111 (f) Squadron Portrait, Patricia Bay, British Columbia, March 3, 1942
Squadron 111 P-40's
In the early years of World War II, on November 3, 1941, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) created 111 (f) Squadron which formed in Rockcliffe, Ontario. The squadron was created to join in the battle in Europe. However, the Japanese, by invading Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, shocked the Canadian and American governments into rethinking their defensive strategies. Suddenly, they understood that they would have to protect their west coasts. Major projects were funded and started, A highway was built connecting Alaska to continental USA. Airforce bases were constructed along the coast of British Columbia and the RCAF was asked to supply men and planes to protect both the Canadian coast and the Alaskan coast.
RCAF's 111 (f for Fighter) was one of four squadrons that were redirected from their original assignments on the Canadian East Coast and sent west. 111 Squadron hurriedly trained at Patricia Bay (near the present site of the Victoria International Airport on Vancouver Island, British Columbia) and were rushed to meet the threat in Alaska.
This Fighter Unit operated out of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska with temporary detachments located at Umnak, Adak and Amchitka Islands. It served as reinforcement to the USAAF and completed two tours of offensive operations against Japanese forces in the Aleutian Islands. They flew Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks and were especially effective on the raids on Kiska Island.
Their first Squadron Leader was Arthur Deane Nesbitt, DFC. He saw to their training and got them moved from Patricia Bay to Anchorage at which time he was promoted to Wing Commander and Squadron Leader J.W. Kerwin took over. Within a few weeks, however, S/L Kerwin was killed, along with four other experienced pilots, when a relocation flight of seven planes became disoriented in the terrible weather conditions that prevail along the Aleutian Islands where the cold Bering Sea air mingles with the warmer Japan Current of the Pacific. Only two of the seven pilots survived the tragic incident. Squadron Leader Kenneth Boomer took over from S/L Kerwin and remained until May 31, 1943. The next to hold this position was Squadron Leader D.L. Ramsay who remained almost until the end of the mission. The final Squadron Leader, who saw Sqn 111 through its final days, was S/L George J. Elliott. He signed the final Daily Diary Monthly Summary on November 30, 1943.
Flying conditions were extremely difficult and casualties were high. Nevertheless, the Japanese forces, threatening to reach North America via the Aleutians, were driven back. 111 (f) Squadron was credited with destroying a float-equipped Nakajima A6M2-N "Rufe" (this was the famous Zero but equipped with floats), the only known Japanese aircraft to have been shot down by the RCAF on this continent.
111 Squadron's mission was fulfilled when the Japanese retreated from the Aleutians and the threat was reduced. The Squadron was re-numbered and sent to serve in Europe as RCAF 440 Squadron. They performed gloriously there but at very high cost.
To see more about this and other RCAF squadrons' histories, Press here.
The painting of the Kittyhawks (above) was created by Steve Tournay. Permission to use the picture is being sought.
Here are Steve Tournay's comments about this picture:
"111 and the Enemy Ace - by Steve Tournay A five-plane flight of 111 Sqn P-40 Kittyhawks flying into fog over Unalaska Island during their Aleutian detachment; all five subsequently crashed on a hillside on Unalaska. (I have very recently learned that AL138, the second Kittyhawk from the viewer's position, was recovered from Unalaska and is stored pending eventual restoration)."
In fact, four pilots flew into the mountain on Unalaska Island. The fifth became disoriented and lost in the fog and probably crashed into the sea when he ran out of fuel. In any case, he was never heard from again.
Click here to see Steve's work and that of many other superb Canadian artists who specialize in aeronautical art.
RCAF's 111 (f for Fighter) was one of four squadrons that were redirected from their original assignments on the Canadian East Coast and sent west. 111 Squadron hurriedly trained at Patricia Bay (near the present site of the Victoria International Airport on Vancouver Island, British Columbia) and were rushed to meet the threat in Alaska.
This Fighter Unit operated out of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska with temporary detachments located at Umnak, Adak and Amchitka Islands. It served as reinforcement to the USAAF and completed two tours of offensive operations against Japanese forces in the Aleutian Islands. They flew Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks and were especially effective on the raids on Kiska Island.
Their first Squadron Leader was Arthur Deane Nesbitt, DFC. He saw to their training and got them moved from Patricia Bay to Anchorage at which time he was promoted to Wing Commander and Squadron Leader J.W. Kerwin took over. Within a few weeks, however, S/L Kerwin was killed, along with four other experienced pilots, when a relocation flight of seven planes became disoriented in the terrible weather conditions that prevail along the Aleutian Islands where the cold Bering Sea air mingles with the warmer Japan Current of the Pacific. Only two of the seven pilots survived the tragic incident. Squadron Leader Kenneth Boomer took over from S/L Kerwin and remained until May 31, 1943. The next to hold this position was Squadron Leader D.L. Ramsay who remained almost until the end of the mission. The final Squadron Leader, who saw Sqn 111 through its final days, was S/L George J. Elliott. He signed the final Daily Diary Monthly Summary on November 30, 1943.
Flying conditions were extremely difficult and casualties were high. Nevertheless, the Japanese forces, threatening to reach North America via the Aleutians, were driven back. 111 (f) Squadron was credited with destroying a float-equipped Nakajima A6M2-N "Rufe" (this was the famous Zero but equipped with floats), the only known Japanese aircraft to have been shot down by the RCAF on this continent.
111 Squadron's mission was fulfilled when the Japanese retreated from the Aleutians and the threat was reduced. The Squadron was re-numbered and sent to serve in Europe as RCAF 440 Squadron. They performed gloriously there but at very high cost.
To see more about this and other RCAF squadrons' histories, Press here.
The painting of the Kittyhawks (above) was created by Steve Tournay. Permission to use the picture is being sought.
Here are Steve Tournay's comments about this picture:
"111 and the Enemy Ace - by Steve Tournay A five-plane flight of 111 Sqn P-40 Kittyhawks flying into fog over Unalaska Island during their Aleutian detachment; all five subsequently crashed on a hillside on Unalaska. (I have very recently learned that AL138, the second Kittyhawk from the viewer's position, was recovered from Unalaska and is stored pending eventual restoration)."
In fact, four pilots flew into the mountain on Unalaska Island. The fifth became disoriented and lost in the fog and probably crashed into the sea when he ran out of fuel. In any case, he was never heard from again.
Click here to see Steve's work and that of many other superb Canadian artists who specialize in aeronautical art.
Our Goal
The men of 111 (f) were Canadian heroes. Not so much because they behaved heroically, although many did that, but because they endured impossibly uncomfortable conditions and did the work required of them as they stood on guard for us.
They did not stand alone. There were other RCAF squadrons deployed along the Pacific coast and together they represented Canada, defining her border and protecting her integrity as a nation. And they were not only Canadians. Many Americans, wanting to get into the war before their country did, joined the RCAF and 111 (f) Squadron had its share.
This website wants to honour all who contributed to 111's mission.
Although our focus will be limited to the more manageable task of identifying the people of 111 (f) Squadron, this website can serve to bring attention to the little known story of the threat to North America from the West and to honour all of the men who stood our ground.
But we need to find out who they were. The Squadron picture (shown at the top), taken on March 3, 1942, showed 115 men present. I have pulled thumbnail cameos of those men and, so far, I have identified 57 of them, although some of the identifications are very tentative. But there were many who joined 111 after the picture was made. At the Squadron's peak of activity in April, 1942, the Squadron Daily Diary showed that they were 175 strong. In fact, in its short history (between November, 1941 and January, 1944), the Squadron, originally intended to have 108 people, once it had built up to strength, averaged 150 people every month. Considering a hypothetical 5% per month turnover rate, there could have been about 350 - 400 men associated with the squadron as it carried out its mission in Alaska.
So far, I have found 322 names, some with pictures. The Daily Diary showed that in the final couple of months, most of the people who had been with 111 in Alaska and the Aleutians had been re-assigned to training programs, to other Air Force Stations or to prepare to go overseas. As a consequence, there were a lot of new names, people brought in as replacements, associated with the squadron in the last few months of its existence as 111 Squadron. I am including those servicemen in this site. They were, after all, members of 111 Squadron, no matter how briefly.
I hope you can find some old friends or relatives in my lists below and that you can help to identify and add to the story of the people of 111 Squadron.
Do you have stories of family members who served in 111 (f)?
Do you have photos of family members who served in 111 (f)?
If you do, please use this website as a way of identifying these heroes and honouring them.
I look forward to hearing from you. (See response form on the Contact page)
Bill Eull
They did not stand alone. There were other RCAF squadrons deployed along the Pacific coast and together they represented Canada, defining her border and protecting her integrity as a nation. And they were not only Canadians. Many Americans, wanting to get into the war before their country did, joined the RCAF and 111 (f) Squadron had its share.
This website wants to honour all who contributed to 111's mission.
Although our focus will be limited to the more manageable task of identifying the people of 111 (f) Squadron, this website can serve to bring attention to the little known story of the threat to North America from the West and to honour all of the men who stood our ground.
But we need to find out who they were. The Squadron picture (shown at the top), taken on March 3, 1942, showed 115 men present. I have pulled thumbnail cameos of those men and, so far, I have identified 57 of them, although some of the identifications are very tentative. But there were many who joined 111 after the picture was made. At the Squadron's peak of activity in April, 1942, the Squadron Daily Diary showed that they were 175 strong. In fact, in its short history (between November, 1941 and January, 1944), the Squadron, originally intended to have 108 people, once it had built up to strength, averaged 150 people every month. Considering a hypothetical 5% per month turnover rate, there could have been about 350 - 400 men associated with the squadron as it carried out its mission in Alaska.
So far, I have found 322 names, some with pictures. The Daily Diary showed that in the final couple of months, most of the people who had been with 111 in Alaska and the Aleutians had been re-assigned to training programs, to other Air Force Stations or to prepare to go overseas. As a consequence, there were a lot of new names, people brought in as replacements, associated with the squadron in the last few months of its existence as 111 Squadron. I am including those servicemen in this site. They were, after all, members of 111 Squadron, no matter how briefly.
I hope you can find some old friends or relatives in my lists below and that you can help to identify and add to the story of the people of 111 Squadron.
Do you have stories of family members who served in 111 (f)?
Do you have photos of family members who served in 111 (f)?
If you do, please use this website as a way of identifying these heroes and honouring them.
I look forward to hearing from you. (See response form on the Contact page)
Bill Eull
If you have a name you would like to search for on this site,
enter it here and press the magnifying glass icon:
enter it here and press the magnifying glass icon:
Identification Project Status (so far):
Total Number of Names of Men associated with 111 Squadron: 322
Number of Names without Faces: 190 (thanks to visitors like you, this number keeps changing)
[caveats: some of these names might not have been Squadron members and there must certainly be names of members that I haven't discovered yet]
Number of Faces without Names: 61 (Faces from the original 115 airmen in the squadron portrait)
[caveat: there will be some matches of Names (above) with these Faces (below), I just haven't made the matches yet. Please help.]
Number of 111 (f) Squadron Members' names matched with photo (face or signature): 133
"Success" ratio: 133/322 = 41 %
Below is a list of names of men known to have been in or associated with the Squadron.
Some of them might appear in the portrait. If you have a photograph of or information about any of these men, I'd be pleased to post it on this site.
The names are organized alphabetically by rank; for an unranked alphabetical listing, see the SEARCH page
We need photos
(a note about initials and spellings of names: many of these names were taken from microfilm of the Squadron Daily Diary. Even in the best of circumstances, they were fuzzy. So initials and names might not be accurate here. If you think you recognize someone but the initials or spelling don't look quite right, your version is probably better than mine. Please contact me.)
To see the
Faces of 111 Squadron
scroll past this 2-column list
Number of Names without Faces: 190 (thanks to visitors like you, this number keeps changing)
[caveats: some of these names might not have been Squadron members and there must certainly be names of members that I haven't discovered yet]
Number of Faces without Names: 61 (Faces from the original 115 airmen in the squadron portrait)
[caveat: there will be some matches of Names (above) with these Faces (below), I just haven't made the matches yet. Please help.]
Number of 111 (f) Squadron Members' names matched with photo (face or signature): 133
"Success" ratio: 133/322 = 41 %
Below is a list of names of men known to have been in or associated with the Squadron.
Some of them might appear in the portrait. If you have a photograph of or information about any of these men, I'd be pleased to post it on this site.
The names are organized alphabetically by rank; for an unranked alphabetical listing, see the SEARCH page
We need photos
(a note about initials and spellings of names: many of these names were taken from microfilm of the Squadron Daily Diary. Even in the best of circumstances, they were fuzzy. So initials and names might not be accurate here. If you think you recognize someone but the initials or spelling don't look quite right, your version is probably better than mine. Please contact me.)
To see the
Faces of 111 Squadron
scroll past this 2-column list
|
* Squadron Leader (Medical Officer) Robert J. Cowan He joined 111 Sqn at the same time as the sqn was packing up to leave PatBay to go to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. On July 23, 1942, the Daily Diary had this to say about him: "Our jovial M.O. has been promoted to Temporary Flight Lieutenant effective 6-5-41." He remained with 111 until mid-October, 1942 when he was posted to #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. He was replaced, as Medical Officer, by Flying Officer (Doctor) M.W.F.R. Dunne (#173 in this list) .
