John’s Story of Courage & Service - Remembrance Day 2024

At Home Instead Eastbourne & Hailsham, we are privileged to care for one such hero, our client John Robert Watson.

John joined the RAF Bomber Command in 1943, after witnessing his next-door neighbour’s house destroyed by a bomb. Against his father’s wishes, the young John enlisted, serving first as a wireless operator and then as a flight engineer, flying missions in Lancasters and Halifaxes.

John’s first operation, on 17th January 1944, was one he feared he may not survive. His second, a bombing run over Berlin, featured a close call that nearly ended in disaster when John’s Lancaster almost collided with another.

Despite the constant danger, John grew close to his crew, crediting their mutual trust as key to their survival. Joining the elite Pathfinder force, John flew over 40 operations, including a harrowing mission over Nuremberg that saw him narrowly escape disaster once more.

For his courageous service, John was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, the Legion of Honour and the Pathfinder badge. After the war, he became disillusioned with the RAF’s discipline and returned to his pre-war apprenticeship, later marrying and settling in Eastbourne, where he lived until his wife’s passing in 2013.

To hear John’s full story in his own words, click here to listen to the interview.

We are humbled to care for John and to share his inspiring tale of bravery and resilience. On this Remembrance Day, and every day, we honour all the soldiers who have served, both past and present. Lest we forget.