John William Charles Simpson was born at Ramsay St Mary's, Huntingdonshire on 14th March 1913. He joined the RAF on a short service commission in January 1936 and did his initial training course at 9 E&RFTS Ansty. Simpson was posted to 5 FTS Sealand on 21st March and joined 43 Squadron at Tangmere on 11th October 1936. In December he became squadron adjutant. Still serving with 43, Simpson shared in probably destroying a He111 on 3rd February 1940. On 9th May he was appointed a Flight Commander and on this day he shared in the destruction of a Do17. Over Dunkirk on 1st June Simpson destroyed a Me109 and a Me110 and on the 7th two Me109's and a Me110 over France. He was awarded the DFC in June 1940, with a Bar added in May 1941. Still serving in the RAF, Simpson died from a self-inflicted shot on 12th August 1949. The inquest heard evidence that Simpson had suffered ill health since 1945 and about a month before his death had been injured in a car accident. He had been concussed and headaches continued. He appeared to have become concerned that his flying career might be over. The coroner described Simpson as "a gallant officer with a fine war record" and recorded a verdict that, "he took his life whilst the balance of his mind was disturbed".
Summary
The journey ended in a cucumber frame
