Pilots of No. 111 (F) Squadron, RCAF
111 Squadron P-40Es returning from an operation
Marc Magee, in a very early work, caught the power of the aircraft and the tricky atmospherics of flying in the Alaska skies. He has since become a very accomplished Canadian artist who paints marine, aviation, railroad and other Canadian historical subjects using the acrylic medium. See his current offerings at www.marcmagee.com Thank you, Marc, for letting us show this here.
Marc Magee, in a very early work, caught the power of the aircraft and the tricky atmospherics of flying in the Alaska skies. He has since become a very accomplished Canadian artist who paints marine, aviation, railroad and other Canadian historical subjects using the acrylic medium. See his current offerings at www.marcmagee.com Thank you, Marc, for letting us show this here.
111 Squadron Pilots: Skelly, Crowley, McLeod, Merkley, Gooding, Hicks, Gohl, Stusiak at Fort Greely, Kodiak, Alaska;
Probably mid-July, 1943; This picture was taken just before Merkley and Stusiak left for reassignment.
Thanks to PATs (Teunis Shurrman) for coaxing me to do the analysis for dating this photo. Photo by Department of National Defence, PMR 76-212
Probably mid-July, 1943; This picture was taken just before Merkley and Stusiak left for reassignment.
Thanks to PATs (Teunis Shurrman) for coaxing me to do the analysis for dating this photo. Photo by Department of National Defence, PMR 76-212
The Pilots are listed alphabetically by surname.
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Flying Officer Leonard Ralph "Len" Allman
J13588 He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. Len was born in Schenectady, New York but grew up in Toronto and went to school with Lou Wise. They both enlisted in the RCAF together, determined to fly fighters. But neither got his wish right away. The Air Force needed people to train in support trades. They trained and worked as Air Frame Mechanics for about a year at RCAF Borden, They took flying lessons on their own in the hope that the lessons would improve their chances of being selected for service flying training. Lou got assigned to 111 Squadron before he got enough flying time and had to leave for Rockecliffe. Len, who had made Sergeant (Air Frame Mechanic), was able to remain. The photograph (on the left, above) shows Sgt Len in the middle on a visit with Cpl Lou (on his right) at the lake at Rockcliife (Ottawa).The third guy is Gord Young. That would be the last time these old school buddies saw each other.
Len re-mustered and was sent to Service Flying Training. Only after 111 Squadron completed its Alaska Campaign tour was Lou given his wish to train to be a pilot. He did not go with 111 Squadron to Europe where it became 440 Squadron. But, by an "amazing coincidence" (those were Lou's words to me), Len was assigned to 111 Squadron as a Flying Officer (Pilot) just in time to catch the departure on the S.S. Pasteur to England.
On June 6, 1944 (D-Day), he was killed while attacking the French coast near Caen in Hawker Typhoon #MN 428. His body is buried in the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, Reviers, Calvados, France. He was 24 years old.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on the right is from the Collection of Lou Wise who told me their story. Photo on the right is from the Collection of F/L Wally Ward, who flew with Len in 440 Squadron
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Flying Officer (Pilot) John Coulton Ashburner
J9432 He graduated from from Course 39 at No. 2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands, Ontario , on December 19, 1941. He was among the top performers in his class. He arrived in 111 Squadron in May, 1942 . He was one of a group of four bomber pilots that joined 111 Squadron while they were waiting for their own bomber squadron to be formed. They were referred to as the "dive bomber pilots" in the 111 Squadron Daily Diary. When No.147 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron was formed on July 1, 1942, he and his group joined them at Sea Island, British Columbia. In November, 1942, Flying Officer J.C. Ashburner (J9432) was mentioned in the Daily Diary of No.147 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron, stationed at RCAF Sea Island. They were flying Bristol Bolingbrokes (Mk I and IV) on anti-submarine patrol around Vancouver. A few days after the mention, 147 Squadron sent a detachment to RCAF Tofino to protect the water lanes north of Vancouver Island. He flew patrols out of Tofino. On February 28, 1944, he was named in the social notes in Lethbridge Herald. He was in town visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs Edward Ashburner of Medicine Hat, Alberta. F/O Ashburner survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo comes courtesy of Jenni Utera Barrientos, Assistant Archivist at Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, Medicine Hat, Alberta. The photo is from their Archive. Thank you, Jenni, for all your help.
