SQN LDR JOHN GOLDTHORP WALKER DFC, RAF VR (Retd), JP, MA (Cantab)

John Walker was born in 1912 in Spenborough and after the death of his father in World War 1, he lived and was raised at Pyenot Hall, Cleckheaton.

After leaving Canterbury University with a Master of Arts degree, he entered the family business of James Walker and Sons Ltd, Blanket manufacturers of Holme Bank Mills, Mirfield and became a Director and joint owner.

Whilst John was always associated with the RAF, at the outbreak of The Second World War he started out in the Army as he was in the local TA, which was based up Whitcliffe Road in Cleckheaton. His first duty was being based in Dover with an artillery unit.

John transferred to the Royal Air Force because rumour had it that they didn't do as much marching, but maybe he just wanted to be in the thick of it!

Flying the cumbersome Catalina flying boats, he worked from a base in Cardiff searching for U boats and being the eyes of the Navy in the western approaches.

Promoted through the ranks he eventually became Squadron Leader and was  awarded a DFC.

His service in the RAF saw a move to Ceylon and other far east bases, still on Catalinas' and later Sunderlands'.

His association with the Spenborough Branch spanned many years of which a good number were as Chairman. He was also very active in the organisation of Poppy Day in Spenborough.

Eventually, after standing down as Chairman, he was elected Life President. According to his successor Eddie Morton, "John always led by example and was always in front when it came to stepping up for the work. He was one of the old style managers who led from the front and because of his style on management he got things done, quietly, calmly and persuasively".

His last official duty as President was to attend the Armed Forces Day parade and Memorial Dedication in Cleckheaton on 27 June 2009.

A Justice of the Peace, he was Chairman of the Dewsbury bench.

The ex-service community of Spenborough should consider themselves privileged to have had such a man looking after their welfare.

From a historical standpoint is is worthy of mention that John Walker had a number of relations who served with distinction in the armed forces.

His father Lt Cyril Gordon Walker MC,MID served with the Anson Battery, Royal Naval Division and was killed in action 27 March 1918.

His uncle James was and probably still is the most decorated soldier from Spenborough to have served. As a Lt Col in the West Riding Regiment, he was awarded the DSO and Bar, Legion d'Honeur, Croix de Guerre and mentioned in despatches 7 times.

Uncle Eric was a Captain in the RAF and won the DFC and his uncle Reginald was awarded the Military Cross as a Lt in the Royal Field Artillery.

His Aunts also served, Dora was a nurse in the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) and Ethel was nurse in France 1914 - 1918.

John lost 3 uncles during WW1, Robert Frank and Benjamin. These were his mother's brothers and she not only lost these but also her husband, John's father, Cyril Gordon Walker.

Finally, his Aunt Ethel was married to Lt Col Harry Atkinson who was the Officer Commanding our local battalion the 1/4th Duke of Wellingtons West Riding Regiment.

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