John
Firstname
Raymond
Middle Name
Powter
Surname
Date of Birth
School Years:
Date of Death:
1933 - 40
Family
Father M. A. Powter of Ipswich
School Record
Broke House. He enjoyed Rugby and left School after having taken School Certificate. His parents moved to Norwich and, as a result of his abilities in Maths and Science, he began a series of studies at Norwich Technical College. These led to an External London University degree in Civil Engineering and a Mechanical Engineering professional qualification. He was then accepted under articles with Norwich County Council and volunteered for the RAF in 1943
Branch of Service:
RAFVR Technical Branch
Service Number:
Rank:
Decorations:
Service Record
War Substantive Flying Officer
Campaign Medals
Post War Career
Pilot Officer John Powter was engaged in the Technical Branch of the RAF dealing with Airfield construction and repair. He served in France after "D" Day, assisting in the repair of surrendered air-port runways. He then moved on to Holland and North Germany, returning to England on VE Day. He was then initially posted to the Philippines but his ship was re-directed to Malaya where the RAF was to supervise repairs to airfields and other civil installations. He disembarked at Singapore and one of his tasks was to extend a runway and upgrade installations to accommodate post war planes. During his time in Malaya, he met Earl Mountbatten of Burma. He returned to the UK and after some time at Mill Green Camp, where he met his future wife Pamela, he was demobbed in 1947 with the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
He had a life long career in Civil Engineering, joining Staffordshire County Council and moving to the private sector in 1955 with Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick and Partners. With his wife and 2 young children, John and Sarah, he moved to Malawi. The family was back in Kendal in the early 60's and he was involved in engineering the prestigious M6 motorway past Shap Fell. He then became an Associate Partner concerned with airport design and building and he ran projects in Malaysia, the Middle East, West Indies, Africa and the UK. He retired in 1987 and lived quietly in Hampshire with his wife of 70 years and with family nearby He kept in touch with the School and attended functions in London for many years.
Burial Information
Additional Information
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