John Denis Breakey
| John Denis Breakey | |
|---|---|
| Born |
19 May 1899 Sheffield, Yorkshire |
| Died | 8 January 1965 (aged 65) |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy (1917–18) Royal Air Force (1918–54) |
| Years of service | 1917–1954 |
| Rank | Air Vice Marshal |
| Commands held |
No. 21 Group (1951) AHQ Malaya (1945–48) No. 222 Group (1945) No. 201 Squadron (1935–37) |
| Battles/wars |
First World War Russian Civil War Second World War |
| Awards |
Companion of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar |
Air Vice Marshal John Denis Breakey CB, DFC & Bar (19 May 1899 – 8 January 1965) was a senior officer of the Royal Air Force. He began his military career in the Royal Naval Air Service during the First World War. As the RNAS was merged into the Royal Air Force, he scored nine aerial victories as a fighter pilot. He served throughout the interwar period and into the Second World War, rising to air vice marshal.
Breakey was born in Sheffield, England.
On 3 June 1917 he was appointed a probationary temporary flight officer in Royal Naval Air Service (on the same day as Frederick Britnell). On 10 October 1917 he was made a flight sub-lieutenant, and in November 1917 joined No. 3 Squadron RNAS flying the Sopwith Camel. On 1 April 1918 the Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Flying Corps were amalgamated into the Royal Air Force, and No. 3 Squadron RNAS became No. 203 Squadron RAF, and Breakey was promoted to lieutenant. On 19 August 1918 he was appointed temporary captain, while serving as a flight commander in 203 Squadron.
On 8 February 1919 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His citation read:
Lieutenant (Acting Captain) John Denis Breakey.
This officer has flown about 500 hours on active service. He has carried out 170 special missions, and has bombed and attacked enemy troops, transport, &c., from low altitudes with great success, causing serious damage. Captain Breakey has shown marked ability and skill as a flight leader, and by his fine spirit of determination and disregard of personal danger sets a fine example to other pilots.
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