Photo: Geordie at War Project
Fidelis Usque Ad Mortem
Son of John R. Patterson and Hilda Gorton Patterson, of Ivanhoe, Victoria, Australia.
In Gateshead (Saltwell) Cemetery is a family headstone which reads:
In loving memory of
Robert Thompson
Dearly beloved husband of
Catherine Leighton Patterson
And youngest son of the late
Captain John Patterson,
Of Spittal-on-Tweed
Died 20th April 1918,
Aged 67 years.
Also the above
Catherine Leighton Patterson
Who died 23rd July 1933
In her 80th year.
Also John Robert
Eldest son of the above
And beloved husband of Hilda Maughan
Who died in Melbourne, Australia
On 8th August 1951, aged 66 years.
Also Pilot Officer John MacGregor
Maughan Patterson,
Royal Australian Air Force
Only son of the above
John Robert Patterson
Killed in action in the Middle East
On 9th January 1942
Also the beloved son of the above
Robert and Catherine
James L. Patterson
Passed away 2nd January 1954.
Also their daughter
Catherine Leighton Patterson
Died June 5th ?1958 aged 82 years.
P/Off Patterson served with the Ferry Flight which had its headquarters at RAF Hendon. Ferry Flight was set up in 1941 as part of Coastal Command, whose function was to fly heavy bombers from Canada.
Andrew Patterson has submitted the following:
My father Bill Patterson was the cousin of the late John M.M. Patterson. John stayed with my grandparents in Whitburn when he came over to join the RAF during the war.
My father and granny told me little about him, except that he was an engineer, and engaged to be married in Australia.When his father, also John Patterson, died, his mother Hilda sent my father his wedding ring, made for him in Newcastle before 1914. I have worn it since the day I was married.
I have the slide rule belonging to John MacGregor Patterson; the case bears his initials. Presumably it was not with him on his last journey. Ironically, it was made in Japan!
I had not known about the inscription in Saltwell cemetery, nor of John's grave in Malaga. These things are very helpful: thank you.
National Archives of Australia
The CWGC entry for Pilot Officer Patterson