J9432 He graduated from from Course 39 at No. 2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands, Ontario , on December 19, 1941. He was among the top performers in his class. He arrived in 111 Squadron in May, 1942 . He was one of a group of four bomber pilots that joined 111 Squadron while they were waiting for their own bomber squadron to be formed. They were referred to as the "dive bomber pilots" in the 111 Squadron Daily Diary. When No.147 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron was formed on July 1, 1942, he and his group joined them at Sea Island, British Columbia. In November, 1942, Flying Officer J.C. Ashburner (J9432) was mentioned in the Daily Diary of No.147 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron, stationed at RCAF Sea Island. They were flying Bristol Bolingbrokes (Mk I and IV) on anti-submarine patrol around Vancouver. A few days after the mention, 147 Squadron sent a detachment to RCAF Tofino to protect the water lanes north of Vancouver Island. He flew patrols out of Tofino. On February 28, 1944, he was named in the social notes in Lethbridge Herald. He was in town visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs Edward Ashburner of Medicine Hat, Alberta. F/O Ashburner survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo comes courtesy of Jenni Utera Barrientos, Assistant Archivist at Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre, Medicine Hat, Alberta. The photo is from their Archive. Thank you, Jenni, for all your help.
For the longest time, I thought this Pilot was Leslie John Ashburner who was killed in action. I was incorrect in that assumption.
This photo of Leslie John Ashburner from St Catharines Standard, November 8, 2002 came courtesy of Erica Wilson, Librarian at the St. Catharines Public Library. Special appreciation to Anthony Percival, Collections Coordinator, St. Catharines Museum for his persistent foraging.
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This photo of Leslie John Ashburner from St Catharines Standard, November 8, 2002 came courtesy of Erica Wilson, Librarian at the St. Catharines Public Library. Special appreciation to Anthony Percival, Collections Coordinator, St. Catharines Museum for his persistent foraging.
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Flight Sergeant (Pilot) Gordon Douglas Russell "Gordie" Baird
(R95331) He trained at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa) and graduated on October 24, 1941. He was in the same class as fellow-111ers, Frank Lennon, Rob Lynch and Jim Gohl. The photo second from the left shows him in the first moments after receiving his Wings. They are slightly crooked, not yet sewn on, and just as they were when they were attached temporarily by the commanding officer. Five days after receiving his Wings, Gordie and Alice Shirley Ramona "Mona" Dott were married on October 29, 1941. He probably got a few days leave but he received an immediate posting to No. 111 Squadron, also, at that time, in Ottawa (RCAF Rockcliffe). He was among the first of the pilots to join the new 111 Squadron, arriving on November 8, 1941. He had his first flight in a Kittyhawk there on November 25, 1941. The squadron moved to Patricia Bay, British Columbia and he went along. While landing Kittyhawk AK 911 at Patricia Bay on January 24, 1942, he ran off the runway and ground looped, damaging the propeller, starboard wing, flap and wheel. He was not hurt. As the squadron prepared to move once again, this time to Alaska, he took the opportunity to take a two week leave. See a picture of him and Mona standing with their good friends, Bob and Eileen Lynch (below). He returned to the squadron on June 12 just as they were leaving for Alaska. The weather conditions in the northern section of the journey were characterized by swirling fogs, high winds and poor visibility. Flight Sergeant Baird, flying in a section of seven aircraft, on July 16, 1942, became lost in fog over the Bering Sea (near Umnak Island) and was never seen again. Four other pilots in the section were also killed in the same incident. He was 22 years old. He came from Shoal Lake, Manitoba. There is, of course, no known grave. Click here to see a memorial site. His younger brother, Warrant Officer 2 Nelson George Baird was an Airgunner in 408 "Goose" Squadron. He too died in the war, killed in a bombing raid over Hemmingstadt, Germany on March 7, 1945. He was 21 years old.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on left from Department of National Defence PL5483, courtesy of Captain Fred Paradie; Middle photo was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in the #019 position in the portrait. Middle right photo and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. The photo on the right was published in The Winnipeg Tribune on July 21, 1942 together with the announcement that he was missing in Alaska. Photographer not mentioned.