* Flight Lieutentant (Accounts, Paymaster) W.J. Burgess He was from Vancouver. He arrived at 111 Sqn on June 1, 1942, just as the sqn was packing up to move to Elmendorf Air Force Base. He was struck off strength from 111 Sqn on May 1, 1943 and was assigned to RCAF Station Sea Island, Vancouver. * Flight Lieutenant (Equipment) Douglas G. Hair He arrived at the same time as F/C Jarred took over as Flight Commander in early November, 1942. He was headquartered at Elmendorf but flew back and forth to Fort Greely when the sqn was there. He was from Montreal. * Flight Lieutenant (Sector Controller) Moran He arrived on June 10, 1943 to serve as Sector Controller while the sqn was at Kodiak Island. * Flying Officer A.J.T. Boyd He was with 111 Sqn since at least December 22, 1942. He went with the sqn to Kodiak, Island. He left Fort Greely on January 4, 1943. I don't know what his role was in the sqn or what became of him after he left. * Flying Officer (Accounting) G.W. Brown Service # 09787. He joined 111 Sqn while they were at Kodiak Island on April 9, 1943. He was sent to #3 Repair Depot in Vancouver on September 5, 1943. * Flying Officer (Pilot) William Ronald Campbell (J14109) He was a replacement pilot for 111 pilots being sent overseas. He arrived on June 4, 1943 from Western Air Command. He had his P-40 solo on June 8. He redeployed to 442 Sqn. On August 1, 1944, while flying armed reconnaissance, ten miles south of Caen, France, his Spitfire (MK826) was hit by flak. He bailed out but didn't survive. He was the son of James Hamilton and Florence Gertrude Campbell of Vancouver, British Columbia. * Flying Officer Cameron: there was no F/O Cameron in 111. This name appears in the caption of a photograph of 111 personnel in the Glenbow Archives (NA-4330-5) but the identification was incorrect. The person in the picture called Cameron was actually F/O Cannon (Number 014 on this site). * Flying Officer (Pilot) Archibald Erle Clarke (J26904/ R130293) He arrived at 111 Sqn at Patricia Bay, on April 15, 1942. He soloed in a P-40 on April 25, 1942. On a training flight out of Pat Bay on May 2, 1942, he was forced to belly land his Kittyhawk (AK 922). He was not injured. He was pall bearer at Sergeant (Pilot) Christy's funeral on May 18, 1942. His stay with 111 Sqn was brief. I believe he was one of the two 111 Sqn pilots named Clarke (there were several) who transferred in May, 1942 to 14 Sqn. Somehow he found his way to RAF 132 Sqn and on December 21, 1943, while flying Spitfire IX MH738 over Cambrai, France, he was hit and failed to return. He was 20 years old. His body was never found. While there is no known grave, he is memorialized at the Runnymede War Memorial in Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England. He was the son of Thomas Henry and Emma Janet Clarke of North Bay, Ontario. * Flying Officer H.W. Crawford (Service # 010449) He arrived at 111 Sqn in April, 1943 and was sent to 14 (f) Sqn on August 6, 1943. He was later assigned to the RCAF Station at Abbotsford, British Columbia. I don't know what his function was in 111 Sqn. I think he survived the war. * Flying Officer (Adjutant) H.R. Gropp He was adjutant to the Wing under W/C Pitcher, the replacement Wing Commander while W/C Morrow was in hospital recovering from bail-out wounds. * Flying Officer (Pilot) R.R. Kennedy He was on temporary assignment (4 days in May, 1943) to 111 Sqn from 14 (f) Sqn. He was in a group with three other pilots also on temporary assignment to 111 Sqn. The whole group consisted of S/L Brad Walker, F/L D.V. Wakeling and F/O A.W. Roseland. I don't know why they were with 111 Sqn. I think he survived the war. * Flying Officer (Signals) W.J. St. Louis On March 28, 1943, he was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska while 111 Sqn went on to Kodiak Island. He may, however, have remained on Sqn 111 strength while there. On August 7, 1943, he was sent to 14 (f) Sqn. * Flying Officer (Controller) J. K. Strader He joined 111 Sqn at Fort Greely on March 10, 1943. He may have come and gone because, on March 30, 1943, he was said, in the Daily Diary, to have arrived again. The DD did not say where he was arriving from. It is possible that the Controller function was performed by an officer from a higher command level who visited the squadron periodically. * Flying Officer (Signals) H.C. Thompson He was promoted to Flying Officer on July 4, 1942 at Elmendorf. On March 28, 1943, he was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska while 111 Sqn went on to Kodiak Island. He may, however, have remained on Sqn 111 strength while there. * Flying Officer (Pilot) R.T. Walker (Born August 18, 1921) On May 21, 1942, he arrived at 111 Sqn, fresh out of flight training in #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa). He served with 111 Sqn through his whole training on P-40s. On December 28, 1942, he was promoted to Flying Officer. He flew with 111 Sqn at Umnak Island and Kodiak Island. On March 14, 1943, he was struck off strength from 111 Sqn to go to the Royal Air Force overseas. I think he survived the war. There was a S/L R.H. Walker who flew Spitfires with RCAF 416 (f) Sqn in Europe. He was from Stamford Centre, Ontario. I don't know if he was the same as 111 Sqn's Walker. * Flying Officer (Education) West Served as Education Officer at Elmendorf until replaced by F/L Springborn on October 20, 1942. I don't know anything else about him. * Pilot Officer (Pilot) Ashburner He was in 111 Sqn in May, 1942 but no initials were included in the Daily Diary mention. He was one of a group of five pilots that joined 111 Sqn for training in Harvards. They were with 111 for a few weeks in May, 1942. They were referred to as the "dive bomber pilots" in the Squadron Daily Diary. He may have been F/O Leslie John Ashburner (J7623) from St. Catharines, Ontario who died when his Spitfire (W3572) crashed at sea near Scotland on April 29, 1943. He was flying with RAF 64 (f) Sqn. * Pilot Officer (Pilot) R.H. Heath He transferred into 111 Sqn in early November, 1943 from 132 (f) Sqn on Annette Island. He was reported to be ill at the time of his transfer in and the reposting might have been ordered to facilitate a hospital stay at Patricia Bay. I don't know if he went to Europe with 440 Sqn. He survived the war. * Pilot Officer D.B. Neale He was struck off 111 Sqn strength to report to Western Air Command Headquarters Office on August 6, 1943. However, he remained on attachment to "X" Wing at Fort Greely. * Pilot Officer (Pilot) Donald John Sterling (J9487) He graduated from #9 Service Flying Training School in Summerside, PEI on December 19, 1941. He was in 111 Sqn in early May, 1942. He was one of a group of Pilots on temporary attachment to 111 Sqn at Patricia Bay. They were there for training in operational flying but not in fighters. They were referred to, in the Daily Diary as "the dive bomber pilots". The term was never explained. Later, he was flying with (as a passenger, I think) 147 Bomber Reconnaissance Sqn on a routine training flight when his plane crashed and he was killed, July 7. 1942, near Vancouver. He was the son of John and Aileen I. Sterling of Ottawa, Ontario. * Pilot Officer (Pilot) Dean Edward "Whitey" Whiteside (J10607) He was an American citizen, from Watervile, Kansas, who joined 111 (f) Sqn on March 21, 1942 (J10607), after the portrait was taken. He came from #13 Service Flying Training School, St. Hubert, Quebec. He was killed on July 16, 1942. He was one of the four fliers who flew into a fog-shrouded mountain on Unalaska Island. He flew P-40E # AL-401. See his headstone. I think he was the son of Edward H, and Mabel C. Whiteside and he had a sister named Evelyn. I wish I had a photo of him. * Warrant Officer II (Clerk, Admin) R.O. Bower On May 13, 1943, he was struck off strength and sent to Western Air Command. * Warrant Officer II (Wireless Mechanic) D.J. DeBeaupre He arrived from Patricia Bay to join 111 Sqn at Fort Greely on May 20, 1943. While he was with 111 Sqn, he was promoted to WOII. He was assigned to #3 Repair Depot on July 17, 1943. He went back to Patricia Bay as part of the advance party that returned to Pat Bay on August 8, 1943 to prepare for the sqn's return. He reported to #3 Repair Depot at Sea Island, British Columbia after the advance party's work was completed. * Warrant Officer II (Pilot) D.R. McGill (#R104304) He was posted to 111 Sqn from 135 Sqn (Annette Bay) on September 11, 1943. He had his first P-40 solo on October 27, 1943. After his solo, he was never mentioned again in the Daily Diary. Perhaps he was with 111 Sqn for that one purpose before being reassigned. I believe he survived the war. * Warrant Officer II (Clerk, Admin) N. Stan He arrived at 111 Sqn (Fort Greely) on May 22, 1943 from #2 Group Headquarters in Victoria. On July 8, 1943, he left 111 Sqn to begin training for aircrew at #3 Manning Depot, Edmonton, Alberta. * Flight Sergeant (Disciplinarian) R.D. Burch He was with 111 Sqn from the Fall of 1942 until it was renumbered. On October 19, 1942, he was teamed up with F/S Riding to head up the War Finance Committee, a high-faluting name for a committee to raise the Fort Greely quota of War Bond sales. Their target was $7,000. They exceeded the target by at least $3,000. I don't know where he went after 111 Sqn went to Europe (as 440 Sqn). * Flight Sergeant (Pilot) J.V. Burke He was assigned to 111 Sqn from 14 Sqn on May 1, 1943 for training. He was with 111 Sqn only until June 4. 1943 when he returned to 14 at Umnak Island. * Flight Sergeant John H. Burnham He survived the War; settled in Burnaby, B.C. Died September 18, 2000. Service # 2403A. His obituary notes that he was in 111 Sqn. It is possible that he was not part of the 111 Sqn that was reformed in Rockcliffe. Judging by his service number, he was in the Auxiliary and, therefore, was probably in 111 Sqn when it first was converted from 111 (cac) Sqn to 111(f) Sqn (in the period between July 1, 1940 and October 31, 1941). His name did not appear in the Squadron Daily Diary. * Flight Sergeant (Pilot) Mark Clarke According to the Sqn's Daily Diary, there were two pilots named Clarke with 111 Sqn and both were transferred out to Sqn 14 in May, 1942. The Diarist jokingly called them Mark I and Mark II. One of them might have been Archibald Clarke, (above). I still haven't been able to figure out who the other one was. * Flight Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) W.D. Clarke He was with the sqn while they were in Alaska. He was promoted to Acting Flight Sergeant at Elmendorf on August 1, 1942. On February 10,1943, he was struck off strength to go RCAF Station Sea Island, Vancouver temporarily. The plan was for him to go to 163 Sqn from there. He left 111 Sqn at Fort Greely on February 17. * Flight Sergeant (Pilot) Delaney He joined the sqn sometime in the Spring of 1942. He was one of a group of five pilots that joined 111 Sqn for training in Harvards. They were with 111 for a few weeks in May, 1942. They were referred to as the "dive bomber pilots" in the Squadron Daily Diary. I don't know what happened to him but I believe he survived the war. * Flight Sergeant (Wireless Mechanic) T. Evans He joined 111 Sqn at Pat Bay 0n October 12, 1943 as replacement. He did not serve in Alaska. He may have gone to Europe with 111 Sqn. * Flight Sergeant (Driver) G.T. Matheson He was with the sqn at least since the Spring of 1943. While the squadron was based at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, he regularly drove into the base to pick up supplies for the satellite base at Marks Field, Point Chiniak. On August 1, 1943, he was promoted to Flight Sergeant. On August 8, 1943, he went with the advance party to arrange for the sqn's return to Patricia Bay. * Flight Sergeant H.J. Nadler He was with 111 Sqn at least as early as the Winter of 1943. On February 13, 1943, his rank was changed from Acting Flight Sergeant to Temporary Sergeant. The rationale for that change was not explained in the Diary. * Flight Sergeant Riding He was in the sqn since at least the Fall of 1942. On October 19, 1942, he was teamed up with F/S Burch to head up the War Finance Committee, high-faluting name for a committee to raise the Fort Greely quote a War Bond sales. Their target was $7,000. In fact, they raised nearly $10,000. I don't know what else he did in the sqn or where he went. * Flight Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) Sagar He joined the sqn on April 15, 1942 at Patricia Bay. In the summer of 1942, he served on Umnak Island and, at one point he had to be admitted to the hospital on Annette Island for an indeterminate length of stay. He was discharged on July 6 and returned to Umnak, I believe. On September 27, 1942, he returned from Umnak to the base at Elmendorf. He went with the sqn from Elmendorf to Fort Greely on Kodiak Island arriving there on November 2, 1942. In early June, 1942, he took some leave in Canada. He returned to Fort Greely on June 22, 1943. He might have gone with 111 Sqn overseas. * Flight Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) C.N. Smith He transferred in to 111 Sqn at Patricia Bay from #3 Repair Depot, Sea Island, British Columbia, on November 2, 1943. * Sergeant (Pilot) Richard Roland Thomas Christy (R106837) joined the Sqn on April 15, 1942 at Pat Bay and, less than a month later, on May 12, he had engine trouble in his P-40 (AK881) and, while trying to return to base, he crashed into Cordova Bay and drowned. It was his first Scramble. He was from Victoria, British Columbia. He is buried at Royal Oak Burial Park, Victoria. * Sergeant (Motor Transport) G.B. Bartlett He was with 111 Sqn since at least the Spring of 1942. He was licensed to be a Post Driver at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island. On February 1, 1943, he was struck off 111 Sqn strength and posted to 14 Sqn. * Sergeant (Security Guard) J. Buchanan I don't know how long he was with 111 Sqn but on February 1, 1943, he was promoted to Sergeant at Fort Greely, on Kodiak Island. I don't know how long he remained with the sqn. * Sergeant (Cook) W.L. Burkett He joined the sqn in 1942. At Elmendorf, he was promoted to Sergeant on December 8, 1942. On April 16, 1943, he was sent from Fort Greely, with two other cooks, to 14 Sqn on Umnak Island. There is no evidence that he returned to 111 Sqn although he traveled with the 111 Sqn advance party when he returned to Patricia Bay on August 8, 1943. * Sergeant (Driver) Dale He was with the sqn when they were on Kodiak Island. He and Sgt (Driver) Matheson were posted together at Marks Field, Point Chiniak, Kodiak Island. He might have been with 111 Sqn until it disbanded. * Sergeant (Pilot) Delaney He was one of five pilots that were attached for temporary duty to 111 Sqn in May, 1942. They were referred to collectively as "the dive bomber pilots" and did not fly the P-40s. They soloed on the Harvard and did some formation flying training. They left just as 111 Sqn was packing to go to Elmendorf Air Base in Anchorage. I don't know Sergeant Delaney's initials nor where he went afterward. * Sergeant (Cook) H. DeVyre On February 5, 1943, he and a group of Cooks were transferred to 14 Squadron. It must have been a temporary assignment. He was back before June 1, 1943, when he was promoted to Acting Sergeant. On November 24, 1943, he was sent to #2 Equipment Depot in Vancouver, British Columbia. * Sergeant (Dental Service) Duffacy He was from the Canadian Army Dental Corps. He and his partner, Sgt Gifford, while on their visit to Fort Greely, Kodiak Island (May 25, 1943), were taken for a plane ride (a flip) by F/O Lynch. That is all I know about Sgt Duffacy. * Sergeant (Motor Transport) Eley He arrived on November 11, 1941 so he was in the Sqn at the time of the Sqn portrait and is probably in the picture. On April 15, 1942, he transferred out with the rank of Sergeant. He went to Bella Bella, B.C. There was a Pilot Officer Douglas Raymond Eley (J86764/ R133552) from Victoria, B.C, who was killed in action as a Lancaster bomb aimer with RAF 9 Sqn on March 15, 1944. He was only 20 years old. Perhaps, the Sgt Eley with 111 Sqn was his older brother. Or perhaps he re-mustered to join the fight in Europe. * Sergeant (Dental Service) Gifford He was from the Canadian Army Dental Corps. He and his partner, Sgt Duffacy, while on their visit to Fort Greely, Kodiak Island (May 25, 1943) ,were taken for a plane ride (a flip) by F/O Lynch. That is all I know about Sgt Gifford. * Sergeant (Wireless Operator, Ground) Haines He arrived at 111 Sqn on November 20, 1941 and was in the Sqn at the time of the Sqn portrait and is probably in the picture. In February, 1942, he and CO (S/L Nesbitt) created home made Direction Finder equipment which was installed in the sqn's aircraft. * Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) E. Henley He arrived at 111 Sqn before September, 1942. He was promoted to Sergeant on January 1, 1943. * Sergeant Doug Holland I have only a name for him. It is possible that he was a sergeant in a different squadron but had contact with 111 Sqn NCOs. * Sergeant N.D. Hopper On April 21, 1943, he left 111 Sqn (then at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island) to an unspecified posting. * Sergeant (General Duty) J.J.S. Kelly He joined the sqn at Patricia Bay on April 15, 1942. On November 11, 1942, he gave evidence at the Courts martial of LACs Buckingham and Laine. On June 1, 1943, at Fort Greely, Kodiak, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant. * Sergeant (Clerk, Accounting) W.A. Lang On March 30, 1943, he arrived at 111 Sqn but his stay was short. His primary task was to set up the Sqn's accounting system with the help of Cpl Killip. On April 16, 1943, he was given a new posting to #2 Maintenance Depot, Victoria. But before he left 111 Sqn, his posting was changed to #2 Construction and Maintenance Unit, Winnipeg, Manitoba. He left on April 20. * Sergeant (Clerk Steno, Orderly Room) Lutes He arrived on November 12, 1941 and was in the Sqn at the time of the Sqn portrait. He is probably in the picture. At some point before he left, he was promoted to Sgt. On April 15, 1942, he transferred out to Coal Harbour. He did not go with 111 Sqn to Alaska. But he did serve as pall bearer for Sergeant Christy's funeral on May 18, 1942. * Sergeant (Wireless Mechanic) D.L. MacDonald On June 1, 1943, at Fort Greely, he was promoted to Sergeant. On October 11, 1943, he was posted to 115 Sqn at Patricia Bay. * Sergeant (Wireless Mechanic) G.W. O'Boyle On November 1. 