| John Newell was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Newell. He was born about 1920.
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| John and Joseph Newell, who died in WW1, had an older brother called Samuel Newell who served with the Royal Irish Fusiliers in the war. Samuel was born in 1890. All hailed from Stewartstown.
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| Flight Sergeant John Newell served as a Wireless Operator and Air Gunner with 37 Squadron of the Royal Air Force in World War Two.
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| On 23rd May 1941, his Wellington bomber (Serial No T2812) was commencing a test flight from Shallufa in Egypt.
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| The aircraft encountered technical problems after take-off and dived into ground whilst attempting a forced landing.
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| Of the three crew on board, Flight Sergeant Newell was the only fatality. Sergeant R T Spiller and Sergeant K K Bevan were injured but survived.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 23rd May 1942:
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| NEWELL – In loving memory of Flight Sergeant John Newell, aged 21, killed in a bomber crash in the Middle East on 23rd May 1941.
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‘For you son, peace;
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For us, just memories.’
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| Ever in the thoughts of his loving father, mother and brothers. Drumcairne, Stewartstown.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 19th December 1942: Stewartstown – Airman’s Posthumous Honour
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| Mr Samuel Newell of Drumcairn, Stewartstown, whose son Flight Sergeant Newell was killed on active service on 23rd May 1940, has received the following message from Sir Archibald Sinclair, the Secretary of State for Air:-
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| ‘By the King’s order, the name of Flight Sergeant John Newell, Royal Air Force, was published in the London Gazette on 1st January 1942, as mentioned in a Despatch for Distinguished Service. I am charge to record His Majesty’s appreciation.’
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 22nd May 1943:
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| NEWELL – In proud and loving remembrance of Flight Sergeant John Newell, killed on active service, Middle East, 23rd May 1941. Lovingly remembered, longed for always by his father, mother and brothers. Drumcairne, Stewartstown.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 20th May 1944:
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| NEWELL - Loving memories of our dear son, Flight Sergeant John Newell, Royal Air Force, killed on 22nd May 1941 on operations, Middle East. Remembered always by Dad. Mum and Brothers. Drumcairne, Stewartstown and Ballygawley. ‘Oh! valiant heart, your memory hallowed by those you loved.’
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 19th May 1945: Roll of Honour
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| NEWELL – Treasured memories of our dear son, Flight Sergeant John Newell, killed in operation on 23rd May 1941, Egypt. Always remembered by father, mother and brothers. Drumcairne, Stewartstown. War’s bitter cost.
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| Flight Sergeant John Newell is buried in Ismailia War Memorial Cemetery in Egypt. His inscription reads: DEAR TO OUR HEARTS IS THE PLACE WHERE YOU SLEEP.
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| Flight Sergeant (Wireless Operator / Air Gunner) Newell was Mentioned in Despatches.
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| Flight Sergeant John Newell is commemorated locally on Stewartstown War Memorial and on Stewartstown Church of Ireland Roll Of Honour.
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| The CWGC record Flight Sergeant (Wireless Operator / Air Gunner) John Newell as the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Newell of Dungannon, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
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