No. 111 (F) Squadron Ground Crew
Russ Mitchell thinks he recognizes his Father, Bill Mitchell, in the man who is, precariously, working on the nose. "I'm not 100% sure," he says, "but the figure, height, posture and hair are all him." Thanks, Russ.. The dismembered aircraft is a P40E, Mark 1 Kittyhawk; Number AL214
The glamour of flight, no doubt, was a factor that drew Pilots into the RCAF. And probably some of that rubbed off onto guys who wanted to work on airplanes. But that couldn't have been the only reason that guys joined the Air Force. Don Forbes has been gracious in sharing his father's stories of his days in 111 Squadron. His father was John Forbes, Air Frame Mechanic. His stories a sprinkled throughout this site. Here is one:
"A good friend of mine, his name was Bill Coles. One day, the two of us decided to go into Edmonton and enlist. We went into the recruiting center and we were discussing the possibility of joining the Navy. There was a sergeant who was standing near by and he had over heard us.
This sergeant he says to us, "You two fellows! You don't want to go into the Navy. If you join the Navy, you'll be stokin' coal! The Navy is looking for stokers right now. Did you two want to stoke coal?' Bill and I just looked at one another and said that we didn't want to shovel any coal for any Navy! 'Well then', this sergeant, he says to us, 'Air Force, fellas! The Air Force is where you want to be.' So, it wasn't too much later, and we were in the Air Force. Bill and I lost contact with each other. I don't recall where it was that he ended up. Later on, I was posted to the west coast. I was at Pat Bay when I was assigned to a fighter squadron there. I was assigned to one eleven squadron (nods) It was a pretty good outfit."
Johnny Forbes joined the Air Force on June 16, 1941. After basic training, his first assignment was to 111 Squadron which, in January, 1942, had just arrived at Patricia Bay at the same time Johnny Forbes did, Thanks for the story, Don.
"A good friend of mine, his name was Bill Coles. One day, the two of us decided to go into Edmonton and enlist. We went into the recruiting center and we were discussing the possibility of joining the Navy. There was a sergeant who was standing near by and he had over heard us.
This sergeant he says to us, "You two fellows! You don't want to go into the Navy. If you join the Navy, you'll be stokin' coal! The Navy is looking for stokers right now. Did you two want to stoke coal?' Bill and I just looked at one another and said that we didn't want to shovel any coal for any Navy! 'Well then', this sergeant, he says to us, 'Air Force, fellas! The Air Force is where you want to be.' So, it wasn't too much later, and we were in the Air Force. Bill and I lost contact with each other. I don't recall where it was that he ended up. Later on, I was posted to the west coast. I was at Pat Bay when I was assigned to a fighter squadron there. I was assigned to one eleven squadron (nods) It was a pretty good outfit."
Johnny Forbes joined the Air Force on June 16, 1941. After basic training, his first assignment was to 111 Squadron which, in January, 1942, had just arrived at Patricia Bay at the same time Johnny Forbes did, Thanks for the story, Don.
Here is a great shot of 111 Squadron Erks, They are (standing, L-R): Johnny Forbes, E.T. Lans, Jerry Summer and Jack Fordham,all Air Frame Mechanics. Crouching, L-R: Wilf Troughton and Gord H. Simmons, AeroEngine Mechanics. The picture was taken by Pilot Officer Lou Wise who, before he became a Pilot, was a Sergeant, Air Frame Mechanic with these guys.
This shot, by the Department of National Defence, appeared in a British Columbia newspapers in 1942. It showed British Columbia service men who were serving in northwestern Alaska in 1942. All of these men were ground crew in 111 Squadron. The man with the X is LAC Bill Mitchell. His son, Russell Mitchell, supplied the photograph. It helped me to put a face to five more members of 111 Squadron. I'm very grateful, Russ.
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These are three 111 Squadron Ground Crew on leave with dates. The time is approximately Summer, 1941. The men are L-R John MacDonald, Fred Ralphs and George Whitlock. The picture is from the Collection of George Whitlock, courtesy of his son, Brad. The family does not recognize any of the women. These guys, all Erks, had been trained to innovate and create solutions in the field under battle conditions. Here George is demonstrating the creativity of the Rigger. In doing so, he invented the "Selfie", a little known fact but here is the evidence.
This site is about the guys who served. I have tried to find the name and at least one picture of all of the men who served on the 111 Squadron Ground Crew. Below are 32 pictures of men who I know served in 111 Squadron but I haven't been able to attach names yet. Help!
Scroll down to see the ones whom I have been able to identify with name, picture and some details of their WWII careers.
Rank: Leading Aircraftman Name Unknown (#025)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #025 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #025 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#028)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position # 028 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position # 028 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#030)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #030 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #030 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#032)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #032 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #032 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#039)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken. Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #039 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken. Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #039 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#040)
Ground Crew He was with 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the squadron portrait was taken. Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #040 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the squadron portrait was taken. Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #040 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#041)
Ground Crew He was with 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the squadron portrait was taken. Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #041 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the squadron portrait was taken. Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #041 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#046)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #046 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #046 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#052)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #052 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #052 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#054)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #054 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #054 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#055)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #055 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #055 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#058)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #058 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #058 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#063)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #063 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #063 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#079)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #079 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #079 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#081)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #081 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #081 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#082)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #082 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #082 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#085)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #085 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #085 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#087)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #087 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #087 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#089)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #089 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #089 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#091)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #091 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #091 in the portrait.
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Rank: Aircraftman Name Unknown (#098)
Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #098 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron at Patricia Bay on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 6, Help!
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #098 in the portrait.
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111 Squadron on the move: waiting for the train to carry them to a ship for Kodiak Island
This photograph was taken by Flying Officer Lou Wise while he was a Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) in 111 Squadron. It shows members of the Ground Crew of 111 Squadron waiting for the train to take them on the first leg of a journey from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska to Fort Greely on Kodiak Island, Alaska. It was taken in the last days of October, 1942. Some of these men I recognize but the photo is a source of squadron member's faces for whom I do not yet have names. The unnamed faces appear below. The names of these men can also be found below. Help me match them. I have coded the faces in this way: W#1, W#2 etc. W#1 is Boston Noel; W#2 is Ren Baker; W#5 is Fred Hawthorne, W#7 is D.E. Spero; W#9 is Mike Percheson; W#11 is Tom Walsh; W#12 is Pop Hindson; W#19 might be Bill Cripps. I think W#18 is O.W. Antonchuk. Of the 9 other recognizable faces, it remains to find out which is who. Help!
This is W#3 from the above photograph. Recognize him? Help!
This is W#4 from the above photograph. Recognize him? Help!
This is W#6 from the above photograph. Recognize him? Help!
This is W#10 from the above photograph. In 1942, he was a Corporal. He may be Don or John McDonald. Recognize him? Help!
This is W#13 from the above photograph. Recognize him? Help!
This is W#14 from the above photograph. Recognize him? Help!
This is W#15 from the above photograph. Recognize him? Help!
This is W#16 from the above photograph. Recognize him? Help!
This is W#17 from the above photograph. Recognize him? Help!
Photo showing Manitobans who were serving in Alaska.
It appeared in The Winnipeg Tribune on November 20, 1942, page 13, photographer unspecified.
All but one of these Airmen were members of 111 Squadron. Walsh was present in the March 3, 1942 Squadron Portrait: he was in position #074. Middleton was at position #042 (I wonder if "Horace" was a nickname) ; Hindson at #076; Merkley at #083 and Weber at #095. Note that F/S Weber's name is misspelled. This was a persistent and puzzling error in the press. He signed his name, in an autographed copy of a photo of 111 pilots, with just one "b". That convinced me. One of these men, LAC Edward Hawthorne, might not have been a member of 111 Squadron. His name never appeared in the Squadron Daily Diary. However, that is not to say he wasn't a member. I am looking for more information about him. O.W. Antonchuk's name is misspelled.
I tentatively date this picture at sometime late Fall, 1942 or in the early Spring of 1943. All of these men were at Fort Greely, Kodiak, Alaska at that period. It had to have been before May 2, 1943 because that is the date that LAC Clifford Blow (in the picture) left the squadron to go to #3 Repair Depot. Since Weber is wearing Flight Sergeant rank insignia, a more precise time window would be between late August, 1942 when he made Flight Sergeant and January 24, 1943 when he was promoted to Warrant Officer. Since their outdoor gear is fairly light (by Alaskan standards), I think this picture was published soon after it was taken in the Fall of 1942.
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It appeared in The Winnipeg Tribune on November 20, 1942, page 13, photographer unspecified.
All but one of these Airmen were members of 111 Squadron. Walsh was present in the March 3, 1942 Squadron Portrait: he was in position #074. Middleton was at position #042 (I wonder if "Horace" was a nickname) ; Hindson at #076; Merkley at #083 and Weber at #095. Note that F/S Weber's name is misspelled. This was a persistent and puzzling error in the press. He signed his name, in an autographed copy of a photo of 111 pilots, with just one "b". That convinced me. One of these men, LAC Edward Hawthorne, might not have been a member of 111 Squadron. His name never appeared in the Squadron Daily Diary. However, that is not to say he wasn't a member. I am looking for more information about him. O.W. Antonchuk's name is misspelled.
I tentatively date this picture at sometime late Fall, 1942 or in the early Spring of 1943. All of these men were at Fort Greely, Kodiak, Alaska at that period. It had to have been before May 2, 1943 because that is the date that LAC Clifford Blow (in the picture) left the squadron to go to #3 Repair Depot. Since Weber is wearing Flight Sergeant rank insignia, a more precise time window would be between late August, 1942 when he made Flight Sergeant and January 24, 1943 when he was promoted to Warrant Officer. Since their outdoor gear is fairly light (by Alaskan standards), I think this picture was published soon after it was taken in the Fall of 1942.
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Aircraftman 1 (Wireless Mechanic) Holzer (Surname Unreadable)
R160496 Holzer was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. I don't know his surname because it was unreadable on the ship's manifest. His service number, too, might not be accurate
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
R160496 Holzer was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. I don't know his surname because it was unreadable on the ship's manifest. His service number, too, might not be accurate
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Flight Sergeant (Aero Engine Mechanic ) James Albert (Surname Unreadable, 4 letters long)
James Albert was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. I don't know his surname because it was unreadable on the ship's manifest. I could read only a part of his service number: the final numbers were 274.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
James Albert was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. I don't know his surname because it was unreadable on the ship's manifest. I could read only a part of his service number: the final numbers were 274.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Leading Aircraftman (Fabric Worker) Robert James Adamson
R101349 LAC Adamson was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R101349 LAC Adamson was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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KFA
Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic, Metal Repair) Victor Edward Ahlskog
R 131991 He enlisted at Calgary, Alberta on October 22, 1941. He had been a farmer and "lumberman" before that. But he declared when he enlisted that he wanted to become an Air Frame Mechanic. He trained at Technical Training School in St. Thomas, Ontario. He completed his course in April, 1942 and worked as an AFM at RCAF Station Ucluelet, British Columbia for a year where he was promoted to Acting Leading Aircraftman. He came to 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay on November 9, 1943 from RCAF Station Tofino, British Columbia where he had worked from April, 1942 until March, 1943. While he was with 111 Squadron, he was promoted to Leading Aircraftman. Also, while in 111 Squadron, he was defined as fully qualified (A level) at his trade. On November 19, 1943, he was sent to the #8 Bombing and Gunnery School in Lethbridge, Alberta. Then, on January 20, 1944, he disembarked from Halifax, bound for England. His posting was to RCAF 6418 Servicing Echelon, a component, I think, of RCAF 418 Squadron. On June 1, 1944, while a passenger on a training flight (a cine Gun practice), he was killed when the 418 Squadron Mosquito VI (NS 980) he was a passenger in crashed near Throop, Hampshire, England. He was 22 years old. He is buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery, Woking, Surrey, England. He was the son of Emil and Edla Ahlskog from Wildwood, Alberta. Victor was born in Finland.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo and signature from his Service Record.
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic, Metal Repair) Victor Edward Ahlskog
R 131991 He enlisted at Calgary, Alberta on October 22, 1941. He had been a farmer and "lumberman" before that. But he declared when he enlisted that he wanted to become an Air Frame Mechanic. He trained at Technical Training School in St. Thomas, Ontario. He completed his course in April, 1942 and worked as an AFM at RCAF Station Ucluelet, British Columbia for a year where he was promoted to Acting Leading Aircraftman. He came to 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay on November 9, 1943 from RCAF Station Tofino, British Columbia where he had worked from April, 1942 until March, 1943. While he was with 111 Squadron, he was promoted to Leading Aircraftman. Also, while in 111 Squadron, he was defined as fully qualified (A level) at his trade. On November 19, 1943, he was sent to the #8 Bombing and Gunnery School in Lethbridge, Alberta. Then, on January 20, 1944, he disembarked from Halifax, bound for England. His posting was to RCAF 6418 Servicing Echelon, a component, I think, of RCAF 418 Squadron. On June 1, 1944, while a passenger on a training flight (a cine Gun practice), he was killed when the 418 Squadron Mosquito VI (NS 980) he was a passenger in crashed near Throop, Hampshire, England. He was 22 years old. He is buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery, Woking, Surrey, England. He was the son of Emil and Edla Ahlskog from Wildwood, Alberta. Victor was born in Finland.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo and signature from his Service Record.
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Sergeant (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Robert Robert Aikin
R85067 Sergeant Aiken was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
R85067 Sergeant Aiken was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Edward Cameron Aikin
R138414 Sergeant Aiken was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
R138414 Sergeant Aiken was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Aircraftman 1 (Air Frame Mechanic) Frank Melvin Anderson
R 164367 In the Fall of 1943, he was on temporary attachment to 111 Squadron from 14 Squadron. On October 27, 1943, he was taken on strength in 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay. He remained with 111 Squadron through their Aleutian Campaign. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R 164367 In the Fall of 1943, he was on temporary attachment to 111 Squadron from 14 Squadron. On October 27, 1943, he was taken on strength in 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay. He remained with 111 Squadron through their Aleutian Campaign. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) Sid Anderson
Sgt Anderson was with the squadron from the beginning but he did not accompany them to Alaska. I don't know where he spent the rest of the war. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3, Tentative
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 He is in the #002 position in the portrait.
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Sgt Anderson was with the squadron from the beginning but he did not accompany them to Alaska. I don't know where he spent the rest of the war. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3, Tentative
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 He is in the #002 position in the portrait.
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Corporal (Electrician) Austin Aspin
He was with 111 Squadron from at least the Winter of 1943. He worked at Marks Field, Point Chiniak, Kodiak Island, Alaska 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 Squadron left at Elmendorf as spare a/c for Squadron 14 when 111 Squadron 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.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
He was with 111 Squadron from at least the Winter of 1943. He worked at Marks Field, Point Chiniak, Kodiak Island, Alaska 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 Squadron left at Elmendorf as spare a/c for Squadron 14 when 111 Squadron 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.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) F.A. Austen
He was in 111 Squadron at least from the beginning of 1943. In February, 1943, he served as a replacement at Marks Field, Chiniak Point, Kodiak Island, Alaska. On October 1, 1943, he was made Acting Corporal at Elmendorf. He was struck off squadron strength on October 21, 1943 and went to Aeronautical Inspector (District) School, Malton, Ontario to become an Aeronautical Accident Inspector. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war but he did survive.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo from the Collection of F/L (Pilot) Robert Lynch, courtesy of his Granddaughter, Karen Abel.
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He was in 111 Squadron at least from the beginning of 1943. In February, 1943, he served as a replacement at Marks Field, Chiniak Point, Kodiak Island, Alaska. On October 1, 1943, he was made Acting Corporal at Elmendorf. He was struck off squadron strength on October 21, 1943 and went to Aeronautical Inspector (District) School, Malton, Ontario to become an Aeronautical Accident Inspector. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war but he did survive.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo from the Collection of F/L (Pilot) Robert Lynch, courtesy of his Granddaughter, Karen Abel.
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Sergeant (Driver, Transport) R. E. "Ren" Baker
He had joined the squadron by, at least, the Fall of 1942. He played Defence on the Kodiak Island RCAF Hockey Team. On March 1, 1943, he was made Acting Corporal. That must have been a temporary assignment because, on June 1, 1943, he was once again made Acting Corporal. According to his daughter, Vicki Baker, he suffered an elbow injury while playing hockey at Kodiak Island. The injury ended his hockey career and he was discharged from the RCAF because of it. It is likely that he left 111 squadron before the squadron left Kodiak Island in August, 1943. The picture on the right, courtesy of Vicki Baker, was a press release photo showing then-Aircraftman Baker with James Cagney. Cagney was in Ottawa making a movie called Captains of the Clouds, about RCAF involvement in the war. It was probably taken in the Fall of 1941, just before 111 Squadron left for the West Coast. He was from Cornwall, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on the left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #113 in the portrait. The middle photo is from Glenbow Archives photo NA 4330-26. The picture on the right come courtesy of his Daughter, Vicki Baker. Vicki and her Mother thought that Baker had attained the rank of Sergeant.Thank you, Vicki.
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He had joined the squadron by, at least, the Fall of 1942. He played Defence on the Kodiak Island RCAF Hockey Team. On March 1, 1943, he was made Acting Corporal. That must have been a temporary assignment because, on June 1, 1943, he was once again made Acting Corporal. According to his daughter, Vicki Baker, he suffered an elbow injury while playing hockey at Kodiak Island. The injury ended his hockey career and he was discharged from the RCAF because of it. It is likely that he left 111 squadron before the squadron left Kodiak Island in August, 1943. The picture on the right, courtesy of Vicki Baker, was a press release photo showing then-Aircraftman Baker with James Cagney. Cagney was in Ottawa making a movie called Captains of the Clouds, about RCAF involvement in the war. It was probably taken in the Fall of 1941, just before 111 Squadron left for the West Coast. He was from Cornwall, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on the left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #113 in the portrait. The middle photo is from Glenbow Archives photo NA 4330-26. The picture on the right come courtesy of his Daughter, Vicki Baker. Vicki and her Mother thought that Baker had attained the rank of Sergeant.Thank you, Vicki.
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Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) Douglas Robert Baldester
R89514 Corporal Baldester (this name may not be spelled quite correctly) was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer- Guns) Allen Alfred Baldwin
R170038 LAC Baldwin was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R170038 LAC Baldwin was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Sergeant (Motor Transport) G.B. Bartlett
He was with 111 Squadron since at least the Fall of 1942 when the squadron was at Anchorage, Alaska. He was licensed to be a Post Driver at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island. On February 1, 1943, he was struck off 111 Squadron strength and posted to 14 Squadron but his name never appeared in the 14 Squadron Daily Diary.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He was with 111 Squadron since at least the Fall of 1942 when the squadron was at Anchorage, Alaska. He was licensed to be a Post Driver at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island. On February 1, 1943, he was struck off 111 Squadron strength and posted to 14 Squadron but his name never appeared in the 14 Squadron Daily Diary.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Radio Direction Finding Technician) Kenneth Winship Bell
R200910 LAC Bell was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R200910 LAC Bell was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Aircraftman 1 (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Vivian Maxwell Bell
R178894 Airman Bell was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Electrician) Henry Gerhard Bergen
R140299 Corporal Bergen was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
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R140299 Corporal Bergen was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Ivan Leo Black
R178894 LAC Black was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R178894 LAC Black was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) T. W. Blackley ?
R81138 Corporal Blackley was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
I was not able to make out some significant letters in this passenger manifest. The trade and the service number are correct.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Armourer, Guns) Clifford A. Blow
He had been with the squadron since at least the Summer of 1942. He was an excellent shot. On September 10, 1942, at Elmendorf Air Field, Anchorage, Alaska, he was a high scorer in a squadron musketry competition. He went with the squadron to Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, Alaska. While there, on January 1, 1943, he was promoted to Corporal. He was rated, at that time, as at the "A" level of proficiency in his trade, meaning that he was on top of his game. On May 2, 1943, he left 111 Squadron to report to #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver, for medical reasons (unspecified). #3 RD frequently was the station to which Western Air Command Airmen were assigned when they required more specialized medical treatment that could only be found in Vancouver. He was from St. Andrews, Manitoba.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on right extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #053 in the portrait. Photo on left extracted from a group shot showing Manitobans who were serving in Alaska. It appeared in The Winnipeg Tribune on November 20, 1942, page 13, photographer unspecified.
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He had been with the squadron since at least the Summer of 1942. He was an excellent shot. On September 10, 1942, at Elmendorf Air Field, Anchorage, Alaska, he was a high scorer in a squadron musketry competition. He went with the squadron to Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, Alaska. While there, on January 1, 1943, he was promoted to Corporal. He was rated, at that time, as at the "A" level of proficiency in his trade, meaning that he was on top of his game. On May 2, 1943, he left 111 Squadron to report to #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver, for medical reasons (unspecified). #3 RD frequently was the station to which Western Air Command Airmen were assigned when they required more specialized medical treatment that could only be found in Vancouver. He was from St. Andrews, Manitoba.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on right extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #053 in the portrait. Photo on left extracted from a group shot showing Manitobans who were serving in Alaska. It appeared in The Winnipeg Tribune on November 20, 1942, page 13, photographer unspecified.
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Leading Aircraftman (Electrician) Robert McDonald Bond
R10651 LAC Bond was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Fabric Worker) Edward Donald Borkowski
R5964 LAC Borkowski was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R5964 LAC Borkowski was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Sergeant (Armourer - Guns) Keith Robert Boulton
R51078 Sergeant Boulton was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
His name was not clear on the Pasteur's passenger manifest but "Boulton" is pretty close.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) G. M. "Jeff" Brennan
He attended #6 Bomb and Gunnery School, Mountain View, Ontario, graduating in February, 1942. He was assigned to 111 Squadron, at Patricia Bay, immediately after. When the squadron went to Alaska, he went with them. He was ranked as a squadron "High Scorer" at a Musketry competition held at Elmendorf Field, Anchorage, Alaska. He remained with the squadron through the Alaska Campaign and returned to Patricia Bay with them. He was rated at the "A" level of proficiency in his trade. On November 7, 1943, he was struck off squadron strength and posted to RCAF Station Patricia Bay. I don't know what he did after that. He was from Vancouver.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #038 in the portrait. Photo on right by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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He attended #6 Bomb and Gunnery School, Mountain View, Ontario, graduating in February, 1942. He was assigned to 111 Squadron, at Patricia Bay, immediately after. When the squadron went to Alaska, he went with them. He was ranked as a squadron "High Scorer" at a Musketry competition held at Elmendorf Field, Anchorage, Alaska. He remained with the squadron through the Alaska Campaign and returned to Patricia Bay with them. He was rated at the "A" level of proficiency in his trade. On November 7, 1943, he was struck off squadron strength and posted to RCAF Station Patricia Bay. I don't know what he did after that. He was from Vancouver.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #038 in the portrait. Photo on right by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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Sergeant (Equipment) William "Bill" Broeder
162531 He was with 111 Squadron from the Fall of 1942 on. He served on Umnak Island. On June 1, 1943, while the squadron was at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 30, 1944. He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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162531 He was with 111 Squadron from the Fall of 1942 on. He served on Umnak Island. On June 1, 1943, while the squadron was at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 30, 1944. He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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Leading Aircraftman (Instrument Mechanic) Robert William Speer Brown
R136009 He was a Class "A" Instrument Maker. He was posted to 14 Squadron but, on February 20, 1943, he became ill with pneumonia while in transit aboard a ship on which part of Squadron 14 was travelling back to Elmendorf from Umnak Island. He was hospitalized at the Base Hospital at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island to recover from pneumonia. While hospitalized, he was attached temporarily to 111 Squadron who were stationed there at Fort Greely. While he might have returned to 14 (f) Squadron when he recovered, there was no further mention of him in either the 111 Squadron or the 14 Squadron Daily Diaries. But he was listed on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 30, 1944. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
R136009 He was a Class "A" Instrument Maker. He was posted to 14 Squadron but, on February 20, 1943, he became ill with pneumonia while in transit aboard a ship on which part of Squadron 14 was travelling back to Elmendorf from Umnak Island. He was hospitalized at the Base Hospital at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island to recover from pneumonia. While hospitalized, he was attached temporarily to 111 Squadron who were stationed there at Fort Greely. While he might have returned to 14 (f) Squadron when he recovered, there was no further mention of him in either the 111 Squadron or the 14 Squadron Daily Diaries. But he was listed on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 30, 1944. He survived the war.