1943, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant. There was no other mention of him in the Sqn Daily Diary. * Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) R.A. Phillips He arrived at Patricia Bay on January 24, 1942, as a Corporal and was in the Sqn at the time of the Sqn portrait. He is probably in the picture. On August 1, 1942, he was promoted to Sergeant. At some time in mid-1942, he was temporarily assigned to Patricia Bay. He was formally struck off 111 Sqn strength at Fort Greely on December 20, 1942 and he continued at Patricia Bay. * Sergeant (Orderly Room) Schofield He arrived at 111 Sqn at Fort Greely on June 1, 1943. On June 27, 1943, he was formally posted to Western Air Command but he remained with 111 Sqn "for all purposes". I don't know how long he remained with the sqn. * Sergeant (Aero Engine Mechanic) D. J. Sewall He joined 111 Sqn in October, 1943, replacing Sgt Mike Percheson (#026 here). He had been at #7 Bombing and Gunnery School, Paulson, Manitoba. I don't know how long he remained with 111 Sqn. * Sergeant (Armourer) D.E. Spero He joined the sqn early, probably at the beginning in November, 1941. On January 12, 1942, he gave a lecture at Sea Island (Vancouver) to all 111 Pilots about the P40's guns and sights. He was promoted to Sergeant on September 1, 1942. On September 9, 1942, he was one of the high scorers in the shooting competition at Fort Greely. On September 26, 1942, again at Fort Greely, he was appointed to the Drill Board. I think he stayed with the sqn until the job in Alaska was complete. I don't know where he went when 111 Sqn went overseas. * Sergeant (Pilot) Douglas Leslie Stapelton (R103264) He joined the Squadron at Patricia Bay on April 14, 1942, from 115 Sqn and was killed five days later. He was flying P-40 (AL212) on a training exercise and crashed into the sea off Galiano Island near Patricia Bay. He was from Hamilton, Ontario. No known grave. * Sergeant (Motor Transport) R.L. Wilson He arrived on February 4, 1942 so he was in the Sqn at the time of the Sqn portrait and is probably in the picture. He was a corporal then. On October 7, 1942, he passed the exam at Elmendorf for US Post Drivers. By March 1, 1943, he had made Sergeant and was in Motor Transport. On March 10, 1943, while stationed at Marks Airfield, Kodiak Island, he brought his new son with him as he delivered a truck to Fort Greely that needed repairs. On April 27, 1943, he was transferred out of the Sqn to serve at RCAF Station Sea Island, Vancouver. * Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) F.A. Amsten On October 1, 1943, he was made Acting Corporal at Elmendorf. He was struck off sqn strength on October 21, 1943 and went to AID Inspectors School, Malton, Ontario. * Corporal (Electrician) Austin Aspin He was with 111 Sqn from at least the Winter of 1943. He worked at Marks Field, Point Chiniak, Kodiak until, on March 13, 1943, he was relieved there and returned to the main base at Fort Greely. On July 26, 1943, he was one of a party of four ground crew who were detached from 111 to service the a/c that 111 Sqn left at Elmendorf as spare a/c for Sqn 14 when 111 Sqn returned to Patricia Bay. On August 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal. I don't know what became of him after 111 went overseas in early 1944. * Corporal Babcock On July 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island. I don't know anything more about him. * Corporal A.L. Beeman On July 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal at Fort Greely, Kodiak. He was from Deepdale, Alberta. * Corporal (Clerk, Accounting) Betts Sometime after Aug 1, 1942, he was promoted to Corporal. On June 1, 1943, he was posted to #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. He left Fort Greely for Vancouver on June 4. * Corporal (Armourer, Guns) Clifford A. Blow He had been with the sqn since at least the Summer of 1942. On January 1, 1943, he was promoted to Corporal. He was from St. Andrews, Manitoba. On May 2, 1943, he left 111 Sqn to report to #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver, for medical reasons (unspecified). * Corporal G.R. Butler On July 26, 1943, he was one of a party of four ground crew who were detached from 111 to service the a/c that 111 Sqn left at Elmendorf as spare a/c for Sqn 14 when 111 Sqn returned to Pat Bay. On August 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal. * Corporal (Equipment) H. Christman He joined 111 Sqn sometime in September, 1942. He was sent, in March 1943, to work at Chiniak Base. He was promoted to Acting Corporal on June 1, 1943. He was a very effective shooter in the Firing Range competitions, scoring at the top twice. In November, 1943, he was struck off strength and sent on to #5 Service Flying Training School in Brantford, Ontario. * Corporal J.B.F.B. Dion On August 8, 1943, he was part of a six-man advance party that preceded 111 Sqn's return to Pat Bay. * Corporal (Equipment Assistant) G.W. Dowsett He first arrived for temporary duty at 111 Sqn on January 26, 1943. On February 9, 1943, he was detached temporarily from 111 Sqn and returned to Canada. He had come back to 111 Sqn at Fort Greely by the following April 24. On June 1, 1943, he was promoted to Corporal. In October, 1943, he was sent to #2 Repair Depot in Vancouver. * Corporal W.O. Dyer He arrived at 111 Sqn at Fort Greely on October 6, 1942. On June 1. 1943, he was promoted to Corporal at Fort Greely. * Corporal (Clerk, General) G.W. Fackler On August 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal. He remained behind at Patricia Bay to man the Orderly Room on August 31, 1943 while virtually the whole sqn was on leave after the Alaskan adventure. On November 7, 1943, he was transferred to the #3 Operational Training Unit, PatBay but remained on attachment with 111 Sqn. * Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) Carl N. Francis He had joined 111 Sqn some time before September 5, 1942, when they were at Elmendorf Airbase in Anchorage. On June 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island. * Corporal (Clerk, Steno) A.D. Hall He joined 111 sqn at the very end of its existence. He was brought in from Prince Rupert to Patricia Bay, on November 20, 1943, probably to assemble and maintain the final records of the sqn. * Corporal E.L. Hathaway He arrived at 111 sqn sometime before November 24, 1942. He might have been an Air Frame Mechanic. There was a plan for him to leave 111 Sqn on March 23, 1943 to join #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver but that plan was rescinded a few days later. It is likely that he stayed with 111 Sqn until it disbanded in November, 1943. * Corporal (AeroEngine Mechanic) H.H.B. Hines I don't know when he arrived at 111 Sqn. On November 1, 1943, he was promoted to Corporal at Pat Bay. * Corporal J.L. Hudson On June 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal at Fort Greely. I don't know what he did in the sqn. * Corporal (Service Policemen) J.H. Johnson He arrived at Sqn 111 on August 17, 1942, when they were at Elmendorf Air Force Base. He had been at #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. On October 20, 1942, he was admitted to the post hospital at Elmendorf for a one week stay. In December, 1942, he served as a prisoner escort, taking LACs Buckingham and Laine to detention in Vancouver. * Corporal (Driver) Jones He was a driver when the sqn was at Marks Field in March, 1943. He made the regular "Duty Run" from Marks Airfield (Point Chiniak) to Fort Greely on Kodiak Island. * Corporal C.C. Jupp He was a member of the Ground Crew. He joined 111 Sqn sometime before September, 1942. At that time, he went from Fort Greely to Umnak Island for a rotation there. His Father died in November, 1942 so he was given two weeks compassionate leave and combined that with his two weeks annual leave because he was needed at home. On November 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal but I don't know where he went after that. Corporal (Armourer, Guns) R.E. Kellett He was with 111 Sqn from at least the Fall of 1942. He served a rotation at Umnak Island. On January 1, 1943, he was promoted to Corporal. On November 27, 1943, he gave a demonstration at Patricia Bay to all ground crew and pilots showing them how to load the aircraft's guns. At the end of November, 1943, he was sent to #6 Repair Depot in Trenton, Ontario. * Corporal (General Duty) Kendall He arrived at 111 Sqn on April 15, 1942. I don't know anything else about his time with 111 Sqn. This could be Sergeant James A. KENDALL Date Deceased: 1/11/2011 * Corporal (Electrician) A.O. Keyworth He was with 111 Sqn since at least the summer of 1942. He was promoted to Corporal on September 12, 1942 at Elmendorf Air Force Base. On march 13, 1943, he was posted to Marks Airfield. Point Chiniak, Kodiak Island. He left 111 Sqn on July 9, 1943 to report to Patricia Bay RCAF Station. * Corporal (Clerk Accountant) A.C. Killip On February 1, 1943, he was promoted to Corporal at Fort Greely. On March 30, 1943, he and Sgt Lang traveled from Elmendorf to Fort Greely to set up the Sqn's accounting system. I don't know anything more about him. * Corporal D.M. MacDonald On October 1, 1943, at Patricia Bay, he was promoted to Corporal. I don't know what his job was in the sqn. * Corporal N.L. MacInnis (2405A) Harry Doughty, no relative of E.D. Doughty of 111 Sqn, wrote to say that, in Monro, Washington, he found a textbook entitled The Magneto Manual by H.R. Langman (1938) with the owner's name printed inside the cover: "N.L. MacInnis 2405A 111 (Fighter) Sqn RCAF" I have no record of that name as associated with the 111 (f) Sqn that went to the Aleutians but MacInnis might have served in the earlier 111 (f) Sqn. The A in the serial number indicates that MacInnis was in the Auxiliary at the time he bought the book. It is unlikely that he was assigned to the new 111 (f) Sqn which was forming in Ottawa and drew its first members from the eastern provinces. The first 111 (f) Sqn existed from July 1, 1940 until October 31, 1941. I am only assuming, based on his investing in the book, that he was a Corporal and that he was an Aero Engine Mechanic. * Corporal F.T. McKay On June 1, 1943 while at Fort Greely, he was promoted to Acting Corporal. I don't know what he did in the sqn. * Corporal (Photographer) T.B. Morgan He arrived at 111 Sqn, Fort Greely, in August, 1942. But on September 9, 1942, he was posted on temporary assignment to RCAF Station Patricia Bay. On December 30, 1942, he was struck off 111 Sqn strength and posted to Patricia Bay. |
* Corporal (Armourer) I.E. Mortwedt I think
he joined 111 Sqn in the summer of 1942. On August 20, 1942, while working at Umnak Island, he became ill and returned to Elmerndorf. He was promoted to Corporal on September 1, 1942. There were two Mortwedt brothers (John and Jess) who flew with the RCAF, both survived the War but were killed mysteriously in separate flying incidents after the war. I don't know if either John or Jess was in 111. They were from the Appleton District near Beaverlodge, Alberta. * Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) C. Pike He joined 111 Sqn on October 14, 1943, after the sqn returned from Alaska to Pat Bay. He had been at # 4 Service Flying Training School, Saskatoon. * Corporal (Service Police) M.G. Rosets He was with 111 Sqn at Elmendorf in December, 1942 and provided escort duty in delivering prisoners (LACs Buckingham and Laine) into detention. * Corporal (Clerk Accountant) Neil B. Saunders He was promoted to Corporal on August 1, 1942 at Elmendorf. In late August, 1942, he was sent to check inventory at 8 (br) Sqn, stationed at Nome, Alaska. He was appointed the Sports Committee at Elmendorf on September 26, 1942 . On January 22, 1943, he was posted to #2 Group Headquarters, Victoria, British Columbia. He was from New Westminster, British Columbia. * Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) J.A. "Jerry" Summers, He was with the sqn since at least the summer of 1942 when he was promoted to Corporal at Elmendorf. He spent a week on Umnak Island in early October, 1942. Shortly after that assignment, he spent a week in the base hospital. On April 7, 1943, he was struck off 111 Sqn strength to be posted to AID School in Toronto. This may have been an accident investigation training program. * Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) John A. Thrasher He was with 111 Sqn at least from the Fall of 1942. On October 20, 1942, he fell into a foxhole outside the barracks at Elmendorf and suffered facial lacerations. He completed a period of attachment to Chiniak on March 14, 1943 and returned to Marks Field. On July 1, 1943, after the sqn returned to Patricia Bay, he was promoted to Acting Corporal. I don't know if he went overseas with the sqn. * Corporal (Fabric Worker) H.D. Ward On October 8, 1942, he was promoted to Corporal at Fort Greely. * Leading Aircraftman Ahlskog I don't know when he came to 111 Sqn. On November 19, 1943, he was sent to the #8 Bombing and Gunnery School in Lethbridge, Alberta. * Leading Aircraftman (General Duty) J.A. Allison His name first appeared in the Daily Diary on October 31, 1942. He was being reassigned to #8 (b) Sqn "for duty and discipline." He returned to 111 Sqn at Elmendorf on March 30, 1943. I don't know what became of him after his return. * Leading Aircraftman W. Antonchuk He was sent from Elmendorf to #3 Wireless School, Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 8, 1943. I don't know when he arrived at 111 Sqn nor what his speciality was. * Leading Aircraftman Austin The best I can make out is that for two weeks, in February, 1943, he served as a replacement at Marks Field, Chiniak Point, Kodiak Island, Alaska. * Leading Aircraftman (Instrument Maker) R.W. Brown He was attached to 14 Sqn but was temporarily posted to 111 Sqn in late February, 1943 so he could be admitted to the base hospital for pneumonia. He returned to 14 (f) Sqn when he recovered. * Leading Aircraftman (Clerk, Accounting) L.G. Buckingham He was in the sqn from at least mid-September, 1942. On September 13, 1942, he had been reported as Away Without Leave at Elmendorf. Two weeks later, he was picked up by MPs. On December 3, 1942, he and another airman (LAC O.H. Laine) appeared before Courts Martial, were found guilty. The charge probably was Absent Without Leave. His sentence was 60 days detention at Little Mountain Detention Barracks, Vancouver plus Dishonourable Discharge. * Leading Aircraftman (Driver, Transport) H.R. Byers He had been at RCAF Station Patricia Bay. He joined 111 Sqn on May 20, 1943, just at the time that the sqn was getting established on Kodiak Island, Alaska. * Leading Aircraftman Cameron His name showed up in the Daily Diary once. He was with 111 Sqn on Kodiak Island in April, 1943, serving at the satellite base on Chiniak Point. I know nothing about him beyond that. * Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) F. A. Child He was with 111 Sqn from at least the Fall of 1942. On November 22, 1942, he left Fort Greely to be admitted into the Base Hospital at Elmendorf. He was discharged on November 30. On March 5, 1943, he was posted to RCAF Station Sea Island (Vancouver) but he didn't leave until March 28. * Leading Aircraftman (Driver Transport) M.H. Coleman He joined 111 Sqn on May 20, 1943, at Fort Greely just at the time that the sqn was getting established on Kodiak Island, Alaska. He came in with two other new drivers. Fort Greely had a satellite airport a few miles away at Point Chiniak and drivers were needed for the daily supplies runs. * Leading Aircraftman S.A. Craddock His name first appeared in the sqn Daily Diary on October 12, 1942. It think he was a Clerk. He was among the last remaining sqn members at Umnak Island as the sqn assembled at Elmendorf preparatory to the move to Fort Greely, Kodiak Island. On February 9, 1943, he was hospitalized for appendicitis. On April 9, 1943, he was posted to RCAF Station Sea Island, Vancouver. * Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) W.M. Cripps He was with 111 Sqn at least since Winter, 1943. He worked at the field at Chiniak Point (Marks Field) in March, 1943, returning to the main base at Fort Greely on March 14. On May 31, 1943, he was struck off strength and sent to RCAF Station Boundary Bay, presumably to arm 133 Sqn's P-40s. * Leading Aircraftman (Armourer) R.J. Dalzell He was with 111 Sqn at least since the Fall of 1942. At the Kodiak Winter Carnival, January, 1943, he placed third in the Speed Skating Race. On April 19, 1943, he was struck off strength and he left for #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver where he prepared to join the war in Europe. I don't know who he served with. He survived the war. * Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) P.H. Davies He may have been with 111 Sqn from early 1942. On November 24, 1942, he moved from Elmendorf Airbase in Anchorage to where 111 Sqn was based at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island. I don't know anything more about him. I'm only speculating that his job was Air Frame Mechanic. * Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) R.J. Davies He joined 111 Sqn sometime before August, 1942. From August 17, 1943 until August 25, he was in the Elmendorf base hospital with suspected Scarlet Fever. He was third top scorer on the rifle range on September 9, 1943 at Fort Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska. On March 1, 1943, he was promoted to Corporal at Fort Greely. * Leading Aircraftman (Nursing Orderly) T.H. Davies Arrived at 111 Sqn on October 26, 1942 and he was active during the sea journey they took from Elmendorf Air Force Base on the way to Kodiak Island in October, 1942. I don't know if he stayed with 111 Sqn past that. * Leading Aircraftman (Wireless Mechanic) H.I. Disbrow I don't know when he arrived at 111 Sqn but on October 11, 1943, he was posted to the RCAF Station at Boundary Bay, British Columbia, presumably to 14 Sqn. He actually left the sqn on October 29. * Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) Douglas He joined 111 Sqn on March 20, 1943 as a replacement for Leading Aircraftman Child who had been reassigned to Sea Island. * Leading Aircraftman (Wireless Mechanic) R.A. Duncan I don't know how long he was with 111 Sqn but he was transferred to 122 Sqn at Patricia Bay on November 11, 1943. * Leading Aircraftman (Armourer) A.P. Flett He was with 111 Sqn in the Fall of 1942 at Fort Greely. He may have been with the sqn earlier when they were still at Patricia Bay. On March 10, 1943, he began a rotation working at Marks Field, Point Chiniak, Kodiak Island. I don't know if he went with 111 Sqn to Europe. He survived the war. * Leading Aircraftman Flewelling He was with 111 Sqn at least as early as the Fall of 1942. He served with the sqn in Alaska but I don't know what his duties were. The only thing I know is that, on September 27, 1942, he travelled from Fort Greely to Elmendorf Airbase in Anchorage. I don't know the purpose of that trip. * Leading Aircraftman (Cook) C. Fraser He was on his way to join 111 Sqn at Elmendorf when he became ill at sea. On September 9, 1942, he was taken off the ship and admitted to hospital at Annette Island. He was sent down to #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver where he was hospitalised. He was struck off 111 Sqn strength on October 7, 194s2 with a posting to #3 Repair Depot in Vancouver. He may have lost his rank. The last reference to him in the Sqn Daily Diary referred to him as Aircraftman 1. * Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) R. Fulton He joined the sqn at Patricia Bay on November 5, 1943. He was posted from RCAF Station Patricia Bay. He may have remained with the sqn for the duration. * Leading Aircraftman (General Duty) J. E. Funk He joined 111 Sqn at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island on January, 26, 1943. I don't know how long he remained in the sqn. * Leading Aircraftman (Motor Transport) A.J. Giffen He first appeared in the Daily Diary in early November, 1942. He had already been attached to 111 Sqn for some time. On November 11, 1942, he and a group of sqn members went from Fort Grreely to Elmendorf to testify in a Court Martial. On March 10, 1943, he was posted to RCAF Station Patricia Bay but he didn't leave Alaska until March 16. At sometime before he shipped out, he was promoted to Leading Aircraftman. * Leading Aircraftman A.A. Glass He was in the sqn in April, 1943. He had been part of the 111 unit that served with "X" Wing at Elmendorf. He was probably a Clerk. On April 24, 1943, he and a group were among the last to move from Elmendorf to Fort Greely, 111's new Base. * Leading Aircraftman (General Duty) S. Goldenberg He served as General Duty Clerk at Fort Greely. I don't know when he joined 111 Sqn but, while at Fort Greely, he had a series of admissions to the base hospital in August and September, 1942. While he was on leave in April, 1943, he was reposted to #3 Repair Depot in Vancouver for subsequent reposting to Halifax and then overseas. I don't know what his assignment was. He survived the war. * Leading Aircraftman Graham He was with the sqn in September, 1942, at least. He served with 111 at Fort Greely. On June 17, 1943, while there, he received word of a reposting but I don't know where he was sent. * Leading Aircraftman (Wireless Operator Ground) A.L. Graves He was with 111 at Fort Greely and at Elmendorf Air Force Base in the Fall of 1942. On October 14, 1942, he was admitted to hospital in Elmendorf for a one-week stay. Perhaps it was a recording error, but he entered the hospital as AC1 and was discharged from hospital as a Leading Aircraftman. * Leading Aircraftman L.J. Griffiths He was in the sqn at Fort Greely in the New Year season, 1943, at least. On January 4, 1943, he was reposted to RCAF Station, Prince Rupert, British Columbia. There is no record of what he did while with 111 Sqn. * Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) N.J. Guigaien He was with the sqn detachment at Marks Field. Point Chiniak, Kodiak Island and rejoined the sqn at Fort Greely on March 14, 1943. I don't know what he did when 111 Sqn went to Europe. * Leading