South Yorkshire Times, January 11, 1969

O.B.E. In Honours List

In the New Year Honours List, the O.B.E. was awarded to Wing Commander James Allott Patterson (45), formerly of Wath and now stationed at Eladem; Libya, for three years, whose mother. Mrs. V. M. Patterson, lives at 5 Nether Crescent, Grenoside.

Wing Commander Patterson and his Canadian born wife, Eileen, have four daughters and three sons ranging from 24 to 12 years of age. Five of their children are in various parts of this country, and the two youngest boys are with their parents in Libya. The posting to Libya in November has prevented a double family celebration because in, addition to his latest honour, he and his wife will celebrate their Silver Wedding on January 29th.

Wing Commander Patterson has been in the Royal Air Force since 1942. Two years later, he was a flying instructor in Canada. He flew Mosquitos until 1946, then moved to the Middle East. Later he was a Flying Instructor and Flight Commander at the R.A.F. Cranwell. As a Squadron Leader with the 220 Squadron, R.A.F. Coastal Command, he took part in, combined air-sea exercises off Ceylon with units from the Royal. Ceylon Navy, the Pakistan Navy and Air Force and the Indian Navy,

He also served as Squadron Commander of 224 Squadron, Coastal Command in Gibraltar, when the Squadron won the Aird Whyte Swimming Trophy for the sixth time since it was first presented in 1955.

Before moving to Libya, he was stationed in Scotland for three years.

Mrs. V. M. Patterson, of Grenoside, who is the widow of Mr. Sam Patterson, is delighted by the news of her son’s honour.

Wing Commander Patterson is the grandson of the late Mr. William Allott, who was headmaster at Jump School for 14 years.