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Sergeant (Security Guard) J. Buchanan
I don't know when he joined 111 Squadron but on February 1, 1943, he was promoted to Sergeant at Fort Greely, on Kodiak Island. At that time, he was rated at the "C" level of competency in his trade. That suggests that he was at the entry level as a security guard. I don't know how long he remained with the squadron.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
I don't know when he joined 111 Squadron but on February 1, 1943, he was promoted to Sergeant at Fort Greely, on Kodiak Island. At that time, he was rated at the "C" level of competency in his trade. That suggests that he was at the entry level as a security guard. I don't know how long he remained with the squadron.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Alfred Edward Bull
R167383 LAC Bull was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal G.R. Butler
On July 26, 1943, he was one of a party of four ground crew who were detached from 111 (at Fort Greely, Kodiak, Alaska) to service the a/c that 111 Squadron left at Elmendorf as spare a/c for 14 Squadron because 111 was returning to Patricia Bay. On August 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal. He was either an Air Frame Mechanic or an Aero-Engine Mechanic.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
On July 26, 1943, he was one of a party of four ground crew who were detached from 111 (at Fort Greely, Kodiak, Alaska) to service the a/c that 111 Squadron left at Elmendorf as spare a/c for 14 Squadron because 111 was returning to Patricia Bay. On August 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal. He was either an Air Frame Mechanic or an Aero-Engine Mechanic.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Leading Aircraftman (Driver, Transport) H.R. Byers
He had been at RCAF Station Patricia Bay. He joined 111 Squadron on May 20, 1943, just at the time that the squadron was getting established on Kodiak Island, Alaska. Because there was a satellite landing field a few miles from 111's main base at Fort Greely, Kodiak, they needed extra drivers to make the daily servicing and supplies runs back and forth between Fort Glenn and Marks Field on Chiniak Point. LAC Byers was brought in as one of the new drivers. I don't know anything more than that about him.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He had been at RCAF Station Patricia Bay. He joined 111 Squadron on May 20, 1943, just at the time that the squadron was getting established on Kodiak Island, Alaska. Because there was a satellite landing field a few miles from 111's main base at Fort Greely, Kodiak, they needed extra drivers to make the daily servicing and supplies runs back and forth between Fort Glenn and Marks Field on Chiniak Point. LAC Byers was brought in as one of the new drivers. I don't know anything more than that about him.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) Frederick A. "Fred" Child
He graduated from #6 Bombing and Gunnery School at Mountain View, Ontario in February, 1942. He was immediately assigned to 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay, British Columbia. On November 22, 1942, when 111 Squadron was on Kodiak Island, he left Fort Greely to be admitted into the Base Hospital at Elmendorf Air Field, Anchorage, Alaska. He required nasal surgery. He was discharged from hospital on November 30. On March 5, 1943, he was posted to RCAF Station Sea Island (Vancouver) but he didn't leave Alaska until March 28 (probably because of difficult weather). At the time he left 111 Squadron, he was at the "A" level of proficiency in his trade. He was from Vancouver.
Photo Identification Confidence: 1 Confirmed
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #107 in the portrait.
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He graduated from #6 Bombing and Gunnery School at Mountain View, Ontario in February, 1942. He was immediately assigned to 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay, British Columbia. On November 22, 1942, when 111 Squadron was on Kodiak Island, he left Fort Greely to be admitted into the Base Hospital at Elmendorf Air Field, Anchorage, Alaska. He required nasal surgery. He was discharged from hospital on November 30. On March 5, 1943, he was posted to RCAF Station Sea Island (Vancouver) but he didn't leave Alaska until March 28 (probably because of difficult weather). At the time he left 111 Squadron, he was at the "A" level of proficiency in his trade. He was from Vancouver.
Photo Identification Confidence: 1 Confirmed
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #107 in the portrait.
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Fred Hugh Ch______
R151403 LAC Ch_____ was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Equipment) H. Christman
He joined 111 Squadron sometime in September, 1942 when the squadron was located at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska. Later, when the squadron relocated to Fort Greely, Kodiak, Alaska, he was sent, in March 1943, to work at the satellite base on Point Chiniak, a few miles away from Fort Greely. He was promoted to Acting Corporal on June 1, 1943. He was a very effective marksman 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. I don't know if he went there to pursue his trade in Equipment or if he intended to re-deploy as a pilot trainee. Since an SFTS was a more advanced pilot training level, he was likely there to continue in his role as Equipment Organizer.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He joined 111 Squadron sometime in September, 1942 when the squadron was located at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska. Later, when the squadron relocated to Fort Greely, Kodiak, Alaska, he was sent, in March 1943, to work at the satellite base on Point Chiniak, a few miles away from Fort Greely. He was promoted to Acting Corporal on June 1, 1943. He was a very effective marksman 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. I don't know if he went there to pursue his trade in Equipment or if he intended to re-deploy as a pilot trainee. Since an SFTS was a more advanced pilot training level, he was likely there to continue in his role as Equipment Organizer.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Delmar Edward "Chris" Christopherson
R166330 LAC Christopherson was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. On August 23, 1945, Chris circulated among the members of 440 Squadron, collecting silver that could be used to make squadron memorial pins. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R166330 LAC Christopherson was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. On August 23, 1945, Chris circulated among the members of 440 Squadron, collecting silver that could be used to make squadron memorial pins. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Flight Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) W. Donald "Don" Clark
He had been with the squadron for some time when, on August 1, 1942, he was promoted to Acting Flight Sergeant. On February 10, 1943, he was struck off 111 Squadron strength to go to 163 Squadron, a fighter squadron which was based at Sea Island (Vancouver), British Columbia. 163 Squadron re-deployed to Wainwright, Alberta in March, 1943. Because of bad weather, he didn't get away from 111 Squadron at Fort Greely until February 17. Presumably, he went with 163 Squadron when they left Sea Island for Wainwright, Alberta. in March, 1943. When he left 111, he was at the "A" level of competency in his trade.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in the #022 position in the portrait.
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He had been with the squadron for some time when, on August 1, 1942, he was promoted to Acting Flight Sergeant. On February 10, 1943, he was struck off 111 Squadron strength to go to 163 Squadron, a fighter squadron which was based at Sea Island (Vancouver), British Columbia. 163 Squadron re-deployed to Wainwright, Alberta in March, 1943. Because of bad weather, he didn't get away from 111 Squadron at Fort Greely until February 17. Presumably, he went with 163 Squadron when they left Sea Island for Wainwright, Alberta. in March, 1943. When he left 111, he was at the "A" level of competency in his trade.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in the #022 position in the portrait.
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Corporal (Wireless Operator, Ground) "Sid" Cole
On August 4, 1942, the Squadron Daily Diary congratulated Corporal Cole on the birth of his daughter in Sidney, British Columbia. They were stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska at the time so he didn't get to be there for his child's birth. There was no further mention of Corporal Cole in the squadron Daily Diary. It is probable that he remained with the squadron throughout the Alaskan tour but there is no evidence to support that idea.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo on right by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise. Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #099 in the portrait.
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On August 4, 1942, the Squadron Daily Diary congratulated Corporal Cole on the birth of his daughter in Sidney, British Columbia. They were stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska at the time so he didn't get to be there for his child's birth. There was no further mention of Corporal Cole in the squadron Daily Diary. It is probable that he remained with the squadron throughout the Alaskan tour but there is no evidence to support that idea.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo on right by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise. Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #099 in the portrait.
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Leading Aircraftman (Driver Transport) M.H. Coleman
R181404 He joined 111 Squadron on May 20, 1943, at Fort Greely just at the time that the squadron was getting established on Kodiak Island, Alaska. He had been stationed at RCAF Patricia Bay. 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. On August 18, 1943, he was attached to 14 (f) Squadron operating out of Umnak Island. Alaska. I have no other information about him and what he did for the balance of the war. He may have gone overseas with 14 Squadron (442 Squadron).
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R181404 He joined 111 Squadron on May 20, 1943, at Fort Greely just at the time that the squadron was getting established on Kodiak Island, Alaska. He had been stationed at RCAF Patricia Bay. 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. On August 18, 1943, he was attached to 14 (f) Squadron operating out of Umnak Island. Alaska. I have no other information about him and what he did for the balance of the war. He may have gone overseas with 14 Squadron (442 Squadron).
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Aero Engine Mechanic) Kenneth A.L. "Ken" Coutts
Ground Crew, He was with the squadron through the Aleutian Campaign. In April, 1942, he was stationed at Marks Field, the satellite airfield about 10 miles out of Fort Greely, Kodiak. He developed a serious tooth ache and was flown to Fort Greely for dental work. Joe Doaks flew him over in the Harvard. On August 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal (paid). In the photo on right, Corporal Coutts is with "his" pilot, Sgt Ed Merkley. It is clear that Merkley appreciated Coutts' work at keeping his plane functioning well.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #110 in the portrait. The second photo is from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Sgt Merkley was in position #083 in the Squadron Portrait.
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Ground Crew, He was with the squadron through the Aleutian Campaign. In April, 1942, he was stationed at Marks Field, the satellite airfield about 10 miles out of Fort Greely, Kodiak. He developed a serious tooth ache and was flown to Fort Greely for dental work. Joe Doaks flew him over in the Harvard. On August 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal (paid). In the photo on right, Corporal Coutts is with "his" pilot, Sgt Ed Merkley. It is clear that Merkley appreciated Coutts' work at keeping his plane functioning well.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #110 in the portrait. The second photo is from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Sgt Merkley was in position #083 in the Squadron Portrait.
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Corporal (Armourer, Guns) Max Elmer Crandall
R 140068 He enlisted in late 1941 at Calgary, Alberta. He graduated, in February, 1942, from the 4th class at the #6 Bombing and Gunnery School, Mountain View, Ontario. He was assigned immediately to 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay, British Columbia. By May, 1942, he had been promoted to Leading Aircraftman. In the middle photo, he is shown with LAC Ted Doughty (right) servicing the port side machine gun of a P-40 (P-40 E, RAF# AK 905, RCAF # 1058, Sqn ID: "D"). While at Fort Greely, he was promoted to Acting Corporal on June 1, 1943. He remained with the squadron when it was redeployed to Europe. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He served overseas in 440 Squadron. See his self-published book "Farm Boy Goes to War", 1984. In the book, he said, of his assignment to 111 Squadron, "It had to have been a stroke of luck, for a finer unit or a finer group of servicemen, on the whole, you wouldn't find anywhere - and it was my unit until the end of the war." 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, Alberta. Max died on October 3, 2010 at Salmon Arm, B.C. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on right appeared with his obituary published by Bowers Funeral Service Salmon Arm, British Columbia. Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 104 in the portrait. The middle right photo: Extracted from Department of National Defence PL 13139.
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R 140068 He enlisted in late 1941 at Calgary, Alberta. He graduated, in February, 1942, from the 4th class at the #6 Bombing and Gunnery School, Mountain View, Ontario. He was assigned immediately to 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay, British Columbia. By May, 1942, he had been promoted to Leading Aircraftman. In the middle photo, he is shown with LAC Ted Doughty (right) servicing the port side machine gun of a P-40 (P-40 E, RAF# AK 905, RCAF # 1058, Sqn ID: "D"). While at Fort Greely, he was promoted to Acting Corporal on June 1, 1943. He remained with the squadron when it was redeployed to Europe. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He served overseas in 440 Squadron. See his self-published book "Farm Boy Goes to War", 1984. In the book, he said, of his assignment to 111 Squadron, "It had to have been a stroke of luck, for a finer unit or a finer group of servicemen, on the whole, you wouldn't find anywhere - and it was my unit until the end of the war." 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, Alberta. Max died on October 3, 2010 at Salmon Arm, B.C. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on right appeared with his obituary published by Bowers Funeral Service Salmon Arm, British Columbia. Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 104 in the portrait. The middle right photo: Extracted from Department of National Defence PL 13139.
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Norman ? Ephraim Crawford
R162509 LAC Crawford was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R162509 LAC Crawford was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) W.M. Cripps
He was with 111 Squadron at least since Spring, 1943 when they were on Kodiak Island, Alaska. He worked at the satellite field (Marks Field) at Chiniak Point 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 the P-40s in 133 Squadron who were stationed there at that time. He was from Vancouver, British Columbia. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on right Department of National Defence (# unknown) showing 111's ground crew in northwestern Alaska, It is from the Collection of 111 Squadron's Sergeant Bill Mitchell. Photo on left from newspaper (unknown) photograph showing British Columbia ground crew in northwestern Alaska, i.e. 111 Squadron. Both pictures appear here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Sergeant Bill Mitchell of 111 Squadron.
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He was with 111 Squadron at least since Spring, 1943 when they were on Kodiak Island, Alaska. He worked at the satellite field (Marks Field) at Chiniak Point 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 the P-40s in 133 Squadron who were stationed there at that time. He was from Vancouver, British Columbia. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on right Department of National Defence (# unknown) showing 111's ground crew in northwestern Alaska, It is from the Collection of 111 Squadron's Sergeant Bill Mitchell. Photo on left from newspaper (unknown) photograph showing British Columbia ground crew in northwestern Alaska, i.e. 111 Squadron. Both pictures appear here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Sergeant Bill Mitchell of 111 Squadron.
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If you would like to get one of these Certificates honouring your relative who served in Alaska, see the bottom of the People page on this site. Press here.
Pilot Officer (Air Frame Mechanic) Harold Cross
Harold Cross (# R87887) never appeared in the 111 Squadron Daily Diary. But he remembers being there. That counts for me. He claims that he was the third man to be assigned to 111 squadron. He served in 111 Squadron in the Aleutians Campaign from June, 1942 until March, 1943, He was in the detached group on Umnak Island that serviced the planes that took part in raids against the Japanese on Kiska Island. He remembers that he was up in Alaska for a full year (1943) without leave and when it was close to the time that 111 Squadron was to return to Canada, he had wanted to redeploy as aircrew. Squadron Leader Boomer convinced him that he should catch a flight that was about to leave for Seattle to get home for some leave. This information comes courtesy of Brendan Coyle, author of the wonderful book The War on Our Doorstep (Heritage House, Surrey, B.C., 2002). Brendan is always on the search for great stories and he only recently found LAC Cross in British Columbia. There is more to learn about this man and his memories of serving in 111 Squadron. I am on stand-by and hope to hear more of his story. This just in from Brendan Coyle (January, 2017): "I was able to meet with Harold Cross. He is amazingly lucid and fairly able bodied. I went through Bill's 111 site and he recalled names but could not put them to faces. His time in Alaska was spent at Umnak, Kodiak and Amchitka. He recalls very well the crash of the P40's on Unalaska as he was travelling in an American DC3 that was the lead aircraft for the fighters and ended up in the search party. He got somewhat choked up when talking about the crash."
Thank you, Brendan, for the great detective work! I wonder how many other service men who served in 111 Squadron have yet to be discovered. Brendan has informed me that, through his help, Harold Cross has received a letter from the Governor of Alaska, a commemorative medal and a Certificate acknowledging his service to the State of Alaska (see picture above) . Wonderful!
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photos on left are from the Collection of Harold Cross. The photo was taken when the squadron was on Umnak Island (Photographer unknown). I am very appreciative of Brendan Coyle's efforts at tracking Harold down and for sharing Harold's photo with Karen Abel and me. The photo on right appeared in Richmond News (Richmond, British Columbia), May 11, 2017. Photographer, Philip Raphael, who also wrote a touching article about this man who is still alive to show off his certificate from the State of Alaska honouring his participation in the defence of the Aleutians. See the article here Thanks, again, Brendan .
If you would like to get a Certificate from Alaska honouring your relative who served there, see the bottom if the People page on this site.
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Pilot Officer (Air Frame Mechanic) Harold Cross
Harold Cross (# R87887) never appeared in the 111 Squadron Daily Diary. But he remembers being there. That counts for me. He claims that he was the third man to be assigned to 111 squadron. He served in 111 Squadron in the Aleutians Campaign from June, 1942 until March, 1943, He was in the detached group on Umnak Island that serviced the planes that took part in raids against the Japanese on Kiska Island. He remembers that he was up in Alaska for a full year (1943) without leave and when it was close to the time that 111 Squadron was to return to Canada, he had wanted to redeploy as aircrew. Squadron Leader Boomer convinced him that he should catch a flight that was about to leave for Seattle to get home for some leave. This information comes courtesy of Brendan Coyle, author of the wonderful book The War on Our Doorstep (Heritage House, Surrey, B.C., 2002). Brendan is always on the search for great stories and he only recently found LAC Cross in British Columbia. There is more to learn about this man and his memories of serving in 111 Squadron. I am on stand-by and hope to hear more of his story. This just in from Brendan Coyle (January, 2017): "I was able to meet with Harold Cross. He is amazingly lucid and fairly able bodied. I went through Bill's 111 site and he recalled names but could not put them to faces. His time in Alaska was spent at Umnak, Kodiak and Amchitka. He recalls very well the crash of the P40's on Unalaska as he was travelling in an American DC3 that was the lead aircraft for the fighters and ended up in the search party. He got somewhat choked up when talking about the crash."
Thank you, Brendan, for the great detective work! I wonder how many other service men who served in 111 Squadron have yet to be discovered. Brendan has informed me that, through his help, Harold Cross has received a letter from the Governor of Alaska, a commemorative medal and a Certificate acknowledging his service to the State of Alaska (see picture above) . Wonderful!
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photos on left are from the Collection of Harold Cross. The photo was taken when the squadron was on Umnak Island (Photographer unknown). I am very appreciative of Brendan Coyle's efforts at tracking Harold down and for sharing Harold's photo with Karen Abel and me. The photo on right appeared in Richmond News (Richmond, British Columbia), May 11, 2017. Photographer, Philip Raphael, who also wrote a touching article about this man who is still alive to show off his certificate from the State of Alaska honouring his participation in the defence of the Aleutians. See the article here Thanks, again, Brendan .
If you would like to get a Certificate from Alaska honouring your relative who served there, see the bottom if the People page on this site.
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Corporal (Armourer - Guns) Allen? D________
R130534 Corporal D________ was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. I could barely make out the "Allen" but the Service Number is probably correct.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R130534 Corporal D________ was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. I could barely make out the "Allen" but the Service Number is probably correct.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Sergeant (Armourer - Guns) John Ernest Dale
6535 He was with the squadron when they were on Kodiak Island. He and Sgt (Driver) Matheson were posted together at Marks Field, Point Chiniak, Kodiak Island. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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6535 He was with the squadron when they were on Kodiak Island. He and Sgt (Driver) Matheson were posted together at Marks Field, Point Chiniak, Kodiak Island. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer) R.J. "Bert" Dalzell
He joined 111 Squadron sometime in early 1942. I believe he was there for the Squadron Portrait in March, 1942. He played Forward on the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship Hockey Team. While with the squadron, he was promoted to Leading Aircraftman. At the Kodiak Winter Carnival, January, 1943, he placed third in the Speed Skating Race. In the photo on the right, he is posing with one of the aircraft he armed, a P-40 K1 (serial # 4245945) which the squadron got from the USAAF while they were in Alaska. Don Forbes, son of Bert's friend, Johnny Forbes, pointed out that this picture must have been taken at Kodiak Island since his Farther (who took the picture) was not one of the ground crew who had a rotation on Umnak Island where this aircraft was acquired. The squadron did bring P-40 Ki 424945 back to Kodiak with them from Umnak Island. I believe this picture was taken in the Spring of 1943 just before Bert left 111 Squadron and John left for his annual leave on March 18. That dates the picture at early March, 1943. On April 19, 1943, Bert was struck off strength and he left for #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver which was the first step in a process of getting prepared to join the war in Europe. I don't know who he served with. He survived the war. He was from Westmount, Quebec. There was a Pilot Officer J. Dalzell, (J86713) who served overseas as a Wireless Operator - Air/ Gunner (W.A.G.) in aircrew but I don't know if he is this man.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on right from the John Forbes Collection, courtesy of his daughter, Linda Forbes. Centre photo extracted from Department of National Defence photo archived at Glenbow Archives (NA-4330-26). Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 077 in the portrait.
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He joined 111 Squadron sometime in early 1942. I believe he was there for the Squadron Portrait in March, 1942. He played Forward on the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship Hockey Team. While with the squadron, he was promoted to Leading Aircraftman. At the Kodiak Winter Carnival, January, 1943, he placed third in the Speed Skating Race. In the photo on the right, he is posing with one of the aircraft he armed, a P-40 K1 (serial # 4245945) which the squadron got from the USAAF while they were in Alaska. Don Forbes, son of Bert's friend, Johnny Forbes, pointed out that this picture must have been taken at Kodiak Island since his Farther (who took the picture) was not one of the ground crew who had a rotation on Umnak Island where this aircraft was acquired. The squadron did bring P-40 Ki 424945 back to Kodiak with them from Umnak Island. I believe this picture was taken in the Spring of 1943 just before Bert left 111 Squadron and John left for his annual leave on March 18. That dates the picture at early March, 1943. On April 19, 1943, Bert was struck off strength and he left for #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver which was the first step in a process of getting prepared to join the war in Europe. I don't know who he served with. He survived the war. He was from Westmount, Quebec. There was a Pilot Officer J. Dalzell, (J86713) who served overseas as a Wireless Operator - Air/ Gunner (W.A.G.) in aircrew but I don't know if he is this man.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on right from the John Forbes Collection, courtesy of his daughter, Linda Forbes. Centre photo extracted from Department of National Defence photo archived at Glenbow Archives (NA-4330-26). Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 077 in the portrait.
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Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) Philip J. "Phil" Davies
He joined 111 Squadron sometime before the Spring of 1942. He may have been with the squadron from its beginning at Rockcliffe. He went to Alaska with them. 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. He worked on Sgt Lou Wise's crew of Riggers.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #114 in the portrait.
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He joined 111 Squadron sometime before the Spring of 1942. He may have been with the squadron from its beginning at Rockcliffe. He went to Alaska with them. 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. He worked on Sgt Lou Wise's crew of Riggers.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #114 in the portrait.
