The Memorial Cross issued to the next-of-kin of Wilson Ralph Johns, 5th Field Ambulance and 22 Battalion 2NZEF, who was killed in action during the German airborne invasion of Crete on 20 May 1941.

 

Wilson Johns was born in Masterton in 1920, son of Dorothea Wilson and John Bertram Johns. He was educated at Masteron Central School and Masterton Technical School before becoming a tiler. He moved to New Plymouth for work, and enlisted into the 2nd NZEF from there. He embarked with the 5th Field Ambulance, Second Echelon, 2nd NZEF in 1940, initially training in the UK.

 

Precise details of Johns's service are not known as his service file has not been retrieved, but it may be assumed Johns served in Greece before evacuating to Crete. He appears to have transferred to 22 Battalion, and was serving with this battalion during the chaotic first day of the German invasion of Crete, 20th May 1941. That day saw the spirited defence of Maleme Airfield by 22 Battalion, which inflicted signficant losses on the German airborne invasion troops - many being shot whilst still in the air, or in their gliders. Johns was listed as killed in action on this day, and he is buried in Suda Bay War Cemetery.

 

The Memorial Cross shows signs of being worn, and is correctly impressed 11070 PTE. W.R. JOHNS