John was killed by a bomb dropped by a USAAF B-26 Marauder; a case of 'Friendly Fire'.
"I was twenty yards away when this happened. At that moment, I was alongside a glider on top of my tank filling up with petrol and at that moment hundreds of Bombers were flying over returning from the Raid on Caen. I heard the bomb coming and to tell you the truth I thought it was intended for the enemy. Within seconds I was blown over the glider and landed on my back about ten yards away, Fourth troop had been hit and Lt. Cochrane was wounded and two killed. Cpl Adams and another.". William F. (Bill) Gray, B Sqr, 23H.