John, know as “Johnnie”, was born at Black Heath in 1915 and educated at Dulwich College. His father worked for the Tata iron and steel company in India, Johnnie worked for Stewarts and Lloyds at Glasgow and then Corby. Johnnie joined the RAFVR in 1937, he was then called to full-time service at the outbreak of war and was with 66 Squadron in June 1940.
Pilot Officer Crossman’s Hurricane was shot down by enemy fighters on the 30th September and crashed in flames at Tablehurst Farm, Forest Row, East Sussex at 1.30pm. Pilot-Officer Crossman was killed and the aircraft a write-off.
Sergeant Scott of Mansfield Nottinghamshire, was a pre-war regular airman with 222 Squadron at Hornchurch in early July 1940. On 3rd September Sgt Scott claimed a Dornier Do17 and a Messerschmitt Me109 destroyed. On the 5th a Messerschmitt Bf110 and a probable Bf109, then on the 7th a Bf110 and on the 11th a Heinkel He111 which forced landed behind the Old Barn Hildenborough, Kent, which was later put on display outside the Half Moon public house to raise money for the Spitfire fund.