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Flight Sergeant (Pilot) Gordon Douglas Russell "Gordie" Baird
(R95331) He trained at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa) and graduated on October 24, 1941. He was in the same class as fellow-111ers, Frank Lennon, Rob Lynch and Jim Gohl. The photo second from the left shows him in the first moments after receiving his Wings. They are slightly crooked, not yet sewn on, and just as they were when they were attached temporarily by the commanding officer. Five days after receiving his Wings, Gordie and Alice Shirley Ramona "Mona" Dott were married on October 29, 1941. He probably got a few days leave but he received an immediate posting to No. 111 Squadron, also, at that time, in Ottawa (RCAF Rockcliffe). He was among the first of the pilots to join the new 111 Squadron, arriving on November 8, 1941. He had his first flight in a Kittyhawk there on November 25, 1941. The squadron moved to Patricia Bay, British Columbia and he went along. While landing Kittyhawk AK 911 at Patricia Bay on January 24, 1942, he ran off the runway and ground looped, damaging the propeller, starboard wing, flap and wheel. He was not hurt. As the squadron prepared to move once again, this time to Alaska, he took the opportunity to take a two week leave. See a picture of him and Mona standing with their good friends, Bob and Eileen Lynch (below). He returned to the squadron on June 12 just as they were leaving for Alaska. The weather conditions in the northern section of the journey were characterized by swirling fogs, high winds and poor visibility. Flight Sergeant Baird, flying in a section of seven aircraft, on July 16, 1942, became lost in fog over the Bering Sea (near Umnak Island) and was never seen again. Four other pilots in the section were also killed in the same incident. He was 22 years old. He came from Shoal Lake, Manitoba. There is, of course, no known grave. Click here to see a memorial site. His younger brother, Warrant Officer 2 Nelson George Baird was an Airgunner in 408 "Goose" Squadron. He too died in the war, killed in a bombing raid over Hemmingstadt, Germany on March 7, 1945. He was 21 years old.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on left from Department of National Defence PL5483, courtesy of Captain Fred Paradie; Middle photo was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in the #019 position in the portrait. Middle right photo and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. The photo on the right was published in The Winnipeg Tribune on July 21, 1942 together with the announcement that he was missing in Alaska. Photographer not mentioned.
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Squadron Leader (Pilot) James Hughes "Jim" Beatty DFC
(R103360/ J14471) He got his Wings on November 21, 1941 at #21 Elementary Flying Training School at Chatham, New Brunswick. He then attended #9 Service Flying Training School, Centralia, Ontario (Course 43) where he graduated on April 10, 1942. He first flew Kittyhawks with 132 Squadron out of Rockcliffe, Ontario and went with 132 Squadron to Boundary Bay, British Columbia. On the cross-Canada trip from Rockcliffe to Sea Island, British Columbia (Vancouver), he crash- landed his Kittyhawk (#866) at Armstrong, Ontario (Category "A" crash). He was uninjured.
He transferred into 111 Squadron in early November, 1943 when they were back at Patricia Bay after completing their Alaskan tour.
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. He flew Typhoons with 440 Squadron. In both pictures (above), he and 440 were at an advanced landing ground in France call B9. They were on the attack but were also subject to enemy raids. Clearly, he is taking the building of a foxhole very seriously. He took over command of 439 Squadron from S/L Crosby in January, 1945. He finished the war as CO of 439 Squadron (also a Typhoon squadron) between January 25, 1945 and August 28, 1945. (For a picture of him as CO with 439 Squadron, look here.) He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on June 22, 1945 for his work with 439 Squadron. He survived the war. He was from St. Catharines, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left from the 440 Squadron Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8 - courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks. Foxhole photo from Department of National Defence but I don't know the number. The 439 Portrait with him as CO is at www.flyingforyourlife.com. Thanks again, Joe. To see a very stirring telling of 439 Squadron's WWII experience, see the "unofficial homepage of Tiger Squadron" at http://thisisme.ca/439squadron/Toocon_e.htm
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(R103360/ J14471) He got his Wings on November 21, 1941 at #21 Elementary Flying Training School at Chatham, New Brunswick. He then attended #9 Service Flying Training School, Centralia, Ontario (Course 43) where he graduated on April 10, 1942. He first flew Kittyhawks with 132 Squadron out of Rockcliffe, Ontario and went with 132 Squadron to Boundary Bay, British Columbia. On the cross-Canada trip from Rockcliffe to Sea Island, British Columbia (Vancouver), he crash- landed his Kittyhawk (#866) at Armstrong, Ontario (Category "A" crash). He was uninjured.
He transferred into 111 Squadron in early November, 1943 when they were back at Patricia Bay after completing their Alaskan tour.
