John Candy (aviator)
| John Geoffrey Sadler Candy | |
|---|---|
| Born |
19 February 1897 Froyle, Hampshire, England |
| Died | 11 May 1955 (aged 58) East Kingston, West Sussex, England |
| Buried at | St Margaret's Church, Angmering, West Sussex |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1916–1937 1939–1946 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Unit |
Royal Sussex Regiment No. 19 Squadron RFC No. 99 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars |
World War I World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom) |
| Spouse(s) | Eileen Marcella Going (m. 1933–54) |
Wing Commander John Geoffrey Sadler Candy DFC (19 February 1897 – 11 May 1955) was a British officer who served in the Royal Flying Corps, becoming a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories. He transferred to the Royal Air Force in 1919, and retired in 1937, but was recalled to serve throughout World War II, retiring permanently in 1946.
Candy was born in Froyle, Hampshire, the eldest son of John Alfred Sadler Candy, a farmer, and Emily Louisa French Candy. He graduated from the Royal Military College on 26 October 1916, receiving a commission as a second lieutenant in the Royal Sussex Regiment.
On 2 May 1917 Candy was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps as a temporary flying officer. He was assigned to No. 19 Squadron to fly the SPAD S.VII. He began his scoring streak on 26 August 1917; in cooperation with Alexander Pentland and three other pilots, he destroyed a DFW reconnaissance aircraft over Moorseele. On 30 September, he once again had help in driving down a German two-seater down out of control; on that occasion from Richard Alexander Hewat, Frederick Sowrey, and two other pilots. On 9 October, he teamed with Sowrey and Hewat to drive down an Albatros reconnaissance aircraft. After another shared win on 11 November 1917, two days later, he cooperated with Albert Desbrisay Carter in the destruction of an Albatros D.V. His sixth win, on 29 December 1917, was a solo one, when he drove down another D.V.
On 3 June 1918 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in the King's Birthday Honours. On 6 July 1918 he was appointed flight commander with acting rank of captain. On 1 August 1919 Candy was granted a permanent commission in the RAF with the rank of captain, while also formally resigning his army commission.
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