John was born in 1920 in Melbourne, Australia to Dr Paul and Myrtle nee Harris. John attended Wesley College in Melbourne before his departure for England in 1936 with his parents. The family lived at 947 Finchley Road, London, NW11. His father, Dr Paul Pincus, formerly practised dentistry in Collins Street, Melbourne, but went to London to engage in research work at the Royal Dental Hospital. At the outbreak of war John’s father Paul served as a dental surgeon with the Royal Army Medical Corps. John’s mother worked as an officer in the British Red Cross.

In late 1941, as a Flying Officer, he was posted to 602 Squadron where he was involved in defensive duties in Scotland intercepting high level German reconnaissance raiders over Scapa Flow. In 1943 the squadron moved to South West England as part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force tasked with convoy protection, escort duties and offensive sweeps over France.

Following the D-Day landings in 1944, the squadron was based in Normandy to provide offensive missions in support of the Army’s advance. John was the pilot of Spitfire MJ286 which was on an armed reconnaissance operation flying from base B11, in Longues, France. He attacked transport and was hit by flak. He reported that the engine was misfiring and he was unable to gain height. He was seen heading for Trouville but encountered more flak and was seen to dive into the sea. The tail of the aircraft was sticking out of the water and a small enemy boat put out from Trouville. As the flak intensified his No 1 could not circle round any longer. John was posted as missing until his grave was found at Ranville War Cemetery.