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| Little is known of W/C Stratton at this stage. It is probable that Stratton took command of 59 Sqn after the death of C/O Morgan-Weldon-Smith in August of 1940 and was still in command of 59 Squadron around the time that they were converting to Hudsons in mid 1941 after which he was replaced by C/O Grece. 1943 he had reached the rank of Group Captain and in June 1945 he was awarded an OBE. In 1953 he was awarded a CBE. This picture is of Stratton whilst in command of 59 Squadron. In 1952, G/Cpt Stratton was OC RAF Topcliffe. The book "A Covert Agenda: The British Government's UFO Top Secrets Exposed" by Nick Redfern, notes Stratton as signing officer on a confidential file containing civilian reports received to the station, of UFO sightings, dated 25.09.52. A Gloster Meteor pilot of 269 Sqdn, attached to Topcliffe, was also involved in a sighting on the 18th of Sept. A report was sent to No. 18 Group HQ. This and the report signed by Stratton was concern enough for the Air Ministry to contact NATO. Redfern states that the 269 Sqdn sighting is of the most important, as it was submitted and signed by an officers of the RAF. The book Jet by John Golley and Bill Gunston, 1996, reports that Stratton attended officer training at RAF Cranwell as a first termer in the mid to late 1920's. He was billeted with two other first term cadets, and one third termer. The third termer, Frank Whittle began his training at Cranwell in 1926. Both he and one of the other new cadets, Rolf Dudley Williams, would later play important roles in the developement of jet powered aircraft. |
 | Awardee of the Battle of Britain Clasp - Although entitlement was revoked by the Air Ministry in 1960 (read more) |
FLIGHT AUGUST 30, 1928
London Gazette, August 21, 1928.
General Duties Branch
The following flight cadets, having successfully passed through the R.A.F.
College, Cranwell, are granted permanent commis. as Pilot Officers, with
.effect from and with seniority of July 28 :— JAC Stratton (26069).
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FLIGHT, AUGUST 12, 1932
states that F/O JAC Stratton was posted to No. 3 Flying Training Sch, Grantham, 31.7.32
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FLIGHT, JUNE 7, 1934
F/O to F/L - JAC Stratton
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LONDON GAZETTE - JUNE 2 1943
The King has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following personnel who have been mentioned in despatches by Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief - (Group Captains) - JAC Stratton.
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LONDON GAZETTE (supplement) - JUNE 14 1945
awards published in the Birthday Honours List, 14 June 1945 as listed below. - STRATTON, John Arthur Charles, GC - OBE - 450614 - Fighter Command HQ - RAF
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FLIGHT, JUNE 5, 1953
Order of the British Empire - (Commanders) JAC Stratton OBE
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FLIGHT, JUNE 22, 1956
states he was (at the rank of G/C) posted to HQ 81 Group as Senoir Officer of Administration.
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Possible G/C of 38 Group during Op Market Garden?
Object Title
Letter from Gp Capt J.A.C. Stratton to AVM Leslie Hollinghurst regarding the award of the Dutch Bronze Lion decoration, 4 March 1945 {cg}
Object Description
Typescript letter.
Full Classification
LETTER {See Scope Note}/DOCUMENT COLLECTIONS/ARCHIVE/Classifications
Object Maker and Role
Gp Capt J.A.C. Stratton, Author
Production Date
04 March 1945
Content Note
Letter informs Hollinghurst that he has been awarded the Dutch Bronze Lion decoration in connection with the services rendered by 38 Group during Operation Market Garden. Also states that Air Cdre Allen Henry Wheeler has been awarded the Bronze Cross for the same reasons.
Named Collection
Air Chief Marshal Sir Leslie Norman Hollinghurst Collection
Subject Object
Bronze Lion
Bronze Cross
Event
Market, 1944 {See Scope Note}
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