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Donald Andrew ? Davis
R81451 LAC Davis was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R81451 LAC Davis was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Flight Sergeant (Motor Transport) Harold E. "Hal" Davis
Ground Crew He arrived at 111 Squadron on November 9, 1941, one of the first members. On March 10, 1943, he was promoted to Flight Sergeant. While the squadron was on Kodiak island, Alaska, as Flight Sergeant in charge of the Motor Transport, he shuttled back and forth between the headquarters base at Fort Greely and the satellite base, Marks Airfield, at Point Chiniak. 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.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #023 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He arrived at 111 Squadron on November 9, 1941, one of the first members. On March 10, 1943, he was promoted to Flight Sergeant. While the squadron was on Kodiak island, Alaska, as Flight Sergeant in charge of the Motor Transport, he shuttled back and forth between the headquarters base at Fort Greely and the satellite base, Marks Airfield, at Point Chiniak. 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.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #023 in the portrait.
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Flight Lieutenant (Wireless Mechanic) Ernest J. DeBeaupre
9907 He arrived from Patricia Bay to join 111 Squadron at Fort Greely on May 20, 1943. In June and July, 1943, he was assigned, for a couple of weeks, to 14 Squadron on Umnak Island. He was there to check out their new VHF wireless transmission gear. He returned to 111 Squadron on July 7. While he was with 111 Squadron, he was promoted to Warrant Officer II. He was assigned to #3 Repair Depot on July 17, 1943. He went back to Patricia Bay as part of the advance party, on August 8, 1943, to prepare for the squadron's return to Canada. He then reported to #3 Repair Depot at Sea Island, British Columbia after the advance party's work was completed. He survived the war but I don't know what he did after he left 111 Squadron. He remained in the RCAF after the war. He was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. His final rank was Flight Lieutenant.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The photograph appeared in The Ottawa Journal, April 10. 1958 over the story announcing his recent promotion to Flight Lieutenant.
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9907 He arrived from Patricia Bay to join 111 Squadron at Fort Greely on May 20, 1943. In June and July, 1943, he was assigned, for a couple of weeks, to 14 Squadron on Umnak Island. He was there to check out their new VHF wireless transmission gear. He returned to 111 Squadron on July 7. While he was with 111 Squadron, he was promoted to Warrant Officer II. He was assigned to #3 Repair Depot on July 17, 1943. He went back to Patricia Bay as part of the advance party, on August 8, 1943, to prepare for the squadron's return to Canada. He then reported to #3 Repair Depot at Sea Island, British Columbia after the advance party's work was completed. He survived the war but I don't know what he did after he left 111 Squadron. He remained in the RCAF after the war. He was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. His final rank was Flight Lieutenant.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The photograph appeared in The Ottawa Journal, April 10. 1958 over the story announcing his recent promotion to Flight Lieutenant.
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Leading Aircraftman (Wireless Mechanic) H.L. Disbrow
I don't know when he arrived at 111 Squadron but on October 11, 1943, he was posted from 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay to the RCAF Station at Boundary Bay, British Columbia, presumably to 14 Squadron although his name never appeared in the 14 Squadron Daily Diary. Because of weather conditions, he didn't leave the squadron until October 29. The photo is of H.L. Disbrow who graduated from University of British Columbia in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts. I am not sure he is the one who served with 111 Squadron. If you know I'm wrong, please tell me.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3 Tentative
Photo from UBC yearbook Totem, 1950, page 135
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I don't know when he arrived at 111 Squadron but on October 11, 1943, he was posted from 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay to the RCAF Station at Boundary Bay, British Columbia, presumably to 14 Squadron although his name never appeared in the 14 Squadron Daily Diary. Because of weather conditions, he didn't leave the squadron until October 29. The photo is of H.L. Disbrow who graduated from University of British Columbia in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts. I am not sure he is the one who served with 111 Squadron. If you know I'm wrong, please tell me.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3 Tentative
Photo from UBC yearbook Totem, 1950, page 135
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) Edward Donald "Ted" Doughty
R 139170 He attended #6 Bomb and Gunnery School, Mountain View, Ontario, graduating in February, 1942. He was assigned to 111 Squadron immediately after. In the summer of 1942, he suffered a prolonged sick leave (illness unknown) but he returned to the squadron on August 16, 1942. When the squadron was at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, he served as Armourer to aircraft that were stationed at Marks Field, a satellite air field not far from Fort Greely. The photo (left, above) appeared in a Toronto newspaper in November, 1943, and the text suggested that he was with 111 personnel. In the photo in the middle, he is shown with fellow Armourer LAC Max Crandall. They are servicing a P-40 port machine gun. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while. He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left from Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943 courtesy of David Hicks, son of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks. Middle photo from Department of National Defence, PL 13139. Photo on right extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 He appears in the #092 position in the portrait.
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R 139170 He attended #6 Bomb and Gunnery School, Mountain View, Ontario, graduating in February, 1942. He was assigned to 111 Squadron immediately after. In the summer of 1942, he suffered a prolonged sick leave (illness unknown) but he returned to the squadron on August 16, 1942. When the squadron was at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, he served as Armourer to aircraft that were stationed at Marks Field, a satellite air field not far from Fort Greely. The photo (left, above) appeared in a Toronto newspaper in November, 1943, and the text suggested that he was with 111 personnel. In the photo in the middle, he is shown with fellow Armourer LAC Max Crandall. They are servicing a P-40 port machine gun. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while. He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left from Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943 courtesy of David Hicks, son of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks. Middle photo from Department of National Defence, PL 13139. Photo on right extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 He appears in the #092 position in the portrait.
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer - Guns) G. Douglas
He joined 111 Squadron at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island on March 20, 1943 as a replacement for Leading Aircraftman Child who had been reassigned to Sea Island.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
He joined 111 Squadron at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island on March 20, 1943 as a replacement for Leading Aircraftman Child who had been reassigned to Sea Island.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Leading Aircraftman (Wireless Mechanic) R.A. Duncan
I don't know how long he was with 111 Squadron but he was transferred to 122 Squadron at Patricia Bay on November 11, 1943. At the time he left 111, he was at the "B" level of proficiency in his trade.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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I don't know how long he was with 111 Squadron but he was transferred to 122 Squadron at Patricia Bay on November 11, 1943. At the time he left 111, he was at the "B" level of proficiency in his trade.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) Roland Arthur Dunn
R145520 Airman Bell was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Walter O. Dyer
He arrived at 111 Squadron at Fort Greely on October 6, 1942. On June 1. 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal at Fort Greely. I am not sure what his trade was but he was probably an Aero-Engine Mechanic. He was a member of 111 Squadron's ground crew. He worked at Fort Glenn on Umnak Island when part of the squadron was attached there.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. This cameo is at the #037 position in the photo. Photo on right from newspaper (unknown) photograph showing British Columbia ground crew in northwestern Alaska, i.e. 111 Squadron.
It appears here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Sergeant Bill Mitchell of 111 Squadron.
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He arrived at 111 Squadron at Fort Greely on October 6, 1942. On June 1. 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal at Fort Greely. I am not sure what his trade was but he was probably an Aero-Engine Mechanic. He was a member of 111 Squadron's ground crew. He worked at Fort Glenn on Umnak Island when part of the squadron was attached there.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. This cameo is at the #037 position in the photo. Photo on right from newspaper (unknown) photograph showing British Columbia ground crew in northwestern Alaska, i.e. 111 Squadron.
It appears here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Sergeant Bill Mitchell of 111 Squadron.
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer - Guns) Ralph Edward E_____ing
RC13197 LAC E_____ing was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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RC13197 LAC E_____ing was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Sergeant (Armourer, Guns) F.A. Edwards
R52310 He was with the squadron from the beginning. He arrived on November 12, 1941. At some time in mid-1942, when the squadron was at Elmendorf Air Field in Anchorage, Alaska, he was temporarily assigned to Patricia Bay. In the Spring/ early Summer of 1942, he began suffering from severe leg pain. It became so bad that he was hospitalized with the diagnosis of acute sciatica of the knee on June 27. He was back on duty in two weeks but he must have had another bout of it because, in early August, he had to be hospitalized again. At some point, in the early part of 1942, he took a "gas course" and was said to be qualified to teach in the proper use of respirators. Nevertheless, he was able to pass his proficiency examinations and was shown to be at the "A" level by the time he was formally struck off 111 Squadron strength on December 20, 1942. He continued at Patricia Bay. I don't know what he did afterwards.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 5 Wild Stab.
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in the #018 position in the portrait
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R52310 He was with the squadron from the beginning. He arrived on November 12, 1941. At some time in mid-1942, when the squadron was at Elmendorf Air Field in Anchorage, Alaska, he was temporarily assigned to Patricia Bay. In the Spring/ early Summer of 1942, he began suffering from severe leg pain. It became so bad that he was hospitalized with the diagnosis of acute sciatica of the knee on June 27. He was back on duty in two weeks but he must have had another bout of it because, in early August, he had to be hospitalized again. At some point, in the early part of 1942, he took a "gas course" and was said to be qualified to teach in the proper use of respirators. Nevertheless, he was able to pass his proficiency examinations and was shown to be at the "A" level by the time he was formally struck off 111 Squadron strength on December 20, 1942. He continued at Patricia Bay. I don't know what he did afterwards.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 5 Wild Stab.
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in the #018 position in the portrait
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Sergeant (Motor Transport) C.A. Eley
He arrived as a Corporal on November 11, 1941. On April 15, 1942, he transferred out with the rank of Sergeant. He went to RCAF Station Bella Bella, British Columbia perhaps to serve No. 6 Bomber Squadron or No. 9 Bomber Squadron, both of which were there at the time. There was an article in The Winnipeg Tribune, December 8, 1944, that stated that "Jack Eley has been discharged by the RCAF and has been working out with the Hamilton seniors pending action on his application to return to his Hamilton war plant job." The article was on the sports page and on the topic of hockey. I can't be sure that they were talking about this man.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3 Tentative
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 He appears in the #006 position in the portrait.
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He arrived as a Corporal on November 11, 1941. On April 15, 1942, he transferred out with the rank of Sergeant. He went to RCAF Station Bella Bella, British Columbia perhaps to serve No. 6 Bomber Squadron or No. 9 Bomber Squadron, both of which were there at the time. There was an article in The Winnipeg Tribune, December 8, 1944, that stated that "Jack Eley has been discharged by the RCAF and has been working out with the Hamilton seniors pending action on his application to return to his Hamilton war plant job." The article was on the sports page and on the topic of hockey. I can't be sure that they were talking about this man.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3 Tentative
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 He appears in the #006 position in the portrait.
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Aircraftman 1 (Wireless Mechanic) Robert Roy Ellerson ? maybe Ellingson
R151083 Airman Ellerson ? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R151083 Airman Ellerson ? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Aircraftman 1 (Wireless Mechanic) Theodore William Elliott
R 151083 (number uncertain) He transferred in to 111 Squadron in early November, 1943 from #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. Bo Jensen found a wireless operator named T. Elliott on the 1945 Alert Bay, British Columbia Voters List. He was still there in 1949.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R 151083 (number uncertain) He transferred in to 111 Squadron in early November, 1943 from #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. Bo Jensen found a wireless operator named T. Elliott on the 1945 Alert Bay, British Columbia Voters List. He was still there in 1949.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Flight Sergeant (Wireless Mechanic) T. Evans
He joined 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay on October 12, 1943 as replacement. He did not serve in Alaska. He may have gone to Europe with 111 Squadron.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He joined 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay on October 12, 1943 as replacement. He did not serve in Alaska. He may have gone to Europe with 111 Squadron.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Frederic George"Freddie" Ferris
R78558 He played Forward on the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship hockey team in the Winter of 1943. He was from Port Edward, Ontario. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while. On August 23, 1945. he created the design for a squadron memorial pin. The design featured a beaver straddling a falling bomb with a crest. His colleague, Christopherson had collected silver from the men for the project.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Left photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise); Middle photo extracted from Department of National Defence photo in the files of
Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26 Right photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 He appears in the #033 position in the portrait. I am only guessing that that is LAC Ferris' picture in the portrait.
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R78558 He played Forward on the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship hockey team in the Winter of 1943. He was from Port Edward, Ontario. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while. On August 23, 1945. he created the design for a squadron memorial pin. The design featured a beaver straddling a falling bomb with a crest. His colleague, Christopherson had collected silver from the men for the project.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Left photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise); Middle photo extracted from Department of National Defence photo in the files of
Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26 Right photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 He appears in the #033 position in the portrait. I am only guessing that that is LAC Ferris' picture in the portrait.
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer) A.P. Flett
He was with 111 Squadron in the Fall of 1942 at Fort Greely. At that time,he spent a week in the base hospital (reason unknown) at Fort Greely. He may have been with the squadron 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 Squadron to Europe. He did not sail with the squadron on the S.S. Pasteur. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
He may have appeared in the Squadron Portrait. See unidentified cameo photos above to see if he is there.
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He was with 111 Squadron in the Fall of 1942 at Fort Greely. At that time,he spent a week in the base hospital (reason unknown) at Fort Greely. He may have been with the squadron 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 Squadron to Europe. He did not sail with the squadron on the S.S. Pasteur. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
He may have appeared in the Squadron Portrait. See unidentified cameo photos above to see if he is there.
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Gertrude "Gertie" and John Forbes, on vacation, circa 1990.
Acting Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) John Alexander "Johnnie" Forbes
R105938 He enlisted in the RCAF on June 16, 1941. According to his son, he had wanted to become an aero-engine mechanic but the Air Force, in its wisdom, placed him in the program for air frame mechanics. He did his basic training in Edmonton and his AFM training at the #1 Technical Training School, St. Thomas, Ontario. After 600 hours of training, he graduated in December, 1941. He got his first promotion (to Aircraftman 1) at that time. He was immediately attached to 111 Squadron at RCAF Station Sea Island (Vancouver). He was just in time to help with the major task of re-assembling 111's P-40s which had arrived at Sea Island by rail in packing crates from Ontario. When that task was complete, he moved, with 111 Squadron, to RCAF Station Patricia Bay. His service record indicates that he was on annual leave at the time the squadron portrait was taken on March 3, 1942. Shortly after he came back from leave, he succeeded in his trade competency exams and was accredited as an Air Frame Mechanic, at the "B" level of competency (there are three levels: entry level at "C", intermediate level at "B" and full competency at "A". John moved to "A" level on October 1, 1942). He went with 111 Squadron to Alaska. While there, he was promoted to Leading Aircraftman on July 1, 1942. When the squadron moved from Elmendorf to Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, John remained behind to help with the aircraft that were not ready to move with the squadron. According to his son, Don Forbes, John left Elmendorf, bound for Fort Greely, Kodiak, to rejoin the squadron on November 16, 1942, two weeks after the squadron had moved. At Kodiak Island, he was promoted to Acting Corporal on June 1, 1943. By July 26, he was referred to, in the Daily Diary, as Corporal so the promotion must have become permanent. At that time, he was detached from the 111 crew to go to Elmendorf Air Field (Anchorage, Alaska) where 111 Squadron's surplus P-40s were sent. 111 was getting ready to return to Patricia Bay. The P-40s were kept at Elmendorf to be used as spare aircraft by 14 Squadron. He remained attached to 111 squadron, returned to Patricia Bay with them and remained until December 10, 1943. He was assigned to 115 (br) Squadron, also at Patricia Bay. They flew Bolingbroke IVs, two-engine medium bombers. He accompanied 115 Squadron when they moved to RCAF Tofino where he remained until May 24, 1944. In the remaining 18 months of the War, he moved through a succession of RCAF stations, including Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg. He told his son that, while in Winnipeg, toward the end of the war, they "dug a huge pit, then they just started pitching things out right left and centre. Dad said there was really nothing wrong with the items being tossed out, but there was all manner of things."
Whoops, Don, you might have triggered a huge archaeological dig in Greater Winnipeg. People will be running around with shovels.
John received his Honourable Discharge from the RCAF on October 24, 1945. He had achieved the rank of Acting Sergeant. According to John's son and daughter, Don and Linda, John was promoted to Acting Sergeant (unpaid) on August 3, 1945, possibly to fulfill a particular task that required that rank. At the end of the month, he was returned to the rank of Corporal. Linda reported that, years later, John was still irritated that he was not allowed to keep his Sergeant rank. She quoted John as saying: "I was really pissed off I didn't get full sergeant." But as Don notes "A lot happened in the eleven days following his promotion, within a week, two A-bombs were dropped, and a few days later Japan surrendered. They pulled a real fast one on one of their own." . In 1945, he volunteered for active duty in the Pacific but he was never deployed there because the war ended soon after he volunteered. He survived the War and, sadly, died on March 26, 2006 at the age of 93.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on right by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise; Left photo courtesy of Sgt Forbes' son and daughter, Don and Linda. I am indebted to Don Forbes for assembling the materials from Sgt. Forbes service record to be used here. Vacation photo courtesy of their son, Don Forbes.
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R105938 He enlisted in the RCAF on June 16, 1941. According to his son, he had wanted to become an aero-engine mechanic but the Air Force, in its wisdom, placed him in the program for air frame mechanics. He did his basic training in Edmonton and his AFM training at the #1 Technical Training School, St. Thomas, Ontario. After 600 hours of training, he graduated in December, 1941. He got his first promotion (to Aircraftman 1) at that time. He was immediately attached to 111 Squadron at RCAF Station Sea Island (Vancouver). He was just in time to help with the major task of re-assembling 111's P-40s which had arrived at Sea Island by rail in packing crates from Ontario. When that task was complete, he moved, with 111 Squadron, to RCAF Station Patricia Bay. His service record indicates that he was on annual leave at the time the squadron portrait was taken on March 3, 1942. Shortly after he came back from leave, he succeeded in his trade competency exams and was accredited as an Air Frame Mechanic, at the "B" level of competency (there are three levels: entry level at "C", intermediate level at "B" and full competency at "A". John moved to "A" level on October 1, 1942). He went with 111 Squadron to Alaska. While there, he was promoted to Leading Aircraftman on July 1, 1942. When the squadron moved from Elmendorf to Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, John remained behind to help with the aircraft that were not ready to move with the squadron. According to his son, Don Forbes, John left Elmendorf, bound for Fort Greely, Kodiak, to rejoin the squadron on November 16, 1942, two weeks after the squadron had moved. At Kodiak Island, he was promoted to Acting Corporal on June 1, 1943. By July 26, he was referred to, in the Daily Diary, as Corporal so the promotion must have become permanent. At that time, he was detached from the 111 crew to go to Elmendorf Air Field (Anchorage, Alaska) where 111 Squadron's surplus P-40s were sent. 111 was getting ready to return to Patricia Bay. The P-40s were kept at Elmendorf to be used as spare aircraft by 14 Squadron. He remained attached to 111 squadron, returned to Patricia Bay with them and remained until December 10, 1943. He was assigned to 115 (br) Squadron, also at Patricia Bay. They flew Bolingbroke IVs, two-engine medium bombers. He accompanied 115 Squadron when they moved to RCAF Tofino where he remained until May 24, 1944. In the remaining 18 months of the War, he moved through a succession of RCAF stations, including Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg. He told his son that, while in Winnipeg, toward the end of the war, they "dug a huge pit, then they just started pitching things out right left and centre. Dad said there was really nothing wrong with the items being tossed out, but there was all manner of things."
Whoops, Don, you might have triggered a huge archaeological dig in Greater Winnipeg. People will be running around with shovels.
John received his Honourable Discharge from the RCAF on October 24, 1945. He had achieved the rank of Acting Sergeant. According to John's son and daughter, Don and Linda, John was promoted to Acting Sergeant (unpaid) on August 3, 1945, possibly to fulfill a particular task that required that rank. At the end of the month, he was returned to the rank of Corporal. Linda reported that, years later, John was still irritated that he was not allowed to keep his Sergeant rank. She quoted John as saying: "I was really pissed off I didn't get full sergeant." But as Don notes "A lot happened in the eleven days following his promotion, within a week, two A-bombs were dropped, and a few days later Japan surrendered. They pulled a real fast one on one of their own." . In 1945, he volunteered for active duty in the Pacific but he was never deployed there because the war ended soon after he volunteered. He survived the War and, sadly, died on March 26, 2006 at the age of 93.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on right by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise; Left photo courtesy of Sgt Forbes' son and daughter, Don and Linda. I am indebted to Don Forbes for assembling the materials from Sgt. Forbes service record to be used here. Vacation photo courtesy of their son, Don Forbes.
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Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) Jack Graham Fordham
He joined 111 Squadron in the Fall of 1941, at the time it was forming up in RCAF Rockcliffe (Ottawa). His daughter, Nancy Batty, recalled that he got a great kick out of being there when James Cagney was at Rockcliffe making a movie (Captains of the Clouds). He was there at Patricia Bay, British Columbia at the time of the Squadron Portrait, March 3, 1942, but so far, I haven't been able to find him in the picture. Jack went to Alaska with the squadron and on January 1, 1943, at Fort Greely, he was promoted to Acting Corporal (paid). He had achieved an "A" level proficiency rating for his trade. In the Spring of 1943, he took his turns working at the satellite field near Fort Greely called Marks Field. In November, 1943, as 111 Squadron wound down, he was sent to #10 Repair Depot in Calgary, Alberta. His daughter, Nancy, also recalled these details about her Father's life: "After the war, he settled on his father's homestead at the mouth of the Sturgeon River, right across from Fort Saskatchewan. (I think he also spent some time in Vancouver after the war--don't know how long.) I also know, from stories that dad told, that he worked for a time at the Provincial Gaol in Ft. Sask. He had been a guard there. I think it was shortly thereafter that he took work at Sherritt Gordon Mines Ltd. in Ft. Sask. He worked there as an Operator and a Supervisor until he had to retire, due to health problems (heart, rheumatoid arthritis). I think that was the early 80s. We lived in Sherwood Park and then Fort Saskatchewan while my brothers and I were growing up. Mom and dad stayed in the Fort throughout their lives. Mom worked at Sherritt also, with a brief stint working as secretary for the local high school in the 60s. Dad was a great gardener, a good artist (he'd draw on his cigarette cartons until he finally quit smoking), and a handy man around the house. In fact, he was handy around a lot of people's houses--we used to joke that he had built, or helped build, every rumpus room on our block in the Fort! Our mother was June Evelyn Fordham (nee Buhr). Unfortunately, both of our parents are dead: mom in 1994 and dad in 1997. "
Thanks, for that, Nancy. Nancy also supplied a copy of Jack's birth certificate. He was born on December 14, 1919 in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. His parents were Egerton John Fordham and Lillian Mae Roberts. His birth certificate shows that his formal name was "Jack", not "John" as his Father was named.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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He joined 111 Squadron in the Fall of 1941, at the time it was forming up in RCAF Rockcliffe (Ottawa). His daughter, Nancy Batty, recalled that he got a great kick out of being there when James Cagney was at Rockcliffe making a movie (Captains of the Clouds). He was there at Patricia Bay, British Columbia at the time of the Squadron Portrait, March 3, 1942, but so far, I haven't been able to find him in the picture. Jack went to Alaska with the squadron and on January 1, 1943, at Fort Greely, he was promoted to Acting Corporal (paid). He had achieved an "A" level proficiency rating for his trade. In the Spring of 1943, he took his turns working at the satellite field near Fort Greely called Marks Field. In November, 1943, as 111 Squadron wound down, he was sent to #10 Repair Depot in Calgary, Alberta. His daughter, Nancy, also recalled these details about her Father's life: "After the war, he settled on his father's homestead at the mouth of the Sturgeon River, right across from Fort Saskatchewan. (I think he also spent some time in Vancouver after the war--don't know how long.) I also know, from stories that dad told, that he worked for a time at the Provincial Gaol in Ft. Sask. He had been a guard there. I think it was shortly thereafter that he took work at Sherritt Gordon Mines Ltd. in Ft. Sask. He worked there as an Operator and a Supervisor until he had to retire, due to health problems (heart, rheumatoid arthritis). I think that was the early 80s. We lived in Sherwood Park and then Fort Saskatchewan while my brothers and I were growing up. Mom and dad stayed in the Fort throughout their lives. Mom worked at Sherritt also, with a brief stint working as secretary for the local high school in the 60s. Dad was a great gardener, a good artist (he'd draw on his cigarette cartons until he finally quit smoking), and a handy man around the house. In fact, he was handy around a lot of people's houses--we used to joke that he had built, or helped build, every rumpus room on our block in the Fort! Our mother was June Evelyn Fordham (nee Buhr). Unfortunately, both of our parents are dead: mom in 1994 and dad in 1997. "
Thanks, for that, Nancy. Nancy also supplied a copy of Jack's birth certificate. He was born on December 14, 1919 in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. His parents were Egerton John Fordham and Lillian Mae Roberts. His birth certificate shows that his formal name was "Jack", not "John" as his Father was named.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) Carl N. Francis
He had joined 111 Squadron some time before September 5, 1942, when they were at Elmendorf Airbase in Anchorage. On September 5, 1942, he returned to Elmendorf Air Field, Anchorage after a two- week stay at Naknak. Naknak is where F/O Lynch crash-landed P-40 E, AK 875 while the squadron was on the way to Umnak Island. Presumably, LAC Francis, and LAC Grindrod who was with him at Naknak, were there to rebuild P-40 E, AK 875 which had been damaged too badly to fly out. On June 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island. I don't know what he did for the rest of the war. He was from Vancouver, British Columbia. In 1963, a Carl N. Francis, mechanic, appeared in the Burnaby, British Columbia Voters List. He was married to "G.M.", perhaps nee Maxwell. They were living on Burris Street. I have no idea if this was the same man who served in 111 Squadron.
Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on right Department of National Defence (# unknown) showing 111's ground crew in northwestern Alaska, It is from the Collection of 111 Squadron's Sergeant Bill Mitchell. Photo on left from newspaper (unknown) photograph showing British Columbia ground crew in northwestern Alaska, i.e. 111 Squadron. Both pictures appear here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Sergeant Bill Mitchell of 111 Squadron.
He had joined 111 Squadron some time before September 5, 1942, when they were at Elmendorf Airbase in Anchorage. On September 5, 1942, he returned to Elmendorf Air Field, Anchorage after a two- week stay at Naknak. Naknak is where F/O Lynch crash-landed P-40 E, AK 875 while the squadron was on the way to Umnak Island. Presumably, LAC Francis, and LAC Grindrod who was with him at Naknak, were there to rebuild P-40 E, AK 875 which had been damaged too badly to fly out. On June 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island. I don't know what he did for the rest of the war. He was from Vancouver, British Columbia. In 1963, a Carl N. Francis, mechanic, appeared in the Burnaby, British Columbia Voters List. He was married to "G.M.", perhaps nee Maxwell. They were living on Burris Street. I have no idea if this was the same man who served in 111 Squadron.
Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on right Department of National Defence (# unknown) showing 111's ground crew in northwestern Alaska, It is from the Collection of 111 Squadron's Sergeant Bill Mitchell. Photo on left from newspaper (unknown) photograph showing British Columbia ground crew in northwestern Alaska, i.e. 111 Squadron. Both pictures appear here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Sergeant Bill Mitchell of 111 Squadron.
Sergeant (PT&D) Bertrum John Fulis?
R66297 Sergeant Fulis ? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R66297 Sergeant Fulis ? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer - Guns) R. Fulton
He joined the squadron at Patricia Bay on November 5, 1943. He was posted from RCAF Station Patricia Bay. He may have remained with the squadron for the duration.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He joined the squadron at Patricia Bay on November 5, 1943. He was posted from RCAF Station Patricia Bay. He may have remained with the squadron for the duration.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Stanley Joseph Garrity
R132140 LAC Garrity was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R132140 LAC Garrity was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Motor Transport) A.J. Giffen
His name first appeared in the Daily Diary in early November, 1942. He had already been attached to 111 Squadron for some time. The above photograph was taken in either December, 1941 or January, 1942 in Vancouver. LAC Giffen could have been in the squadron at that time. On November 11, 1942, he and a group of squadron members went from Fort Greely 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 some time before he shipped out, he was promoted to Leading Aircraftman. He had achieved a "B" level of competency in his trade at that time.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3 Tentative.
Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of
National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #062 in the portrait. Photograph on right was taken by Flying Officer Lou Wise.
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His name first appeared in the Daily Diary in early November, 1942. He had already been attached to 111 Squadron for some time. The above photograph was taken in either December, 1941 or January, 1942 in Vancouver. LAC Giffen could have been in the squadron at that time. On November 11, 1942, he and a group of squadron members went from Fort Greely 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 some time before he shipped out, he was promoted to Leading Aircraftman. He had achieved a "B" level of competency in his trade at that time.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3 Tentative.
Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of
National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #062 in the portrait. Photograph on right was taken by Flying Officer Lou Wise.
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Corporal (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Donald Gordon
R102335 Corporal Gordon was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R102335 Corporal Gordon was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Graham
He was with the squadron in September, 1942, at least. He served with 111 squadron at Fort Greely. On June 17, 1943, while there, he received word of a re-posting but I don't know where he was sent.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo from the collection of F/L (Pilot) Robert Lynch, courtesy of his granddaughter, Karen Abel.
He was with the squadron in September, 1942, at least. He served with 111 squadron at Fort Greely. On June 17, 1943, while there, he received word of a re-posting but I don't know where he was sent.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo from the collection of F/L (Pilot) Robert Lynch, courtesy of his granddaughter, Karen Abel.
Leading Aircraftman (Wireless Operator, Ground) Arthur L. Graves
He was with 111 Squadron 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.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
He was with 111 Squadron 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.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Leading Aircraftman L.J. Griffiths
He was in the squadron at Fort Greely in the New Year season, 1943, at least. On January 4, 1943, he was re-posted to RCAF Station, Prince Rupert, British Columbia. No. 14 (f) Squadron was there at the time. So was No. 147 (br) Squadron. There is no record of what he did while with 111 Squadron. Bo Jensen found a person called L. Griffiths and identified with the Air Force on the 1945 Port Arthur, Ontario Voters List.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He was in the squadron at Fort Greely in the New Year season, 1943, at least. On January 4, 1943, he was re-posted to RCAF Station, Prince Rupert, British Columbia. No. 14 (f) Squadron was there at the time. So was No. 147 (br) Squadron. There is no record of what he did while with 111 Squadron. Bo Jensen found a person called L. Griffiths and identified with the Air Force on the 1945 Port Arthur, Ontario Voters List.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) George Grindrod
Ground Crew He was with 111 Squadron as early as the Summer of 1942. He went to Alaska with 111. On September 5, 1942, he returned to Elmendorf Air Field, Anchorage after a two- week stay at Naknak. Naknak is where F/O Lynch crash-landed P-40 E, AK 875 while the squadron was on the way to Umnak Island. Presumably, LAC Grindrod, and LAC Francis who was with him at Naknak, were there to rebuild P-40 E, AK 875 which had been damaged too badly to fly out. He remained with 111 Squadron until at least the return to Pat Bay. He played Defence on the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship Hockey Team. I don't know what he did after serving in 111 Squadron. He was from Picton, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Middle photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26; Left photo from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943 courtesy of David Hicks, son of Flt. Lt. Clifford Hicks. Photo on right was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #075 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with 111 Squadron as early as the Summer of 1942. He went to Alaska with 111. On September 5, 1942, he returned to Elmendorf Air Field, Anchorage after a two- week stay at Naknak. Naknak is where F/O Lynch crash-landed P-40 E, AK 875 while the squadron was on the way to Umnak Island. Presumably, LAC Grindrod, and LAC Francis who was with him at Naknak, were there to rebuild P-40 E, AK 875 which had been damaged too badly to fly out. He remained with 111 Squadron until at least the return to Pat Bay. He played Defence on the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship Hockey Team. I don't know what he did after serving in 111 Squadron. He was from Picton, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Middle photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26; Left photo from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943 courtesy of David Hicks, son of Flt. Lt. Clifford Hicks. Photo on right was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #075 in the portrait.
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) N.J. Guigaien
He was with the squadron detachment at Marks Field. Point Chiniak, Kodiak Island and rejoined the squadron at Fort Greely on March 14, 1943. I don't know what he did when 111 Squadron went to Europe.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
He was with the squadron detachment at Marks Field. Point Chiniak, Kodiak Island and rejoined the squadron at Fort Greely on March 14, 1943. I don't know what he did when 111 Squadron went to Europe.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Sergeant (Wireless Operator, Ground) Haines
He arrived at 111 Squadron on November 20, 1941 and was in the Squadron at the time of the Squadron portrait and is probably in the picture. In February, 1942, he and the CO (S/L Nesbitt) created home-made Direction Finder equipment which was installed in the squadron's aircraft. I don't know if he went to Alaska with 111. Bo Jensen found a person named F.L. Haines, RCAF employee, on the 1945 Calgary, Alberta Voters List.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help! He was in the squadron at the time of Squadron Portrait, March 3, 1942. See if his picture is in the unidentified cameos from the portrait (above).
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He arrived at 111 Squadron on November 20, 1941 and was in the Squadron at the time of the Squadron portrait and is probably in the picture. In February, 1942, he and the CO (S/L Nesbitt) created home-made Direction Finder equipment which was installed in the squadron's aircraft. I don't know if he went to Alaska with 111. Bo Jensen found a person named F.L. Haines, RCAF employee, on the 1945 Calgary, Alberta Voters List.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help! He was in the squadron at the time of Squadron Portrait, March 3, 1942. See if his picture is in the unidentified cameos from the portrait (above).
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Corporal (Fabric Worker) Cornelius George Hanlon
R56435 Corporal Hanlon was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R56435 Corporal Hanlon was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Driver Transport, Runner) Milton N. "Milt" Hannigan
R144359 He was with 111 Squadron from, at least, the Spring of 1942. He played Goal on the RCAF Kodiak Island hockey team in the Winter of 1943 when they won the Base Hockey Championship after a full season of 20 undefeated games. On February 24, 1943, he was struck off strength from 111 Squadron and posted to 14 (f) Squadron. At that time his proficiency rating was "C", the entry level for his trade. It is likely that he survived the war. He was from Toronto.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo in the middle from Glenbow Archives NA-4330-26; Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #072 in the portrait. The photo on the right was extracted from a news photo published in Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943.
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R144359 He was with 111 Squadron from, at least, the Spring of 1942. He played Goal on the RCAF Kodiak Island hockey team in the Winter of 1943 when they won the Base Hockey Championship after a full season of 20 undefeated games. On February 24, 1943, he was struck off strength from 111 Squadron and posted to 14 (f) Squadron. At that time his proficiency rating was "C", the entry level for his trade. It is likely that he survived the war. He was from Toronto.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo in the middle from Glenbow Archives NA-4330-26; Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #072 in the portrait. The photo on the right was extracted from a news photo published in Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943.
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Leading Aircraftman B.M. Hanson
On October 6, 1942, he served with the detachment of 111 Squadron on Umnak Island. After 111 Squadron relocated to Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, he served at their satellite base, Marks Field, Point Chiniak. 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 Squadron and re-assigned to #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. He left, when transportation became available, on March 30. I suspect that re-posting was to facilitate hospitalization in Vancouver. I think he was a Mechanic but I don't know his specialty. There is no evidence that he ever returned to 111 Squadron. Since the distances were so great and the transportation so iffy, it is probable that, once cured, he was assigned to a posting closer to Vancouver. Western Air Command's practice, at this stage of the War, seems to have been to not return people to distant stations once they had been brought back to Canada.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
On October 6, 1942, he served with the detachment of 111 Squadron on Umnak Island. After 111 Squadron relocated to Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, he served at their satellite base, Marks Field, Point Chiniak. 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 Squadron and re-assigned to #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. He left, when transportation became available, on March 30. I suspect that re-posting was to facilitate hospitalization in Vancouver. I think he was a Mechanic but I don't know his specialty. There is no evidence that he ever returned to 111 Squadron. Since the distances were so great and the transportation so iffy, it is probable that, once cured, he was assigned to a posting closer to Vancouver. Western Air Command's practice, at this stage of the War, seems to have been to not return people to distant stations once they had been brought back to Canada.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Corporal E.L. Hathaway
He arrived at 111 Squadron on Kodiak Island, Alaska sometime before November 24, 1942. He might have been an Air Frame Mechanic. There was a plan for him to leave 111 Squadron 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 Squadron until it left for Europe in November, 1943.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He arrived at 111 Squadron on Kodiak Island, Alaska sometime before November 24, 1942. He might have been an Air Frame Mechanic. There was a plan for him to leave 111 Squadron 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 Squadron until it left for Europe in November, 1943.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman Edward Hawthorne
His name did not appear in the Squadron Daily Diary. However, he posed with a group of 111 Squadron ground crew in a picture taken at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, Alaska in the Fall of 1942. There were no other squadrons deployed there at that time so it is reasonable to assume that he was attached, however temporarily, to 111 Squadron. I don't know what his trade was. He was probably Ground Crew. He was from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on right was extracted from a group shot showing Manitobans who were serving in Alaska. It appeared in The Winnipeg Tribune on November 20, 1942, page 13, photographer unspecified. Photo on left was extracted from the photo (above) showing the 111 Squadron airmen wating for a train out of Anchorage. It was taken by then-Sergeant Lou Wise, Air Frame Mechanic in 111 Squadron.
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His name did not appear in the Squadron Daily Diary. However, he posed with a group of 111 Squadron ground crew in a picture taken at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, Alaska in the Fall of 1942. There were no other squadrons deployed there at that time so it is reasonable to assume that he was attached, however temporarily, to 111 Squadron. I don't know what his trade was. He was probably Ground Crew. He was from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on right was extracted from a group shot showing Manitobans who were serving in Alaska. It appeared in The Winnipeg Tribune on November 20, 1942, page 13, photographer unspecified. Photo on left was extracted from the photo (above) showing the 111 Squadron airmen wating for a train out of Anchorage. It was taken by then-Sergeant Lou Wise, Air Frame Mechanic in 111 Squadron.
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) W.G. Heavens
He was with the squadron 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. At that time, he was rated at the "A" Level of proficiency in his trade.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo extracted from Department of National Defence photo archived at Glenbow Archives (NA-4339-9).
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He was with the squadron 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. At that time, he was rated at the "A" Level of proficiency in his trade.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo extracted from Department of National Defence photo archived at Glenbow Archives (NA-4339-9).
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Acting Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) Ernest Henley
R64186 He arrived at 111 Squadron before September, 1942 while the squadron was at Elmendorf Air Base, Anchorage, Alaska. He was promoted to Sergeant on January 1, 1943 at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, Alaska. At that time, he was rated at the "A" Level of proficiency in his trade. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He was with 440 Squadron for a while. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R64186 He arrived at 111 Squadron before September, 1942 while the squadron was at Elmendorf Air Base, Anchorage, Alaska. He was promoted to Sergeant on January 1, 1943 at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, Alaska. At that time, he was rated at the "A" Level of proficiency in his trade. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He was with 440 Squadron for a while. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic?) O. William "Bill" Herring
Ground Crew He was promoted to Acting Corporal on June 1, 1943. In November, 1943, at the end of 111 Squadron's mission, he was sent, presumably as a Mechanic, to #4 Service Flying Training School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #115 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was promoted to Acting Corporal on June 1, 1943. In November, 1943, at the end of 111 Squadron's mission, he was sent, presumably as a Mechanic, to #4 Service Flying Training School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #115 in the portrait.
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Sergeant (Instrument Maker) Clive H. L. "Pop" Hindson
He arrived, from RCAF Station Mossbank (Saskatchewan), probably from #2 Bombing and Gunnery School, to join 111 Squadron on February 16, 1942. It is probable that he remained with the squadron until the end of 1943 when they returned to Patricia Bay. I don't know where he went after 111 Squadron redeployed overseas. He was from Imperial, Saskatchewan.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Middle photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise. Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657.
He is in position #076 in the portrait. Photo on right extracted from a group shot showing Manitobans who were serving in Alaska. It appeared in The Winnipeg Tribune on November 20, 1942, page 13, photographer unspecified.
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He arrived, from RCAF Station Mossbank (Saskatchewan), probably from #2 Bombing and Gunnery School, to join 111 Squadron on February 16, 1942. It is probable that he remained with the squadron until the end of 1943 when they returned to Patricia Bay. I don't know where he went after 111 Squadron redeployed overseas. He was from Imperial, Saskatchewan.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Middle photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise. Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657.
He is in position #076 in the portrait. Photo on right extracted from a group shot showing Manitobans who were serving in Alaska. It appeared in The Winnipeg Tribune on November 20, 1942, page 13, photographer unspecified.
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Corporal (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Herbert Henry B. Hines
R 57649 I don't know when he arrived at 111 Squadron. On November 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal (paid) at Patricia Bay. He was rated at the "A" level of proficiency in his trade. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while.
Bo Jensen has found a reference to an Aircraft Technician named Herbert H.B. Hines who, at the age of 26, entered the Port of Seattle, Washington via the ship "Princess Alice". The Manifest Record showed that he had entered the United States earlier, on a passage ticket paid for by Boeing Aircraft, Renton Division near Seattle. On the date of this record, July 16, 1945, he was on his way to Boeing Aircraft to work there. He had been living with his mother in Vancouver, British Columbia but that was probably before he enlisted in the RCAF. The record noted that he was married. He was described as five feet eight inches tall, fair complexion, brown hair with blue gray eyes. I think there is no doubt that this is the man who had served on 111's ground crew. So, we have a verbal picture of him, I wish we had a photograph.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
________________________________
R 57649 I don't know when he arrived at 111 Squadron. On November 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal (paid) at Patricia Bay. He was rated at the "A" level of proficiency in his trade. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while.
Bo Jensen has found a reference to an Aircraft Technician named Herbert H.B. Hines who, at the age of 26, entered the Port of Seattle, Washington via the ship "Princess Alice". The Manifest Record showed that he had entered the United States earlier, on a passage ticket paid for by Boeing Aircraft, Renton Division near Seattle. On the date of this record, July 16, 1945, he was on his way to Boeing Aircraft to work there. He had been living with his mother in Vancouver, British Columbia but that was probably before he enlisted in the RCAF. The record noted that he was married. He was described as five feet eight inches tall, fair complexion, brown hair with blue gray eyes. I think there is no doubt that this is the man who had served on 111's ground crew. So, we have a verbal picture of him, I wish we had a photograph.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Equipment) Godfrey Holton
I don't know when he arrived at 111 Squadron but I think he was there in time for the Squadron Portrait (March 3, 1942). He played Forward for the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship hockey team in the Winter of 1943. On June 1, 1943, he was struck off squadron strength and assigned to #17 Equipment Depot, Ottawa. He was from Ottawa.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The middle photo was extracted from Department of National Defence photo which resides with Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26. Photo on right was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. The photo on the left comes from the Collection of F/L (Pilot) Robert Lynch, courtesy of his Granddaughter, Karen Abel.
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I don't know when he arrived at 111 Squadron but I think he was there in time for the Squadron Portrait (March 3, 1942). He played Forward for the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship hockey team in the Winter of 1943. On June 1, 1943, he was struck off squadron strength and assigned to #17 Equipment Depot, Ottawa. He was from Ottawa.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The middle photo was extracted from Department of National Defence photo which resides with Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26. Photo on right was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. The photo on the left comes from the Collection of F/L (Pilot) Robert Lynch, courtesy of his Granddaughter, Karen Abel.
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Sergeant H.D. Hopper
I don't know when he arrived at 111 Squadron nor what his trade was but, on April 21, 1943, he left 111 Squadron (then at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island) to an unspecified posting. Bo Jensen found a person named H.D. Hopper, a Minister, on the 1949 Kings, New Brunswick Voters List.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
I don't know when he arrived at 111 Squadron nor what his trade was but, on April 21, 1943, he left 111 Squadron (then at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island) to an unspecified posting. Bo Jensen found a person named H.D. Hopper, a Minister, on the 1949 Kings, New Brunswick Voters List.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Aircraftman 1 (Installation Mechanic) F.H. Howden
In November, 1943, he was transferred from 111 Squadron to #3 Operational Training Unit at Patricia Bay. At that time, he was rated at a proficiency level of "B" in his trade.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
In November, 1943, he was transferred from 111 Squadron to #3 Operational Training Unit at Patricia Bay. At that time, he was rated at a proficiency level of "B" in his trade.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) James Sydenham Hyman
R157709 LAC Hyman was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R157709 LAC Hyman was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer - Guns) Harry William Itson ?
R203070 LAC Itson ? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R203070 LAC Itson ? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Motor Transport, Driver) Jones
He was a driver when the squadron was at Fort Greely with a detachment at Point Chiniak in March, 1943. He made the regular "Duty Run" from Marks Airfield (Point Chiniak) to Fort Greely on Kodiak Island.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He was a driver when the squadron was at Fort Greely with a detachment at Point Chiniak in March, 1943. He made the regular "Duty Run" from Marks Airfield (Point Chiniak) to Fort Greely on Kodiak Island.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Clifford C. Jupp
He joined 111 Squadron 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 (paid) and he was rated at the "A" level of proficiency in his trade. He probably remained with 111 Squadron while they were in Alaska but I don't know where he went after that.
Bo Jensen found a person named Clifford C. Jupp, RCAF, on the 1945 Nakusp, British Columbia Voters List. A Clifford C. Jupp appeared on the 1962, 1972 and 1974 Kootenay West, British Columbia Voters Lists. He was a Forest Ranger. Corporal Jupp's daughter, Laurey Jupp, has confirmed that Bo Jensen had, indeed, found 111's Clifford Jupp. After he left the RCAF, he formed a partnership with his Brother, William Jupp. They established Jupp's Mens Wear, Nakusp, British Columbia. In 1946, he married Elizabeth (Betty) Bowes, a Nurse at Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton where she provided care for many wounded servicemen. He worked in their store for several years. He and Betty began a family. In 1954, he graduated from Rangers School and in 1958, the family moved to Silverton, British Columbia. He worked there as a Forest Ranger until he retired. Clifford Jupp died in Silverton in 2001
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo from the Collection of Clifford C. Jupp, courtesy of his Daughter, Laurey Jupp who provided confirmation and additional information. Thanks, Laurey... and thanks, again, Bo Jensen.
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He joined 111 Squadron 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 (paid) and he was rated at the "A" level of proficiency in his trade. He probably remained with 111 Squadron while they were in Alaska but I don't know where he went after that.
