John Fraser McKenzie Gunn

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Biography of John Fraser McKenzie Gunn

John Fraser McKenzie Gunn Matriculation Record 1934-1935

Sgt(Nav) John Fraser McKenzie Gunn was born on the 28th of August 1916 in Glenlivet, the son of John, who was a gamekeeper, and Viva M. Gunn of Barrock. Gunn attended Wick High School and received his Certificate of Fitness here on the 20th of July 1934. This enabled him to begin his studies at the University at the age of 18, matriculating to study for an MA degree at the University for the Session 1934-1935. Throughout his time at the University, Gunn was assisted by the provision of a Carnegie Trust Grant, an Education Authority Grant and a Highlands and Islands Bursary.

In his first year (1934-1935), Gunn enrolled to study English (Ordinary), Latin (Ordinary) and French (Ordinary). He achieved academic success and passed his English, Latin and French classes in May 1935. In particular, he won a Certificate of Distinction in the Latin class of Professor Christian J. Fordyce and a First Class Prize in the Ordinary French Language and Literature class of Professor Charles A.Martin.

Gunn matriculated for his second year in Session 1935-1936 and enrolled for classes in English, British History and Moral Philosophy. He was again very competent academically and passed his classes in English, British History and Moral Philosophy first time around in May 1936. Notably, he won a First Class Certificate with Distinction in the Higher Ordinary English class of Professor (Captain) Peter Alexander and a First Class Certificate (and 6th place) in the Ordinary Moral Philosophy class of Professor Archibald Allan Bowman. Throughout the rest of his time at the University Gunn lodged in 'c/o MacPhee, 7 Westbank Road, Hillhead, Glasgow.'

In his third and final year at the University in Session 1936-1937, Gunn enrolled for classes in Geology, History and Political Economy. He passed all of his classes in Geology, History and Political Economy in June 1937 and hence graduated with an MA degree on the 25th of June 1937.

After graduation, for the year commencing the 1st of January 1938, Gunn is listed as being a 'student' with a 'residence and post town' in 'c/o MacPhee in 7 Westbank Quadrant, Glasgow.' By the 16th of January 1939, Gunn had joined the Metropolitan Police. His unique warrant number was 127472 and he served as a PC on N Division covering Islington in North London.

Upon the commencement of the Second World War Sgt (Nav) John Fraser McKenzie Gunn 90 Sqdn, (Service Number: 1389502) served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve indeed he:

" Was part of a Stirling III, serial number MZ262, squadron code WP-K which took off from Wratting Common at 18:50hrs on a bombing mission to Hannover. Shortly after, the starboard inner engine caught fire. The blaze spread quickly and at 19:16hrs the Stirling exploded at 500 feet, scattering wreckage in the vicinity of Brockley Green, Suffolk. One of the crew survived."

Unfortunately, Sgt John Fraser McKenzie Gunn was killed in this action at the age of only 27 on the 22nd of September, 1943. He is buried at Wick Cemetery in Sec. M. Grave 622. He is remembered here, by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and in the University Roll of Honour.

Summary

John Fraser McKenzie Gunn
Born 28 August 1916, Glenlivet, Scotland.
Died 22 September 1943.
University Link: Alumnus, Graduate, Student
GU Degree: MA, 1937; Arts,
Occupation categories: Police Officer; Sergeant (Navigator)
Father's Details: John Gunn; Gamekeeper
War Service: Sergeant, Royal Air Force
Grave / Memorial: Wick Cemetery, Scotland
View Commonwealth War Graves Commission record
Record last updated: 15th Jan 2018