John was the son of Tom and Dora Chandler who, before moving to Greenford in Middlesex, ran the Crown and Anchor public house in Ham. As can be seen from the Roll of Honour, John attended the Hungerford School.

Having joined the Royal Air Force, he trained as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner and joined 214 Squadron, flying the Short Stirling Mark 3 bomber.

It was on the night of 30/31 July 1943 that his aircraft (EF407 BU-A) was attacked by enemy night fighters. The aircraft, which had flown eleven other sorties, was shot down, crashing into the North Sea just off the Friesian Islands.

Sgt John Chandler's body was recovered and now rests in the Sage War Cemetery Oldenburg, Germany. He was 20 years old.

John Chandler dressed in his flying kit