Medal Bar of Group Captain John Alexander Kent

Group Captain ‘Johnny’ Kent was one of the most decorated Spitfire pilots of the Second World War. His tally was 12 enemy aircraft destroyed, three probable, two damaged and one destroyed on the ground.

Born in Canada, Kent became a commercial pilot at the age of just 17. He joined the RAF in 1935 and in July 1940 was posted to very successful No. 303 (Polish Squadron) where he earned the nickname ‘Kentowski’. In October 1940 he was promoted to Acting Squadron Leader of No. 92 Squadron, based at Biggin Hill. He later served in the Middle East, eventually becoming a training inspector, finally retiring as Group Captain in 1956. Medals, from left to right: Distinguished Flying Cross and bar, Air Force Cross, 1939–1945 Star with clasp Battle of Britain, Air Crew Europe Star, Africa Star with clasp North Africa 1942-43, Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939–45, Coronation Medal 1953, Virtuti Militari, 5th Class (Poland).