Rushden Echo & Argus, 4^th November 1944

Rushden Airman Completes Forty Operations

Berlin Raids and operations directly connected with the liberation of Europe figure in the record of Sgt-Flight Engineer Jack Billingham, R.A.F., of 6 Headingley-road, Rushden, who has just completed his tour of 40 “ops.”

Sgt. Billingham is aged 38 and volunteered for the Air Force in May 1943, taking his wings last March. He is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Billingham, of Kempston, and took up residence in Rushden on his marriage to Miss B. Coleman, of Harborough-road, in 1931, being employed by Messrs. A. Sanders Ltd. as a carpenter and joiner. For three years he served in the Rushden A.R.P. Rescue Squad.

Rushden Echo & Argus, 23^rd March 1945

Flight Sergeant's Fine Record
D.F.M. Rewards Rushden Man's Courage

At the age of 39 a Rushden airman, Sergt. Flight-Engineer J. T. B. (Jack) Billingham, R.P.VR., has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal tor his invariable display of the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty during a tour of operations against the enemy.

Sergt. Billingham, whose home is at 6 Headingly-road, Rushden, has taken part in raids over Berlin and operations directly connected with the liberation of Europe. He volunteered for the Air Force in May 1943, and took his wings last March, getting through a complete tour before November.

Eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Billingham, of Kempston, Beds, he was born at Northwood, MDX, and took up residence in Rushden 13 years ago on his marriage to Miss B. Coleman, of Harborough-road, being employed by Messrs. Arthur Sanders, Ltd., as a carpenter and joiner. For three years during the war he served in the Rushden A.R.P. Rescue Squad.