John Griffith (aviator)

Lieutenant (later Colonel) John Sharpe Griffith was a World War I flying ace credited with seven aerial victories. Post war, he flew for the White Army forces in Russia. He returned to service during World War II, and finally retired in 1956.

Early life
Griffith was the son of C. E. Griffith.

World War I
Griffith joined the Royal Flying Corps in Canada in 1917. He was assigned to fly Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5as for 60 Squadron. Between 9 March and 7 July 1918, he destroyed five enemy planes, including one each shared with William J. A. Duncan and Herbert Hegarty. On 18 July, he was shot down by anti-aircraft fire, his wounds ending his participation in the war.

Postwar
Griffith flew 40 patrols in northern Russia against the Communists in 1919, downing one of their observation balloons.

Honors and awards
'''Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Lieut. John Sharpe Griffith.

During the last few months this officer has destroyed three enemy aeroplanes and assisted in bringing down a fourth; he has, in addition, driven down two balloons and shot down two machines out of control. Whilst leading his patrol at 11,000 ft. altitude he observed three enemy aeroplanes at 2,000 ft.; he immediately dived and led his patrol to the attack, destroying two of the machines, one of which he accounted for himself. A gallant and determined officer. Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Bar

Flying Officer John Sharpe Griffith, D.F.C. Between the 5th May and 24 July 1919, this officer carried out forty bomb raids and reconnaissances, all with great success and generally from a low altitude. On the 3rd June, 1919, he dived to within 100 feet of the ground and destroyed an enemy balloon, as well as several of its attendants. When a two-seater machine was not readily available he fitted a camera to his scout, and, although, it is very difficult to take photographs from such machines (and, moreover, he was inexperienced in such work); he succeeded in taking a very good mosaic which proved of great utility to the Commander of the Vologda Force. Flying Officer Griffith is an intrepid Pilot and a very skilful all-round officer.