Aircraftman B.M. Hanson On October 6, 1942, he served with the detachment of 111 Sqn on Umnak Island. After 111 Sqn relocated to Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, he served at Marks Field, Point Chiniak, Kodiak Island but on February 7, 1943, he had to leave his posting at Marks Field due to illness. On March 26, 1943, he was struck off strength from 111 Sqn and re-assigned to #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. I don't know if that reposting was to facilitate hospitalization in Vancouver. It is possible. * Leading Aircraftman (Photographer) B.F. Harrop He arrived at the sqn on February 4, 1942 so he was in the Sqn at the time of the Sqn portrait and is probably in the picture (although, he might have been the photographer). He had come in on posting from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. I don't know how long he remained with 111 Sqn. * Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) W.G. Heavens He was with the sqn at least through the Fall and Winter of 1942-43. He may have been one of the Air Frame Mechanics who were posted to Marks Field on Chiniak Point, Kodiak Island. While at Fort Greely, he was the highest scorer in a shooting competition. On February 1, 1943, he was posted to #1 Elementary Flying Training School, Malton, Ontario. * Leading Aircraftman (Cook) G. Hohnstein On two occasions (February 5, 1943 and April 16, 1943), he and several other cooks were posted to 14 Sqn. On the second occasion, Sqn 14 was still serving on Umnak Island while 111 sqn was on Kodiak Island. I don't know if he remained with 14 Sqn or returned to 111. * Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) K. Kuykendall He arrived from RCAF Station Pat Bay at Kodiak Island, with several other airmen, by boat on May 20, 1943. I don't know how long he stayed with 111 Sqn. * Leading Aircraftman O.H. Laine On August 8, 1942, he was ordered to be held in detention for 14 days (AWOL). On December 3, 1942, he and LAC Buckingham (Clerk Accountant) were tried by Court Martial, found guilty, ordered to be detained then discharged from the service. The offence was not specified in the Daily Diary but I assume it was Away Without Leave. * Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) H.R.R. Larson He joined the sqn at Kodiak Island, with several other airmen, by boat on May 2, 1943 from RCAF Station, Patricia Bay. I don't know where he went from there. * Leading Aircraftman J.L. Lavoie He was in the sqn at least during the Fall of 1942. On October 17, 1942, he was admitted to the Post Hospital at Elmendorf for a five day stay. The Daily Diary failed to mention his function in the sqn. * Leading Aircraftman (Driver Transport) R.R. Levack He joined the sqn at Kodiak Island, with several other Drivers, by boat on May 2, 1943. There was a need for Motor Transport because of the regular runs back and forth between Fort Greely and the satellite air base on Point Chiniak. * Leading Aircraftman Lawrence He was in the sqn at least during the Fall of 1942. On September 26, 1942, he was among a group of replacement ground crew who went from Elmendorf to Umnak Island. I don't know what his role was. * Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) W.W. Ludlow He arrived at 111 Sqn, Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, on January 26, 1943. I don't know where he went after that. * Leading Aircraftman (Cook) J.N. Lush On April 16, 1943, he and several other cooks were posted from Fort Greely to 14 Sqn which was still serving on Umnak Island; 111 Sqn was on Kodiak Island at that time. It must have been only a temporary posting because he was back at 111, still at Fort Greely. He had made LAC by then. * Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) J.A. MacDonald He served with 111 Sqn during most of 1942 and, in September, 1942, he served a rotation at Umnak Island. He was shipped out to RCAF Station Sea Island (Vancouver) on April 19, 1943. * Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) H.C. McIntosh He was struck off strength on October 21, 1943 (when 111 Sqn was at Patricia Bay) and went to A.I.D. Inspectors School, Malton, Ontario. * Leading Aircraftman (Instrument Mechanic) W.E. McIntyre He was with 111 Sqn at least since the beginning of 1943. On January 3, 1943, he was admitted to hospital for a week's stay in Patricia Bay. He was posted to 115 (f) Sqn in November, 1943 although he remained on assignment with 111 for a while afterward. He might have been from Kemptville, Ontario. * Leading Aircraftman N.J. Molnar He was with 111 Sqn from at least the summer of 1942 when they were at Fort Greely. He remained until disbursement at the end of 1943. I don't know what his role was in the sqn nor where he went. * Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) G.M. Morin He was with 111 Sqn since at least the Spring of 1943 (at Fort Greely). In November, 1943, he was sent on to the #9 Bombing and Gunnery School in Mt. Joli, Quebec. * Leading Aircraftman J.H. Moss I don't know when he came to 111 Sqn but on April 9, 1943, he left and was posted to RCAF Station Sea Island (Vancouver). * Leading Aircraftman (Cook) J.G.R. Newman On March 12, 1943, he was struck off strength and redeployed at Sea Island, Vancouver, British Columbia. * Leading Aircraftman (Cook) L.H. Newman He joined 111 Sqn on August 12, 1942 at Elmendorf Air Base, Anchorage, Alaska from #3 Repair Depot. I don't know where he went after his time in 111 Sqn. * Leading Aircraftman Nicol He was a member of the Kodiak Island RCAF hockey team. I think he joined the sqn in the Fall of 1942. He worked at Port Chiniak on Kodiak Island. I don't know what he did, how long he remained in the sqn or where he went afterward. * Leading Aircraftman (Cook) L.K. Norris He arrived at 111 Sqn at Elmendorf on August 17, 1942 from #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. On February 5, 1943, he and several other cooks were posted to 14 Sqn which was still serving on Umnak Island while 111 Sqn was on Kodiak Island. I don't know what he did after that. * Leading Aircraftman Norrish He had been with 111 Sqn since, at least, August, 1942 when the sqn was at Elmendorf Airbase, Anchorage, Alaska. I don't know what his job assignment was. He went with the sqn from Elmendorf to Fort Greely. He was sent to Boundary Bay, British Columbia on June 5, 1943. * Leading Aircraftman J.W. Paquet He had been with 111 Sqn since at least January, 1943 and on July 21, 1943, he left 111 Sqn to report to Western Air Command. * Leading Aircraftman D.L. Parkhill The two Parkhills served together in 111 Sqn since at least December, 1942. I don't know whether they were related nor do I know what they did in the squadron. On December 10, 1942, they were both struck off strength and redeployed to #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. * Leading Aircraftman J.Y. Parkhill * Leading Aircraftman (Aero Engine Mechanic) G.F. Patterson He arrived at Fort Greely to join 111 Sqn on January, 1943. He was sent from Kodiak to #9 Bombing & Gunnery Training School, Mt Joli, Quebec on July 17, 1943. * Leading Aircraftman Paul He was with 111 Sqn since at least November, 1942 when they were at Fort Greely on Kodiak Island. He may have stayed in the sqn until it disbanded. However, he was never mentioned again in the Daily Diary after he left on leave from Greely on November 10, 1942. He may have been posted elsewhere at the end of his leave. * Leading Aircraftman (Electrician) A.F. Perkins He had been attached to 14 Sqn but was posted temporarily with 111 Sqn at Pat Bay for a period ending on October 30, 1943 when he returned to 14 (f)Sqn, then at Boundary Bay, British Columbia. * Leading Aircraftman B.G. Peverley He had been with 111 Sqn at Fort Greely and was in the advance party that returned, on August 8, 1943, to Patricia Bay to prepare for the squadron's return from Alaska. * Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) R.A. Phillips There were two airmen named Phillips in the sqn, both were Air Frame Mechanics. R.A. Phillips arrived , as a Corporal, at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island on January 24, 1942. On August 1, 1942, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant at Fort Greely. Late in 1942, he was assigned to temporary duty at Patricia Bay. He was officially struck of 111 Sqn strength on December 20, 1942. I don't know what happened to him after that. * Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) W.K. Phillips I don't know when he joined 111 Sqn but he was sent from Patricia Bay, on November 24, 1943, to 8 (br) Sqn at Sea Island, British Columbia * Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) P.I. Phoenix In the Fall of 1943, he transferred in to 111 Sqn at Patricia Bay from 14 (f) Sqn on a temporary attachment. On October 27, 1943, he was taken on 111 Sqn strength. I don't know if he accompanied 111 Sqn overseas. * Leading Aircraftman C.B. Pilkey He was in the sqn since at least the Fall of 1942. He was with 111 Sqn when they moved to Fort Greely, Kodiak Island. In fact, he and couple of ground crew buddies, for recreation, climbed nearby Mount Barometer on October 29, 1942. On November 11, 1942, he went to Elmendorf to give testimony in the Courts Martial of LACs Buckingham and Laine. I don't know what his job was in the sqn or where he went when the sqn disbanded in late 1943. * Leading Aircraftman Ralphs He was in the sqn in the summer of 1942, while they were at Elmendorf in Anchorage and, I think, remained for the duration but I don't know what his function was or where he went afterwards. * Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Ranahan with 111 Sqn only briefly; mustered out to 14 (f) Sqn at Rockcliffe on February 11, 1942 while 111 Sqn was still at Patricia Bay. * Leading Aircraftman (Chef) C. R. Reeder In October, 1943, he was sent from Patricia Bay to #2 Group Headquarters, Victoria, British Columbia. * Leading Aircraftman L.S. Sartore In November, 1943, he was sent from Patricia Bay to #3 Service Flying Training School in Calgary, Alberta. I don't know what his function was in the sqn, probably Air Frame Mechanic or Aero-Engine Mechanic. * Leading Aircraftman (Armourer) R.Y. Stocks He was with the sqn from at least the middle of 1942 when they were at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island. He left Fort Greely by ship, the USS Grant on November 27, 1943. He was taken on strength at the Air Gunnery School, Mountain View, Ontario on November 28, 1942. He was there to attend an Air Gunnery Instructors Course. I don't know what he did after that. He survived the war. * Leading Aircraftman (Clerk General, Orderly Room ) G.P. Sullivan He arrived at 111 Sqn at Fort Greely on July 11, 1943 from Elmendorf. The sqn had been experiencing a shortage of Orderly Clerks. In early November, 1943, he was transferred to #1 Service Flying Training School at Camp Borden, Ontario. * Leading Aircraftman (Equipment Assistant) R.G. Thompson He was taken on 111 Sqn strength at Fort Greely on February 4, 1943 from 8 (br) Sqn. I don't know how long he remained with 111 Sqn. * Leading Aircraftman (Driver Transport) R.R. Trepanier He came to 111 Sqn at Fort Greely on May 20, 1943. He and a group of airmen (also Drivers) arrived at Kodiak Island together by boat. There was a need for drivers to make regular runs between Fort Greely and the satellite airbase at Chiniak Point on Kodiak Island. * Leading Aircraftman (Electrician) G.W. Trigg I don't know how long he was with 111 Sqn but he departed soon after the move to Kodiak Island. He was reassigned to #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver on May 21, 1943. * Leading Aircraftman J.P. Trusz He left 111 Sqn at Fort Greely on July 15, 1943 to report to #4 Bombing & Gunnery School in Jarvis, Ontario. * Leading Aircraftman (Aero Engine Mechanic) D.J. Vandland He arrived at 111 Sqn (Fort Greely) from Elmendorf on January 26, 1943 but I don't know where he went afterward. * Leading Aircraftman (Nursing Orderly) J.B. Wardrop He joined 111 Sqn at Elmendorf on October 26, 1942 just in time to provide nursing support to the advance party that travelled by ship between the mainland and Kodiak Island in late October, 1942. He moved with the sqn to Fort Greely, Kodiak Island on November 23, 1942. On December 26, 1942, it was announced the he was to be struck off 111 Sqn strength and posted to RCAF Station Coal Harbour, British Columbia. However, he didn't get away from Fort Greely to report to Coal Harbour until January 4, 1943. * Leading Aircraftman (Electrician) D.J. Wendland I don't know when he joined 111 Sqn but he was serving at Fort Greely in the Spring of 1943. He took a rotation as a replacement at Marks Field, Point Chiniak, Kodiak on March 13, 1943. I don't know what happened to him after that. * Leading Aircraftman (Equipment Assistant) A.F. Whitecross On October 31, 1942, he was attached to 111 Sqn at Fort Greely from X Wing "for duty and discipline." His duties had him travelling back and forth between Elmendorf and Fort Greely. Sometime between April and July 5, 1943 he was promoted to Leading Aircraftman. He left 111 Sqn in early July, 1943 to train for aircrew beginning at #3 Manning Depot (Edmonton, Alberta). * Leading Aircraftman George M. Whitlock On October 21, 1942, he was attached to 111 Sqn from "X" Wing "for duty and discipline". Sometime between April and July, 1943, he was promoted to Leading Aircraftman. On February 9, 1943, he was stuck off strength and returned to Canada for reassignment. I don't know what the assignment was. * Leading Aircraftman (Equipment Assistant) C.M. Whyte He was with 8 (br) Sqn and based at Elmendorf from the late Fall of 1942. On December 20, 1942, he had a temporary assignment with 111 Sqn at Fort Greely. On February 4, 1943, he was taken on strength by 111 Sqn at Fort Greely. I believe he remained there at least through the Winter of 1943. He might have remained with the sqn for the duration of the Aleutian Campaign. * Leading Aircraftman Wickett He was in the sqn at least since the Summer of 1942. On August 12, 1942, he returned to Elmendorf after serving a turn on Umnak Island. The fact that he was with the squadron's detached detail on Umnak Island suggests that he was a fitter, rigger or armourer. He was sent to Boundary Bay, British Columbia on June 5, 1943. At that particular date, 133 Sqn was attached to Boundary Bay but they were scheduled to leave and , at the end of the month, to be replaced by 132 Sqn. I suspect that LAC Wickett was joining 132 Sqn. * Leading Aircraftman (Orderly Room) "Buck" Wilson He was with 111 Sqn from at least January, 1942. At that time, he was Timekeeper. On February 9, 1942, he was transferred to the Orderly Room and trained another Timekeeper. He was referred to by the Diarist as "Smiling Buck" with a "gold-plated smile". I don't know how long he remained with the sqn. There were no more notices of promotion or transfer. * Leading Aircraftman (Wireless Mechanic) R.M. Wright He arrived at the sqn on April 22, 1942. He was transferred to 122 (f) Sqn in Patricia Bay in early November, 1943. * Aircraftman 1 (Air Frame Mechanic) F.M. Anderson In the Fall of 1943, he was on temporary attachment to 111 Sqn from 14 Sqn. On October 27, 1943, he was taken on strength in 111 Sqn at Pat Bay. * Aircraftman 1 (Wireless Mechanic) T.W. Elliott He transferred in to 111 Sqn in early November, 1943 from #3 Repair Depot. * Aircraftman 1 (Installation Mechanic) F.H. Howden In November, 1943, he was transferred to #3 Operational Training Unit at Patricia Bay. * Aircraftman 1 (Cook) J.B. Lash He was with the sqn at Fort Greely. On February 5, 1943, he was posted to 14 Sqn. * Aircraftman 1 (Clerk General) Mann He arrived at the sqn at Pat Bay on April 21, 1942 from Trenton, Ontario. He might have remained with the sqn until it wound down in Pat Bay in late 1943. * Aircraftman 1 McLeod He was with the sqn since August, 1942, at least. He spent a rotation at Umnak Island, returning to Fort Greely on August 12, 1942. I don't know what his function was nor where he went afterward. * Aircraftman 1 (Wireless Mechanic) D.P. Tingley He transferred into 111 Sqn at Patricia Bay on November 5, 1943 from #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. He may have gone overseas with the sqn. * Aircraftman 1 (Wireless Mechanic) L.K. Walton He joined 111 Sqn at Patricia Bay on October 12, 1943 as replacement. He was not part of the Alaskan adventure. * Aircraftman 2 (Disciplinarian) Brown He was with 111 Sqn only briefly in 1942 and did not go to Alaska. * Aircraftman 2 J.W. MacDonald He joined the sqn around the time of the move to Kodiak Island. He was stationed at Point Chiniak. On October 29, 1942, he and several other airmen climbed Mount Barometer on Kodiak Island for recreation. * Aircraftman 2 (Clerk Steno) Wright He arrived at the sqn on April 22, 1942 from #13 O.T.S. As far as I can tell, he remained with the sqn until the end of the Aleutian Campaign. * Special category: Corporal (Mascot) Josie. She was brought on strength at Kodiak Island, Alaska on April 28, 1943, promoted to Corporal and she immediately gave birth to seven puppies. * Special Category (Mascot): Nellie She was a stray dog who appeared on April 19, 1943, the day that WO1 (Pilot) Weber put the finishing touches on the new porch of the Pilots' Hut at Marks Field, Amchitka Point, Kodiak. She adopted the porch. Re Ranks: the rank cited is the highest career rank (known to me) for the individual even though he might have acquired the rank after he had left 111 Squadron. |
Here are the Faces of 111 Squadron
Number 001 Flight Sergeant (senior NCO) (AeroEngine Mechanic) A.L.J. Snow He joined the sqn at its beginning in Rockcliffe arriving on November 9, 1941. On July 16, 1942, he was posted to RCAF Station, Patricia Bay. I don't know what became of him after that. Identification Confidence Level: 3,Tentative.
Number 002 Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) Sid Anderson, Ground Crew, Sgt Anderson was with the sqn from the beginnning but he did not accompany them to Alaska. Identification Confidence Level: 3, Tentative
Number 003 Sergeant (Motor Transport) Donald "Don" Wilson, Ground Crew. Identification Confidence Level: 2, Probable
Number 004 Sergeant Usherwood He was among the first of the Sqn's Ground Crew, arriving at Rockcliffe on November 9, 1941. He was a Sergeant when he joined 111 Sqn and I think he was either an Air Frame Mechanic or an Aero-Engine Mechanic. He was there at the time of the Sqn portrait. I am only assuming that this is his picturre. I don't know what became of him. He may have been re-posted in mid 1942.
Identification Confidence Level: 4, Possible.
Number 005 Pilot Officer (Pilot) Lou Wise He served his time in 111 Sqn as Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic). He enlisted in the RCAF in the Fall of 1939. His first assignment waa as an Air Frame Mechanic with #6 Service Flying Training School in Dunnville, Ontario. He reported to 111 Sqn at Rockcliffe as a Corporal on November 10, 1941l, He was with 111 from it's beginning. While there, he made Sergeant. On February 28, 1943, he was struck off strength. After a two week leave (the first leave since late in 1941, he was assigned to #3 Repair Depot in Vancouver. He applied to be remustered as air crew and in August, 1943, he was accepted. He went to the Manning Depot in Edmonton and then the Initial Flight Training School in Regina. Then to Virden, Manitoba for Elementary Flying Training School where he checked out in Cornells. His next step was the Service Flying Training School in Centralia, Ontario where he got to fly Ansons. He got his Wings and Commission in October, 1944. He did not get to fly against the enemy, however, because the war ended before he could be assigned to a unit. He was declered surplus and left the service. Lou is still with us and very much alive. I owe him immensely for his memories and his identification of the men with whom he served. Just recently, on May 22, 2012, Lou was presented with the Queen's Jubilee Medal, presented by HRH Prince Charles, honouring his aerial photography work for various Conservation Authorities across southern Ontario. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (Photo on right by the official photographer of His Honour, the Lieutenant Governor, The Honourable David C. Onley, O.Ont.)
