Milsom, John

John Milsom was born in Toronto in 1921.  Growing up against the backdrop of the Great Depression, his hobbies included a crystal radio set and visits to Dufferin Airfield, where he developed a love for flying.  Both habits would prove invaluable in the war to come.  In the 30s, he was fortunate to attend Upper Canada College, where his interests included figure skating and tennis.  From there he moved on to the University of Toronto, where his education would be interrupted by the war.  John joined the RCAF, and over the next year he took part in the BCATP, and his training took him across Canada.  After going overseas, John spent time in England, continuing with his training, and then he shipped off to Gibraltar, where he was stationed for his first operational duties as part of Coastal Command, flying in support of the convoys in the area.  John’s next stop was back in Britain, where he headed north to Scotland and the Banff Wing.  He finished the war flying Mosquitoes and attacking German shipping and troops in Norway and the North Sea.  During that time he met his future wife, and they married as the war concluded.  With the cessation in hostilities, John returned to Canada and his studies at U of T, falling back into the rhythm of civilian life.