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John Dowland

1914 – 1942

Recipient of the George Cross

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About John Dowland

Lived 1914 – 1942 (aged 27). John Dowland was a military personnel.

John Noel Dowland, GC (6 November 1914 – 13 January 1942) was a Royal Air Force officer of the Second World War and a recipient of the George Cross.

Life Dowland was the son of the vicar of Ruscombe, the Rev. F.M. Dowland, and educated at St John's School, Leatherhead before taking flight training at Cranwell in 1934.

His and Harrison's actions were the earliest to be awarded the George Cross, although Thomas Alderson's award was the first to be announced.

Dowland later achieved the rank of wing commander, but was killed when taking part in a raid on Pantelleria on 13 January 1942. After the aircraft he was piloting was damaged by anti-aircraft fire, Dowland attempted an emergency landing at Luqa, Malta. Both he and his observer were killed in the subsequent crash. Dowland is buried in Capuccini Naval Cemetery, Malta.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Education
St John's School, Leatherhead
Awards
George Cross
Also known as
John Noel Dowland

People in John Dowland's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Dowland's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Dowland?

Recipient of the George Cross

When was John Dowland born?

John Dowland was born on 6 November 1914 in Lewisham.

When did John Dowland die?

John Dowland died on 13 January 1942 in Malta.

What was John Dowland's occupation?

John Dowland was a military personnel.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Dowland

· Wikidata: Q6229986

· DBpedia: John Dowland (RAF officer)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Dowland. https://biography.guide/john-dowland/

MLA: "John Dowland." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-dowland/.

Chicago: "John Dowland." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-dowland/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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