Bo Jensen found a person named Clifford C. Jupp, RCAF, on the 1945 Nakusp, British Columbia Voters List. A Clifford C. Jupp appeared on the 1962, 1972 and 1974 Kootenay West, British Columbia Voters Lists. He was a Forest Ranger. Corporal Jupp's daughter, Laurey Jupp, has confirmed that Bo Jensen had, indeed, found 111's Clifford Jupp. After he left the RCAF, he formed a partnership with his Brother, William Jupp. They established Jupp's Mens Wear, Nakusp, British Columbia. In 1946, he married Elizabeth (Betty) Bowes, a Nurse at Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton where she provided care for many wounded servicemen. He worked in their store for several years. He and Betty began a family. In 1954, he graduated from Rangers School and in 1958, the family moved to Silverton, British Columbia. He worked there as a Forest Ranger until he retired. Clifford Jupp died in Silverton in 2001
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo from the Collection of Clifford C. Jupp, courtesy of his Daughter, Laurey Jupp who provided confirmation and additional information. Thanks, Laurey... and thanks, again, Bo Jensen.
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Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) Earhart John Jurgesatch ?
R38043 Sergeant Jurgesatch ? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R38043 Sergeant Jurgesatch ? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Photo from Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943. Note: E.J. Holnar should be E.J. Molnar.
Corporal (Armourer, Bombs) R.E. Kellett
He was with 111 Squadron from at least the Fall of 1942. He served a rotation at Umnak Island. On January 1, 1943, he was promoted to
Acting Corporal (paid). He was rated at the "A" level of proficiency in his trade. 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. I don't know if he was sent to Europe.
This too dark picture was extracted from a newspaper photo showing 111 Squadron
Armourers loading a bomb onto a Kittyhawk on Kiska. It was published in the Ottawa Journal, June 25,1943
The caption: "P-40's, flown by pilots of an R.C.A.F. fighter unit serving in Alaska, are sometimes called up to double as light bombers. Leading Aircraftman J.E. LaBrash, of Port Hope, Ont., carries a 300-pounder with Flight Sergeant L. Sunstrum, Ottawa, on the other end of the bar. Leading Aircraftman H.C. McIntosh, of Gibson's Landing, B.C., balances the tail fin. Under the belly of the aircraft crouches Corporal R.E. Kellett, of Montreal, waiting to assist in the final coupling." You can see the photograph at the entry for LAC Jack LaBrash just below.
He was with 111 Squadron from at least the Fall of 1942. He served a rotation at Umnak Island. On January 1, 1943, he was promoted to
Acting Corporal (paid). He was rated at the "A" level of proficiency in his trade. 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. I don't know if he was sent to Europe.
This too dark picture was extracted from a newspaper photo showing 111 Squadron
Armourers loading a bomb onto a Kittyhawk on Kiska. It was published in the Ottawa Journal, June 25,1943
The caption: "P-40's, flown by pilots of an R.C.A.F. fighter unit serving in Alaska, are sometimes called up to double as light bombers. Leading Aircraftman J.E. LaBrash, of Port Hope, Ont., carries a 300-pounder with Flight Sergeant L. Sunstrum, Ottawa, on the other end of the bar. Leading Aircraftman H.C. McIntosh, of Gibson's Landing, B.C., balances the tail fin. Under the belly of the aircraft crouches Corporal R.E. Kellett, of Montreal, waiting to assist in the final coupling." You can see the photograph at the entry for LAC Jack LaBrash just below.
Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Harold Edward Kelly
R86529 LAC Kelly was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R86529 LAC Kelly was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Electrician) A.O. Keyworth
He was with 111 Squadron 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 Squadron on July 9, 1943 to report to RCAF Station Patricia Bay.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help! He may have been in the squadron at the time of Squadron Portrait, March 3, 1942. See if his picture is in the unidentified cameos from the portrait (above).
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He was with 111 Squadron 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 Squadron on July 9, 1943 to report to RCAF Station Patricia Bay.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help! He may have been in the squadron at the time of Squadron Portrait, March 3, 1942. See if his picture is in the unidentified cameos from the portrait (above).
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) Ken 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 Squadron.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Left photo shows John Forbes (on the left), home on leave in Clyde, Alberta with a colleague named (on the back of picture) "Ken". John Forbes and I think that is Ken Kuykendall on the right. The picture is from the Collection of John Forbes and comes courtesy of Linda Forbes. Right photo by Department of National Defence, PL 13129 courtesy of Captain Fred Paradie; This photograph (right) appeared in the Canadian Aviation Historical Society CAHS Journal. It identified this man as LAC Kuykendall of 14 Squadron. He may have served with 14 Squadron but he was never mentioned in the 14 Squadron Daily Diary. He was, however, mentioned in the 111 Squadron Daily Diary, albeit only once. The Journal identified two other men in the picture who were definitely 111 Squadron Ground Crew so the Journal's identification with 14 Squadron was probably an error. The actual article that the Journal attached the picture to was entitled The R.C.A.F. in the Aleutians - 1942-43. It was originally written for a British magazine, Aeroplane and appeared on January 5, 1945. It was a wonderfully detailed look at the Aleutian Campaign only a few years after it happened.
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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 Squadron.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Left photo shows John Forbes (on the left), home on leave in Clyde, Alberta with a colleague named (on the back of picture) "Ken". John Forbes and I think that is Ken Kuykendall on the right. The picture is from the Collection of John Forbes and comes courtesy of Linda Forbes. Right photo by Department of National Defence, PL 13129 courtesy of Captain Fred Paradie; This photograph (right) appeared in the Canadian Aviation Historical Society CAHS Journal. It identified this man as LAC Kuykendall of 14 Squadron. He may have served with 14 Squadron but he was never mentioned in the 14 Squadron Daily Diary. He was, however, mentioned in the 111 Squadron Daily Diary, albeit only once. The Journal identified two other men in the picture who were definitely 111 Squadron Ground Crew so the Journal's identification with 14 Squadron was probably an error. The actual article that the Journal attached the picture to was entitled The R.C.A.F. in the Aleutians - 1942-43. It was originally written for a British magazine, Aeroplane and appeared on January 5, 1945. It was a wonderfully detailed look at the Aleutian Campaign only a few years after it happened.
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Bombs) John Edward "Jack" LaBrash
R102361 I know virtually nothing about LAC LaBrash. He was identified as one of a crew of 111 Squadron Armourors loading a bomb onto a Kittyhawk. This picture appeared in many Canadian newspapers (e.g. the Ottawa Journal, June 25,1943) as part of a Canadian military campaign to let people know what their "boys" were doing to win the war. As you can see, it is too indistinct to make out any of their faces very well. I would like a brighter and higher resolution copy of this picture and one of LAC LaBrash. His name appeared on the Passenger Manifest of S.S. Pasteur along with other members of 111 Squadron who left Halifax on January 21, 1943 for Liverpool where they landed on January 27. I assume he remained as an Armourer with 111 after they were renamed as RCAF No.440 Squadron and took on a new airplane (the Hawker Typhoon) and became operationally ready to participate in the invasion of Europe later that year.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The caption: "P-40's, flown by pilots of an R.C.A.F. fighter unit serving in Alaska, are sometimes called up to double as light bombers. Leading Aircraftman J.E. LaBrash, of Port Hope, Ont., carries a 300-pounder with Flight Sergeant L. Sunstrum, Ottawa, on the other end of the bar. Leading Aircraftman H.C. McIntosh, of Gibson's Landing, B.C., balances the tail fin. Under the belly of the aircraft crouches Corporal R.E. Kellett, of Montreal, waiting to assist in the final coupling.
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Sergeant (Wireless Mechanic) Thomas N. "Tom" LaFave
Tom grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. In 1939, he enlisted in the "Air Militia" in Vancouver and became part of the RCAF. He was made a member of No. 111 Coast Auxiliary Cooperation (CAC) Squadron which had become mobilized that year. In May, 1940, the squadron was relocated from Vancouver to Patricia Bay, British Columbia which is the site of today's Victoria International Airport. He trained as a Wireless Operator. His first assignment was training members of the RCAF Women's Division at Patricia Bay, British Columbia. He was present on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken. I think he remained with 111 Squadron until they departed for Alaska to participate in the Aleutian Campaign. He had duties that involved radio responsibilities with the airport. His nephew Doug Carson remembers that he had inventory duties, as well. He remained at Patricia Bay when the squadron departed. However, soon after the squadron left, Tom was assigned to RCAF Prince Rupert (British Columbia), In the photo you can see him, the Sergeant, in the radio shack at RCAF Prince Rupert. He has four LACs to assist in the work. Some time in 1943, he went to the newly developed radar base at Cape Scott, British Columbia (No. 10 Radio Unit) where he played a part in the creation of a major radar installation and training hub along the increasingly busy west coast.
He was never mentioned in 111 Squadron's Daily Diary and I didn't know of him until his Daughter Annette recognized him in the squadron photograph. He was # 49. Thanks, Annette.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo on left,extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #049 in the portrait. Photos on right and below are from the LaFave Family Collection, courtesy of his daughter, Annette LaFave. Thanks, Annette.
Tom grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. In 1939, he enlisted in the "Air Militia" in Vancouver and became part of the RCAF. He was made a member of No. 111 Coast Auxiliary Cooperation (CAC) Squadron which had become mobilized that year. In May, 1940, the squadron was relocated from Vancouver to Patricia Bay, British Columbia which is the site of today's Victoria International Airport. He trained as a Wireless Operator. His first assignment was training members of the RCAF Women's Division at Patricia Bay, British Columbia. He was present on March 3, 1942 when the Squadron Portrait was taken. I think he remained with 111 Squadron until they departed for Alaska to participate in the Aleutian Campaign. He had duties that involved radio responsibilities with the airport. His nephew Doug Carson remembers that he had inventory duties, as well. He remained at Patricia Bay when the squadron departed. However, soon after the squadron left, Tom was assigned to RCAF Prince Rupert (British Columbia), In the photo you can see him, the Sergeant, in the radio shack at RCAF Prince Rupert. He has four LACs to assist in the work. Some time in 1943, he went to the newly developed radar base at Cape Scott, British Columbia (No. 10 Radio Unit) where he played a part in the creation of a major radar installation and training hub along the increasingly busy west coast.
He was never mentioned in 111 Squadron's Daily Diary and I didn't know of him until his Daughter Annette recognized him in the squadron photograph. He was # 49. Thanks, Annette.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo on left,extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #049 in the portrait. Photos on right and below are from the LaFave Family Collection, courtesy of his daughter, Annette LaFave. Thanks, Annette.
Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Robert Cathcart Laird
R86488 LAC Laird was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R86488 LAC Laird was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer - Guns) Bruce Haig Lang
R116031 LAC Lang was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war. He died in 2006 and is buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District , British Columbia.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R116031 LAC Lang was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war. He died in 2006 and is buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District , British Columbia.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Metal Repair) E.T. Lans
He was with 111 Squadron from very early on. He was promoted to Acting Corporal on August 1, 1942. In the Fall of 1942, he seems to have had some health problems. He was in and out of the hospital a couple of times. On January 30, 1943, he was struck off 111 Squadron strength to be posted at RCAF Station Patricia Bay, perhaps so he could get better medical attention. I don't know what happened to him after that. He never returned to 111 squadron. At the time of his leaving, he had enjoyed a proficiency rating of"A" in his trade. He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3 Tentative
Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #096 in the portrait. Photo on right extracted from photograph of ground crew members taken by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise
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He was with 111 Squadron from very early on. He was promoted to Acting Corporal on August 1, 1942. In the Fall of 1942, he seems to have had some health problems. He was in and out of the hospital a couple of times. On January 30, 1943, he was struck off 111 Squadron strength to be posted at RCAF Station Patricia Bay, perhaps so he could get better medical attention. I don't know what happened to him after that. He never returned to 111 squadron. At the time of his leaving, he had enjoyed a proficiency rating of"A" in his trade. He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3 Tentative
Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #096 in the portrait. Photo on right extracted from photograph of ground crew members taken by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Henry Richard Reinhold Larson
R 170310 He joined the squadron at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, with several other airmen, by boat on May 2, 1943 from RCAF Station, Boundary Bay. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how long he was attached to 111 Squadron or where he went from there.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R 170310 He joined the squadron at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, with several other airmen, by boat on May 2, 1943 from RCAF Station, Boundary Bay. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how long he was attached to 111 Squadron or where he went from there.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman J.L. "Paul" Lavoie
Ground Crew He was with the squadron during much of 1942. He was with them when they were in Anchorage, Alaska. The photo on the right (above) shows him on the deck of the transport ship that carried the ground crew members to Alaska. While in Anchorage, he spent a week in the Base hospital for an unspecified illness. He was released from hospital on October 22, 1942. There were no further mentions of him in the Daily Diary. I don't know how long he remained with 111 Squadron.
Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 103 in the portrait. Photo on right is courtesy of P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron during much of 1942. He was with them when they were in Anchorage, Alaska. The photo on the right (above) shows him on the deck of the transport ship that carried the ground crew members to Alaska. While in Anchorage, he spent a week in the Base hospital for an unspecified illness. He was released from hospital on October 22, 1942. There were no further mentions of him in the Daily Diary. I don't know how long he remained with 111 Squadron.
Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 103 in the portrait. Photo on right is courtesy of P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) George E. Lawrence
He was in the squadron 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. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left Department of National Defence (# unknown) showing 111's ground crew in northwestern Alaska, It is from the Collection of 111 Squadron's Sergeant Bill Mitchell. Photo on right from newspaper (unknown) photograph showing British Columbia ground crew in northwestern Alaska, i.e. 111 Squadron. Both pictures appear here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Sergeant Bill Mitchell of 111 Squadron.
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He was in the squadron 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. Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left Department of National Defence (# unknown) showing 111's ground crew in northwestern Alaska, It is from the Collection of 111 Squadron's Sergeant Bill Mitchell. Photo on right from newspaper (unknown) photograph showing British Columbia ground crew in northwestern Alaska, i.e. 111 Squadron. Both pictures appear here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Sergeant Bill Mitchell of 111 Squadron.
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Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) George Robinson Lay
Ground Crew. He was with the Squadron from its beginning in the Fall of 1941. He and Ronald William McClelland were good friends and George was Witness when Ron Married Edna Mae Matheson in Vancouver on April 14, 1942. He was posted away from 111 Squadron when they were at Elmendorf Air Field in Anchorage, Alaska on February 28, 1943 but I don't know where he went. He had reached the top level of competence ("A") in his trade by then.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 2, Probable
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #047 in the portrait. My thanks to Doug Eastman of the Comox Air Force Museum for telling me about the connection between George and Ron McLelland. The signature was from his friend Ron's Marriage Certificate.
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Ground Crew. He was with the Squadron from its beginning in the Fall of 1941. He and Ronald William McClelland were good friends and George was Witness when Ron Married Edna Mae Matheson in Vancouver on April 14, 1942. He was posted away from 111 Squadron when they were at Elmendorf Air Field in Anchorage, Alaska on February 28, 1943 but I don't know where he went. He had reached the top level of competence ("A") in his trade by then.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 2, Probable
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #047 in the portrait. My thanks to Doug Eastman of the Comox Air Force Museum for telling me about the connection between George and Ron McLelland. The signature was from his friend Ron's Marriage Certificate.
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Leading Aircraftman (Driver Transport) R.R. Levack
He joined the squadron 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.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
He joined the squadron 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.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) Robert John Lawrence Lillico
R82630 Corporal Lillico was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R82630 Corporal Lillico was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Instrument Mechanic) Dennis Joseph Listwood
R116----- Corporal Listwood was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R116----- Corporal Listwood was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) James White ? Love
R151968 LAC Love was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R151968 LAC Love was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) William Wallace Ludlow
R 52998 He arrived at 111 Squadron, Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, on January 26, 1943. His proficiency at his trade rating was "A". He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while. I don't know where he went after that.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R 52998 He arrived at 111 Squadron, Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, on January 26, 1943. His proficiency at his trade rating was "A". He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while. I don't know where he went after that.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Gilbert Hylton Lynch
R73845 LAC Lynch was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R73845 LAC Lynch was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) George M_______
R120510 I think this Service Number is accurate. LAC M______ was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R120510 I think this Service Number is accurate. LAC M______ was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Sergeant (Wireless Mechanic) Donald M. "Don" MacDonald
Ground Crew. He joined 111 Squadron early in its existence. He was with them in the Fall of 1942 when they were in Alaska. He went with an attachment of ground crew to support the P-40s that were operating out of Umnak Island in September, 1942. On June 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant. In October, 1943, he was sent to 115 Squadron at Patricia Bay, Victoria, British Columbia.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on right with MacDonald, Lyall Moodie, Frank Skelly and Ed Nolan by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise. Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #109 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew. He joined 111 Squadron early in its existence. He was with them in the Fall of 1942 when they were in Alaska. He went with an attachment of ground crew to support the P-40s that were operating out of Umnak Island in September, 1942. On June 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant. In October, 1943, he was sent to 115 Squadron at Patricia Bay, Victoria, British Columbia.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on right with MacDonald, Lyall Moodie, Frank Skelly and Ed Nolan by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise. Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #109 in the portrait.
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-Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) John A. MacDonald
He was with the squadron from the squadron's early days. He, Bill Manser, Fred Ralphs and George Whitlock were friends, probably met while at the Technical Training School at St. Thomas, Ontario in 1940. They all sailed on the BC Ferry to Victoria in 1940 to join 111 Squadron in Patricia Bay. In September, 1942, he served a rotation at Umnak Island. He was shipped out to RCAF Station Sea Island (Vancouver) on April 19, 1943.
Photo Identification Confidence: 1. Confirmed.
Right photo extracted from Department of National Defence photo archived at Glenbow Archives (NA-4339-9) showing John on the Ferry to Victoria, 1940. Photo likely taken by George Whitlock ; Middle right photo from Department of National Defence photo archived at Glenbow Archives (NA-4330-27). The left photo is from the Collection of George M. Whitlock, courtesy of his Son, Brad. This photo shows him at the time he had just completed basic training. #1 Manning Depot is behind him.
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He was with the squadron from the squadron's early days. He, Bill Manser, Fred Ralphs and George Whitlock were friends, probably met while at the Technical Training School at St. Thomas, Ontario in 1940. They all sailed on the BC Ferry to Victoria in 1940 to join 111 Squadron in Patricia Bay. In September, 1942, he served a rotation at Umnak Island. He was shipped out to RCAF Station Sea Island (Vancouver) on April 19, 1943.
Photo Identification Confidence: 1. Confirmed.
Right photo extracted from Department of National Defence photo archived at Glenbow Archives (NA-4339-9) showing John on the Ferry to Victoria, 1940. Photo likely taken by George Whitlock ; Middle right photo from Department of National Defence photo archived at Glenbow Archives (NA-4330-27). The left photo is from the Collection of George M. Whitlock, courtesy of his Son, Brad. This photo shows him at the time he had just completed basic training. #1 Manning Depot is behind him.
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Three members of 111 Squadron's Ground Crew: Bill Manzer, Ted Doughty and Milt Hannigan. (Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943)
Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic?) William P. "Bill" Manser
He was with the squadron from the squadron's early days. He, John McDonald, Fred Ralphs and George Whitlock were friends, probably met while at the Technical Training School at St. Thomas, Ontario. They all sailed on the BC Ferry to Victoria in 1940 to join 111 Squadron in Patricia Bay. On October 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal (paid). He played Defence on the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship Hockey Team. They were undefeated in 20 games. He was from Hamilton, Ontario.
Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Left photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise; Middle left photo: from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26. Photo on middle right was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 036. Picture on right from the Collection of Leading Aircraftman George M. Whitlock, courtesy of his son, Brad. Bill Manser is in the middle between George Whitlock, right, and John MacDonald. They were on the BC Ferry to Victoria, on their way to join 111 Squadron.
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He was with the squadron from the squadron's early days. He, John McDonald, Fred Ralphs and George Whitlock were friends, probably met while at the Technical Training School at St. Thomas, Ontario. They all sailed on the BC Ferry to Victoria in 1940 to join 111 Squadron in Patricia Bay. On October 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal (paid). He played Defence on the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship Hockey Team. They were undefeated in 20 games. He was from Hamilton, Ontario.
Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Left photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise; Middle left photo: from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26. Photo on middle right was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 036. Picture on right from the Collection of Leading Aircraftman George M. Whitlock, courtesy of his son, Brad. Bill Manser is in the middle between George Whitlock, right, and John MacDonald. They were on the BC Ferry to Victoria, on their way to join 111 Squadron.
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Sergeant (Wireless Mechanic) George Archibald Martin
R66997 Sergeant Martin was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
R66997 Sergeant Martin was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Flight Sergeant (Aero-Engine Mechanic) George Thomas Matheson
2397 He was with the squadron 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 Acting Flight Sergeant (paid). On August 8, 1943, he left Fort Greely with the advance party to arrange for the squadron's return to Patricia Bay. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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2397 He was with the squadron 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 Acting Flight Sergeant (paid). On August 8, 1943, he left Fort Greely with the advance party to arrange for the squadron's return to Patricia Bay. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Michael Walter McAndrew
R64033 LAC McAndrew was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
R64033 LAC McAndrew was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) Ronald William "Ron" McClelland
He joined the squadron on February 16, 1942 from #10 Repair Depot, Calgary, Alberta. On March 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant (paid). At that time, his proficiency rating for his trade was "A". On April 14, 1942, he married Edna Mae Matheson of Vancouver in Vancouver, British Columbia. His friend and fellow rigger in 111 Squadron, George Lay stood as Witness, at the Marriage. Ron went, with 111 Squadron to Alaska. He was with them through the whole Alaskan Adventure and returned, with them, to Patricia Bay. He was assigned to temporary duty at RCAF Sea Island on September 20, 1943. His name never appeared in the Daily Diary after that. I don't know where he was assigned after 111 Squadron was re-mustered at the end of 1943. To the best of my knowledge, he survived the war. He was the son of Hugh Allan McClelland, of Katrine, Ontario and Florence Estella McDonald of Vancouver.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1. Confirmed
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #051 in the portrait. Picture on right by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise. I am very grateful to Doug Eastman, of Comox Air Force Museum for the information about Ron's marriage. His signature was on his Marriage Certificate.
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He joined the squadron on February 16, 1942 from #10 Repair Depot, Calgary, Alberta. On March 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant (paid). At that time, his proficiency rating for his trade was "A". On April 14, 1942, he married Edna Mae Matheson of Vancouver in Vancouver, British Columbia. His friend and fellow rigger in 111 Squadron, George Lay stood as Witness, at the Marriage. Ron went, with 111 Squadron to Alaska. He was with them through the whole Alaskan Adventure and returned, with them, to Patricia Bay. He was assigned to temporary duty at RCAF Sea Island on September 20, 1943. His name never appeared in the Daily Diary after that. I don't know where he was assigned after 111 Squadron was re-mustered at the end of 1943. To the best of my knowledge, he survived the war. He was the son of Hugh Allan McClelland, of Katrine, Ontario and Florence Estella McDonald of Vancouver.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1. Confirmed
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #051 in the portrait. Picture on right by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise. I am very grateful to Doug Eastman, of Comox Air Force Museum for the information about Ron's marriage. His signature was on his Marriage Certificate.
