Squadron Leader John Dering Nettleton VC (June 28, 1917- July 13, 1943) was a Rhodesian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Born on June 28, 1917 in Nongoma, Natal, South Africa, Nettleton was 24 years old, and a squadron leader in the No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron, Royal Air Force during the Second World War when the fo...
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Squadron Leader John Dering Nettleton VC (June 28, 1917- July 13, 1943) was a Rhodesian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Born on June 28, 1917 in Nongoma, Natal, South Africa, Nettleton was 24 years old, and a squadron leader in the No. 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron, Royal Air Force during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
Nettleton died on July 13, 1943, when he was shot down over the Bay of Biscay. His body was never recovered.
Nettleton's medal is not publicly held.
Following the war the government of Southern Rhodesia named a new school after Nettleton - Nettleton Junior School in the suburb of Braeside in Salisbury (now Harare). Despite the significance of Nettleton's acknowledged bravery in defending democracy and fighting Fascism, the government of Zimbabwe subsequently changed the name of this...
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