John Latta (RAF officer)
John Blandford Latta | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 August 1914 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Died | 12 January 1941 (aged 26) English Channel |
| Allegiance | Canada |
| Service | Royal Air Force |
| Rank | Flying Officer |
| Unit | No. 242 Squadron |
| Battles / wars | Second World War
|
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
John Blandford Latta, DFC (6 August 1914 – 12 January 1941) was a Canadian-born officer who served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. He was credited with at least seven aerial victories.
Born in Vancouver, Latta joined the RAF in early 1939. After his training was completed, he was posted to No. 242 Squadron. Flying the Hawker Hurricane fighter, he flew extensively during the Battle of France, and helped cover the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk. He subsequently flew in the Battle of Britain, claiming more aerial victories in addition to those achieved in France, and being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was killed in January 1941 while flying a sortie to France.