John Hugh Saffery
| John Hugh Saffery | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1907 |
| Died | 1985 (aged 77–78) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | Royal Navy Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1939–1946 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Unit | No. 1 Gliding School RAF |
| Commands held | No. 541 (Photo Reconnaissance) Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Order 2 × King's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air Mention in despatches Croix de guerre avec palme (Belgium) |
| Other work | Survey pilot |
Squadron Leader John Hugh Saffery DSO (1907–1985) was an officer of the British Royal Air Force during World War II, who served as flying instructor for glider pilots and then commanded a photo reconnaissance squadron. Post-war became a survey pilot for Hunting Aerosurveys Ltd.
At the age of seven Saffrey was taken by his father to Hendon Aerodrome, and from then on his only ambition was to become a pilot. After being educated at St Ronan's School, Hawkhurst, Kent, he attempted to join the Royal Air Force, but was turned down due to a defect in one eye. Undaunted, he then worked at an advertising agency, and in 1926 began taking flying lessons at the London Aeroplane Club. In March 1927 he passed his test for the Royal Aero Club's Aviators' Certificate, and was granted Certificate No. 8096 in May. Saffery then became interested in gliding, and was awarded RAeC Gliding Certificate No. 104 at the London Gliding Club in February 1931. In 1938 Saffrey began working for F. Slingsby, builders of gliders and sailplanes.
Soon after the outbreak of World War II Saffrey joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve to serve in the Fleet Air Arm, being commissioned as a temporary sub-lieutenant on 1 November 1939, with seniority from 25 September. However, in May 1940 the British learned of the use of glider-borne troops by the Germans during the invasion of Belgium, at the assault on Fort Eben-Emael, and so on 17 June Winston Churchill ordered the formation of airborne forces. The first step was the formation of the Central Landing Establishment at Ringway Airport, Manchester, in June 1940 where the first attempts at military parachuting and gliding began. Saffery was soon attached to the new unit on the basis of his pre-war gliding experience, being transferred to the Royal Air Force, and appointed Chief Flying Instructor at No. 1 Gliding School based at RAF Thame.
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