Prior to the Second World War, John Lawrence Plant conducted a successful "whirlwind" flying instructors course at Camp Borden. The graduates of this course proved to be invaluable to the RCAF during the war. During the war, Plant served as a Squadron Leader for No. 12 Squadron, was posted to Trans-Atlantic Ferry Command where he flew in a Catalina aircraft from Bermuda to Scotland in record time and became Wing Commander of No. 413 Squadron.

He was later posted to Air Force Headquarters in Ottawa as Deputy Air Minister, and became Air Officer Commanding of No. 9 Group. In this position he flew to all units in the Group located in Canada and overseas. In 1958 he was appointed President and General Manager of Avro Aircraft but resigned six months after the Avro Arrow project was cancelled.

Born: 20 Aug 1910, Swansea, Wales, England
Died: 7 May 2000
Awards: CBE, AFC, CD