John Yorke was born in London, Ontario on August 10, 1921, the youngest son of Robert Dagmar Yorke and Margaret Amanda (nee Haswell) Yorke, of Sombra. Father Robert Yorke was a veteran of World War I with three years’ service overseas. The family resided in Alvinston for several years before moving to Sombra in 1928. John had one brother, Oscar Dagmay, who was one year older. Oscar Yorke would also serve during the war, as a sergeant with the Canadian Dental Corps in Italy. When John was five years old, he and his older brother would visit England with their mother Margaret, who was originally from Wales. They returned to Canada in April 1927, arriving in New York, New York from London, England aboard the passenger ship Minnekahda. John received his education in Sombra’s school and at Sarnia Collegiate.
Single at the time, John enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force on February 7, 1941. He trained at Brandon, Manitoba, and St. Jean’s, Quebec, later attending the Guelph wireless school, where he received his sparks on May 10, 1942. He also attended No. 3 B. and G. School at McDonald, Manitoba, and graduated there on June 6, 1942. He became a member of RCAF #233 squadron “Fortis et Fidelis” (Strong and faithful), attaining the rank of Warrant Officer Class I and Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.
John arrived overseas March 10, 1943 and was posted to Gibraltar, where he saw service in the Mediterranean area. He went to the Azores with the first planes to be assigned to duty there after Portugal gave rights to bases there for the Allies. Only nine months after arriving overseas, on December 13, 1943, John Yorke and his crew were aboard their Hudson aircraft that was returning from an anti-sub patrol. On that day, their Hudson aircraft flew into high ground in very low clouds five miles west of RAF Station, Lagens, The Azores. Perishing with John Yorke were WO. W.E.R. Machan; and FS.s G.F. Handel (RAF), and A.H. Severn (RAF). John Yorke would be officially listed as, Killed during air operations, overseas (Azores). Twenty-two year old John Yorke is buried at Lajes War Cemetery, Azores Region, Portugal, Row A, Grave 9.
In mid-January of 1944, a memorial service for John Yorke was held at the United Church in Sombra. The church was filled to capacity as well as the adjoining Sunday school room. The service was conducted by Rev. J.B. Batten of the Anglican Church, assisted by Rev. J.R. Peters, pastor of the church. The service opened with the singing of “Onward Christian Soldiers” during which the school mates of the young airman marched into the church. A former pastor, Rev. R.E. Southcott of Rodney who knew the young airman personally also paid tribute to him, which was followed by the playing of Reveille and the Last Post. John Yorke was Sombra’s first casualty of the war.
SOURCES: C, D, E, F, G, L, M, N, 2C, 2D