Wing Commdander John Knowles AE RAFVR(T) R'TD has been awarded the Air Officer Commanding No 22 Group's Commendation in the 2008 New Year's Honours.
John, aged 92 has had a distinguished career with the RAF since the Second World War. A veteran of the Africa Campaign, John left the RAF at the end of the war as Flying Officer. He immediately volunteered with 346 (Tynemouth) Squadron as member of staff, retaining his commission.
In 1974, John was awarded the Air Efficiency Award for his wartime service and was now Officer Commanding Northumberland Wing.
John retired from uniform service in 1977, handing over command of the wing and becoming a civilian instructor on 346 (Tynemouth) Squadron. When John finally retired from instructional service at the age 75, he was awarded the Defence Council Letter of Appreciation for his work as the Wing Commander and his work as CI. John immediately became the chairman of two squadron committees, the secretary of a third and the Wing President.
During a difficult period of the Squadron's history in late 1990's, John was forced to return to Tynemouth Squadron on nightly basis to help out with lecturing. Without his support, the squadron may have dwindled and because of these efforts and his continued leadership of the Squadron Committee, John received a second DCLA in 2004, the only member of staff in the Corps to do so.
Now, with over 60 years service, John has relaxed a little and only serves on two Squadron committees and the wing welfare committee, taking in a lead role in all three. He leads committee meetings on two squadrons twice per month and is regularly involved in fundraising activities as well as offering advice and guidance on 346 Squadron regarding Radio Communication training.
For his tireless devotion to the Air Cadets and his local community, John has been awarded an AOC's Commendation, making him the most deorated member of staff in Durham / Northumberland WIng.