Vale - Francis (John) Downing DFC

From a post by the Air Force Association - SA.

RAAF - Deaths and Funerals Notices Facebook page

We are deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of local Air Force Vietnam veteran WGCDR (retd) Francis (John) Downing DFC who served as the CO 2SQN in Vietnam.  

Born in April 1934 in Nedlands, Western Australia, John joined the RAAF in 1951 graduating from RAAF College as Pilot Officer (General Duties pilot) on 8 December 1954. Wanting to be a fighter pilot, he initially got his wish being posted to posted to No.2 (Fighter) Operational Training Unit at Williamtown, NSW, where he was trained on the de Havilland Vampire jet fighter. However, in 1955 he was posted to the School of Air Navigation as a staff pilot flying Dakotas and Lincolns. He completed No.17 Flight Instructor Course at Central Flying School, RAAF Base East Sale, graduating as a Qualified Flying Instructor in June 1957.  He proceeded to Point Cook where he served as a flying instructor from July 1957 and January 1959. 

Still desiring to fly jets, he was selected to fly Canberra’s and posted to No.1 (B) Operational Conversion Unit completing No.1 Course in 1959 qualifying to fly the new Canberra bomber.  From May 1959 to December 1961, he served with No 82WG flying the Canberra. 

After serving as ADC to Air Officer Commanding Support Command, Air Vice Marshall C.D. Candy, from 1963 and 1964, John returned to 82WG as a Squadron Leader flight commander and flying instructor at No.1 (B) OCU, RAAF Amberley from February 1965 and November 1966.  

Completing RAAF Staff College in 1967 in Canberra, John  completed two postings in Air Force Office before returning to No.1 (B) OCU in January 1970 as the Commanding Officer with the rank of Wing Commander and also to prepare to serve with 2SQN in Vietnam.

On 1 November 1970, he assumed command of No 2 Squadron in Vietnam. Sadly, two days after John took over as Commanding Officer, Magpie 91, crewed by Mike Herbert and Bob Carver, failed to return from a strike mission near the Laotian border.

On February 1971 John was flying a combat mission in support of troops on the ground when his aircraft sustained severe battle damage during the final bombing run, necessitating him to carry out an emergency landing under minimal control conditions.  His courage and airmanship was recognised by US forces leading to the awarding of the US Distinguished Flying Cross.

On Sunday 14 March 1971, John was on his 100th and last mission with 2SQN in Vietnam flying Canberra A84-228 with Flight Lieutenant Allan Pinches as his navigator.  The aircraft was successfully engaged by two SA-2 surface to air missiles more than 600 kilometers from  Phan Rang airbase. Realising that the bomber had suffered critical damage and was at risk of breaking up, the two men ejected landing in the jungle on a steep mountain ridge by parachute. They were rescued by an American helicopter later the next day. They survived the only time that a RAAF aircraft has been confirmed as shot down by a SAM. 

John was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by the Australian Government for his service in Vietnam.

John was repatriated to Australia and completed several staff positions in Canberra including two years as the Military-Secretary to the Governor-General. He retired from the RAAF in 1977 to work in the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation for 14 years before retiring to Adelaide. 

John was a friend of AFA-SA and frequently attended our commemorative services including the Air Force Centenary Commemorative Service in 2021 in Adelaide. 

On behalf of Air Force Association (South Australia) and its members, we offer our sincerest condolences to Louise and the Downing family. 

WGCDR (retd) John Downing DFC was a proud Air Force veteran who served the Air Force with distinction, contributing to its incredible story and legacy.  We and the nation greatly appreciate his service. 

Fair skies John and thank you for your distinguished service.

Family and friends are invited to attend John's Funeral Service on THURSDAY, 4th September 2025 at 4:00pm in the Chapel of Berry's Funeral Home, 204 Magill Road, Norwood.  

Please enter the Chapel car park via Prosser Avenue

RIP