John Francis Jackson

John Francis Jackson
Flight Lieutenant Jackson in North Africa, 1941
Nickname(s)	"Old John"
Born	23 February 1908 Brisbane, Queensland
Died	28 April 1942(1942-04-28) (aged 34) Port Moresby, Territory of Papua
Allegiance	Australia
Service / branch	Royal Australian Air Force
Years of service	1936–1942
Rank	Squadron Leader
Unit	No. 23 Squadron (1939–1940) No. 3 Squadron (1940–1941)
Commands	No. 75 Squadron (1942)
Battles / wars	World War II Middle Eastern theatre North African campaign Syria–Lebanon campaign South West Pacific theatre New Guinea campaign
Awards	Distinguished Flying Cross Mentioned in Despatches
Relations	Les Jackson (brother)
Other work	Grazier, businessman

John Francis Jackson, DFC (23 February 1908 – 28 April 1942) was an Australian fighter ace and squadron commander of World War II. He was credited with eight aerial victories, and led No. 75 Squadron during the Battle of Port Moresby in 1942. Born in Brisbane, he was a grazier and businessman, who also operated his own private plane, when he joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Reserve in 1936. Called up for active service following the outbreak of war in 1939, Jackson served with No. 23 Squadron in Australia before he was posted to the Middle East in November 1940. As a fighter pilot with No. 3 Squadron he flew Gloster Gladiators, Hawker Hurricanes and P-40 Tomahawks during the North African and Syria–Lebanon campaigns.

Jackson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and mentioned in despatches for his actions in the Middle East. Posted to the South West Pacific theatre, he was promoted to squadron leader in March 1942 and given command of No. 75 Squadron, operating P-40 Kittyhawks, at Port Moresby in Papua. Described as "rugged, simple" and "true as steel",^[1] Jackson was nicknamed "Old John" in affectionate tribute to his thirty-four years. He earned praise for his leadership during the defence of Port Moresby before his death in combat on 28 April. His younger brother Les took over No. 75 Squadron, and also became a fighter ace. Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby, is named in John Jackson's honour.