Newspaper Article

Proudest and darkest day for squadron hero

Beveridge, Ann

2003

Overview

The Seven Mile airstrip at Port Moresby is today named Jackson International airport in honour of one brave Australian. He was RAAF squadron leader John F. Jackson DFC, who was shot down by the Japanese on April 28, 1942 in the heroic defence of Australia at Port Moresby. Jackson then escaped the pursuing enemy, struggling through mosquito-infested jungle swamps and waist-high slime with the aid of local natives in a painful two-week trek back over the Owen Stanley Ranges. His bare feet were so badly injured that he was at times unable to walk. Jackson, was a Queensland grazier and businessman aged 31 when he joined the RAAF at the outbreak of war in 1939. He was posted with 3 Squadron to the Middle East, serving for a year, where he won the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). He was sent home by his commanding officer, Peter Jeffrey, who said he had \"done his bit\" but Jackson's war wasn't over yet. He had serious concerns over a Japanese invasion of Australia and these fears were reflected in letters to wife Betty.

• Publisher: Nationwide News Pty Ltd
• Subject: DFC, John F Jackson