Number 006 Sergeant , Ground Crew
Number 007 Flying Officer (Pilot) John M. "Johnny" Ingalls He graduated from Course 35 at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands, Ontario. He was one of the first pilots to be posted to 111 Sqn. He arrived, at Rockcliffe, on November 8, 1942. On August 1, 1942, he was promoted to Flying Officer. On February 20, 1943, he transferred out of 111 Sqn to Western Air Command. He survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (Photo on right from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland)
Number 008 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Robert "Rob" Lynch MM. He trained at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa) and graduated on October 24, 1941. He was in the same class as fellow-111ers, Frank Lennon and Jim Gohl. He was one of the first pilots to join 111 in Rockcliffe. He arrived on November 8, 1941. He was assigned the job of squadron Diarist on December 2, 1941. His writing style was succinct but with a touch of enthusiasm. On July 5, 1942, he was made Flight Commander of Flight "A". At the Kodiak Winter Carnival, January, 1943, he was Judge in the Figure Skating Event. On February 6, 1943, he was named to take command of the detachment of planes and personnel who went to Marks Field on Chiniak Point, Kodiak Island. He won the U.S. Air Medal for his part in the attack on Kiska Island with S/L Boomer. On June 1, 1943, he left Kodiak and 111 Sqn to teach flying at #1 Flight Instruction School in Trenton, Ontario. F/L Lynch survived the war and, according to his granddaughter, Karen Abel, 'He went on to have a successful career with Air Canada and died when he was 79." He settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, married and had three daughters. Karen Abel also reported that he had the name "Snookums" painted on his P-40 which was his pet name for his wife, Eileen. He claimed that his was the only aircraft in the squadron with a name painted on it. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (photo on right and signature part of Flt Lt George Schwalm's Collection, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; photo on left, from Collection of Flt Lt. Lynch courtesy of his granddaughter, Karen Abel) Note: See Karen Abel's blog focussing on the Aleutian Campaign and her grandfather at www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com
Number 009 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) James Garfield "Jim" Gohl AM . (J8356) He trained at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa) and graduated on October 24, 1941. He was in the same class as fellow-111ers, Frank Lennon and Bob Lynch. He was one of the first group of pilots to join 111 Sqn, arriving at Rockcliffe on November 8, 1941. On August 1, 1942, he was promoted to Flying Officer. On April 18, 1943, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. He won the U.S. Air Medal for his attack on Kiska Island with S/L Boomer. He received Mention in Despaches in the London Gazette on January 21, 1944 for his work with 111 Sqn. This is the citation: "This officer has led his squadron and participated in many bombing and strafing attacks against the enemy. Although bad weather prevented many sorties, by his personal example and enthusiasm he kept the squadron morale at a high level." He went with 111 Sqn (renumbered 440 Sqn) to Europe. He was killed on June 12, 1944 when his 440 Sqn Typhoon's engine conked out while returning from a bombing run in France (he was flying Typhoon #MN115) . He bailed out but his parachute got caught on the tailplane. It did finally rip lose but by then he was only about 100 feet above the sea. He was never found. Click on picture for more information. No known grave. He was born in Carman, Manitoba and grew up in Boissevain, Manitoba. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed. (Right photo at Glenbow Archives NA. 4330-24; left photo and signature from the Collection of Flt Lt George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland)
Number 010 Flying Officer ( Pilot) E.C. Williams He arrived at 111 Sqn on December 19, 1941. He came out of flight school as a Sergeant but received his Commission, effective December 15, 1941, shortly after he arrived at 111 sqn. I don't know what he did after 111 Sqn was renumbered. He might have gone to Europe with them. There was a F/L E.C. Williams in RCAF 403 Sqn in Europe in 1944. I wonder if he was the same guy. His 111 flying mate, Doug Orr, was this man's wingmate in 403 Sqn. As far as I can tell, he survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (Second photo and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland)
Number 011 Squadron Leader (Pilot) John William Kerwin (C922) He flew with the #1 RCAF Squadron in the Battle of Britain and was credited with two enemy a/c shot down. He was himself shot down and forced to bail out over Maidstone, Kent, England. His most recent appointment had been with #12 Service Flying Training School , Brandon, Manitoba. He joined 111 Sqn on January 10, 1942 to bring the relatively inexperienced 111 pilots the benefit of his combat experience and, probably, to boost morale. On March 23, 1942, he was made Officer Commanding of Training. On July 11, 1942, he was appointed Squadron Leader. He was killed July 16, 1942 when he and 3 others in his flight flew into a fog-obscured mountain on Unalaska Island in the Aleutian Islands. He was from Belleville, Ontario. He is buried at Fort Richardson Post Cemetery in Alaska. Click on picture for LINK. Also see: http://wwii.ca/memorial/world-war-ii/117163/flight-lieutenant-john-william-kerwin/ Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed. (Photo on right and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland)
Number 012 Wing Commander (Pilot) Arthur Deane Nesbitt, D.F.C. Ribbon evident below Wings. He won his DFC for his gallantry in the Battle of Britain. He arrived to take command of the brand new 111 (f) Squadron on November 3, 1941. He stayed with the sqn until they were trained and ready to take up operations in Alaska when he assumed command of the Wing which contained 111 Sqn. Click on left picture for Wikipedia LINK. Also, see this website http://www.acesofww2.com/Canada/aces/nesbitt.htm and this one: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/arthur-deane-nesbitt Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (Photo on right and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; photo on top left is DND PMR 76485; botttom right is PMR 76186, appreciation to Captain Fred Paradie) The bottom left photo dispels any myth that command was glamorous.
Number 013 Wing Commander (Pilot) Harry Thorne "Mitch" Mitchell, D.F.C. (Note the DFC ribbon below the Wings) He arrived at 111 Sqn as a Flying Officer on December 2,1941 from 118 Sqn. He had had combat experience in the Battle of Britain and was awarded the DFC for that. On January 25, 1942, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. On August 29, 1942, he was made Wing Commander. He was CO while 111 was in Alaska and on Umnak Island. On September 9, 1942, he left 111 Sqn to report to Western Air Command to await posting. On October 13, 1942, he was instructed to report to RCAF Station Rockcliffe. He survived the war. Airforce Magazine (Vol 36, issue 1) reported his death: April 16, 2012. He came from Ottawa. Click on picture to see more about him. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed See also: http://www.acesofww2.com/Canada/aces/mitchell.htm where the picture of him beside his P-40 came from. (The photo on right and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland)
Number 014 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Albert Edward Lucien "Bruddy"Cannon He got his Wings at the Toronto Flying Club. His first posting, in March, 1940, was with 112 Squadron in Rockcliffe. He experienced several crashes and went back to pilot refresher courses. When he completed the courses, he was reasigned, becoming one of the first pilots to report to the brand new 111 (f) Squadron. He arrived as a Flying Officer on November 14, 1941. Because of his earlier operational experience, he played a leadership role in the new squadron. On March 23, 1942, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant and made Officer Comanding of Flight A. On May 4, 1942, he was reposted to 130 Squadron at Mont Joli, Quebec. There he patrolled the St. Lawrence River for enemy submarines. He became the Comanding Officer of 130 Sqn. He alternated assignments between 130 Sqn and 128 Squadron in Sydney, Nova Scotia. He ended the war with 128 Sqn. In January, 1945, he becme part of the RCAF voluntary reserve. He made a career with the Government of Canada's Department of External Affairs. On April 12, 1957, while posted in Saigon, he was murdered. His death was considered an assassination since he had been Chairing a peace process that had enemies in then South Viet Nam. He was from Quebec City, Quebec and was married with two children. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (Two photos on right and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Biographical information courtesy of Lee W. Walsh of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society, Toronto Chapter). See the link for the assassination story and his obituary.
Number 015 Flying Officer (Administration, Diarist) O.V.N. Farrell He arrived at 111 Sqn on December 1, 1941. On December 11, 1942, he assumed the role of Adjutant, taking over from F/L Webb who was sent to Western Air Command. I don't know if he stayed as Administration Officer with 111 for the length of their stay in Alaska. Neither do I know where he spent the rest of the war when 111 went to Europe. Identification Confidence Level: 2 Probable. His signature is taken from the Squadron's Daily Diary which he wrote and signed.
Number 016 Rank: Officer, Ground Crew.
Number 017 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) William L. "Bill" Pigden. He graduated from Course 36 at #1 Service Flying Training School, Camp Borden, Ontario and immediately joined 111 Sqn on November 25, 1941. He was one of six pilots who left 111 Sqn in April, 1942 to help establish new squadrons in the East. He flew with 130 Sqn out of Mont Joli, Quebec. They patrolled the St. Lawrence River for German U-Boats. On May 21, 1943, he was recorded in the Daily Diary as returning. On October 11, 1943, he was promoted to Flying Officer. He remained with 111 Sqn until they disbanded later in the Fall of 1943. I don't know what he did for the balance of the war but he did survive. He remained in the RCAF. On December 5, 1956, Flight Lieutenant Pigden was forced to bail out of a RCAF 445 Sqn Avro CF-100. He and his crew member survived the mishap. They were flying over Troyes, France. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (The second photo and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland)
Number 018 Sergeant , Ground Crew This could be Sergeant (Armourer, Guns) F.A. Edwards. He was with the sqn from the beginning. He arrived on November 12, 1941. At some time in mid-1942, he was temporarily assigned to Patricia Bay. He was formally struck off 111 Sqn strength on December 20, 1942 and he continued at Patricia Bay. I don't know what he did afterwards. Identification Confidence Level: 5 Wild Stab.
Number 019 Flight Sergeant (Pilot) Gordon Douglas Russell "Gordie" Baird (R95331) He trained at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands, Ontario. He graduated on October 24, 1941. He was among the first of the pilots to join the sqn. He arrived on November 8, 1941. On July 16, 1942, Sgt Baird became lost in fog over the Bering Sea (near Umnak Island) and was never seen again. He was 22 years old. He came from Shoal Lake, Manitoba. No known grave. The photo on the left shows him in the first moments after receiving his Wings. They are not even sewn on his tunic; rather they are slightly crooked just as they were attached temporarily by the commanding officer. Click on left picture for LINK. Also see: http://wwii.ca/memorial/world-war-ii/114686/flight-sergeant-gordon-douglas-russell-baird/ Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed. (Photo on left from Department of National Defence PL5483, courtesy of Captain Fred Paradie; Photos on right and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland)
Number 020 Corporal Ground Crew
Number 021 Rank: Warrant Officer, 1st Class, Ground Crew This is probably R. "Joe" Pichard, (Aero Engine Mechanic). He was promoted to WO2 from Flt/Sgt on January 5, 1942, just a few weeks before the picture was taken and he is the only non-pilot WO2 in the picture whose rank insignia is visible. A year later, he was referred to as S/M Pichard (promotion to Sergeant Major?) On February10, 1943, he left 111 Sqn to go to 163 Sqn. He had been promoted to WO 1 by that time. He survived the war but I don't know where else he served. Identification Confidence Level: 3, Tentative
Number 022 Flight Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) W. Donald "Don" Clark, He had been with the sqn for some time when, on August 1, 1942, he was promoted to Flight Sergeant. On February 10, 1943, he was struck off 111 Sqn strength to go to 163 Sqn. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Number 023 Flight Sergeant (Aero Engine Mechanic) Harold E. "Hal" Davis, Ground Crew He arrived at 111 Sqn on November 9, 1941, one of the first members. On March 10, 1943, he was promoted to Flight Sergeant. On July 8, 1943, he was struck off strength to go to #3 Manning Depot where he was considered for aircrew. I believe he survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Number 024 Flight Sergeant (Disciplinarian) Drummond He was with 111 Sqn for only a few months in 1942 and did not go to Alaska. This could have been Warrant Officer 1st Class Harold R. DRUMMOND Date Deceased: July 7, 2005 or Chief Warrant Officer Howard A. DRUMMOND Date Deceased: January 9, 2004 or neither. Identification Confidence Level: 3, Tentative.
Number 025 Rank: possibly Corporal, Ground Crew
Number 026 Sergeant (Aero Engine Mechanic) Michael "Mike" Percheson, Ground Crew He was with 111 Sqn from the beginning. He was replaced in October, 1943 and sent to #8 Repair Depot in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Number 027 Rank: Leading Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 028 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 029 Rank: Corporal, Ground Crew
Number 030 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 031 Rank: Corporal, Ground Crew
Number 032 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 033 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 034 Flight Lieutenant/ (Pilot) Clifford Waldron Hicks (J26912) holding the Thunderbird Totem presented to the Squadron by Chief Edward Jim of Saanich First Nation who honoured the Squadron by naming them the Thunderbirds. The present whereabouts of the Totem is unknown. Then Sergeant/ Pilot Hicks arrived at 111 Sqn on June 28, 1942. He arrived with Sgt/Pilot Al Watkins and Sgt/ Pilot Weber, all from 14 Sqn. He remained with 111 Sqn until it was renumbered as 440 Sqn and he went to Europe with them. He was killed on August 8, 1944 while on a dive-bombing run in France (at Ussy, north west of Falaise). His Typhoon (MN313) was hit by flak. He crashed in flames near Village Claire, Normandy. He is buried at the Brettville-sur-Laize Canadian Cemetery, Normandy, France. Flt. Lt. Hicks grew up on a farm near Centralia, Ontario. Note totem crest on his flight jacket. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (1st Photo courtesy of Lou Wise; 2nd photo from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943 both 2nd and 3rd are from Flt Lt Clifford Hick's Collection, courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks)
Number 035 Aircraftman "Boston" Noel, Ground Crew. Identification Confidence Level: 3, Tentative.
Number 036 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 037 Corporal (Electrician) Harold "Harry" Nolan, He was with the sqn from, at least, September, 1942. On November 16, 1943, he was posted to AID (?) School in Malton, Ontario. He survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 2, Probable.
Number 038 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 039 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 040 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 041 Sergeant Paul Mitchell, Ground Crew Identification Confidence Level: 3: Tentative
Number 042 Corporal (Driver, Transport) R. N. "Ren" Baker, Ground Crew. He had joined the sqn by, at least, the Fall of 1942. He played on the Kodiak Island RCAF Hockey Team. I don't know where he went when the sqn disbanded at PatBay at the end of 1943. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (photo on right is from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26)
Number 043 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 044 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 045 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 046 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 047 Corporal George R. Lay, Ground Crew. He was with the Sqn from the beginning. He was posted away from 111 Sqn on February 28, 1943 but I don't know where he went. Identification Confidence Level: 2, Probable
Number 048 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 049 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 050 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 051 Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) Ronald W. "Ron" McClelland, He joined the sqn on February 16, 1942 from #10 Repair Depot, Calgary, Alberta. On March 1, 1943, he was promoted to Sergeant. I don't know where he was assigned after 111 Sqn was remustered at the end of 1943. To the best of my knowledge, he survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 2, Probable
Number 052 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 053 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 054 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 055 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 056 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 057 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 058 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 059 Flying Officer (Pilot) William Dempsey "Bill" Peacock (J26271) He graduated from Course 36 at #1 Service Flying Training School, Camp Borden, Ontario and immediately joined 111 Sqn on November 25, 1941. In April, 1942, he was one of six pilots who were pulled from 111 Sqn to help establish new sqns in the East. He flew with 130 Sqn out of Mont Joli, Quebec. They patrolled the St. Lawrence River for German U-Boats. According to his younger brother, Wally Peacock, Bill had returned to his home province of Quebec and "was chasing German subs in the St. Lawrence River and had crashed & spent considerable time in Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Quebec.. His legs were damaged & he suffered severe burns. After recovering, he rejoined his squadron" The crash occurred on June 8, 1942. In the 111 Squadron Daily Diary entry for May 21, 1943, it was noted that he had returned to 111 Sqn and he was acknowledged as one of the original 111 pilots. He remained with 111 Sqn until it disbanded in the Fall of 1943. Wally also remembers that "he was sent to England. I understood he did not have to go but I heard him tell my Mom that he had to go because it was his duty ... so the Nazis could not get at the children in North America. I was eight years old in the kitchen of our home in Noranda, Quebec when I heard him explain this to my Mom." Sergeant Pilot Bill Peacock went to Europe with 440 Sqn and probably earned his Commission there. He was killed on May 4, 1944, when his Typhoon (MN 431) struck a cable supporting a barrage balloon over Eastlea, Hampshire. He is buried at North Cemetery, Bournemouth, Hampshire, England. He was from Noranda, Quebec. His brother, Wally, also reported that he got to visit his brother's grave in 2007, fulfilling a promise to their mother that he would. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed. (The second photo on left and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland) (The quotes, the "Kitty Hawk of my own" picture and the Typhoon cockpit photo are from his younger brother, W. E. Peacock, in personal communication His plane was P-40 Mark 1 - AK-940, originally bearing the letters LZ-E. It was later renumbered as #1058)
Number 060 Warrant Officer 2 (Pilot) L. "Tom" Orthman. He joined 111 Sqn on December 1, 1941. On January 22, 1942, his Kittyhawk caught fire in the tail section forcing him to bail out. He was little more than a mile from PatBay and got home easily. He was promoted to Flight Sergeant on February 19, 1942 and then further promoted to Warrant Officer 2 on May 11, 1942. According to the Squadron Daily Diarry, February 9, 1942, it was Orthman's "brainchild" to create the squadron Thunderbird insignia. I don't know what he did after the sqn remustered at the end of 1943. Perhaps he was assigned to a Flight Training School. As far as I can tell, he survived the War. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photos from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland)
Number 061 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 062 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 063 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 064 Flying Officer (Pilot) Gerard Pringle "Gerry" Johnson (J10430) He arrived at 111 Sqn on December 19, 1941, probably fresh out of Flight Training. He was among the first pilots to join 111 Sqn. He received his Commission on March 1, 1942. He had worked his way up from Sergeant Pilot. He was transferred to 115 Sqn, along with F/O Ian Dowling, on April 8, 1942. He was with 132 Sqn when he was promoted to Flying Officer. Shortly after this promotion, he died at Patricia Bay on October 6, 1942. At mid-morning, that day, three Kittyhawks, flying in Vic formation, had scrambled to find and attack a submarine that had been spotted. The formation entered a fog bank with zero visibility. P/O Johnson, in Kittyhawk AL216, and another pilot (F/L John David Butler in ET860) collided. Both crashed, near Williams Head, British Columbia, and were killed. It was P/O Johnson's first scramble, according to his son, also named Gerry Johnson. F/O Johnson was born in St. George, New Brunswick and is buried in the Cedar Hill "Extension" Cemetery, Saint John West, New Brunswick. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (The two photos on the right and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland)
Number 065 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 066 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 067 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 068 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 069 Flying Officer/ (Pilot) Frank Richard Fisher Skelly.(J35985/ R90517) He trained at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands, Ontario. He graduated on October 24, 1941. He joined 111 Sqn on November 8, 1941 as a Sergeant/ Pilot. On August 1, 1942, he was made Flt/Sgt. On December 23, 1942, he was promoted to Warrant Officer 2. On October 12, 1943, he received his Commission and left 111 Sqn to join 438 Sqn in Europe. He was killed in action (by flak) on January 22, 1945, while flying a Hawker Typhoon Mk 1B (#MP-128) on a dive bombing run over Montfort, Holland. He was from Kirkland Lake, Ontario. He is buried at Junkerbos British Cemetery, Nijmegen, Holland. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (The two photos on right and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland)
Number 070 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 071 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 072 Rank: Leading Aircraftman (Driver Transport) Milton N. "Milt" Hannigan He was with 111 Sqn from, at least, the Fall of 1942. He played on the RCAF Kodiak Island hockey team. On February 24, 1943, he was struck off strength from 111 Sqn and posted to 14 (f) Sqn. It is llikely that he survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 2 Probable. (Photo on right from Glenbow Archives NA-4330-26)
Number 073 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 074 Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) Thomas A. "Tom" Walsh, Ground Crew . He played on the Kodiak Island RCAF Hockey Team. On June 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant. In late October, 1943, he transferred to #9 Bombing and Gunnery School in Mt. Joli, Quebec where he was scheduled to take a Flight Engineer Course..
Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed. (photo on right is from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26)
Number 075 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 076 Sergeant (Instrument Maker) "Pop" Hindson, He was with 111 Sqn since, at least, January, 1942. It is probable that he remained with the sqn until the end of 1943. I don't know where he went after 111 Sqn redeployed. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise).
Number 077 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 078 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) James Douglas "Doug" Orr, DFC. After the Alaskan campaign was complete, on April 4, 1943, he went to 116 Sqn, on the Atlantic Coast, and then to 403 Sqn in Europe where he served with distinction and was awarded the DFC. He was from Victoria, B.C. As far as I can ascertain, he survived the War. Click on 1st picture for more information. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed. (The photo on the left and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; The photo on the right is from http://rcaf403squadron.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/dougorr/
Number 079 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 080 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 081 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 082 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 083 Flying Officer (Pilot) Edwin Alexander "Ed" Merkley (J28385) He joined 111 Sqn fresh out of #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands, Ontario on November 11, 1941. He was one of the first pilots in 111 Sqn. He was promoted to Warrant Officer 2 on November 19, 1942. By July, 1943, he had been elevated to Warrant Officer 1 and it was announced that he was to be posted overseas. He left 111 Sqn on July 20, 1943. In October, 1943, he joined RAF 57 Operational Training Unit. He was killed in a formation flying training accident when his Spitfire (K9824) was hit by another Spitfire over Eshott, Northumberland, England on November 19, 1943. P/O Merkley was found to be blameless. He was from St. Vital, Manitoba. He is buried in Stonefall Cemetery, Wetherby Road, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England. Also see: Image No: NA-4330-5, Glenbow Archives. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed. (The three photos on right and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland) Note: a book, scheduled to be released on December 10, 2012 by Amberley Books (UK) called Almost Forgotten - The Search for Aviation Accidents in Northumberland by Chris Davies explores some of the many aviation deaths that occurred in Northumberland. Merkley's crash is examined in detail.
Number 084 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 085 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 086 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 087 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 088 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 089 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 090 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) George Talbot Schwalm. (R85878/ J28375) He enlisted in Toronto in the Fall of 1940. He worked his way up from enlisted man to officer. He got his Wings at #2 Service Flying Training School in Uplands (Ottawa). He arrived at 111 Sqn in Rockcliffe on November 10, 1941 as a Sgt/ Pilot. He was promoted to Flight Sergeant on August 1, 1942. On December 12, 1942, he was promoted to Warrant Officer 2. He received his Commission on September 8, 1943. He went to PatBay with 111 on December 16, 1941 and then on to Anchorage on April 6, 1942. He did three one-week stints on Umnak Island (July 18, 1942 , November 1, 1942 and again on November 9, 1942). He was one of the flight of seven that became disoriented in the fog around Unalaska Island in the Aleutians on July 16. 1942. Early in the flight, while still over the mainland, his engine caught fire and he was forced to bail out. He was flown back to his Squadron by a pilot working for Alaska Star Airlines. On June 29, 1943, he left 111 Sqn to prepare to go overseas. First he served with 411 Sqn in England and then he was assigned to 412 Sqn. He wasn't so lucky on August 12, 1944 when, on an armed recon mission near Fresne le Mer, France, he was killed (in Spitfire MN485) by ack ack fire. There is no known grave. He was from Tottenham, Ontario. Click on picture for personal information. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed. (Photos and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; Career information courtesy of his cousin, Sherry Thomas)
Number 091 LAC Lloyd "Suds" Sutherland, Ground Crew. Identification Confidence Level: 2, Probable.
Number 092 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 093 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 094 Corporal (General Duty) M. Edward Burke He joined 111 Sqn in early 1942. On September 10, 1942, he was promoted to Corporal. He played on the Kodiak Island RCAF hockey team. I think he remained with the sqn until the end of the Aleutian Campaign. I don't know where he went afterward. Identification Confidence Level: 2 Probable (Middle photo is from Glenbow Archives NA-4330-26; Photo on right is from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943, courtesy of Dave Hicks, son of Flt. Sgt Clifford Hicks)
Number 095 Pilot Officer (Pilot) J. Robert "Bob" Weber He was the first pilot to report to the newly consitiuted 111 Sqn in Rockcliffe on November 7, 1941. His rank was Sergeant Pilot at the time. He must have left the sqn for a while because the Daily Diary reported that he returned to the sqn on June 28, 1942. On July 4, 1942, he was promoted to Flight Sergeant and on December 12, 1942, he was raised to Warrant Officer 2. He received his commission on August 27, 1943 and was sent, immediately, to #1 "Y" Depot in Halifax in preparation for going overseas. As far as I can ascertain, he survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Top middle photo from Source: rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca); 1st and 3rd photos on top and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; Bottom left photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-4.Top middle picture: Waiting for the call in the Readiness Tent on Kodiak Island, It might be Sgt Lou Wise who is behind Sgt Weber in the top right picture.)
Number 096 Corporal (Metal Repair) E.T. Lans, He was with the sqn from very early on. He was promoted to Corporal on August 1, 1942. On January 30, 1943, he was struck off 111 Sqn strength to be posted at RCAF Patricia Bay. Identification Confidence Level: 3 Tentative
Number 097 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 098 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 099 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 100 Sergeant (Aero Engine Mechanic) William A. "Bill" McVay He was with 111 sqn from the beginning. On January 20, 1943, he was struck off 111 Sqn strength and posted to RCAF Station Patricia Bay. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Number 101 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 102 Flight Sergeant (Pilot) Frank Robert "Pop" Lennon. (R79072) The picture on the left was taken on the day he got his Wings. He trained at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa). He was in the same class as fellow-111ers, Jim Gohl and Bob Lynch. He was immediately assigned to 111 Sqn and arrived on November 14, 1941. At the start of his training, his rank was Leading Aircraftman, but on completion, he ws promoted to Sergeant. Sgt Lennon was in the tragic flight on July 16, 1942. He and three other pilots flew into a mountain on Unalaska Island. He is buried there. Click on left picture for more information. The photo of his shoulder patch showed that he was an American citizen enlisted in the RCAF. He was from Clifton, New Jersey. His gravesite is at Fort Richardson Post Cemetery, Alaska. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (The left photo was extracted from Department of National Defence PL 5481 courtesy of Captain Fred Paradie; The full length photo and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Scwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland)
Number 103 Leading Aircraftman J.L. "Paul" Lavoie, Ground Crew He was with the sqn at least in the Fall of 1942. Identification Confidence Level: 3 Tentative
Number 104 Corporal (Armourer.) Max E. Crandall He was promoted to Acting Corporal on June 1, 1943. He remained with the sqn while it was redeployed to Europe. He served overseas in 440 Sqn. See his self-published book "Farm Boy Goes to War", 1984. He survived the war and became a Dentist. He established a clinical practice which he moved several times throughout British Columbia. Later in life, he and his wife returned to their farming roots and established a dairy farm in Ponoka, British Columbia. Max died on October 3, 2010 at Salmon Arm, B.C. Identification Confidence Level: 2, Probable. (Photo on right appeared with his obituary published by Bowers Funeral Service, Salmon Arm, B.C.)
Number 105 Leading Aircraftman Ostupchuck Ground Crew He was with the sqn throughout the Aleutian Campaign. I don't know what his function was nor do I know what he did after 111 Sqn was redeployed. Identification Confidence Level: 4 Possible
Number 106 Aircraftman "Dutch" Rol, Ground Crew. Identification Level: 2, Probable
Number 107 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 108 Corporal (Aero Engine Mechanic) John "Johnny" Forbes, Ground Crew. He was promoted to Acting Corporal on June 1, 1943 but by July 26 he was referred to as Corporal. At that time, he was detached from the 111 crew to go to Elmendorf where the 111 P-40s were sent as 111 was getting ready to return to PatBay. The P-40s were kept at Elmendorf to be used as spare a/c by 14 Sqn. Corporal Forbes may have remained as part of 14 Sqn.He survived the War and died in March, 2006 at the age of 93. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed. (Photo on right by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise).
Number 109 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 110 Corporal (Aero Engine Mechanic) Kenneth A.L. "Ken" Coutts, Ground Crew, He was with the sqn through the Aleutian Campaign. On August 1, 1943, he was promoted to Corporal. Identification Confidence Level: 2, Probable. In the photo on right, Corporal Coutts is with "his" pilot, Sgt Ed Merkley (Number 083). It is clear that Merkley appreciated Coutts' work at keeping his plane functioning well. (Second photo from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland)
Number 111 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 112 LAC (Mess Records) W.C. "Lyall" Moodie, He was with the sqn through 1942. He was struck off 111 Sqn strength on January 12, 1943 and sent to #8 Bomber Squadron. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photo on right by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise).
Number 113 Sergeant (Wireless Mechanic) Donald W. "Don" MacDonald, Ground Crew. On June 1, 1943, he was promoted to Sergeant. In October, 1943, he was sent to 115 Sqn at Patricia Bay, Victoria, British Columbia. Identification Confidence Level: 2, Probable. (Photo on right by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise).
Number 114 Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) Philip J. "Phil" Davies He was with 111 Sqn from its earliest days. He was promoted to Corporal on March 1, 1943. He worked on Sgt Lou Wise's crew of Riggers. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Number 115 Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic?) O. William "Bill" Herring, Ground Crew He was promoted to Corporal on June 1, 1943. In November, 1943, at the end of Sqn 111's mission, he was sent to # 4 Service Flying Training School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Number 116 Rank: Aircraftman, Ground Crew
Number 117 Squadron Leader (Pilot) Kenneth Arthur "Ken" Boomer, D.F.C. (C1220) He led the flight that attacked the Japanese on Kiska Island, shooting down a float equipped Zero, the only Japanese a/c downed in North America by an RCAF pilot. He was awarded the U.S. Air Medal. He received the DFC: here is the wording on the citation: "Distinguished Flying Cross - No.111 Squadron (Canada) - Award effective 1 January 1943 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 55/43 dated 15 January 1943. This officer is in command of a fighter squadron on detached operations in Alaska. Inspired by his unflagging zeal and devotion to duty, his squadron has maintained a consistently high standard of efficiency under difficult and trying conditions. He has displayed great qualities of courage and determination in seeking out the enemy and his flying skill has been responsible for the excellent work done by his squadron on coastal patrol duties in action against the enemy. He was the first RCAF pilot to make direct contact with the enemy and in so doing gave an exceptionally good account of himself. His services on fighter operations have been invaluable." He was the only RCAF pilot to have shot down an a/c from all three of the enemy countries. He was killed in action flying a 418 Sqn Mosquito (PZ198) on air ops over Munich on October 22, 1944. He was from Vancouver, British Columbia. He is buried at War Cemetery at Choloy, Meurthe-et-Moselle, France. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (Photo at Glenbow Archives; Signature from Squadron Daily Diary.) Also see: www.acesofww2.com/Canada/Canadians.htm and http://athabaskang07.wordpress.com/2009/10/12/kenneth-arthur-ken-boomer-pilot-over-kiska/
Number 118 Wing Commander (Pilot) Gordon R. McGregor. He commanded the X Wing consisting of 111 (f) Sqn and 8 (br) Sqn. and, later, 14 (f) Sqn. For his leadership in the Aleutian Campaign, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire. He survived the war. Click on picture for more information about his European war experiences. Also see http://kilby.sac.on.ca/activitiesclubs/cadets/history/militaryoldboys/wwii/mcgregorgordon.html for a full listing of his accomplishments and awards. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.(Photo on right courtesy of Harry McFee. Note: see Harry's book For We Were Young and We Had Wings, Vanwell Publ., 2004 and his gorgeous "tribute" website: http://www.harrymcfee.com/; photo second from left shows him as S/L, RCAF #1 in Europe, Autumn, 1940. He is with the Padre and several pilots on readiness National Archives of Canada; First photo on left and Signature from the Collection of S/L Ramsay, courtesy of his daugther and son-in-law Christie Anne and Bo Jensen)
Number 119 Flight Lieutenant (Technical) G.L. Cummings; He reported to 111 Sqn on Kodiak Island as the new Technical Officer on January 26, 1943. He was the photographer of the unit, as well. He was also with the publicity unit at Western Air Command. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.(The photo is by a Department of
Number 120 Sergeant (Pilot) Stanley Ray "Stan" Maxmen (R100245) He trained first in Brandon, Manitoba, then Verdun, Quebec and Regina before completing his training at #2 Service Flying Training School at Uplands, Ontario. He graduated on March 13, 1942. The picture on the left shows him with his brand new Wings, only loosely attached to his tunic. He joined 111 Squadron on April 15, 1942. Thie picture on the right was taken as he waited to take off from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. He was killed soon after when he crashed (in P-40E AK 996) into the mountain on Unalsaka Island near Umnak Island, July 16, 1942. He is buried at Fort Richardson Post Cemetery, Alaska. He was from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan where he had been an avid lacrosse player and was commonly called "Axel". Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed. (Photo on the left is extracted from Department of National Defence PL 8074, courtesy of Captain Fred Paradie; photo on the right courtesy of P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise)
Number 121 Sergeant (Equipment) William "Bill" Broeder He was with the sqn from early 1943 on. On June 1, 1943, he was promoted to Sergeant. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed. (Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise)
Number 122 Leading Aircraftman Fred Ferris Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed. He played on the Kodiak Island RCAF hockey team. (Right photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise); Left photo extracted from Department of National Defence photo in the files of Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26)
Number 123 Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) G.M. "Jeff" Brennan He was with the sqn from at least the early part of 1942. On Novemebr 7, 1943, he was posted to Patricia Bay. I don't know what he did after that. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise).
Number 124 Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic?) William P. "Bill" Manzer He was from Hamilton. He was with the sqn from at least early 1943. On October 1, 1943, he was promoted to Corporal. He played on the Kodiak Island RC AF Hockey Team. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed. (1st Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise; 2nd photo: from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26)
Number 125 Flying Officer (Pilot) C.B. Pierce He graduated from Course 36 at #1 Service Flying Training School, Camp Borden, Ontario and immediately joined 111 Sqn on November 25, 1941. He was killed, a month later, in a training accident. His P-40E (No. AK-887) went into an uncotrollable spin and crashed on December 27, 1941. An inquest ruled his death was accidental. He was from Port Rowan, Ontario. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed. (Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise).
Number 126 Aircraftman 1 G.H. Simmonds He was with the sqn as early as the Fall of 1942. I don't know what his job was nor what happened to him. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise).
Number 127 Corporal (Wireless Operator, Ground) "Sid" Cole. On August 4, 1942, the Daily Diary congratulated Corporal Cole on the birth of his son in Sidney, British Columbia. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise).
Number 128 Flying Officer (Pilot) George Arnold Costello (J39820 / R116052) He transferred into 111 Sqn on May 16, 1943 from 133 (f) Sqn at Boundary Bay. Later, he transferred to 14 Sqn and went to Europe with that sqn renumbered as 442 Sqn. He died after his Spitfire (PL207) was hit by flak near Hennewig, Germany. He managed to bail out and land safely. His death, on October 28, 1944, was regarded as a murder at the hands of the capturing German officer. Click here for some of the story. He is buried at the Reichswald Forest Military Cemetery in Germany. He was from Stonewall, Manitoba. His parents were Valentine DeLacy and Marie Costello. (Photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com)
Number 129 Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Wilfred W. "Wilf" Troughton He played on the Kodiak Island RCAF Hockey Team. He was with 111 Sqn from the beginning and left to join 132 Sqn in November, 1943. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (1st Photo by P/O Lou Wise; 2nd photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26)
Number 130 Sergeant Douglas "Doug" Hall Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise).
Number 131 Wing Commander/ (Pilot) Ernest Archibald "Ernie" McNab DFC, OBE Very successful fighter and leader in Europe. The picture on the left shows him when he was Squadron Leader of #1 (Canadian) Sqn, dated September 12, 1940. He is standing in front of his Hurricane 1 in Northolt, Englland. He served as Wing Commander to 111 Sqn in its early days. Commanded the Western Air Command in the late stages of the war. He was from Regina. He was the Wing Commander in January, 1942, around the time when 111 Sqn redeployed from Ottawa to British Columbia. For more information on W/C McNab, click on picture on right and also see: www.forces.gc.ca/site/commun/ml-fe/photo-eng.asp?id=3987 Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photo on left: Credit: LAC 3614996, taken from RCAF website. Photo on right:: PL -104443)
Number 132 Flight Sergeant Raymond "Ray" Thorburn, Ground Crew Identification Confidence Level: 3 Tentative (Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise).
Number 133 Flight Sergeant (Wireless Mechanic) H.W. "Ted" Staples Ground Crew On February 6, 1944, he was struck off 111 strength to go #3 Wireless School in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise).
