Air Gunner

JE

2204552

RAFVR

John Eason Sharpley was born in his Grandmothers house in Burnley, although his parents lived in Ormskirk. As he grew up he was one of the original members of the Ormskirk Air Training Corps. After school he went to work for Captain Gaskings Accountants on Moor Street before volunteering for the RAF as soon as he was 18. He was shot down with the Kay crew and was the only casualty. Whilst hiding in the woods, Sgt Ernie Harrop was brought Johns scalp by the French locals and he identified John, adding his name to Johns death certificate. He is buried in Vouzon Communal Cemetery, the only military grave there. The locals requested he be given a funeral, the Germans agreed. 200 villagers turned up to the funeral. He was just 19 years old.