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) H.C. McIntosh
He was struck off strength on October 21, 1943 (when 111 Squadron was back at Patricia Bay) and went to Aeronautical Inspector (District) School, Malton, Ontario. He was from Gibson's Landing, British Columbia.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo from newspaper (unknown) photograph showing British Columbia ground crew in northwestern Alaska, i.e. 111 Squadron.
It appears here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Sergeant Bill Mitchell of 111 Squadron.
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He was struck off strength on October 21, 1943 (when 111 Squadron was back at Patricia Bay) and went to Aeronautical Inspector (District) School, Malton, Ontario. He was from Gibson's Landing, British Columbia.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo from newspaper (unknown) photograph showing British Columbia ground crew in northwestern Alaska, i.e. 111 Squadron.
It appears here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Sergeant Bill Mitchell of 111 Squadron.
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Leading Aircraftman (Instrument Mechanic) W.E. McIntyre
He was with 111 Squadron 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 had earned a proficiency at his trade rating of "A". He was posted to 115 (f) Squadron in November, 1943 although he remained on assignment with 111 for a while afterward. He might have been from Kemptville, Ontario.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He was with 111 Squadron 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 had earned a proficiency at his trade rating of "A". He was posted to 115 (f) Squadron in November, 1943 although he remained on assignment with 111 for a while afterward. He might have been from Kemptville, Ontario.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Instrument Mechanic) Jack Gibbs McKibbon
R126232 Corporal McKibbon was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
R126232 Corporal McKibbon was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Aircraftman 1 (Armourer, Guns) McLeod
He graduated from Air Armament School at Mountain View, Ontario, in February, 1942. He went immediately after graduation to 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay. He went with 111 Squadron to Alaska and spent a rotation at Umnak Island, returning to Fort Greely on August 12, 1942. I don't know where he went afterward. He was from North Bay, Ontario.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He graduated from Air Armament School at Mountain View, Ontario, in February, 1942. He went immediately after graduation to 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay. He went with 111 Squadron to Alaska and spent a rotation at Umnak Island, returning to Fort Greely on August 12, 1942. I don't know where he went afterward. He was from North Bay, Ontario.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Allen McMorris
R120605 LAC McMorris was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
R120605 LAC McMorris was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Sergeant (Aero Engine Mechanic) William A. "Bill" McVay
He was with 111 Squadron from the beginning. When the squadron was in the process of leaving Umnak Island for Kodiak Island, in October, 1942, he was one of the last to leave. On January 20, 1943, he was struck off 111 Squadron strength and posted to RCAF Station Patricia Bay. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #100 in the portrait.
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He was with 111 Squadron from the beginning. When the squadron was in the process of leaving Umnak Island for Kodiak Island, in October, 1942, he was one of the last to leave. On January 20, 1943, he was struck off 111 Squadron strength and posted to RCAF Station Patricia Bay. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #100 in the portrait.
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Bill Mitchell, Florence McIvor and John Forbes. I think this picture was taken in late summer or early fall, 1943, probably in Victoria, British Columbia. Neither the Mitchell family nor the Forbes family knows who Florence McIvor was. Perhaps John was dating her. 111 Squadron had only recently returned to Patricia Bay from Alaska so she is likely a Vancouver Islander.
Corporal (Aero-Engine Mechanic) William Burdett "Bill" Mitchell
He joined the squadron at Patricia Bay and accompanied them to Alaska.
R128407 Although his name never appeared in the Daily Diary, he served on 111 Squadron's ground crew. He appeared in a newspaper photo showing British Columbia service men who were serving in northwestern Alaska in 1942. The men shown were all 111 Squadron ground crew. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The left picture was Bill's Service Identity Photo attached to his Service File. The middle photo: Department of National Defence (# unknown) showing 111's ground crew in northwestern Alaska is from the Collection of 111 Squadron's Corporal Bill Mitchell. Both pictures appear here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Bill Mitchell. Great to hear from you, Russ! The photo on right was extracted from a picture of 111 Squadron ground crew on board a ship that carried them to Alaska. The face is partially obscured by exhaled smoke. The picture came from the Collection of Pilot Officer (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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He joined the squadron at Patricia Bay and accompanied them to Alaska.
R128407 Although his name never appeared in the Daily Diary, he served on 111 Squadron's ground crew. He appeared in a newspaper photo showing British Columbia service men who were serving in northwestern Alaska in 1942. The men shown were all 111 Squadron ground crew. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The left picture was Bill's Service Identity Photo attached to his Service File. The middle photo: Department of National Defence (# unknown) showing 111's ground crew in northwestern Alaska is from the Collection of 111 Squadron's Corporal Bill Mitchell. Both pictures appear here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Bill Mitchell. Great to hear from you, Russ! The photo on right was extracted from a picture of 111 Squadron ground crew on board a ship that carried them to Alaska. The face is partially obscured by exhaled smoke. The picture came from the Collection of Pilot Officer (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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Sergeant (Armourer, Guns) T.C. "Tom" Mitchinson
He was with the squadron since at least the Summer of 1942. In the picture, he (on the right) is posing with Corporal Al Morley in front of a P-40 for a p.r. picture. He was with the unit that served on Umnak Island. He was promoted to Sergeant sometime in late 1942.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-10
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He was with the squadron since at least the Summer of 1942. In the picture, he (on the right) is posing with Corporal Al Morley in front of a P-40 for a p.r. picture. He was with the unit that served on Umnak Island. He was promoted to Sergeant sometime in late 1942.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-10
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Leading Aircraftman E. J. Molnar
R73763 He was with 111 Squadron from at least the summer of 1942 when they were at Fort Greely. While there,on July 3, 1942, he was charged with disobeying an order from a U.S. M.P., while drunk. He was sentenced to seven days detention. He remained with the squadron until dispersal at the end of 1943. I don't know what his role was in the squadron nor where he went. It is probable that he was a Mechanic, either Aero-engine or Air Frame. I am reasonably certain that this is the John Molnar who survived the war and settled in Surrey, British Columbia where he died on July 29, 2014.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 2 Probable
The photo on left was from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943 courtesy of David Hicks, son of Flt. Lt. Clifford Hicks. The photo on right was part of John Molnar's obituary which was published in the Vancouver Sun on August 6 and 7, 2014.
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R73763 He was with 111 Squadron from at least the summer of 1942 when they were at Fort Greely. While there,on July 3, 1942, he was charged with disobeying an order from a U.S. M.P., while drunk. He was sentenced to seven days detention. He remained with the squadron until dispersal at the end of 1943. I don't know what his role was in the squadron nor where he went. It is probable that he was a Mechanic, either Aero-engine or Air Frame. I am reasonably certain that this is the John Molnar who survived the war and settled in Surrey, British Columbia where he died on July 29, 2014.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 2 Probable
The photo on left was from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943 courtesy of David Hicks, son of Flt. Lt. Clifford Hicks. The photo on right was part of John Molnar's obituary which was published in the Vancouver Sun on August 6 and 7, 2014.
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Frederick Lloyd Moore
R73845 LAC Moore was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
R73845 LAC Moore was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Leading Aircraftman (Armourer, Guns) G.M. Morin
He was with 111 Squadron 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.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 4 Possible
Photo was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 070.
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He was with 111 Squadron 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.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 4 Possible
Photo was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 070.
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Corporal (Armourer, Guns) A.E. "Al" Morely
On June 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal. His proficiency rating of his trade was "A". He remained with 111 Squadron until it began the process of redeployment to Europe. In the picture, he (on the left) was posing with Sergeant Tom Mitchinson for a p.r. picture. He was sent to RCAF Rockcliffe (Ottawa) on November 27, 1943. He was attached to the Testing & Development Flight Program there. I don't think he went overseas with the squadron.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Left photo from the Squadron Portrait, He was in the 057 position. Centre photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-10. Right photo is from the Collection of 111's Corporal A.C. Killip, courtesy of Karen Abel (her Grandfather was F/L Robert Lynch, Pilot with 111 Squadron at that time) who got them from Levi Ballard, Alaska Military Museum, Fairbanks, AK. My gratitude to both.
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On June 1, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Corporal. His proficiency rating of his trade was "A". He remained with 111 Squadron until it began the process of redeployment to Europe. In the picture, he (on the left) was posing with Sergeant Tom Mitchinson for a p.r. picture. He was sent to RCAF Rockcliffe (Ottawa) on November 27, 1943. He was attached to the Testing & Development Flight Program there. I don't think he went overseas with the squadron.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Left photo from the Squadron Portrait, He was in the 057 position. Centre photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-10. Right photo is from the Collection of 111's Corporal A.C. Killip, courtesy of Karen Abel (her Grandfather was F/L Robert Lynch, Pilot with 111 Squadron at that time) who got them from Levi Ballard, Alaska Military Museum, Fairbanks, AK. My gratitude to both.
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Corporal (Armourer) I.E. Mortwedt
I think he joined 111 Squadron in the summer of 1942. On August 20, 1942, while working at Umnak Island, he became ill (nerve damage) and returned to Elmendorf for hospitalization. He was promoted to Acting 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. Apparently, the name is pronounced "More-tweet".
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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I think he joined 111 Squadron in the summer of 1942. On August 20, 1942, while working at Umnak Island, he became ill (nerve damage) and returned to Elmendorf for hospitalization. He was promoted to Acting 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. Apparently, the name is pronounced "More-tweet".
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman John H. Moss
I don't know when he came to 111 Squadron but on April 9, 1943, he left and was posted to RCAF Station Sea Island (Vancouver). He was from Burnaby, British Columbia.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 027. Photo on right from newspaper (unknown) photograph showing British Columbia ground crew in northwestern Alaska, i.e. 111 Squadron.
It appears here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Sergeant Bill Mitchell of 111 Squadron.
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I don't know when he came to 111 Squadron but on April 9, 1943, he left and was posted to RCAF Station Sea Island (Vancouver). He was from Burnaby, British Columbia.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 027. Photo on right from newspaper (unknown) photograph showing British Columbia ground crew in northwestern Alaska, i.e. 111 Squadron.
It appears here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Sergeant Bill Mitchell of 111 Squadron.
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer - Guns) Walter Murry ?
R140114 LAC Murry ? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R140114 LAC Murry ? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Bernard Roland Mussieux
113389 LAC Mussieux was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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113389 LAC Mussieux was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero Engine Mechanic) Leroy Harvey Newman
R149772 He joined 111 Squadron on August 12, 1942 at Elmendorf Air Base, Anchorage, Alaska from #3 Repair Depot. He must have served with 111 Squadron throughout the Alaska Campaign. His name appeared on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 30, 1944.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R149772 He joined 111 Squadron on August 12, 1942 at Elmendorf Air Base, Anchorage, Alaska from #3 Repair Depot. He must have served with 111 Squadron throughout the Alaska Campaign. His name appeared on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 30, 1944.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman Ralph Nicol
I think he joined the squadron in the Fall of 1942. He may have been an Air Frame Mechanic. He played Forward on the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship hockey team in the Winter of 1943. He worked at Port Chiniak on Kodiak Island. He did at least one tour on Umnak Island in September, 1942. I don't know how long he remained in the squadron or where he went afterward. He was from Windsor, Ontario.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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I think he joined the squadron in the Fall of 1942. He may have been an Air Frame Mechanic. He played Forward on the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship hockey team in the Winter of 1943. He worked at Port Chiniak on Kodiak Island. He did at least one tour on Umnak Island in September, 1942. I don't know how long he remained in the squadron or where he went afterward. He was from Windsor, Ontario.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Aircraftman "Boston" Noel
Ground Crew. I have reason to think he was in the squadron in early 1942. I think that is his picture in the squadron portrait. I know he was in Alaska, at Elmendorf, with 111 Squadron. I think he was an Air Frame Mechanic.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 2, Probable.
Left photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 035 in the portrait. Photo on right was extracted from a photograph in the Collection of P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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Ground Crew. I have reason to think he was in the squadron in early 1942. I think that is his picture in the squadron portrait. I know he was in Alaska, at Elmendorf, with 111 Squadron. I think he was an Air Frame Mechanic.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 2, Probable.
Left photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 035 in the portrait. Photo on right was extracted from a photograph in the Collection of P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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Corporal (Electrician) Harold "Harry" Nolan
He was with the squadron from early days in 1942. Photo on right shows (L to R) Don MacDonald, Lyall Moodie, Frank Skelly and Harry Nolan (all squadron members) at Fort Greely. He had a proficiency rating in his trade of "A". He did a stint on Umnak Island and, while there, he served on the Trade Test Board which tested and rated the level of proficiency of each airman. On November 16, 1943, Harry was posted to Aeronautical Inspector (District) School, Malton, Ontario . He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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He was with the squadron from early days in 1942. Photo on right shows (L to R) Don MacDonald, Lyall Moodie, Frank Skelly and Harry Nolan (all squadron members) at Fort Greely. He had a proficiency rating in his trade of "A". He did a stint on Umnak Island and, while there, he served on the Trade Test Board which tested and rated the level of proficiency of each airman. On November 16, 1943, Harry was posted to Aeronautical Inspector (District) School, Malton, Ontario . He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer) William Edwin Norrish
According to his son, Roger Norrish, LAC Norrish joined the RCAF in 1941. After several months of training at Mountain View, Ontario (near Belleville), he was ready to go to work as an Armourer. His first posting was with 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay in January, 1942. He went with the squadron to Elmendorf Airbase, Anchorage, Alaska in June, 1943 and then on to Fort Greely on Kodiak Island. He was sent to Boundary Bay, British Columbia on June 5, 1943 on temporary assignment. 132 (f) and 133 (f) Squadrons were at Boundary Bay at that time. When the Aleutian campaign was completed, he went overseas, with 440 Squadron, I think. His name does not appear on the ship's passenger manifest for the S.S. Pasteur, however. He served with them through France, Holland and into Germany. He returned home to Canada in the autumn of 1945. Sadly, he died on November 27, 2010. His son reports: "My father remained extremely proud of his participation in the war as part of Squadron 111(f). He told me many stories about his role in the war. He rendered over 65 years of service to the Royal Canadian Legion."
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #094 in the portrait.
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According to his son, Roger Norrish, LAC Norrish joined the RCAF in 1941. After several months of training at Mountain View, Ontario (near Belleville), he was ready to go to work as an Armourer. His first posting was with 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay in January, 1942. He went with the squadron to Elmendorf Airbase, Anchorage, Alaska in June, 1943 and then on to Fort Greely on Kodiak Island. He was sent to Boundary Bay, British Columbia on June 5, 1943 on temporary assignment. 132 (f) and 133 (f) Squadrons were at Boundary Bay at that time. When the Aleutian campaign was completed, he went overseas, with 440 Squadron, I think. His name does not appear on the ship's passenger manifest for the S.S. Pasteur, however. He served with them through France, Holland and into Germany. He returned home to Canada in the autumn of 1945. Sadly, he died on November 27, 2010. His son reports: "My father remained extremely proud of his participation in the war as part of Squadron 111(f). He told me many stories about his role in the war. He rendered over 65 years of service to the Royal Canadian Legion."
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #094 in the portrait.
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Sergeant (Wireless Mechanic) G.W. O'Boyle
On November 1. 1943, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant (paid). His proficiency at his trade was rated as "A". There was no other mention of him in the Squadron Daily Diary.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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On November 1. 1943, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant (paid). His proficiency at his trade was rated as "A". There was no other mention of him in the Squadron Daily Diary.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) John Bernard O'Neill
R111958 LAC O'Neill was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Henry Morgan Open
R166945 LAC Open was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R166945 LAC Open was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman John Ostupchuck
Ground Crew He was with the squadron throughout the Aleutian Campaign. I don't know what his function was nor do I know what he did after 111 Squadron was redeployed.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 4 Possible
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #105 in the portrait.
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Ground Crew He was with the squadron throughout the Aleutian Campaign. I don't know what his function was nor do I know what he did after 111 Squadron was redeployed.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 4 Possible
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #105 in the portrait.
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Leading Aircraftman (Radar Direction Finding Mechanic) Albert John Oxenham
R173526 LAC Oxenham was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R173526 LAC Oxenham was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman Donald Lloyd Parkhill
The two Parkhills served together in 111 Squadron since at least December, 1942. I assume they were Ground Crew. On December 10, 1942, they were both struck off strength and together redeployed to #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. Don died in Kincardine, Bruce, Ontario in 1995 and is buried at the Kincardine Cemetery there. His wife, Pauline, followed in 2007.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 086 I appreciate the information from Troy Caron that links the two Parkhill men as Brothers. I am on stand-by for further information from him.
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The two Parkhills served together in 111 Squadron since at least December, 1942. I assume they were Ground Crew. On December 10, 1942, they were both struck off strength and together redeployed to #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. Don died in Kincardine, Bruce, Ontario in 1995 and is buried at the Kincardine Cemetery there. His wife, Pauline, followed in 2007.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 086 I appreciate the information from Troy Caron that links the two Parkhill men as Brothers. I am on stand-by for further information from him.
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Leading Aircraftman John Y. "Jack" Parkhill
The two Parkhills served together in 111 Squadron since at least December, 1942. According to Donald Lloyd's Grandson, Troy Caron, these two Parkhill men were brothers. I assume they were Ground Crew. On December 10, 1942, they were both struck off strength and together redeployed to #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. A John Y. Parkhill is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Creston, Central Kootenay Regional District, British Columbia, He died in 2000.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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The two Parkhills served together in 111 Squadron since at least December, 1942. According to Donald Lloyd's Grandson, Troy Caron, these two Parkhill men were brothers. I assume they were Ground Crew. On December 10, 1942, they were both struck off strength and together redeployed to #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. A John Y. Parkhill is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Creston, Central Kootenay Regional District, British Columbia, He died in 2000.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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KIA
Pilot Officer (Flight Engineer) George Frederick Patterson
C47487 He arrived as a Leading Aircraftman (Aero Engine Mechanic) at Fort Greely to join 111 Squadron on January, 1943. At the time he arrived, his trade proficiency was rated as "B". He was sent from Kodiak to #9 Bombing & Gunnery Training School, Mt Joli, Quebec on July 17, 1943. And that was all I knew about him until the indefatigable Anne Gafiuk discovered that he went to #9 Bombing and Gunnery Training School for training to become a Flight Engineer.
He was found to be a very good student and leader. On December 23, 1943, he received his Flight Engineer badge (see photo). He was deemed to be qualified on Stranraer, Canso A and Catalina aircraft. These are all sea planes. His next assignment was to RCAF No. 4 Squadron. This was a Bomber Reconnaissance Unit based at Ucluelet, British Columbia. Its primary duty was to patrol for enemy submarines in the waters north of Vancouver Island.
Anne Gafiuk found this in his Service Record: In late November 1944, Mrs. Patterson received a letter. “Your son was a member of a crew which left the Station on Tuesday morning, November 14, on a regular patrol. A message received from their aircraft indicated that everything appeared to be proceeding normally. After a period of silence, an intensive and widespread search was instituted the same day…. both day and night, but so far without success. Please be assured that everything humanly possible is being done to find your son, and his fellow airmen are working themselves without stint both in time and energy to that end.”
Pilot Officer Patterson's Canso A (# 11017) crashed into the sea (cause unknown) and his body was never found. His name does appear on the Ottawa Memorial.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The photograph comes from his Service Record, thanks to Anne Gafiuk.
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Pilot Officer (Flight Engineer) George Frederick Patterson
C47487 He arrived as a Leading Aircraftman (Aero Engine Mechanic) at Fort Greely to join 111 Squadron on January, 1943. At the time he arrived, his trade proficiency was rated as "B". He was sent from Kodiak to #9 Bombing & Gunnery Training School, Mt Joli, Quebec on July 17, 1943. And that was all I knew about him until the indefatigable Anne Gafiuk discovered that he went to #9 Bombing and Gunnery Training School for training to become a Flight Engineer.
He was found to be a very good student and leader. On December 23, 1943, he received his Flight Engineer badge (see photo). He was deemed to be qualified on Stranraer, Canso A and Catalina aircraft. These are all sea planes. His next assignment was to RCAF No. 4 Squadron. This was a Bomber Reconnaissance Unit based at Ucluelet, British Columbia. Its primary duty was to patrol for enemy submarines in the waters north of Vancouver Island.
Anne Gafiuk found this in his Service Record: In late November 1944, Mrs. Patterson received a letter. “Your son was a member of a crew which left the Station on Tuesday morning, November 14, on a regular patrol. A message received from their aircraft indicated that everything appeared to be proceeding normally. After a period of silence, an intensive and widespread search was instituted the same day…. both day and night, but so far without success. Please be assured that everything humanly possible is being done to find your son, and his fellow airmen are working themselves without stint both in time and energy to that end.”
Pilot Officer Patterson's Canso A (# 11017) crashed into the sea (cause unknown) and his body was never found. His name does appear on the Ottawa Memorial.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The photograph comes from his Service Record, thanks to Anne Gafiuk.
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Arthur Neil Pederson
R162015 LAC Pederson was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R162015 LAC Pederson was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Joseph Dennis Pelletier
R177638 LAC Pelletier was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R177638 LAC Pelletier was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Sergeant (Aero Engine Mechanic) Michael "Mike" Percheson
He was with 111 Squadron from the beginning. He served with 111 both at Elmendorf (Anchorage) and Fort Greely (Kodiak Island). While at Elmendorf, he participated in squadron-level Musketry competition and was a high scorer. In July, 1942, he was detached from 111 temporarily to service the aircraft that the squadron had left there for the use of 14 Squadron. On August 1, 1942, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant (paid). He returned to Patricia Bay with 111 and served there until he was replaced in October, 1943 and sent to #8 Repair Depot in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #026 in the portrait.
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He was with 111 Squadron from the beginning. He served with 111 both at Elmendorf (Anchorage) and Fort Greely (Kodiak Island). While at Elmendorf, he participated in squadron-level Musketry competition and was a high scorer. In July, 1942, he was detached from 111 temporarily to service the aircraft that the squadron had left there for the use of 14 Squadron. On August 1, 1942, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant (paid). He returned to Patricia Bay with 111 and served there until he was replaced in October, 1943 and sent to #8 Repair Depot in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #026 in the portrait.
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Leading Aircraftman (Electrician) Joseph Perkins
R176055 He had been attached to 14 Squadron but was posted temporarily with 111 Squadron at Pat Bay for a period ending on October 30, 1943 when he returned to 14 (f) Squadron, then at Boundary Bay, British Columbia. We know he later returned to 111 Squadron because his name appeared on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 30, 1944.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R176055 He had been attached to 14 Squadron but was posted temporarily with 111 Squadron at Pat Bay for a period ending on October 30, 1943 when he returned to 14 (f) Squadron, then at Boundary Bay, British Columbia. We know he later returned to 111 Squadron because his name appeared on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 30, 1944.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) R.A. Phillips
There were two airmen named Phillips in the squadron, both were Air Frame Mechanics.
R.A. arrived at Patricia Bay on January 24, 1942, as a Corporal and was in the Squadron at the time of the Squadron portrait. On August 1, 1942, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant. At some time in mid-1942, he was temporarily assigned to Patricia Bay. He
was formally struck off 111 Squadron strength at Fort Greely on December 20, 1942 and he returned to Patricia Bay.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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There were two airmen named Phillips in the squadron, both were Air Frame Mechanics.
