John Edward Prosser – Royal Air Force, 98th Squadron
Second Lieutenant John Edward Prosser – Royal Air Force, 98th Squadron
Birth and Family Background
John Edward Prosser was born in 1900 at Aberdare.
He was the son of Thomas David Prosser and Margaret Jessie Edwards,
who were married in 1895 at Merthyr Tydfil.
Early Life
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| 1901 Census |
At the time of the 1901 Census, the Prosser family were residing in Aberdare. Thomas David Prosser (28) was employed as a grocer, while Margaret Jane Prosser (27) undertook household duties. Their children were Joan Mary (3) and John Edward (1).
Also present in the household were Joan Edwards Prosser
(62), Margaret’s widowed mother, and John Richards (19), Margaret’s
brother, who was employed as a grocer’s assistant.
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| 1911 Census |
By the 1911 Census, the family had moved to 33 High Street, Cowbridge, Glamorgan. Thomas David Prosser (33) was then working as a shop manager, and Margaret (37) remained at home. Their children were Joan (13), John (11), and William (7), all attending school.
Military Service
John Edward Prosser enlisted in the Royal Air
Force, 98th Squadron, on 29th April 1918,
during the final months of the First World War. Following training, he was
commissioned and attained the rank of Second Lieutenant, joining an
operational bombing squadron at a time when air operations over the Western
Front remained intense.
Operational Context – 30th October 1918
On 30th October 1918, 98th Squadron,
Royal Air Force was actively engaged in offensive air operations
over the Western Front during the final phase of the First World War.
The squadron formed part of the RAF’s bombing force supporting the Allied
advance during the closing stages of the Hundred Days Offensive.
By late October 1918, German forces were in full retreat
across much of the front following the collapse of the Hindenburg Line.
RAF bombing squadrons such as 98th Squadron were tasked with
maintaining constant pressure on withdrawing enemy units by attacking transport
routes, railway junctions, road columns, supply depots, and rear-area
installations, often under hazardous conditions and at low to medium
altitudes.
Death in Action
Second Lieutenant John Edward Prosser was killed
on 30th October 1918, during the course of these intensive
operations, less than two weeks before the Armistice brought the fighting to an
end. His death reflects the reality that Royal Air Force casualties continued
to occur until the very final days of the war.
Burial and Commemoration
Jo |
| John Edward Prosser Quievrain Communal Cemetery, Belgium credit - findagrave |
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