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. He flew Typhoons with 440 Squadron. In both pictures (above), he and 440 were at an advanced landing ground in France call B9. They were on the attack but were also subject to enemy raids. Clearly, he is taking the building of a foxhole very seriously. He took over command of 439 Squadron from S/L Crosby in January, 1945. He finished the war as CO of 439 Squadron (also a Typhoon squadron) between January 25, 1945 and August 28, 1945. (For a picture of him as CO with 439 Squadron, look here.) He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on June 22, 1945 for his work with 439 Squadron. He survived the war. He was from St. Catharines, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left from the 440 Squadron Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8 - courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks. Foxhole photo from Department of National Defence but I don't know the number. The 439 Portrait with him as CO is at www.flyingforyourlife.com. Thanks again, Joe. To see a very stirring telling of 439 Squadron's WWII experience, see the "unofficial homepage of Tiger Squadron" at http://thisisme.ca/439squadron/Toocon_e.htm
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Flying Officer (Pilot) J.G.R. "Jerry" Blair
R117534/ J22317 In May, 1942, he was a Sergeant (Pilot) in RCAF No. 130 Squadron. At that time, he was temporarily sent to No. 132 Squadron, along with six other Pilots "for training purposes". It was not clear whether they were there to provide training or to receive it. The Daily Diary noted that in the next few days, the 130 Squadron Pilots were involved in at least four landing accidents. They left soon after, presumably to return to their squadron. Later, on May 21, 1943, he joined No. 111 Squadron at Kodiak Island, Alaska, as a replacement pilot . The photo above was taken on June 12, 1943. He was still the new boy in the squadron and, in the above photo, he is in a group shot of the 111 Pilots. He was being shown the Thunderbird statuette that came to symbolize the squadron. Shortly afterward, he was temporarily assigned to No. 14 Squadron. While he was with 14 Squadron at Boundary Bay, on November 26, 1943, he was promoted to Flying Officer, retroactive to when he first joined 111 Squadron. I have no record of when, or if, he returned to 111 Squadron. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. Click here to see a photo of a Spitfire taking off from Squadron 442's Advanced Landing Ground called B-4 near Berry-sur-Mer in Normandy, France. The Spitfire shown is a Mark IX, number MK464 and the photo is dated as August, 1944. Blair flew this aircraft (squadron ID: Y2*Y) and he made a claim of shooting down a FW in it. He survived the war. He was from Shawinigan Falls, Quebec.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com
Further appreciation to Mervyn, a contributor to http://forum.keypublishing.com/archive for the information about Blair's Spitfire.
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R117534/ J22317 In May, 1942, he was a Sergeant (Pilot) in RCAF No. 130 Squadron. At that time, he was temporarily sent to No. 132 Squadron, along with six other Pilots "for training purposes". It was not clear whether they were there to provide training or to receive it. The Daily Diary noted that in the next few days, the 130 Squadron Pilots were involved in at least four landing accidents. They left soon after, presumably to return to their squadron. Later, on May 21, 1943, he joined No. 111 Squadron at Kodiak Island, Alaska, as a replacement pilot . The photo above was taken on June 12, 1943. He was still the new boy in the squadron and, in the above photo, he is in a group shot of the 111 Pilots. He was being shown the Thunderbird statuette that came to symbolize the squadron. Shortly afterward, he was temporarily assigned to No. 14 Squadron. While he was with 14 Squadron at Boundary Bay, on November 26, 1943, he was promoted to Flying Officer, retroactive to when he first joined 111 Squadron. I have no record of when, or if, he returned to 111 Squadron. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. Click here to see a photo of a Spitfire taking off from Squadron 442's Advanced Landing Ground called B-4 near Berry-sur-Mer in Normandy, France. The Spitfire shown is a Mark IX, number MK464 and the photo is dated as August, 1944. Blair flew this aircraft (squadron ID: Y2*Y) and he made a claim of shooting down a FW in it. He survived the war. He was from Shawinigan Falls, Quebec.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com
Further appreciation to Mervyn, a contributor to http://forum.keypublishing.com/archive for the information about Blair's Spitfire.