R.A. arrived at Patricia Bay on January 24, 1942, as a Corporal and was in the Squadron at the time of the Squadron portrait. On August 1, 1942, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant. At some time in mid-1942, he was temporarily assigned to Patricia Bay. He
was formally struck off 111 Squadron strength at Fort Greely on December 20, 1942 and he returned to Patricia Bay.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) W.K. Phillips
I don't know when he joined 111 Squadron but he was sent from Patricia Bay, on November 24, 1943, to 8 (br) Squadron at Sea Island, British Columbia.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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I don't know when he joined 111 Squadron but he was sent from Patricia Bay, on November 24, 1943, to 8 (br) Squadron at Sea Island, British Columbia.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Percival Lewellyn Phoenix
R 123916 In the Fall of 1943, he transferred in to 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay from 14 (f) Squadron on a temporary attachment. On October 27, 1943, he was taken on strength in 111 Squadron. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R 123916 In the Fall of 1943, he transferred in to 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay from 14 (f) Squadron on a temporary attachment. On October 27, 1943, he was taken on strength in 111 Squadron. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Warrant Officer 1st Class (Aero Engine Mechanic) Rene "Joe" Pichard
He was promoted to WO2 (Sergeant Major) from Flt/Sgt on January 5, 1942, just a few weeks before the squadron portrait was taken and he is the only non-pilot WO2 in the picture whose rank insignia is visible. That is my reasoning for assuming that this is a picture of him. He went to Alaska with 111 Squadron and served with the detached group of 111 personnel who worked on Umnak Island through the Fall of 1942. His proficiency rating was "A". On February 10, 1943, he left 111 Squadron to go to 163 Squadron. He had been promoted to WO 1 by that time. A 1945 newspaper article, reporting the overseas deaths of two of his brothers, indicated that he was in Vancouver at that time but did not report his unit. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Pichard lived in Hull, Quebec then. He survived the war but I don't know where else he served.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3, Tentative
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position # 021 in the portrait.
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He was promoted to WO2 (Sergeant Major) from Flt/Sgt on January 5, 1942, just a few weeks before the squadron portrait was taken and he is the only non-pilot WO2 in the picture whose rank insignia is visible. That is my reasoning for assuming that this is a picture of him. He went to Alaska with 111 Squadron and served with the detached group of 111 personnel who worked on Umnak Island through the Fall of 1942. His proficiency rating was "A". On February 10, 1943, he left 111 Squadron to go to 163 Squadron. He had been promoted to WO 1 by that time. A 1945 newspaper article, reporting the overseas deaths of two of his brothers, indicated that he was in Vancouver at that time but did not report his unit. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Pichard lived in Hull, Quebec then. He survived the war but I don't know where else he served.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3, Tentative
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position # 021 in the portrait.
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Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) C. Pike
He joined 111 Squadron on October 14, 1943, after the squadron returned from Alaska to Patricia Bay. He had been at # 4 Service Flying Training School, Saskatoon. He might have gone overseas with 111 Squadron.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He joined 111 Squadron on October 14, 1943, after the squadron returned from Alaska to Patricia Bay. He had been at # 4 Service Flying Training School, Saskatoon. He might have gone overseas with 111 Squadron.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Colin Bruce Pilkey
R87784 LAC Pilkey was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R87784 LAC Pilkey was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Armourer - Guns) Walter Ernest Poole
R106046 Corporal Poole was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R106046 Corporal Poole was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Donald Eyre Porritt
R189371 LAC Porritt was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R189371 LAC Porritt was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Stanley Garrett Pott____s
R121895 LAC Pott____s was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. I think he survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R121895 LAC Pott____s was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. I think he survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Floyd John Pratt
R178262 LAC Pratt was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R178262 LAC Pratt was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Gilbert Henry R_____S
R133082 Corporal R_______S was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R133082 Corporal R_______S was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Frederick "Fred" Ralphs
He was with the squadron from the squadron's early days. He, John McDonald, Bill Manser and George Whitlock were friends, probably met while at the Technical Training School at St. Thomas, Ontario. They all sailed on the BC Ferry to Victoria in 1940 to join 111 Squadron in Patricia Bay. He was in the squadron in the summer of 1942, while they were at Elmendorf in Anchorage and, I think, remained for the duration. He was a member of the ground Crew, probably an aero-engine mechanic. I don't know where he went afterwards. He was from Winnipeg, Manitoba where his wife waited for him to come home from the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left, was extracted from a group shot showing Manitobans who were serving in Alaska. It appeared in The Winnipeg Tribune on November 20, 1942, page 13, photographer unspecified. Photo on right Department of National Defence (# unknown) showing 111's ground crew in northwestern Alaska, It is from the Collection of 111 Squadron's Sergeant Bill Mitchell and appears here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, his son.
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He was with the squadron from the squadron's early days. He, John McDonald, Bill Manser and George Whitlock were friends, probably met while at the Technical Training School at St. Thomas, Ontario. They all sailed on the BC Ferry to Victoria in 1940 to join 111 Squadron in Patricia Bay. He was in the squadron in the summer of 1942, while they were at Elmendorf in Anchorage and, I think, remained for the duration. He was a member of the ground Crew, probably an aero-engine mechanic. I don't know where he went afterwards. He was from Winnipeg, Manitoba where his wife waited for him to come home from the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left, was extracted from a group shot showing Manitobans who were serving in Alaska. It appeared in The Winnipeg Tribune on November 20, 1942, page 13, photographer unspecified. Photo on right Department of National Defence (# unknown) showing 111's ground crew in northwestern Alaska, It is from the Collection of 111 Squadron's Sergeant Bill Mitchell and appears here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, his son.
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Ranahan
He was with 111 Squadron only briefly; mustered out to 14 (f) Squadron at Rockcliffe, Ontario on February 11, 1942 while 111 Squadron was still at Patricia Bay.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He was with 111 Squadron only briefly; mustered out to 14 (f) Squadron at Rockcliffe, Ontario on February 11, 1942 while 111 Squadron was still at Patricia Bay.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) David T. Rennie
R116475 LAC Rennie was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R116475 LAC Rennie was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Wireless Mechanic) John "Johnny" Richards
John Richards was a friend and colleague of Sergeant Tom LaFave (Wireless Mechanic) who was a member of 111 Squadron while they were in Patricia Bay. John remained with No. 111 Squadron, accompanying them to Alaska. LaFave's daughter, Annette recognized Johnny's picture in the squadron portrait and also in the photograph showing the squadron departing from Anchorage to Kodiak Island. I assume from that that John was with the squadron through the Aleutians Campaign.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The photo on the left comes from the Collection of the Tom LaFave Family, courtesy of Tom's daughter, Annette LaFave. Thanks for the sharp eye, Annette. The photo on the right is from the Squadron Portrait. He was in Position 028.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The photo on the left comes from the Collection of the Tom LaFave Family, courtesy of Tom's daughter, Annette LaFave. Thanks for the sharp eye, Annette. The photo on the right is from the Squadron Portrait. He was in Position 028.
Aircraftman 1 Wireless Mechanic) John Francis Risso___?,
R109571 Airman Risso___? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R109571 Airman Risso___? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Instrument Mechanic) William John Robinson
R11965 LAC Robinson was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R11965 LAC Robinson was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Aircraftman "Dutch" Rol
Ground Crew. I don't know anything about him.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #106 in the portrait. Photo on right from the Collection of Pilot Officer (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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Ground Crew. I don't know anything about him.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #106 in the portrait. Photo on right from the Collection of Pilot Officer (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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Flight Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) James Albert "Bert or Sugar" Sagar
2274 He signed up with the RCAF in 1939 and joined 111 Squadron 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 from hospital on July 6 and returned to Umnak, I believe. On September 27, 1942, having completed his shift at Umnak, he went back to the base at Elmendorf. He went with the squadron 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 was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I assume he served with 440 Squadron. After the war, he settled in Vancouver, British Columbia where he worked until retirement in the 1960's. He bought a farm in the Chilliwack area where he he loved to entertain friends and family. According to his obituary (Vancouver Sun, July 28-29, 2006), he was born in England on February 20, 1917 and died at Chilliwack, British Columbia on July 23, 2006. He had married twice, both wives predeceasing him. He had three children, 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was described as having a "mischievous sense of humour.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo from the Collection of F/L (Pilot) Robert Lynch, courtesy of his Granddaughter, Karen Abel.
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2274 He signed up with the RCAF in 1939 and joined 111 Squadron 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 from hospital on July 6 and returned to Umnak, I believe. On September 27, 1942, having completed his shift at Umnak, he went back to the base at Elmendorf. He went with the squadron 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 was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I assume he served with 440 Squadron. After the war, he settled in Vancouver, British Columbia where he worked until retirement in the 1960's. He bought a farm in the Chilliwack area where he he loved to entertain friends and family. According to his obituary (Vancouver Sun, July 28-29, 2006), he was born in England on February 20, 1917 and died at Chilliwack, British Columbia on July 23, 2006. He had married twice, both wives predeceasing him. He had three children, 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was described as having a "mischievous sense of humour.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo from the Collection of F/L (Pilot) Robert Lynch, courtesy of his Granddaughter, Karen Abel.
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Leading Aircraftman L.S. "Smug" 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 squadron, probably Air Frame Mechanic or Aero-Engine Mechanic.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
This photo is from the Collection of 111's Corporal A.C. Killip, courtesy of Karen Abel (her Grandfather was F/L Robert Lynch, Pilot with 111 Squadron at that time) who got them from Levi Ballard, Alaska Military Museum, Fairbanks, AK. My gratitude to both.
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer - Guns) Almondo Scale
R212619 LAC Scale was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R212619 LAC Scale was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Sergeant (Aero Engine Mechanic) Donald James Sewall
R 51295 He joined 111 Squadron in October, 1943, replacing Sgt Mike Percheson. He had been at #7 Bombing and Gunnery School, Paulson, Manitoba. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R 51295 He joined 111 Squadron in October, 1943, replacing Sgt Mike Percheson. He had been at #7 Bombing and Gunnery School, Paulson, Manitoba. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman Gordon H. "Gord" Simmonds
He was with the squadron from close to its beginnings. He was a member of the Ground Crew but I don't know what his job was nor what happened to him. He might have been an Air Frame Mechanic. He was an excellent shot, however. He was lauded in the Daily Diary for being the High Scorer in a squadron Musketry Competition in September, 1942. They were at Elmendorf Air Field, Anchorage, Alaska at the time.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 111.
Photo on right by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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He was with the squadron from close to its beginnings. He was a member of the Ground Crew but I don't know what his job was nor what happened to him. He might have been an Air Frame Mechanic. He was an excellent shot, however. He was lauded in the Daily Diary for being the High Scorer in a squadron Musketry Competition in September, 1942. They were at Elmendorf Air Field, Anchorage, Alaska at the time.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 111.
Photo on right by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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Flight Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) Clarence Edward Smith
4199 He transferred in to 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay from #3 Repair Depot, Sea Island, British Columbia, on November 2, 1943. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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4199 He transferred in to 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay from #3 Repair Depot, Sea Island, British Columbia, on November 2, 1943. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Flight Sergeant (Senior NCO, Air Frame Mechanic) A.L.J. Snow
No. 9830 He joined the squadron at its beginning in Rockcliffe, arriving on November 9, 1941. He was the Senior NCO in charge of all of the Air Frame Mechanics in the squadron. He went with the squadron to Patricia Bay and then on to Alaska. On June 19, 1942, he was admitted to the base hospital at Elmendorf Field, Anchorage, Alaska for an ulcerated stomach. Then, on July 16, 1942, he was discharged from the Base Hospital, Elmendorf and sent on to RCAF Hospital, Patricia Bay. I don't know what became of him after that. He never reappeared in 111 Squadron. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3, Tentative.
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 He is in position #001 in the portrait.
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No. 9830 He joined the squadron at its beginning in Rockcliffe, arriving on November 9, 1941. He was the Senior NCO in charge of all of the Air Frame Mechanics in the squadron. He went with the squadron to Patricia Bay and then on to Alaska. On June 19, 1942, he was admitted to the base hospital at Elmendorf Field, Anchorage, Alaska for an ulcerated stomach. Then, on July 16, 1942, he was discharged from the Base Hospital, Elmendorf and sent on to RCAF Hospital, Patricia Bay. I don't know what became of him after that. He never reappeared in 111 Squadron. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3, Tentative.
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 He is in position #001 in the portrait.
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Sergeant (Armourer) D.E. Spero
He joined the squadron early, probably at the beginning in November, 1941. He was in the squadron at the time of the Squadron Portrait, March 3, 1942. On January 12, 1942, he gave a lecture at Sea Island (Vancouver) to all 111 Pilots about the P-40's guns and sights. He was promoted to Acting 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 squadron until the job in Alaska was complete. I don't know where he went when 111 Squadron went overseas.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Thle right photo was extracted from the photograph by then-Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) Lou Wise. He was in position W7 in the picture of the members of 111 Squadron departing for Kodiak Island. The picture appears at the top of this page. He was identified by his Grandson, Mike Spero. Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 084.
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He joined the squadron early, probably at the beginning in November, 1941. He was in the squadron at the time of the Squadron Portrait, March 3, 1942. On January 12, 1942, he gave a lecture at Sea Island (Vancouver) to all 111 Pilots about the P-40's guns and sights. He was promoted to Acting 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 squadron until the job in Alaska was complete. I don't know where he went when 111 Squadron went overseas.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Thle right photo was extracted from the photograph by then-Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic) Lou Wise. He was in position W7 in the picture of the members of 111 Squadron departing for Kodiak Island. The picture appears at the top of this page. He was identified by his Grandson, Mike Spero. Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 084.
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Joseph Spencer
R166945 LAC Open was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R166945 LAC Open was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Flight Sergeant (Wireless Electrical Mechanic) H.W. "Ted" Staples
I don't know how long he was with the squadron but he appeared in a candid photograph taken by Lou Wise just after the squadron had arrived at Sea Island to re-assemble the crated aircraft (December, 1941, January 1942). In the first mention of him in the Squadron Daily Diary, he was at Fort Glenn, Umnak Island. He had just been promoted, on August 1, 1942, to Acting Flight Sergeant. Later, while the squadron was at Elmendorf Field in Anchorage, he and S/L McGregor left Elmendorf to work on and retrieve one of 111's planes that had become unservicable at Watson Lake. They were at that repair for five days. He did well at a Musketry competition at Elmendorf. He must have been affable because he served as master of ceremonies at the Thanksgiving celebratory dinner at Fort Greely in 1942. He was said, in the Diary, to have "handled the affair very capably." On February 6, 1943, he was struck off 111 strength to go #3 Wireless School in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He had rated as Level "A" in proficiency in his trade.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise
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I don't know how long he was with the squadron but he appeared in a candid photograph taken by Lou Wise just after the squadron had arrived at Sea Island to re-assemble the crated aircraft (December, 1941, January 1942). In the first mention of him in the Squadron Daily Diary, he was at Fort Glenn, Umnak Island. He had just been promoted, on August 1, 1942, to Acting Flight Sergeant. Later, while the squadron was at Elmendorf Field in Anchorage, he and S/L McGregor left Elmendorf to work on and retrieve one of 111's planes that had become unservicable at Watson Lake. They were at that repair for five days. He did well at a Musketry competition at Elmendorf. He must have been affable because he served as master of ceremonies at the Thanksgiving celebratory dinner at Fort Greely in 1942. He was said, in the Diary, to have "handled the affair very capably." On February 6, 1943, he was struck off 111 strength to go #3 Wireless School in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He had rated as Level "A" in proficiency in his trade.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Phillip Gerrard Stri_____
R121120 LAC Str____ was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R121120 LAC Str____ was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer) R.Y. Stocks
He was with the squadron 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.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He was with the squadron 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.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) John A. "Jerry" Summers
He was with the squadron since at least the summer of 1942 when he was promoted to Acting 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 Squadron strength to be posted to the Aircraft Inspector Directorate (AID) School in Toronto.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo on left Department of National Defence (# unknown) showing 111's ground crew in northwestern Alaska, It is from the Collection of 111 Squadron's Sergeant Bill Mitchell. Photo in middle from newspaper (unknown) photograph showing British Columbia ground crew in northwestern Alaska, i.e. 111 Squadron. Both pictures appear here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Sergeant Bill Mitchell of 111 Squadron. Photo on right by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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He was with the squadron since at least the summer of 1942 when he was promoted to Acting 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 Squadron strength to be posted to the Aircraft Inspector Directorate (AID) School in Toronto.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo on left Department of National Defence (# unknown) showing 111's ground crew in northwestern Alaska, It is from the Collection of 111 Squadron's Sergeant Bill Mitchell. Photo in middle from newspaper (unknown) photograph showing British Columbia ground crew in northwestern Alaska, i.e. 111 Squadron. Both pictures appear here courtesy of Russ Mitchell, son of Sergeant Bill Mitchell of 111 Squadron. Photo on right by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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Flight Lieutenant (Armament) Lyman "Sunny" Sunstrum
6656 He must have joined 111 Squadron as early as the Spring of 1942. I believe he was in the squadron portrait. He was promoted to Acting Flight Sergeant on August 1, 1942. He advanced to Temporary Flight Sergeant on February 13, 1943 when the squadron was on Kodiak Island. Corporal Max Crandall, who served under Sgt Sunstrum had this to say abut him and his leadership: "I must mention here that the flight sergeant who was at the head of our armament section was, in my mind, almost irreplaceable; he was a young man of the permanent force by the name of Lyman Sunstrum - very likable and certainly very capable." (Max Crandall, A Farm Boy Goes to War, page 42) He played Defense on the Kodiak Island RCAF Hockey Team when they won the Base Championship after a season of 20 undefeated games. On October 28, 1943, he was sent to a Senior NCO Administration Course at #1 I.T.S., Trenton, Ontario. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. Coincidentally, it was the Pasteur that carried him home, as well. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while. He was from Ottawa and returned there after the war. He married Muriel Ruth Burns soon after he got home. They had four children. and by the time he died, on May 17, 1982, at the age of 62, he had four grandchildren to be proud of.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
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. Photo on right was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 073.
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6656 He must have joined 111 Squadron as early as the Spring of 1942. I believe he was in the squadron portrait. He was promoted to Acting Flight Sergeant on August 1, 1942. He advanced to Temporary Flight Sergeant on February 13, 1943 when the squadron was on Kodiak Island. Corporal Max Crandall, who served under Sgt Sunstrum had this to say abut him and his leadership: "I must mention here that the flight sergeant who was at the head of our armament section was, in my mind, almost irreplaceable; he was a young man of the permanent force by the name of Lyman Sunstrum - very likable and certainly very capable." (Max Crandall, A Farm Boy Goes to War, page 42) He played Defense on the Kodiak Island RCAF Hockey Team when they won the Base Championship after a season of 20 undefeated games. On October 28, 1943, he was sent to a Senior NCO Administration Course at #1 I.T.S., Trenton, Ontario. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. Coincidentally, it was the Pasteur that carried him home, as well. I don't know how he spent the rest of the war. He was with 440 Squadron for a while. He was from Ottawa and returned there after the war. He married Muriel Ruth Burns soon after he got home. They had four children. and by the time he died, on May 17, 1982, at the age of 62, he had four grandchildren to be proud of.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
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. Photo on right was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position # 073.
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) William Sutherland
R109026 LAC Sutherland was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
R109026 LAC Sutherland was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Flying Officer(Aero-Engine Mechanic) Norman James Thompson?
C7127 F/O Thompson? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
C7127 F/O Thompson? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Leading Aircraftman (Equipment Assistant) R.G. Thompson
R109056 He was taken on 111 Squadron strength at Fort Greely, Kodiak, Alaska on February 4, 1943 from 8 (br) Sqn. However, he showed up in 14 Squadron in the middle of the next month. 14 Squadron was on Umnak Island at the time. I don't know how long he stayed with 14 Squadron. He never reappeared at 111 squadron.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help
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R109056 He was taken on 111 Squadron strength at Fort Greely, Kodiak, Alaska on February 4, 1943 from 8 (br) Sqn. However, he showed up in 14 Squadron in the middle of the next month. 14 Squadron was on Umnak Island at the time. I don't know how long he stayed with 14 Squadron. He never reappeared at 111 squadron.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help
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Corporal (Electrician) George Walter Thornton
R____64 Corporal Thornton was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) John A. Thrasher
He was with 111 Squadron at least from the Fall of 1942. On October 20, 1942, he fell into a foxhole outside the barracks at Elmendorf Air Field and suffered facial lacerations. He recovered. His injury should not automatically be blamed on a failure in sobriety. The fact is that every night, the city of Anchorage was in total blackout. The concerns about attack were very real. These foxholes, built to save lives, were dangerously invisible in the dark.
He went with 111 to Kodiak Island. He worked both at Fort Greely and at Marks Field on Point Chiniak. On July 1, 1943, after the squadron returned to Patricia Bay, he was promoted to Acting Corporal. I don't know if he went overseas with 111.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
The caption reads: For Protection; "fox holes" where guns could be placed around buildings. Dangerous in blackouts, they have been dubbed "drunk traps." Picture from the Montreal Standard which did a feature on RCAF activity in Anchorage, Alaska. Published on October 24, 1942. (Photo from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks, courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks)
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He was with 111 Squadron at least from the Fall of 1942. On October 20, 1942, he fell into a foxhole outside the barracks at Elmendorf Air Field and suffered facial lacerations. He recovered. His injury should not automatically be blamed on a failure in sobriety. The fact is that every night, the city of Anchorage was in total blackout. The concerns about attack were very real. These foxholes, built to save lives, were dangerously invisible in the dark.
He went with 111 to Kodiak Island. He worked both at Fort Greely and at Marks Field on Point Chiniak. On July 1, 1943, after the squadron returned to Patricia Bay, he was promoted to Acting Corporal. I don't know if he went overseas with 111.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
The caption reads: For Protection; "fox holes" where guns could be placed around buildings. Dangerous in blackouts, they have been dubbed "drunk traps." Picture from the Montreal Standard which did a feature on RCAF activity in Anchorage, Alaska. Published on October 24, 1942. (Photo from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks, courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks)
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Aircraftman 1 (Wireless Mechanic) Davis Peter Tingley
R 174958 He transferred into 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay on November 5, 1943 from #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 30, 1944.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R 174958 He transferred into 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay on November 5, 1943 from #3 Repair Depot, Vancouver. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 30, 1944.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman Fredrick "Fred" Tomkinson
He was with 111 Squadron, as a member of the Ground Crew, from as early as November, 1942. I do not know what work he did with the
squadron nor what he did after his stint with 111.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943, courtesy of Dave Hicks, son of Flt. Lt Clifford Hicks.
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He was with 111 Squadron, as a member of the Ground Crew, from as early as November, 1942. I do not know what work he did with the
squadron nor what he did after his stint with 111.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943, courtesy of Dave Hicks, son of Flt. Lt Clifford Hicks.
