W/Cmdr J.R.C. Young was born on 19th July 1915. 
John gained entrance as a cadet to Dartmouth Naval College in 1929, but became ill and had to leave. He was unable to return to school at Christ's College, Blackheath until late September 1930.
In late 1931, John passed entry for HMS Worcester at Greenhithe.  After a two-year course, he passed for direct-entry into the Navy but only seven of the thirteen candidates were taken on.
John went to sea with Canadian Pacific in the RNR ship SS Beaverford.  He finished his sea-time in July 1936 and went to Canada to work for Canadian Pacific.
He learnt to fly with the company but the Government stopped it from taking up commercial flying. 
John returned to the UK in June 1937, began flying training as a civilian and was commissioned in Class 'A' of the RAFO in August. He did his ab initio course at 11 E&RFTS, Perth and then went to 8 FTS, Montrose on 21st August 1937, finishing up at 10 Squadron, Dishforth, on Whitleys for 2nd pilot navigation training.
He obtained a place at  Cambridge University in 1938 and  partly financed his studies by working as an assistant instructor at the Blackburn Flying School at Brough in vacations and he obtained his 'B' License there. 

John was recalled to the Active List on 1st June 1939, to complete an instructor's course at CFS, Upavon. He qualified on 13th July and was posted as instructor and adjutant to 41 Squadron at Catterick. 
In October 1939, John was posted to 603 Squadron at Turnhouse.
He went to 249 Squadron at Church Fenton at its formation on 16th May 1940. While there, he made a forced-landing at Wellburn Hall, Yorkshire on 20th July, following engine failure, but escaped unhurt. 
After the Battle of Britain, John had a roving commission, assisting newly-formed squadrons which included 308, 317 and 406 Squadrons.
He later commanded 289 Squadron and Station Commander at RAF Kirknewton. He was awarded the AFC (1/1/42). 
In May 1942, John joined 96 Squadron at Wrexham, remaining with it until November, when he was posted to HQ Fighter Command, to teach flight operations to fighter Squadron flight commanders.
In June 1943, he went to 29 Squadron for Mosquito training, and then joined 264 Squadron. 
At the end of 1943 John was posted overseas and joined 108 Squadron in Egypt.
In March 1944 he was given temporary command of 153 Squadron in Algeria, and on 15th July 1944, John became C.O. of 108 Squadron and was appointed by Keith Park as O.C. Mediterranean Night-Fighting Force.
He returned to the UK in February 1945 and received a Mention in Despatches (15/7/44). In April 1945 he returned to his Reserve status, as a Wing Commander. 
John joined BOAC, eventually retiring in 1970.