Flight Sergeant John Harrison Gillespie died on 7th October, 1944 as a result of injuries received in a crash-landing in Egypt.

Born in Kew, he was the son of Walter David and Lilian. He had a varied school career, starting at Glamorgan (Geelong Grammar Primary) and then Camberwell Grammar, before attending Carey from 1933-1936 (Yrs. 3-6), then two years at Scotch College before the family moved to Sydney where he did Yrs. 9-11 at Knox Grammar, leaving in 1941. There he was a member of the Editorial, Library and Tennis Committees.

On turning 18 he enlisted in the R.A.A.F. (October 1942). He underwent extensive training in Australia, Canada and England as an Air Observer, later specialist Navigator, as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme for aircrew destined to be based in England or the Middle East. He was posted to 459 Squadron (RAF), based in North Africa. In October, 1944 they were based in Egypt at Mersa Matruh, not far from Alexandria, flying light bomber/reconnaissance Martin Baltimores (crew of four).

He was the Navigator when the plane, returning from a Training Flight, attempted to land at Meirut, near Alexandria around noon on the 6th October. They ‘bounced’ twice and the Pilot put on full ‘throttle’ in an attempt to circle and re-land. One engine failed, a wing hit the ground and F/S Gillespie was thrown through the windscreen, while still in his seat. Fire and rescue crew saved the other three on board, although the Pilot was briefly hospitalised. John Gillespie died of his injuries at the Royal Navy Hospital at Alexandria around 8am on the 7th October.

His C.O. wrote to his parents:

Although John had not been with the Unit very long, his outstanding personality had made him a most popular member of the squadron.

His funeral was attended by Squadron members and conducted by the Presbyterian Chaplain, Padre J. Dowell. He was just 20 years old and had been in the R.A.A.F. just over two years.

A particular friend, not in attendance, was Rex Crozier, who trained with him and was serving with Bomber Command in England.

He is commemorated on the Roll of Honour at Killara, NSW.