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Leading Aircraftman (Driver Transport) R.R. Trepanier
He came to 111 Squadron 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. I don't know if he went with 111 Squadron when they left Kodiak Island.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He came to 111 Squadron 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. I don't know if he went with 111 Squadron when they left Kodiak Island.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Electrician) G.W. Trigg
I don't know how long he was with 111 Squadron but he departed soon after the move to Kodiak Island. He was re-assigned to #3
Repair Depot, Vancouver on May 21, 1943. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him.. Help!
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I don't know how long he was with 111 Squadron but he departed soon after the move to Kodiak Island. He was re-assigned to #3
Repair Depot, Vancouver on May 21, 1943. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him.. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) Wilfred W. "Wilf" and "Ike" Troughton
R122100 He was with 111 Squadron from the beginning in December, 1941. In the summer of 1942, he was charged with AWL for missing a shift and was sentenced to seven days confined to base. He was the Playing Coach and played Forward on the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship Hockey Team in the Winter of 1943. He had earned a trade proficiency rating of "A". He left to join 132 Squadron in November, 1943. He survived the war. He was from Vancouver, British Columbia.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
1st Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #068 in the portrait.
2nd photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise; 3rd photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26.
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R122100 He was with 111 Squadron from the beginning in December, 1941. In the summer of 1942, he was charged with AWL for missing a shift and was sentenced to seven days confined to base. He was the Playing Coach and played Forward on the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship Hockey Team in the Winter of 1943. He had earned a trade proficiency rating of "A". He left to join 132 Squadron in November, 1943. He survived the war. He was from Vancouver, British Columbia.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
1st Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in position #068 in the portrait.
2nd photo by P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise; 3rd photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26.
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Leading Aircraftman J.P. Trusz
He left 111 Squadron at Fort Greely on July 15, 1943 to report to #4 Bombing & Gunnery School in Jarvis, Ontario. There were no other references to him in the Daily Diary so I don't now when he joined the squadron nor what his trade was. I am reasonably certain he was ground crew. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He left 111 Squadron at Fort Greely on July 15, 1943 to report to #4 Bombing & Gunnery School in Jarvis, Ontario. There were no other references to him in the Daily Diary so I don't now when he joined the squadron nor what his trade was. I am reasonably certain he was ground crew. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Sergeant Usherwood
He was among the first of the squadron's Ground Crew, arriving at Rockcliffe on November 9, 1941. He was a Sergeant when he joined 111 Squadron and I think he was either an Air Frame Mechanic or an Aero-Engine Mechanic. He was there at the time of the Squadron portrait. I am only assuming that this is his picture based on flimsy logic. I don't know what became of him. He may have been re-posted in mid 1942. He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 4, Possible. Help!
Photo extracted from
the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 His picture is in the #004 position in the portrait.
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He was among the first of the squadron's Ground Crew, arriving at Rockcliffe on November 9, 1941. He was a Sergeant when he joined 111 Squadron and I think he was either an Air Frame Mechanic or an Aero-Engine Mechanic. He was there at the time of the Squadron portrait. I am only assuming that this is his picture based on flimsy logic. I don't know what became of him. He may have been re-posted in mid 1942. He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 4, Possible. Help!
Photo extracted from
the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 His picture is in the #004 position in the portrait.
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Sergeant (Aero Engine Mechanic) Thomas A. "Tom" Walsh
Ground Crew. He enlisted in the RCAF in June, 1940. He had been working for an automobile company in Winnipeg. He played Forward on the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship Hockey Team in the Winter of 1943. 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. He was from Winnipeg, Manitoba and he was married. His wife waited for him at their home there. He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
The photo on right was extracted from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26. Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 He is in position #074 in the portrait. Photo at bottom from Collection of F/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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Ground Crew. He enlisted in the RCAF in June, 1940. He had been working for an automobile company in Winnipeg. He played Forward on the Kodiak Island RCAF Championship Hockey Team in the Winter of 1943. 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. He was from Winnipeg, Manitoba and he was married. His wife waited for him at their home there. He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
The photo on right was extracted from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-26. Photo on left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 He is in position #074 in the portrait. Photo at bottom from Collection of F/O (Pilot) Lou Wise.
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Leading Aircraftman (Wireless Mechanic) Leslie Kenneth "Ken" Walton
R 160675 According to a note he wrote, (contributed to this site by his son, David), Ken Walton joined the RCAF when he was about 21 years old. He did basic training in Lachine, Quebec. He then went to #1 Wireless Training School in Montreal, Quebec to train as a Wireless operator or radio technician. After training, he was sent to Western Air Command where his first assignment was with a fighter squadron in Boundary Bay, British Columbia. After several months, on October 12, 1943, he was transferred to 111 Squadron which was just winding down its Canadian operations and preparing to depart to Great Britain to join the war there. He was a replacement for one of the squadron's Wireless Mechanics who had been reassigned or chose to re-muster to a different trade. He, with his squadron, crossed Canada in late December, 1943. They boarded the S.S Pasteur in mid-January, bound for Liverpool. However, his war experience was cut short. Here are his words, describing what happened to him while aboard ship. "During the night while I was trying to sleep a sharp pain developed in my right side. It felt like a knife had been plunged into my side. It subsided and in the morning I reported to the medical officer for an examination. He took some tests and then told me I had pleurisy, which is a form of tuberculosis which could be contagious. I was sent to a Canadian Military Hospital in Liverpool Wales and confined to bed for three months. In April I was sent back to Canada on a hospital ship and completed my recovery as a TB patient in the veteran’s hospital in Calgary."
He survived the war. Back home in Alberta, he took a course in business, accounting and typing. That got him a job with Imperial Oil where he remained until he retired. He died on November 18, 2014. He was 93 years old.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
This photograph, found with the help of Bo Jensen, was posted by a subscriber to ancestry.com. I am grateful to Ken's son, David Walton, for giving permission to use this photo plus for sending his Father's reminiscence to me for use here.
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R 160675 According to a note he wrote, (contributed to this site by his son, David), Ken Walton joined the RCAF when he was about 21 years old. He did basic training in Lachine, Quebec. He then went to #1 Wireless Training School in Montreal, Quebec to train as a Wireless operator or radio technician. After training, he was sent to Western Air Command where his first assignment was with a fighter squadron in Boundary Bay, British Columbia. After several months, on October 12, 1943, he was transferred to 111 Squadron which was just winding down its Canadian operations and preparing to depart to Great Britain to join the war there. He was a replacement for one of the squadron's Wireless Mechanics who had been reassigned or chose to re-muster to a different trade. He, with his squadron, crossed Canada in late December, 1943. They boarded the S.S Pasteur in mid-January, bound for Liverpool. However, his war experience was cut short. Here are his words, describing what happened to him while aboard ship. "During the night while I was trying to sleep a sharp pain developed in my right side. It felt like a knife had been plunged into my side. It subsided and in the morning I reported to the medical officer for an examination. He took some tests and then told me I had pleurisy, which is a form of tuberculosis which could be contagious. I was sent to a Canadian Military Hospital in Liverpool Wales and confined to bed for three months. In April I was sent back to Canada on a hospital ship and completed my recovery as a TB patient in the veteran’s hospital in Calgary."
He survived the war. Back home in Alberta, he took a course in business, accounting and typing. That got him a job with Imperial Oil where he remained until he retired. He died on November 18, 2014. He was 93 years old.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
This photograph, found with the help of Bo Jensen, was posted by a subscriber to ancestry.com. I am grateful to Ken's son, David Walton, for giving permission to use this photo plus for sending his Father's reminiscence to me for use here.
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Corporal (Fabric Worker) Harold D. Ward
On October 8, 1942, he was promoted to Acting Corporal (unpaid) at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island.
He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The photo is from the Collection of 111's Corporal A.C. Killip, courtesy of Karen Abel (her Grandfather was F/L Robert Lynch, Pilot with 111 Squadron at that time) who got them from Levi Ballard, Alaska Military Museum, Fairbanks, AK. My gratitude to both.
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On October 8, 1942, he was promoted to Acting Corporal (unpaid) at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island.
He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The photo is from the Collection of 111's Corporal A.C. Killip, courtesy of Karen Abel (her Grandfather was F/L Robert Lynch, Pilot with 111 Squadron at that time) who got them from Levi Ballard, Alaska Military Museum, Fairbanks, AK. My gratitude to both.
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Leading Aircraftman (Radar Direction Finding Mechanic) Lafayette John Waterbury
R140738 LAC Waterbury was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R140738 LAC Waterbury was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Armourer - Guns) Robert George Weber
R143251 LAC Watkins was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R143251 LAC Watkins was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Air Frame Mechanic) David Jacob Wendland
R114012 He arrived at 111 Squadron (Fort Greely) from Elmendorf on January 26, 1943 and served 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. He had reached the "A" level (meaning full proficiency) in his trade. I don't know what happened to him after his stint at Marks Air Field. His name appeared on the Passenger Manifest of S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron from Halifax to Liverpool, England, January 21 to January 27, 1943. He may have continued with 111 Squadron as it became 440 Squadron. If so, he would have been working on Hawker Typhoon engines for the rest of the war. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him.. Help!
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R114012 He arrived at 111 Squadron (Fort Greely) from Elmendorf on January 26, 1943 and served 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. He had reached the "A" level (meaning full proficiency) in his trade. I don't know what happened to him after his stint at Marks Air Field. His name appeared on the Passenger Manifest of S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron from Halifax to Liverpool, England, January 21 to January 27, 1943. He may have continued with 111 Squadron as it became 440 Squadron. If so, he would have been working on Hawker Typhoon engines for the rest of the war. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him.. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Equipment Assistant) A.F. Whitecross
On October 31, 1942, he was attached to 111 Squadron at Fort Greely from X Wing "for duty and discipline." He was rated at the "C" level meaning he was qualified at the entry level in his trade. 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 Squadron in early July, 1943 to train for aircrew beginning at #3 Manning Depot (Edmonton, Alberta).
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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On October 31, 1942, he was attached to 111 Squadron at Fort Greely from X Wing "for duty and discipline." He was rated at the "C" level meaning he was qualified at the entry level in his trade. 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 Squadron in early July, 1943 to train for aircrew beginning at #3 Manning Depot (Edmonton, Alberta).
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Corporal (Wireless Mechanic) Ernest Weir? Winters
R83746 Corporal Winters was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R83746 Corporal Winters was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) George M. Whitlock
George entered the RCAF through #1 Manning Depot in Toronto. He obtained his trade at the Technical Training School at St. Thomas, Ontario. There he met other men who were training in the same ground crew trades. Four of them became very good friends and can be seen in the picture labelled "The Four" above. They are Bill Manser, John MacDonald, Fred Ralphs and George. The picture was taken on the BC Ferry transporting them from Vancouver to Victoria, after completing their training in St. Thomas. They went on to RCAF Patricia Bay. George spent some time at the Elementary Service Training School in Boundary Bay, British Columbia whee he learned that his eyesight was too poor for flight training. On October 21, 1942, George joined 111 Squadron 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 struck off strength and returned to Canada for reassignment. George's son, Brad, has just made contact. Here is his first attempt to summarize his Father's career: "As far as I know George went to basic training in Ontario, it looks to me like the CNE grounds (Manning Depot), for some reason when everyone else was marching my dad was taking pictures from the roof top (showing officers arriving). Then some time at Boundary Bay, flight training, but his eyes were not strong enough to be a pilot, probably saved his life. Then some time at Patricia Bay, then Alaska and he was with the group that went to Umnak." Brad has sent the above pictures. He is going through his Father's photo collection and we are on standby for more details as they emerge. Brad reports that his Father "started a construction company after the war. He sold it in the late '50's and went into plastics, owning and running. along with his wife, Brenda. It was called Foothills Plastics Industries Ltd , Calgary, and they ran it for many years." Thanks, Brad.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The two photos are from the Collection of Leading Aircraftman George M. Whitlock, courtesy of his son, Brad. The left picture has him outside of #1 Manning Depot in Toronto. He had just completed his basic introduction to the RCAF and has his uniform and rank of Aircraftman 2. The picture on the right is of "The Four": Manser, McDonald, Ralphs and Whitlock. They were traveling from Vancouver to Victoria on the ferry in 1940. Thanks, Brad. for preserving and sharing your Father's materials. Photography by George Whitlock.
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George entered the RCAF through #1 Manning Depot in Toronto. He obtained his trade at the Technical Training School at St. Thomas, Ontario. There he met other men who were training in the same ground crew trades. Four of them became very good friends and can be seen in the picture labelled "The Four" above. They are Bill Manser, John MacDonald, Fred Ralphs and George. The picture was taken on the BC Ferry transporting them from Vancouver to Victoria, after completing their training in St. Thomas. They went on to RCAF Patricia Bay. George spent some time at the Elementary Service Training School in Boundary Bay, British Columbia whee he learned that his eyesight was too poor for flight training. On October 21, 1942, George joined 111 Squadron 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 struck off strength and returned to Canada for reassignment. George's son, Brad, has just made contact. Here is his first attempt to summarize his Father's career: "As far as I know George went to basic training in Ontario, it looks to me like the CNE grounds (Manning Depot), for some reason when everyone else was marching my dad was taking pictures from the roof top (showing officers arriving). Then some time at Boundary Bay, flight training, but his eyes were not strong enough to be a pilot, probably saved his life. Then some time at Patricia Bay, then Alaska and he was with the group that went to Umnak." Brad has sent the above pictures. He is going through his Father's photo collection and we are on standby for more details as they emerge. Brad reports that his Father "started a construction company after the war. He sold it in the late '50's and went into plastics, owning and running. along with his wife, Brenda. It was called Foothills Plastics Industries Ltd , Calgary, and they ran it for many years." Thanks, Brad.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The two photos are from the Collection of Leading Aircraftman George M. Whitlock, courtesy of his son, Brad. The left picture has him outside of #1 Manning Depot in Toronto. He had just completed his basic introduction to the RCAF and has his uniform and rank of Aircraftman 2. The picture on the right is of "The Four": Manser, McDonald, Ralphs and Whitlock. They were traveling from Vancouver to Victoria on the ferry in 1940. Thanks, Brad. for preserving and sharing your Father's materials. Photography by George Whitlock.
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Leading Aircraftman (Equipment Assistant) C.M. Whyte
R135320 He was with 8 (br) Squadron and based at Elmendorf from the late Fall of 1942. On December 20, 1942, he had a temporary assignment with 111 Squadron at Fort Greely. His trade proficiency rating was "B". On February 4, 1943, he was taken on strength by 111 Squadron at Fort Greely. I believe he remained there at least through the Winter of 1943. He might have stayed for the duration of the Aleutian Campaign.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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R135320 He was with 8 (br) Squadron and based at Elmendorf from the late Fall of 1942. On December 20, 1942, he had a temporary assignment with 111 Squadron at Fort Greely. His trade proficiency rating was "B". On February 4, 1943, he was taken on strength by 111 Squadron at Fort Greely. I believe he remained there at least through the Winter of 1943. He might have stayed for the duration of the Aleutian Campaign.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Leading Aircraftman Wickett
He was in the squadron 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 Squadron was attached to Boundary Bay but they were scheduled to leave and, at the end of the month, to be replaced by 132 Squadron. I suspect that LAC Wickett was joining 132 Squadron.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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He was in the squadron 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 Squadron was attached to Boundary Bay but they were scheduled to leave and, at the end of the month, to be replaced by 132 Squadron. I suspect that LAC Wickett was joining 132 Squadron.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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Sergeant (Motor Transport) R.L. Wilson
I don't know when he arrived but I think he was in the Squadron at the time of the Squadron portrait. He went with the squadron to Alaska and, on October 7, 1942, he passed the U.S. Army exam for post drivers at Elmendorf. In January, 1943, he spent a week in the post hospital at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island but the Daily Diary did not state the reason for the hospitalization. By March 1, 1943, he had made Sergeant (paid) and was in Motor Transport. He was rated as at "B" proficiency level in his trade. While the squadron was stationed at Fort Greely, they had a satellite airfield on Point Chiniak called Marks Airfield. Sgt Wilson drove back and forth carrying men and supplies between the two installations. On April 27, 1943, he was transferred out of the Squadron to serve at RCAF Station Sea Island, Vancouver.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 5 Wild Stab
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in the #093 position in the portrait
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I don't know when he arrived but I think he was in the Squadron at the time of the Squadron portrait. He went with the squadron to Alaska and, on October 7, 1942, he passed the U.S. Army exam for post drivers at Elmendorf. In January, 1943, he spent a week in the post hospital at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island but the Daily Diary did not state the reason for the hospitalization. By March 1, 1943, he had made Sergeant (paid) and was in Motor Transport. He was rated as at "B" proficiency level in his trade. While the squadron was stationed at Fort Greely, they had a satellite airfield on Point Chiniak called Marks Airfield. Sgt Wilson drove back and forth carrying men and supplies between the two installations. On April 27, 1943, he was transferred out of the Squadron to serve at RCAF Station Sea Island, Vancouver.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 5 Wild Stab
Photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in the #093 position in the portrait
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Pilot Officer (Pilot) Louis Troiano "Lou " Wise
He enlisted in the RCAF in the Fall of 1939. His first assignment was as an Air Frame Mechanic with #6 Service Flying Training School in Dunnville, Ontario. He reported to 111 Squadron at Rockcliffe as a Corporal on November 10, 1941. He was with 111 from it's beginning. While there, he made Sergeant. He was rated at the "A" level of proficiency in his trade. 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 re-mustered 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. From there, he went 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 declared surplus and left the service.
I owe him immensely for his memories and his identification of the men with whom he served. On May 22, 2012, Lou was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal, presented by HRH Prince Charles, honouring his aerial photography work for various Conservation Authorities across southern Ontario. Lou, at 91, decided to stop flying. I had the pleasure of flying with him in one of his last flights. He sold his beloved Piper Cherokee (X-ray Charlie Oscar). To see how the story was covered in the local press, click here . Unfortunately, Lou is not still with us. He died at Sunnybrook Hospital's Veterans Unit on July 24, 2019. You can see his obituary here: https://chapelridgefh.frontrunnerpro.com/book-of-memories/3928762/Wise-Louis/index.php
Photo 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.; the photo in the middle by Katie Daubs. It accompanied an article she wrote about Lou's retirement from flying in Toronto Star, April 12, 2013. It is used here with permission. Photo is copyright Toronto Star, for use only on the intended website, with attribution. No sales. The photo on the left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. His picture is in the #005 position in the portrait. Photo above: from the Collection of Lou Wise, photographer unknown, perhaps his son. Lou is piloting his beloved "X-ray-Charley-Oscar", a Piper Cherokee, his office from which he pursued an aerial photography business well into his 90s.
He enlisted in the RCAF in the Fall of 1939. His first assignment was as an Air Frame Mechanic with #6 Service Flying Training School in Dunnville, Ontario. He reported to 111 Squadron at Rockcliffe as a Corporal on November 10, 1941. He was with 111 from it's beginning. While there, he made Sergeant. He was rated at the "A" level of proficiency in his trade. 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 re-mustered 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. From there, he went 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 declared surplus and left the service.
I owe him immensely for his memories and his identification of the men with whom he served. On May 22, 2012, Lou was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal, presented by HRH Prince Charles, honouring his aerial photography work for various Conservation Authorities across southern Ontario. Lou, at 91, decided to stop flying. I had the pleasure of flying with him in one of his last flights. He sold his beloved Piper Cherokee (X-ray Charlie Oscar). To see how the story was covered in the local press, click here . Unfortunately, Lou is not still with us. He died at Sunnybrook Hospital's Veterans Unit on July 24, 2019. You can see his obituary here: https://chapelridgefh.frontrunnerpro.com/book-of-memories/3928762/Wise-Louis/index.php
Photo 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.; the photo in the middle by Katie Daubs. It accompanied an article she wrote about Lou's retirement from flying in Toronto Star, April 12, 2013. It is used here with permission. Photo is copyright Toronto Star, for use only on the intended website, with attribution. No sales. The photo on the left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. His picture is in the #005 position in the portrait. Photo above: from the Collection of Lou Wise, photographer unknown, perhaps his son. Lou is piloting his beloved "X-ray-Charley-Oscar", a Piper Cherokee, his office from which he pursued an aerial photography business well into his 90s.
Sad news! Three months into his 99th year, Lou Wise, pilot, educator, aerial photographer, veteran, has died. His final flight occurred on July 24, 2019. Lou's son, Stephen wrote this about him: "Born April 27, 1921 in Toronto, Ontario, he was the son of the late George and May Wise. Mr. Wise graduated from Central Technical High School in 1939 and then served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. He worked for AVRO Aircraft following the war running the photographic department. He graduated from OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto) with a Masters degree in Education in 1975, followed by a long career with the Toronto Board of Education as the Director of Teaching Aids. In retirement, he focused on conservation providing aerial photography services for the Government of Ontario, conservation authorities and engineering firms. Mr. Wise was the proud recipient of the Lieutenant Governor Award for Conservation and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
For 71 years, Lou had a passion for flying and enjoyed 141 flights with his daughter Melanie and extended travels to many destinations".
Lou was a very generous and helpful friend to this site, particularly in the beginning. He was a font of information, had written extensively about his experiences in 111 Squadron and made himself available for myriad chats. His memories, ideas and critiques turn up everywhere on this site. Goodbye, Lou. Thank you.
For 71 years, Lou had a passion for flying and enjoyed 141 flights with his daughter Melanie and extended travels to many destinations".
Lou was a very generous and helpful friend to this site, particularly in the beginning. He was a font of information, had written extensively about his experiences in 111 Squadron and made himself available for myriad chats. His memories, ideas and critiques turn up everywhere on this site. Goodbye, Lou. Thank you.
Leading Aircraftman (Aero-Engine Mechanic) Karl Atkinson Witherspoon
R163630 LAC Witherspoon was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
R163630 LAC Witherspoon was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Corporal (Air Frame Mechanic) Dennis Lambert Wright
R53241 Corporal Wright was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
R53241 Corporal Wright was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
Aircraftman 2 (Wireless Mechanic) R.M. Wright
He graduated from the 4th Class at the #6 Bombing and Gunnery School, Mountain View, Ontario in February, 1942. He was immediately assigned to 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay, British Columbia. He arrived on April 22, 1942. He remained with the squadron until the end of the Alaska tour in late 1943 when he was transferred to 122 (f) Squadron at Patricia Bay. He was from Vancouver, British Columbia.
This information is correct but we need a picture of him. Help!
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He graduated from the 4th Class at the #6 Bombing and Gunnery School, Mountain View, Ontario in February, 1942. He was immediately assigned to 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay, British Columbia. He arrived on April 22, 1942. He remained with the squadron until the end of the Alaska tour in late 1943 when he was transferred to 122 (f) Squadron at Patricia Bay. He was from Vancouver, British Columbia.
This information is correct but we need a picture of him. Help!
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Flight Sergeant (Wireless Mechanic) John Alexander Young?
R50565 Flight Sergeant Young? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
R50565 Flight Sergeant Young? was on the S.S. Pasteur with 111 Squadron, departing for Liverpool from Halifax on January 20, 1944. He probably continued with them when the Squadron changed from 111 Squadron to 440 Squadron. He survived the war.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help!
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.
(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, Chiniak Point, Kodiak. Nellie adopted the porch.
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.
(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, Chiniak Point, Kodiak. Nellie adopted the porch.