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Squadron Leader (Pilot) Kenneth Arthur "Ken" Boomer, D.F.C. , AM
(C1220) He joined the RCAF on October 9, 1939 and got his Wings at Camp Borden, Ontario on April 29, 1940. He attended #1 Bombing and Gunnery School, Jarvis, Ontario in September, 1940. On September 27, 1940, he was posted to RCAF 112 Squadron which had been sent to England shortly before he joined it. Almost immediately, he was posted to #1 RCAF Squadron where he learned to fly Hurricanes. When 411 Squadron formed in June, 1941, he immediately joined them (I think the photo above on left was taken while he was with this unit). They were issued the new Spitfire Mk Vb. He went with 411 to the Hornchurch sector in England and saw action in operations over the Channel. In April, 1942, he returned to Canada and went west to take Command of 132 Squadron (flying Kittyhawks) based at Sea Island (Vancouver), British Columbia. He remained with 132 Squadron until August 6, 1942. On August 17, 1942, he joined 111 Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska. He remained with 111 Squadron until May 31, 1943 through the Aleutian Campaign. He led the flight that attacked the Japanese on Kiska Island, shooting down a float equipped Zero, the only Japanese a/c downed in North America by an RCAF pilot. He was awarded the U.S. Air Medal. He also received the DFC: here is the wording on the citation: "Distinguished Flying Cross - No.111 Squadron (Canada) Award effective 1 January 1943 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 55/43 dated 15 January 1943. This officer is in command of a fighter squadron on detached operations in Alaska. Inspired by his unflagging zeal and devotion to duty, his squadron has maintained a consistently high standard of efficiency under difficult and trying conditions. He has displayed great qualities of courage and determination in seeking out the enemy and his flying skill has been responsible for the excellent work done by his squadron on coastal patrol duties in action against the enemy. He was the first RCAF pilot to make direct contact with the enemy and in so doing gave an exceptionally good account of himself. His services on fighter operations have been invaluable." He was the only RCAF pilot to have shot down an a/c from all three of the enemy countries. After the Aleutian Campaign, he spent some time in RCAF headquarters Western Air Command in British Columbia and Airforce Headquarters in Ottawa. But by November, 1943, he must have wanted to get back into the fray. He went to #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa). From there he went to #36 Operational Training School, Greenwood (Nova Scotia) and then, back to England, to #60 Operational Training Unit, High Ercall, where he learned the intricacies of flying the very powerful. two-engine Mosquito. He was killed in action flying a 418 Squadron Mosquito (PZ 198) on air ops over Munich on October 22, 1944. He is buried at War Cemetery at Choloy, Meurthe-et-Moselle, France. He was from Vancouver, British Columbia.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo on left is marked as an RCAF Official Photograph, courtesy of Brendan Coyle; photo in middle at Glenbow Archives; Signature from Squadron Daily Diary; Photo on right from www.flyingforyourlife.com courtesy of Joe.
Also see this link and this one for more on Boomer.
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Squadron Leader (Pilot) Kenneth Arthur "Ken" Boomer, D.F.C. , AM
(C1220) He joined the RCAF on October 9, 1939 and got his Wings at Camp Borden, Ontario on April 29, 1940. He attended #1 Bombing and Gunnery School, Jarvis, Ontario in September, 1940. On September 27, 1940, he was posted to RCAF 112 Squadron which had been sent to England shortly before he joined it. Almost immediately, he was posted to #1 RCAF Squadron where he learned to fly Hurricanes. When 411 Squadron formed in June, 1941, he immediately joined them (I think the photo above on left was taken while he was with this unit). They were issued the new Spitfire Mk Vb. He went with 411 to the Hornchurch sector in England and saw action in operations over the Channel. In April, 1942, he returned to Canada and went west to take Command of 132 Squadron (flying Kittyhawks) based at Sea Island (Vancouver), British Columbia. He remained with 132 Squadron until August 6, 1942. On August 17, 1942, he joined 111 Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska. He remained with 111 Squadron until May 31, 1943 through the Aleutian Campaign. He led the flight that attacked the Japanese on Kiska Island, shooting down a float equipped Zero, the only Japanese a/c downed in North America by an RCAF pilot. He was awarded the U.S. Air Medal. He also received the DFC: here is the wording on the citation: "Distinguished Flying Cross - No.111 Squadron (Canada) Award effective 1 January 1943 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 55/43 dated 15 January 1943. This officer is in command of a fighter squadron on detached operations in Alaska. Inspired by his unflagging zeal and devotion to duty, his squadron has maintained a consistently high standard of efficiency under difficult and trying conditions. He has displayed great qualities of courage and determination in seeking out the enemy and his flying skill has been responsible for the excellent work done by his squadron on coastal patrol duties in action against the enemy. He was the first RCAF pilot to make direct contact with the enemy and in so doing gave an exceptionally good account of himself. His services on fighter operations have been invaluable." He was the only RCAF pilot to have shot down an a/c from all three of the enemy countries. After the Aleutian Campaign, he spent some time in RCAF headquarters Western Air Command in British Columbia and Airforce Headquarters in Ottawa. But by November, 1943, he must have wanted to get back into the fray. He went to #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa). From there he went to #36 Operational Training School, Greenwood (Nova Scotia) and then, back to England, to #60 Operational Training Unit, High Ercall, where he learned the intricacies of flying the very powerful. two-engine Mosquito. He was killed in action flying a 418 Squadron Mosquito (PZ 198) on air ops over Munich on October 22, 1944. He is buried at War Cemetery at Choloy, Meurthe-et-Moselle, France. He was from Vancouver, British Columbia.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo on left is marked as an RCAF Official Photograph, courtesy of Brendan Coyle; photo in middle at Glenbow Archives; Signature from Squadron Daily Diary; Photo on right from www.flyingforyourlife.com courtesy of Joe.