Number 134 Wing Commander (Pilot) Paul Brook Pitcher. He was brought in (Spring, 1944) to provide temporary replacement (several weeks) while W/C Robert E. E. Morrow, 111's last W/C, was in hospital due to a bail-out injury. W/C Pitcher was a lawyer in Montreal when he enlisted. He was an early RCAFer and had a low service #: 615. He got his Wings in 1939 and went to the Battle of Britain. He flew Hurricanes with RCAF 1 Sqn then commanded 401 Sqn and 411 Sqn. He also comanded 417 Sqn in northern Africa just before coming to 111. He survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo came from the The Canadian Fighter Pilot & Air Gunner Museum website at http://www.flyingforyourlife.com/pilots/ww2/p/pitcher/; Signature from the Squadron Daily Diary)
Number 135 Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) John G. "Jack" Fordham He was from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. In November, 1943, as 111 Sqn wound down, he was sent to #10 Repair Depot in Calgary, Alberta. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise)
Number 136 Flying Officer (Pilot) Nicholus "Nick" Stusiak (J35984) He was from Powell River, B.C. (Click on picture for more information) He arrived at 111 Sqn on April 15, 1942. His flight training experience had been almost exclusively on twin-engine aircraft. Then- P/O Orr took him through a short course of dual training on the Harvard. He was promoted to Warrant Officer II on March 22, 1943. In October, 1943, he received his Commission. He went to Europe with 440 Sqn. On May 27, 1944, while he was practising low altitude dog fighting, his Typhoon (MN342) went into a spin and crashed near Bransgrove Village, Christchurch, England. He is buried at North Cemetery in Bournemouth, Hampshire, England. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photo: part of the Powell River Museum Collection)
Number 137 Squadron Leader (Pilot) Harold Orville "Hal" Gooding DFC, AAM He arrived at 111 Sqn on March 22, 1942 from #13 Service Flying Training School, St. Hubert, Quebec. He flew with S/L Boomer on the attack on Kiska Island and was awarded the U.S. Air Medal. S/L Gooding was memorialized in a book published by Ken Arnott entitled "A Man Called Hal" (Sunnybrook Health Print Services, 2008). He attained the rank of Squadron Leader with 440 Squadron in Europe. Picture on right shows him beside his Sqn 440 Typhoon. He survived the War. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (1st Photo at Glenbow Archives NA 4330-23; 2nd photo from the Collection of Tracy Gooding Roberts, courtesy of Ken Arnott; Signature from the Squadron Daily Diary)
Number 138 Squadron Leader (R.C. Chaplain) Rev. L.H. "Leo" Hobson He was posted to Western Air Command and went to 111 Sqn as a temporary attachment. He ministered to them at Pat Bay in 1942. On September 4, 1942, he joined them at Elmendorf in Anchorage, Alaska. He had been a priest at the Roman Catholic Church of the Assumption in Powell River British Columbia and he returned to serve in that Parish after the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.(Photo from website of Powell River Museum, Powell River, British Columbia; #PH02193-3)
Number 139 Flying Officer (Pilot) Odin John Eskil (J11076) He was from Iron Mountain, Michigan. He joined 111 Sqn on April 15, 1942 and stayed until the Aleutian Campaign was over. He was the only pilot, other than McGregor, who survived the tragedy of July 16, 1942. He left 111 Sqn to go overseas on June 20, 1943. He was killed on August 1, 1944 while attached to RAF 132 Sqn. He was in an accidental collision while landing between a Mustang and his Spitfire (NH 272) near Calvados, France. He is buried at the Bayeux War Cemetery, France. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo credit: Department of National Defence, number PMR76-224, appreciation to Major Mathias Joost)
Number 140 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot)(Administration) Ian MacMillan Dowling. (C3240) He was with 111 only briefly before moving out to 115 Sqn in April, 1942. He was killed "on an operational flight" in Alaska on March 26, 1943. He was in a Norseman a/c as a passenger when it crashed. He was from Brantford, Ontario. Click on picture for his obituary. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photo from Brantford Library)
Number 141 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) James Basil "Joe" Doak (J5491/ R73766) For a brief period he was acting commanding officer of a part of 111 Sqn. Here is his signature from that time (from the Daily Diary). He left 111 Sqn on April 20, 1943 to go overseas. The Squadron portrait is of RCAF Sqn 412 in Europe (summer, 1944). Flt. Lt. Doak is on the left wing nearest the fusilage of the Spitfire IX and beside him (in cap) is Flt. Lt. George Schwalm. Doak was with 111 Sqn from August, 1942 until April, 1943 . He remustered with 412 Sqn. He was shot down (in Spitfire MJ877) and killed, on January 1, 1945, in action over northern Germany. Joe was from Cowansville, Quebec and had attended McGill University. He is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Germany. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (The two photos on the left are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; The photo on the bottom and on the right is from the Collection of F/L Joseph Doak, courtesy of his nephew, Grant Doak; The bottom photo is Department of National Defence photo PL 13068 which was in F/L Doak's possession )
Number 142 Wing Commander (Pilot) Robert Ellis Evan "Bob" Morrow DFC He was the last W/C for Sqn 111. He had already had an illustrious career in Europe flying Hurricanes and leading 402 Sqn. The picture on the right shows him being decorated in February, 1944. He had already got the DFC (see ribbon under wings). His command of 111 was interrupted for a few weeks while he recovered from a bail-out injury near Umnak Island. His son, R.C. Morrow, shared his father's log entry for the crash: "May 6, 1943, A/C 42-9205, Pilot: self, Crash - take off; Bailed out, Recovered from water; flying time: .10 hrs." You have to admire the wit and understatement of a guy who, after a crash, major injury and protracted recovery, credits himself with 6 minutes of flying time for the incident. He was born in Alberta but enlisted from Toronto. He survived the war and died in 1998. Click on the picture to see him listed with other RCAF WWII pilots who earned honorable mentions. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photos 1 and 2: Courtesy of Harry McFee; Photo 3 from Brown & Lavigne, Canadian Wing Commanders of Fighter Command in WWII. 1983, Battleline Books, p228; Signature from the Squadron Daily Diary)
Number 143 Sergeant (Armourer, Guns) T.C. "Tom" Mitchinson He was with the sqn since at least the Summer of 1942. In the picture, he is posing with Sgt Al Morley (not of 111 Sqn) in front of a P-40 for a p.r. picture. Identification Confidence Level: 2 Probable (Photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-10)
Number 144 Leading Aircraftman (Armourer) William "Bill" Dalzell He joined 111 Sqn sometime in the Summer of 1942. He played on the Kodiak Island RCAF Hockey Team. While with the sqn, he was promoted to Leading Aircraftman. On April 19, 1943, he was struck off 111 Sqn strength to prepare to go overseas. I don't know where in Europe he served. He survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26)
Number 145 Corporal (Clerk, Accounting) Norman C. Middleton He was with 111 Sqn as early as the Summer of 1942. On September 1, 1942, he was promoted to Corporal. He played on the Kodiak Island RCAF Hockey Team. On April 9, 1943, he was posted to #2 Equipment Depot, Vancouver. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26)
Number 146 Leading Aircraftman George Grindrod Ground Crew He was with 111 Sqn as early as the Summer of 1942. He was with the sqn until at least the return to Pat Bay. I don't know what he did after serving in 111 Sqn. He played on the Kodiak Island RCAF Hockey Team. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (1st Photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26; 2nd photo from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943 courtesy of David Hicks, son of Flt. Lt. Clifford Hicks)
Number 147 Flight Sergeant (Armament) Lyman "Sunny" Sunstrum He must have joined 111Sqn as early as the Spring of 1942. He was promoted to Sergeant on August 1, 1942. He advanced to Flight Sergeant on February 13, 1943 when the sqn was on Kodiak Island. He played on the Kodiak Island RCAF Hockey Team. On October 28, 1943, he was sent to a Senior NCO Administration Course at #1 I.T.S., Trenton, Ontario. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confimed. (1st photo is from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26; 2nd photo from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943, courtesy of David Hicks, son of Flt .Lt. Clifford Hicks)
Number 148 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Harold C. Paynter. He was from Toronto. He joined 111 Sqn on April 14, 1942 from 115 Sqn. He was struck off strength on May 12, 1943 to go to #1 Service Flying Training School in Trenton, Ontario. He returned to 111 Sqn when it was renumbered as 440 Sqn and went to Europe. As far as I can ascertain, he survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photos taken from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943, courtesy of David Hicks, son of Flt. Lt. Clifford Hicks)
Number 149 Sergeant (Clerk Accountant) J. K. Moore. He was with 111 Sqn as early as the Fall of 1942. He was promoted to Sergeant on February 1, 1943. On November 3, 1943, he was struck off strength from 111 Sqn and reported to Western Air Command. He was from Wiarton, Ontario. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo came from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943 courtesy of Dave Hicks, son of Flt. Lt . Clifford Hicks)
Number 150 Sergeant (Clerk Steno) John J. Muldoon He was from Toronto.He arrived at 111 Sqn on December 5, 1941. On June 27, 1943, he left 111 Sqn and went to Western Air Command. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photo came from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943 courtesy of Dave Hicks, son of Flt. Lt. Clifford Hicks)
Number 151 Flying Officer (Pilot) Francis Joseph "Frank" Crowley (J26914/ R95588) He was from Brockville, Ontario. He arrived at 111 Sqn on March 22, 1942 from #13 Service Flying Training School, St. Hubert, Quebec and remained for the duration of the Aleutian Campaign. He left 111 Sqn on April 20, 1943 to join 14 Sqn on Umnak Island. From there he went overseas with 440 Sqn. . He was killed when his Typhoon (MP129) was hit by flak and exploded over Rouveen, Holland on November 11, 1944. That was not his first contact with flak. According to Flt Lt Hick's log book, Frank had been forced to bail out because of flak over Cherbourg but he was picked up O.K. He is buried in the New General Cemetery, Reuveen, Staphorst, Overijssel, Holland. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photo and log information from the Collection of Flt. Lt. Clifford Hicks, courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks)
Number 152 Leading Aircraftman Fredrick "Fred" Tomkinson He was with 111 Sqn, as a member of the Ground Crew, from as early as November, 1942. I do not know what work he did with the sqn nor what he did after his stint with 111. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943, courtesy of Dave Hicks, son of Flt. Lt Clifford Hicks)
Number 153 Leading Aircraftman (Armourer) E.D. "Ted" Doughty He was with 111 Sqn as early as May, 1942. On March 10, 1943, he was replaced by LAC Flett but I don't know what happened next for him. The photo above appeared in a Toronto newspaper in November, 1943, and the text suggested that he was with 111 personnel. Perhaps he remained in 111 Sqn with a new assignment after being replaced. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943 courtesy of David Hicks, son of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks)
Number 154 Warrant Officer II (Pilot) S.R.J. "Red" McLeod He arrived at 111 on April 15, 1942. On March 22, 1943, he was promoted to Warrant Officer 2. His P-40 (AL 194) ran off the end of the runway into the ocean on April 13, 1943; he was uninjured. The Kitty was retrieved. On August 8, 1943, he was part of the advance party that returned to PatBay to prepare for the return of the sqn. I don't know where he went after 111 Sqn wound down. He was from Alexandria, Virginia. The picture shows him beside his P-40 at Kodiak Island, Alaska. I believe he survived the war. Identification Confidence level: 1 Confirmed (Photo credit Department of National Defence, number PMR76-222; appreciation to Major Mathias Joost)
Number 155 Pilot Officer (Pilot) Walter Howard David "Dave" Hanchet He was from Ottawa. He enlisted in April, 1940; Wings in December, 1940. Immediately promoted from Sgt/Pilot to Pilot Officer because he finished in the top 25% of his flight class. He was probably an 8 Sqn bomber pilot but he was mentioned in the 111 Sqn Daily Diary on May 3, 1942. He may have participated in training exercises with 111. He was one of a group of five who were described in the Daily Diary as "dive bomber pilots". They were training on Harvards with 111 Sqn. They left 111 Sqn at the end of May, 1942 when the Sqn went north to Elmendorf. He survived the war and died in March, 2002. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photos from the Collection of P/O Dave Hanchet, courtesy of his son, Guy Hanchet) Note: the photos were signed by Yousef Karsh of Ottawa.
Number 156 Flying Officer (Pilot) A. A. "Al" Watkins DFC He was from Aylesbury, Saskatchewan. At the time of his enlistment on 07 July 1941, he was working as an aircraft engineering apprentice at the Regina Flying Club. He trained on Tiger Moths at No. 19 E.F.T.S. in Virden, Manitoba, and on Harvards at No. 2 S.F.T.S. at Uplands, Ottawa, Ontario. He began flying Kittyhawks after being posted to 132 fighter squadron at Rockcliffe, Ottawa, Ontario, in April 1942. After the pilots of 132F flew their Kittyhawks to Sea Island in June 1942, Al was re-assigned to 111F Squadron and commenced flying out of Elmendorf Airforce Base in Anchorage, Alaska on 28 June 1942. He was posted with 111F to Kodiak in November 1942 and, in May 1943, to Amchitka. He participated in bombing missions on Kiska in May and June. He returned with 111F to Patricia Bay on Vancouver Island in September 1943 and, after redesignation of the squadron to 440F and its posting overseas, commenced flying Hurricanes and Typhoons in February 1944. He flew Typhoons on bombing and strafing sorties over France in April and May. His Typhoon was hit by flak on 22 May 1944 and he was forced to bale out over the English Channel. After 5 ½ days drifting in his dinghy off the French coast, he was recovered by an RAF amphibian aircraft and spent several months recuperating in England before returning to Canada in late 1944. Flying Officer Watkins was awarded the DFC. He died in Qualicum Beach, B.C. in March 2010. Ribbons showing: Top, L-R: DFC, 1939-45 Star (Battle of Britain) and the Air Crew Europe Star. He also earned (bottom, L-R): the Pacific Star (Aleutian Campaign), the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the War Medal 1939-1945. The picture on the right was taken shortly before he died in March, 2010. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photos and career summary provided by his stepson, David Hicks)
Number 157 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Forrest Bee "Frosty" Young DFC He was from Huntington, West Virginia. Joined the RCAF in Toronto. He served only briefly in 111 Sqn, joining on May 12, 1943 and transferring to 14 Sqn on June 10, 1943. He won distinction as a dive bomber pilot in 442 Sqn in Europe. He was credited with destroying 73 enemy vehicles and shooting down 2 aircraft. He was shot down in November, 1944, taken prisoner. He was repatriated in June, 1945. He died on September 8, 2008 in Grinnell, Iowa. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (photo credit: http://www.acesofww2.com/Canada/aces/young.htm)
Number 158 Flight Sergeant Arthur "Art" Morton Identification Confidence: 1 Confirmed It is not clear if F/S Morton was a member of 111 Sqn; he may have been with another Sqn in Alaska. (Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise)
Number 159 Corporal (Cook) A.B.Yoxall On February, 1943, he was posted to 14 Sqn. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo by Max Crandall, and cited in Crandall's book "Farm Boy Goes to War", p.45)
Number 160 Squadron Leader George J. Elliott On November 6, 1943, he arrived on post at Pat Bay to relieve S/L David Ramsay as S/L of 111 Sqn. He had been at 132 Sqn at Boundary Bay, British Columbia. He was the final S/L for 111 Sqn before it was renumbered and deployed to the European Theatre. This is a copy of his signature as affixed to the final Daily Diary Monthly Summary on November 30, 1943. A Canadian, F/O G.J. Elliott, of RAF 604 Sqn, was placed on the RAF Battle of Britain Honour Roll (I don't know if that was this man). I have yet to find a photograph of S/L Elliott.
Number 161 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Arnold Walter "Rosey" Roseland (Service # J4116) He was actually from 14 Sqn but served on temporary assignment (4 days in May, 1943) to 111 Sqn. He returned to 14 Sqn on June 9. He won the US Air Medal for his work with 14 Sqn. When 14 Sqn was renumbered as 442 Sqn, he accompanied it to Europe. It was a Spitfire sqn. On July 13, 1944, his Spitfire (LF772) was shot down near the Normandy village of St. Martin de Mailloc. He was killed. There is a stirring website memorializing F/L Roseland which is linked to the picture. He was born in Youngstown, Alberta. Vintage Wings of Canada and Comox Air Force Museum are rebuilding a Sqn 442 Spitfire which they are naming after F/S Roseland. He is buried in Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, France. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photo from the memorial website belongs to the Roseland Family Archives, see link)
Number 162 Squadron Leader (Pilot) Bradley R. "Brad" or "Pinkie" Walker, DFC He was S/L of 14 Sqn but he was on temporary assignment (4 days in May, 1943) to 111 Sqn. He returned on August 3. He continued to command 14 Sqn, (renumbered to 442 Sqn) through part of its European tour of duty. It became a Spitfire squadron. Before assuming command of 14 Sqn, he had flown more than 50 sorties in the European Theatre, and earned the DFC there. He survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photo on right courtesy of Joe at flying foryourlife.com Thanks, Joe. Photo on left from the Collection of S/L David Ramsay, courtesy of S/L Ramsay's daughter and son-in-law Anne and Bo Jensen)
Number 163 Squadron Leader (Pilot) William Harry "Big Bill" Pentland DFC (J3204) He was appointed Squadron Leader of 111 Sqn in December, 1943, relieving his good friend since flight training days, David L. Ramsay. He took the newly re-numbered (to 440 Sqn) squadron to Europe. He remained S/L until his death on October 7, 1944. His Typhoon (Number MN 641) exploded just as he released his bombs on a railroad bombing run near Wesel, Germany. He was from Calgary, Alberta. He is buried at the War Cemetery at Rheinberg, Germany. The 440 Sqn Operations Record Book, dated Oct 7, 1944 noted his last mission. There were three missions that day. The first two were successful. "The third and final target proved very costly when our Officer commanding, S/L W.H. Pentland, DFC, was killed. He has only three more trips to complete his second tour of operations and his loss is deeply felt by all who worked with and knew him. The target was to dive-bomb rails at A.0758 - A.1747 in which 8 of our aircraft participated, using 16 X 500 lb 11 second delay bombs. On the bombing run S/L Pentland was seen to dive with his guns blazing and his aircraft was seen to explode after dropping his bombs. F/O Savard who followed behind was caught in the explosion and narrowly escaped spinning in.... All bombs were in target area, rails were cut and near misses scored. Weather was hazy and smoky." He was from Calgary, Alberta. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Face Photo from website Aces of WWII.com; see link for a thorough examination of his career; the picture of then Pilot Officers Ramsay and Pentland (on right) all decked out in their brand new flying suits was taken at EFTS #3, London on August 23, 1940. It and the signature are from the Collection of S/L David L.Ramsay courtesy of his daughter and son-in-law Christie Anne and Bo Jensen)
Number 164 Wing Commander (Pilot) David L. Ramsay He assumed command after S/L Boomer on May 31, 1943 but, due to bad weather and delays, did not arrive until June 28. S/L Ramsay's family, as conveyed by his daughter, Christie Anne Jensen, suggested the following summary of his career for use here: "S/L David L. Ramsay (retired as Wing Commander in 1966) was from Calgary, served in Russia (151 Wing), England (402 and 411 Squadrons) along with Squadrons 111 (June 4, 1943 to Sept 1943 at Kodiak and until Nov 12, 1943 at Pat Bay) and Squadron 163 at Sea Island until the end of the war". While he was in Russia, he taught Russian pilots to fly Hurricanes. He died in 1992." Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Signature from the Squadron Daily Diary; photos from S/L Ramsay's Collection, courtesy of his daughter and son-in-law Christie Anne and Bo Jensen)
Number 165 Flight Lieutenant (Adjutant, Diarist) W. Ian Webb M.M. He served as Adjutant until December 11, 1942 when F/O Farrell took over the job. He moved on to Western Air Command. He was from Gulfport, Mississippi. He had been a British army officer in WWI, then moved to the U.S. He joined the RCAF and served as an administrative officer.
