Squadron Leader Jimmy Sheddan (DFC)

Jimmy Sheddan
Born: 3 March 1918
Died: 9 December 2010

Jimmy Sheddan
Jimmy Sheddan was born in Waimate, New Zealand, on 3 March 1918. He worked as a farmer before he joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) in April 13 1941.

Career Details
Posted to the United Kingdom on completion of basic training, he joined 485 Squadron. In fighter squadrons there was a great gulf between the veterans and the newcomers. So Jimmy was pleased to get away from 485 Sqn for the more mundane task of ferrying fighters to the squadrons. He flew Typhoons, that in 1942, was greatly troubled by engine and structural failures.

Jimmy, however, responded to the Typhoon's challenge and volunteered to join an operational squadron. His CO, who realized the young pilot's potential, supported his application and in mid-1943, Jim was on his way. After this shaky start Jimmy rose from the rank of Sergeant pilot to Squadron Leader with 486 Sqn.
He survived 19 hours in a dinghy off the French coast, a crash landing in a Tempest after a battle with a V-1 Flying Bomb, and the advance across northern France in the final weeks of the war.

Jimmy Sheddan left the RNZAF in April 13 1945.

On the 9th December 2010, Jim Sheddan passed away at Whangaparaoa, north of Auckland. (Click here to read more.)

Awards

Distinguished Flying-Cross.
Flying Officer Jimmy SHEDDAN, RNZAF, No. 486 Squadron.

This Officer has displayed the highest standard of devotion to duty. He has participated in a very large number of varied sorties during which much damage has been inflicted on such enemy targets as locomotives, barges, industrial buildings and mechanical transport.

On one occasion Flying Officer Sheddan was forced to bring his damage aircraft down in sea. He was subsequently adrift in the dinghy for 19 hours before being rescued. On resuming flying Ops, Sheddan quickly showed that his experience had in no way dimished his zest for battle and he set a fin example of courage and resolution in pressing home his attacks. Among his success is the destruction of three enemy aircraft.

Date of Claim

Type Claimed

Aircraft Serial No.

Location of Claim

Unit

22 June 1944

V-1

SA-M (JN809)

Sea off Hastings

486 Sqn

23 June 1944

V-1

SA-L (JN801)

486 Sqn

25 June 1944

V-1

SA-L (JN801)

486 Sqn

29 June 1944

V-1

SA-N (JN808)

486 Sqn

1 July 1944

1/2 V-1

SA-H (JN873)

486 Sqn

3 July 1944

V-1

SA-E (JN805)

486 Sqn

5 July 1944

V-1

SA-G (JN854)

Tempest crashed

486 Sqn

23 Aug 1944

V-1

SA-F (EJ577)

486 Sqn

1 Jan 1945

Fw 190

SA-I (EJ748)

N Venlo

486 Sqn

2 Feb 1945

1/3 Do217

SA-K (NV652)

S Paderborn

486 Sqn

6 April 1945

2 Ju87s

SA-Q (EJ711)

Stolzenau

486 Sqn

14 April 1945

Fw 190

SA-M (SN129)

N Ludwigslust

486 Sqn

16 April 1945

1/2 Fw 190

SA-M (SN129)

Neustadt

486 Sqn

2 May 1945

1/2 Bv 138

SA-M (SN129)

Heiligenhaufen

486 Sqn