Flight Sergeant John Allen Howell
A day-by-day reconstruction of one Canadian airman’s service with No. 12 Squadron SAAF in Egypt and Libya, using squadron records, flight logs, service files, family memory, and historical geography.
About This Exhibit
This project follows Allen Howell through the most concentrated period of his wartime flying: his attachment to No. 12 Squadron SAAF and the completion of forty operational sorties in Boston aircraft during the Western Desert campaign.
Each daily entry brings together archival records and family memory, then places the events on the modern map. The goal is not only to record where Allen was, but to understand what those places meant, what was happening around him, and how a young airman from Quebec became part of the air war over North Africa.
Campaign Map
The map will trace Allen’s operational world: LG 97, LG 99, Idku, Helwan, Derna, Tobruk, El Daba, Fuka, Mersa Matruh, El Alamein, and other locations named in the records.
Campaign Timeline
Key moments from Allen’s attachment to No. 12 Squadron SAAF.
Posted to No. 12 Squadron SAAF
Allen was taken on strength with the South African Air Force squadron in Egypt.
First Operational Sortie
His first recorded operation was against Derna Aerodrome in Libya.
Fall of Tobruk
Allen’s early sorties coincided with one of the most serious Allied setbacks in North Africa.
General Auchinleck Flight
Allen’s log records a communication/passenger flight involving General Auchinleck.
Fortieth Operational Sortie
His final recorded operational sortie was a night raid against Fuka Aerodrome.
Daily Campaign Journal
Each day links to a dedicated journal entry combining archival transcription, location research, map references, and interpretation.
Arrival at 12 Squadron
Allen is posted from SAAF Base Depot to No. 12 Squadron SAAF.
Movement DayFirst Sortie: Derna Aerodrome
The beginning of Allen’s operational flying in North Africa.
Operational SortieThe Auchinleck Flight
A communication/passenger flight from LG 97 to Idku, Helwan, and return.
Command FlightCamp Life at LG 99
Squadron records describe sanitation work, enemy aircraft, and shrapnel falling through camp.
Camp LifeFinal Sortie: Fuka
A night raid and low-level attack that marked Allen’s fortieth operational trip.
Operational SortieExplore the Evidence
RCAF Service File
Provides Allen’s postings, promotions, remusterings, decorations, discharge record, and service summary.
Personal Flight Logbook
Records sorties, aircraft, pilots, targets, remarks, and the details Allen chose to preserve himself.
AIR 27 Squadron Records
Day-by-day operational records for No. 12 Squadron SAAF and its wartime activity.
AIR 54 SAAF Records
South African Air Force records that may provide broader squadron and wing context.
Follow the Campaign Day by Day
Begin with Allen’s arrival at No. 12 Squadron SAAF on 30 May 1942, then follow the record through his operational tour across Egypt and Libya.
Start with 30 May 1942