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John Gingell (b. 1936 d. August 28 1987) married Pat McCann in 1963

Early Life

John lived with his parents, brother and sister in Bristol, England. Upon leaving school he found work as a bank clerk. After a short time, he got fed up with that and applied for a cadetship with the Royal Navy. After being commissioned, he became a Fleet Air Arm pilot and served on HMS Ark Royal as Lieutenant.

The Wyvern, an anti-submarine aircraft that John flew. It was unusual in that it had contra-rotating propellors, which can clearly be seen in the photograph. Not too sure if John was actually flying the one in the photo, but as he had the picture, it could have been the case.
The Wyvern, an anti-submarine aircraft that John flew. It was unusual in that it had contra-rotating propellors, which can clearly be seen in the photograph. Not too sure if John was actually flying the one in the photo, but as he had the picture, it could have been the case.
John Gingell with aircraft
John Gingell taken at a Texas Air Base during exchange training with US Navy. P

Later on he flew helicopters. When his 8 year contract ended, he left and joined Aer Lingus. That was where he met with Pat, who worked as an Air hostess. During the mid 80’s, he got seconded to a Nigerian Airline, (I believe owned by a tribal chieftan) flying BAC 111’s chartered from Aer Lingus. During this phase, his health suffered terribly, and he was diagnosed as suffering from malnutrition. He continued to suffer health  problems after he returned to Ireland.

John passed away on August 28th 1987.

John Gingell taken 30-3-1984 003 John, Tanya, and Bob 001 Pat and John 001 pat, carlos2 Photos40