Also see this link and this one for more on Boomer.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Vincent Joseph Burke
R85946 / J37338 He was assigned as a Flight Sergeant (Pilot) to 111 Squadron from 14 Squadron on May 1, 1943 for training. He was with 111 Squadron for only a couple of months. In June, 1943, he was posted to RCAF 133 Squadron, based, at the time, at Boundary Bay, British Columbia but they were just days away from moving to RCAF Tofino, British Columbia. It is odd that he stopped in 111 Squadron to develop proficiency with the Kittyhawk since 133 Squadron was flying Hurricanes at that time. 133 Squadron did, eventually, get Kittyhawks but not for another year. Their mission was to patrol the British Columbia coast to guard against Japanese bomber, submarine and fire balloon attacks. On August 3, 1943, he was promoted to Warrant Officer 2, a step in preparation to moving him toward a Commission. He did receive his Commission on August 19, 1943 according to the Canada Gazette, (February 3, 1945). He was serving in Canada at the time of his promotion, probably still with 133 Squadron at Tofino. He survived the war. According to his Daughter, Barbara Witherbee, after the war, he remained in the RCAF until approximately 1952. Before leaving, he got himself trained as a Draftsman and that training led him into a postwar career, which he pursued in Calgary, Alberta. He was the son of James F. Burke and Abigale Mary McVicar and he lived his early life in Tottenham, Ontario.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help! Thanks go to Mojmir Vraj for uncovering some of this information.
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R85946 / J37338 He was assigned as a Flight Sergeant (Pilot) to 111 Squadron from 14 Squadron on May 1, 1943 for training. He was with 111 Squadron for only a couple of months. In June, 1943, he was posted to RCAF 133 Squadron, based, at the time, at Boundary Bay, British Columbia but they were just days away from moving to RCAF Tofino, British Columbia. It is odd that he stopped in 111 Squadron to develop proficiency with the Kittyhawk since 133 Squadron was flying Hurricanes at that time. 133 Squadron did, eventually, get Kittyhawks but not for another year. Their mission was to patrol the British Columbia coast to guard against Japanese bomber, submarine and fire balloon attacks. On August 3, 1943, he was promoted to Warrant Officer 2, a step in preparation to moving him toward a Commission. He did receive his Commission on August 19, 1943 according to the Canada Gazette, (February 3, 1945). He was serving in Canada at the time of his promotion, probably still with 133 Squadron at Tofino. He survived the war. According to his Daughter, Barbara Witherbee, after the war, he remained in the RCAF until approximately 1952. Before leaving, he got himself trained as a Draftsman and that training led him into a postwar career, which he pursued in Calgary, Alberta. He was the son of James F. Burke and Abigale Mary McVicar and he lived his early life in Tottenham, Ontario.
This is all we know and we need a picture of him. Help! Thanks go to Mojmir Vraj for uncovering some of this information.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Donald Claude Campbell
J 28170 He enlisted in the RCAF on May 15, 1942. and arrived at 111 Squadron on October 17, 1943 when the squadron was winding down at 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. He stayed with 111 Squadron when it became 440 Squadron and he flew Typhoons. In September, 1944, he was seriously injured in a crash landing at B.9 (Lantheiil, France). He was returned to Canada and recovered from his wounds. He made a post-war career with the Canadian National Railway as Fireman and later Engineer. He became a Life Master with the American Contract Bridge League. He grew up in Capreol, Ontario and returned to make his home there after the war. Sadly, Don died on August 24, 2002.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The photo on left came from Capreolonline.com where more information about F/O Campbell can be found. Photo in the middle extracted from the 440 Squadron Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8 - courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks. The photo on the right is from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward, a flying colleague in 440 Squadron. Thank you, Wally!
