war, was admitted as a Fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons in 1954 and died in 2010.