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John Cockburn (test pilot)

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A Lightning F.3 in 1964

John Jeremy Cockburn OBE (14 October 1937 – 3 April 2017) was a Scottish test pilot known for his flights in the English Electric Lightning.[1][2]

Early life

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John Cockburn was born on 14 October 1937 at Greenlaw, Berwickshire, the son of a farmer. He was educated at the Loretto School, Musselbrough. He was a keen horseman, his uncle was the trainer Stewart Wright, and he won the Berwickshire point-to-point steeplechase in 1960 and 1964.[3]

Marriage

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In 1964 he married Amy Thompson, known as Judy, after they met water-skiing at Hoselaw Loch. They had a son and two daughters.[3]

Career

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Death

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Cockburn died on 3 April 2017. He was survived by his wife and children.[3] He received obituaries in The Times, The Daily Telegraph, and The Scotsman.

References

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  1. ^ "Obituary: John Cockburn OBE, test and display pilot of fast military jets".
  2. ^ "John Cockburn, test pilot – obituary". The Telegraph. 10 May 2017.
  3. ^ a b c John Cockburn. The Times, 13 May 2017. Retrieved 15 May 2017. (subscription required)