The Association has learned of the death of Lt Cdr John Stephen Humphreys MBE QCVSA RN. He died on 3 August 2013 leaving a widow, Josie and daughters Helen and Sue from the marriage to his first wife Rosemary who died in the 1980s.
From Records
John flew with 781 Squadron
807 Squadron HMS Theseus 1950/1951
He also flew with 738, 810 and 700 Squadrons
Commanding Officer 750 Squadron August 1968 – June 1970
From References
Whilst flying Sea Fury VX710 of 807 Squadron HMS Theseus off Korea 13 April 1951, the aircraft was hit by flak when crossing the coast en-route to Ham Hung. He made a forced landing near Hungnam in a paddy field, the aircraft slid into a dried up river bed which offered protection from small-arms fire. Lt J S Humphreys was seriously injured and rescued by a helicopter from USS Manchester.
Whilst flying Sea Hawk WF233 of 700 Squadron Ford 27 October 1955, recovering from a loop at 11000ft there was a slight mid-air collision with WF146 over Ford. Lost the hook, rear fuselage was damaged, neither pilot saw the other aircraft.
Whilst flying Tiger Moth T6296 of 781 Squadron Lee on Solent 24 May 1968, banner released itself damaging a bungalow roof at Stubbington.
London Gazette 11 June 1960 – Birthday Honours List 1960
Lt Cdr John Stephen HUMPHREYS QCVSA (RAE Farnborough)
London Gazette 1 January 1966 – New Years Honours List 1966
Lt Cdr John Stephen HUMPHREYS MBE (ETPS Farnborough)
Roy Hawkes remembers:
In retirement, John was for many years on the house committee of the Officers’ Association Rest Home, ‘Huntly,’ Bishopsteignton. He inaugurated the sail board Fun Race from Coombe Cellars (later Ringmore) on the River Teign in aid of RNLI funds, which has turned into a popular annual event. A keen musician he was also a member of the local choir.