(Signature from the Squadron Daily Diary)
Number 166 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Dufferin Wilfred "Duff" Wakeling (J5126) He was on temporary assignment (4 days in May, 1943) to 111 Sqn from 14 (f) Sqn. He died on June 13, 1943, while serving as Flight Commander with 14 Sqn in Alaska. He is buried at the Fort Richardson Post Cemetery, in Alaska. He had won the US Air Medal. He was from Brantford, Ontario. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo from The Brampton Public Library, see link)
Number 167 Group Captain (Pilot) Kenneth B. Conn DFC He was a pilot in WWI with 20 victories to his credit. He became an historian who joined the RCAF in WWII to serve in an administrative role. He rose because he was hard nosed and skilled at picking the right person for a job. He organized the RCAF to tell its story during the war but also had other duties. In the spring of 1943, he was Group Captain of 111's group. He received the monthly summaries of squadron operations. On June 27, 1943, he signed 111's monthly summary. He survived the war and retuned to his first love: history. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo extracted from Hugh Halliday's article The Air Historian, Part 1, see link)
Number 168 Flying Officer (Pilot) John Fraser Dewar (J28180) He joined 111 Sqn in its last months when they were back from Alaska and winding down at Patricia Bay. He went overseas with 440 Sqn and, on August 12, 1944, flying Typhoon MP122, he was killed by flak whlie dive-bombing a bridge and crashed near Conde-sur-Noireau in Normandy. He is buried in Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, France. He was from London, Ontario. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo extracted from website http://www.flyingforyourlife.com/pilots/ww2/d/)
Number 169 Flying Officer (Pilot) Ronald William Doidge (Service # J26406/ R164071) He transferred into 111 Sqn in early November, 1943 from 132 (f) Sqn. He went to Europe with 440 Sqn. He (in Typhoon 1B #PD469) was brought down by flak while dive-bombing a railroad junction at Dijverdal, Holland on October 20, 1944. His gravestone is at the General Cemetery, Hellenboorn, Nederlands. He was from LaSalle, Ontario. He was 20 years old. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo extracted from http://www.flyingforyourlife.com/pilots/ww2/d/)
Number 170 Pilot Officer (Pilot) William R. "Bill" Weeks He was a replacement pilot for 111 Sqn pilots being sent overseas. He arrived on June 4, 1943. He had his P-40 solo on June 8. Crashed P-40 #1051 on June 9. He was unhurt but the Kitty was badly damaged. He survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo extracted from the Late Robert Bracken's SPITFIRE - The Canadians courtesy of Joe at http://www.flyingforyourlife.com/)
Number 171 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Delbert F. English He arrived at 111 sqn on April 20, 1940 directly from #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa). On February 20, 1943, while stationed at Kodiak Island, his P-40K1 (#245954) slid on the ice and crashed into a gun emplacement. He was unhurt. He went to Europe and flew Typhoons with 440 Sqn. He was from Vancouver. I believe he survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo from the 440 Sqn Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8 - courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks)
Number 172 Flying Officer (Pilot) Walter N. "Wally" Ward On June 5, 1943, he was posted to 118 Sqn on Annette Island, Alaska. He transferred into 111 Sqn on October 9, 1943 at Pat Bay just before 111 Sqn left for Europe. He went with 111 Sqn (renamed to 440 Sqn) to Scotland and then into Europe as the Allied advance pressed into Germany through France and Belgium. He flew Typhoons against German ground forces . He survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo on right from the 440 Sqn Portrait taken at B.9 , Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8 - provided courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks; the photo on the left is taken from an article he wrote for AirForce Magazine, Spring, 2007, pp 20-21)
Number 173 Flight Lieutenant (Medical Officer) M.W.F. Roger Dunne Dr. Dunne replaced F/ L Dr. Cowan as M.O. on October 13, 1942. He served as Medical Officer of 111 Sqn during the balance of the Aleutian Campaign and then went with 111, re-numbered as 440 Sqn, to serve in Europe. He survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo from the 440 Sqn Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is in the portrait but was killed on August 8 - courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks)
Number 174 Flying Officer (Pilot) John A.D. Gordon He transferred into 111 Sqn in early November, 1943 from 132 (f) Sqn. He went with 111 Sqn to Europe. He survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo from the 440 Sqn Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8 - courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks)
Number 175 Flying Officer (Pilot) Donald Wright (J4523) He transferred into 111 Sqn in early November, 1943 from 132 (f) Sqn. He went to Europe with 111 Sqn and flew Typhoons with 440 Sqn. He was from Trenton, Ontario. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo from the 440 Sqn Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8 - courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks)
Number 176 Flying Officer (Pilot) James H. Beatty He transferred into 111 Sqn in early November, 1943 from 132 (f) Sqn. He went with 111 Sqn to Europe and flew Typhoons with 440 Sqn. He may have survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo from the 440 Sqn Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8 - courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks)
Number 177 Pilot Officer (Pilot) Donald C. Campbell He arrived at 111 Sqn in October, 1943 when the sqn was winding down at Patricia Bay. He went with 111, re-numbered to 440 Sqn, to Europe. He survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo from the 440 Sqn Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8 - courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks)
Number 178 Flying Officer (Pilot) John William Lippert (J27245) He transferred in from 118 (f) Sqn in late October, 1943, just before 111 Sqn left for Europe. He went on with 440 Sqn. On July 30, 1944, he failed to return from a troop bombing mission north east of Bretteville, France. It was presumed that he was shot down while over the target. He was flying Typhoon 1B MN7952. He is buried in Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery. He was the son of Herbert Albert and Genevieve Belle Lippert of Kitchener, Ontario. Years later, his wingmate, Wally Ward, wrote an article describing the mystery surrounding F/O Lippert's death. They were flying at 10,000 feet over Normandy, clear sky, no enemy in sight. Here is a quote from his article: "After a few minutes I noticed that John Lippert was lagging behind, thereby losing visual contact. I throttled back, drew alongside and waved but there was no response. Lippert was motionless, looking into the cockpit. So I broke radio silence and called him, but there was no reply. I then dropped under him, checking for any sign of damage - and then moved to the opposite side. I was within 15 feet of him, and had a clear view, but nothing seemed out of order. Shortly thereafter, Lippert's Typhoon -in a shallow dive- began to lose altitude. I followed him down until he disappeared into cloud at about 2,000 feet." He speculated that Lippert's death was caused not by enemy fire but by failure in his oxygen supply. (The quote and the photo of F/O Lippert are from: Wally Ward, "Mystery in Normandy" Airforce Magazine, Spring, 2011, pp 20-21).
Number 179 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Hugh Fitch Morse DFC (J 27017) He was with 111 Sqn on July 2, 1943, when he received his Commission, being promoted to Pilot Officer from Warrant Officer. However, I believe he was with 111 Sqn only briefly, perhaps for training or replacement purposes. I think his primary attachment was with 14 Sqn. According to his daughter, Kathy Morse, he was redeployed to Europe with 442 Squadron - flew No 2 with Johnny Johnson - was awarded the DFC. He flew the clipped wing Spitfire Mark 9B - loved that aircraft - even had “Spit 9B” as his personalized licence plate! He specialized in low level attacks against ground vehicles and was highly effective at it. After two tours in Europe, he returned to Canada and became a dental surgeon - died in January of 2008. While he enlisted in Montreal, he was from Haney, British Columbia. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed. (Photos courtesy of Kathy Morse. Photo on right was taken on Remembrance Day, 2007. The Medals: on top, the Distinguished Flying Cross; below, L-R, Volunteer Service Medal, Defence Medal and War Medal 1939-1945.)
Number 180 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) George Glenn Millar (J20388) He arrived at 111 Sqn as a replacement pilot on May 16, 1943 from 133 (f) Sqn at Boundary Bay. He went overseas with 442 Sqn. On September 28, 1944, while on a front line patrol in his Spitfire (PL490), he ran out of gas and was last seen over Nijmegen, Holland. He was from Winnipeg, Manitoba. He is buried it the War Cemetery at Uden, North Brabant, Holland. (Photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com)
Number 181 Pilot Officer (Pilot) A.L.S. Harrison He was transferred into 111 Sqn from 14 (f) Sqn on May 1, 1943. He was still with 111 in June (see Photo PL13139) He returned to his sqn within a few days when the training was complete. (Photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com)
Number 182 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Stanley Vincent Garside He graduated from #3 Service Flying Training School, Calgary on May 2, 1941. He joined 111 Sqn fresh out of #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec on February 13, 1943. (J5068) He went to Europe with the re-numbered 440 Sqn. On June 7, 1944, he was killed when his Typhoon (MN548) was brought down by flak at La Vacquerie, near Tilly-sur-Seulles, west of Caen, France. He was the son of Emsley and Maude Garside of Edmonton, Alberta. He is buried at Bayeux War Cemetery, Calvados, France. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com)
Number 183 Flight Sergeant (Pilot) Joseph L. Sabourin He joined the sqn on May 21, 1943. He was a replacement pilot. I don't know what happened to him after the sqn disbanded but I believe he survived the war.
Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com)
Number 184 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Courtney O'Brien Robertson Clacken DFC His home before the war was in Patricia Bay, B.C., He enlisted in Ottawa, 5 June 1940, was commissioned 9 October 1943. He was a flight instructor at No.4 Service Flying Training School (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) from May 10, 1941 to February 3, 1942 and at No.11 SFTS (Yorkton, Saskatchewan), until March 12, 1942. He then went to Communications Flight, No. 8 Repair Depot (Winnipeg, Manitoba), and was there until November 2, 1942. He was then posted to No.1 Operational Training Unit, (Bagotville, Quebec) on November 2, 1942. He joined 111 Sqn on February 13, 1943. He flew operationally with 111 in Alaska and the Aleutians and went with them when they went overseas (as No.440 Sqn), December 1943. He flew 103 sorties, was very successful and was decorated. He was repatriated on August 2, 1945 and was redeployed to No.56 OTU on May 17, 1945. He was released from service on October 5, 1945. He survived the war. RCAF Service # J39101. According to his cousin, Tony Whittingham, F/L Clacken was born in Jamaica. He made a career, after the war, flying Vickers Vikings for British West Indies Airways. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com; BWIA Vickers Viking photo from flyawaysimulation.com)
Number 185 Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Borden Earle Middleton DFC (Service # J7820) He joined 111 Sqn fresh out of #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec on February 13, 1943. He was with 111 Sqn only briefly. On April 9, 1943, he was posted to Sea Island and from there he was sent to join 442 (Spitfire) Sqn where he became very successful at low level bombing, disabling as many as 100 enemy vehicles in his first tour. He survived the war. He was from Brougham and Pickering, Ontario. He was the youngest son of Luther and Elida Middleton of Pickering, Ontario. I believe he became a Lawyer after the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com)
Number 186 Pilot Officer (Pilot) J.H. Clarke He joined 111 Sqn fresh out of #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec on February 13, 1943. On June 27, 1943, he left 111 Sqn and prepared to go overseas. I think he survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo on left extracted from Department of National Defence PMR 76-214; on right, extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139,both courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com)
Number 187 Pilot Officer (Pilot) G.R. Blair He joined the sqn as a replacement pilot on May 21, 1943. I don't know if he went overseas with 440 Sqn. He survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com)
Number 188 Flight Lieutenant (Engineer) G. F. "Bob" Pearce. He was the engineering officer at the time the squadron portrait was taken. He had arrived on December 8, 1941 from A.E.S. in Montreal. His rank, then, was Pilot Officer. On August 17, 1942, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. On January 27, 1943 he was posted to serve in Tofino, British Columbia. The photo, taken in early summer, 1942, shows him (on the left) with Rigger Tommy Walsh beside Lake Spenard, Anchorage, Alaska. I don't know what he did for the rest of the war. He did survive. Identity of man (probably a Fitter) on plane's nose is unknown. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise).
Number 189 Flight Commander (Pilot) Arthur "Art" Jarred Jr. (C 4808) He was born in Toronto to American parents. Later the family moved to Lansing, Michigan where Arthur grew up. He enlisted in the RCAF. I don't know where he trained but, on November 2, 1942, he arrived at 111 Sqn from 115 Sqn (Annette Island) to replace Mitchell temporarily as Flight Commander. On January 25, 1943, he left 111 Sqn on Kodiak Island for Elmendorf Air Force Base to await further posting. On March 30, 1943, this appeared in the Sqn Daily Diary: "F/L Jarred, on strength of this unit, but at present attached to WAC (Western Air Command), was killed in a crash of a P-40 at Annette Island." On March 28, he had attempted an upward roll in his bomb-laden Kittyhawk (AK 821). He was carrying a 300 pound bomb attached to the belly of the aircraft. The plane went into an uncontrollable spin and crashed. He was flying with 118 Sqn at Annette Island. His grave site is at Deepdale Cemetery in Lansing. He was the son of Arthur and Gertrude Jarred of Lansing and the husband of Marion M. Jarred then of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The photo on the left was extracted from a magazine page (Dafoe Doings,Dafoe, Saskatchewan, home of #5 Bombing and Gunnery School) featuring "Captains from the Battles". John Horvath explained the red circle: "My grandmother was quite proud and didn't want anyone to miss Arthur's picture." Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed (Photos on left from the Collection of Mrs Gertrude Jarred (Arthur's mother), the collage on right created by Arthur's nephew, Joseph Horvath and they come here courtesy Arthur's nephew, John Horvath)
Number 190 This could be Corporal (Armourer, Guns) A.E. Morely
On June 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal. He remained with 111 Sqn until it began the process of redeployment to Europe. He was sent to RCAF Rockcliffe (Ottawa) on November 27, 1943. He was attached to the T&D Flight School there. I don't think he went overseas with the sqn. Identification Confidence Level: 5, Wild Stab (Photo by Department of National Defence, PL 13129 courtesy of Captain Fred Paradie; Note the Thunderbird logo on the nose. This was P-40 LZ*D, which featured in several DoND photographs)
Number 191 Squadron Leader (Chaplain, Protestant) Frederick A. "Fred" Springborn He served as Chaplain to 111 Sqn at least in the Fall of 1942 when they were in Anchorage at Elmendorf Field. He visited the sqn when they were on Kodiak Island on a bi-wekly basis at least to the end of 1943. A Rev. F.A. Springborn had been an Assistant Priest at St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, Oak Bay, British Columbia. He left to join the RCAF in the 1940's. He might be this man. Identification Confidence Level: 3, Possible
(Photo credit: this picture was extracted from a Department of National Defence photograph, number unknown, showing the 111 Squadron staff and some pilots at the time S/L Ramsay assumed command in early summer, 1943. The photograph was part of the Collection of S/L Dave Ramsay and it is here courtesy of S/L Ramsay's daughter and her husband, Christie Anne and Bo Jenson.)
Number 192 Pilot Officer (Pilot) August W. Rabe (C39821) He joined 111 Sqn on May 17, 1943 from 132 Sqn. On June 8, 1943, he was transferred to 14 Sqn and later he went to Europe with 442 Sqn. In the book Escort to Berlin, he was mentioned. He had joined Mustang-equipped 335 Sqn, USAAF, Fourth Fighter Group, on August 15, 1944. He was captured and made POW around Christmas, 1944. He was one of the many American pilots who joined the RCAF and later transferred to USAAF. He came from Park Hill, Yonkers, New York. He survived the war. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (The photo comes from website (see Link) created by his son, William Rabe, as a memorial to his father)
Number 193 Leading Aircraftman (Equipment) Holton I don't know when he arrived at 111 Sqn. He played for the Kodiak Island RCAF hockey team. On June 1, 1943, he was struck off sqn strength and assigned to #17 Equipment Depot, Ottawa. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (The photo was extracted from Department of National Defence photo which resides with Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26)
Number 194 Pilot Officer (Pilot) William "Bill" Stiles (see: Image No: NA-4330-6, Glenbow Archives) He arrived at 111 Sqn on April 15, 1942 as part of a group of Pilots who trained with 111's experienced Pilots. For six weeks he took part in training in formation flying and shooting. He returned to his squadron (14, I think) at the end of May as 111 Squadron was packing up to leave PatBay for Alaska. I believe he went to Europe with 14 Sqn (renumbered as 442 Sqn) and flew Spitfires. He survived the war. He was from Cornwall, Ontario. Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed (Photo extracted from Department of National Defence photo # PMR 76-422, courtesy of Captain Fred Paradie)