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J 28170 He enlisted in the RCAF on May 15, 1942. and arrived at 111 Squadron on October 17, 1943 when the squadron was winding down at 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. He stayed with 111 Squadron when it became 440 Squadron and he flew Typhoons. In September, 1944, he was seriously injured in a crash landing at B.9 (Lantheiil, France). He was returned to Canada and recovered from his wounds. He made a post-war career with the Canadian National Railway as Fireman and later Engineer. He became a Life Master with the American Contract Bridge League. He grew up in Capreol, Ontario and returned to make his home there after the war. Sadly, Don died on August 24, 2002.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The photo on left came from Capreolonline.com where more information about F/O Campbell can be found. Photo in the middle extracted from the 440 Squadron Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8 - courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks. The photo on the right is from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward, a flying colleague in 440 Squadron. Thank you, Wally!
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___________________KIA_________________
Flying Officer (Pilot) William Ronald "Bill" Campbell
(J14109) Bill Campbell began his aviation career at #16 Elementary Flying Training School, Edmonton, Alberta on March 17, 1942. He went on to #4 Service Flying Training School, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He got his Wings there on September 9, 1942. He must have done very well (top 25% of Class) because he was awarded a Commission (see him beaming in the blurry middle left photo). He left as Pilot Officer. He did further operational training at #1 General Reconnaissance School (suggesting that they were thinking of attaching him to an east coast squadron, perhaps to fight U-Boats in the St. Lawrence), Summerside, PEI, CTS, Rockcliffe (Ottawa), Ontario, and #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec. By then, he had trained in Harvards and Hurricanes so he was an experienced fighter pilot when he arrived at 111 Squadron on June 4, 1943 from Western Air Command. The squadron was just finishing up their Alaskan tour and were still at Kodiak Island. I believe F/O Campbell was assigned to 111 Squadron only temporarily so that he could become operational in P-40s. He first checked out, on June 5, in a Harvard because a Harvard was an intermediate step between the relatively low-powered aircraft they flew in the service flying training program and the high-performance characteristics of a fighter. He must have done quite well because he had his P-40 solo three days later on June 8. Some time in July, just before 111 Squadron returned to Canada at Patricia Bay, he was attached to 14 (f) Squadron who were operating out of Umnak Island, Alaska against the Japanese. He didn't get much time before he had to become operational. He was flying an operation when, on August 14, 1943, his wing mate, P/O R.M. Bell, crashed into the sea and was lost. As a witness, he was the one who reported the crash. Months later, when 14 Squadron was stationed at Boundary Bay, he did a noseover while landing Kittyhawk 1039. He was OK but the accident was described as Category B.
He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. On August 1, 1944, while flying armed reconnaissance, ten miles south of Caen, France, his Spitfire (MK826) was hit by flak. He bailed out but didn't survive. Here is the way his hit was recorded on that day. His last flight was recorded this way in the Squadron Operations Record Book: "Armed Recce to Argenton - Domfront. J14109 F/O W.R. Campbell was hit by flak but was seen to bale out and land safely, unfortunately very near the enemy front line, about 10 miles S.E. of Caen. It is thought that he has a 50-50 chance of being safe but he is reported as missing. This is the squadron's third loss since forming February 13, 1944. " He was not safe. He was 22 years old at the time of his death. His Squadron Leader, Harry Dowding, wrote a very moving letter to Bill's Father immediately after it was announced that Bill was missing. Here is how he described Flying Officer Campbell's final action: "On the afternoon of Aug 1st/ 44 Bill took off with the squadron on an armed reconnaisance (sic) to shoot up transport on the roads behind enemy lines. The operation was led by F/L Bill Olmstead. During the course of the action F/L Olmstead went down to attack some transport while the rest of the squadron circled overhead. As F/L Olmstead came up and rejoined the squadron a heavy barrage of anti-aircraft fire was encountered. Your son's aircraft was hit. He immediately started for home followed by F/O Stan McClarty as cover. Bill's aircraft was smoking and he encountered more flak so he was forced to bale out which he did successfully. He was seen by F/O McClarty to land safely near the enemy lines." There was some hope that he might have found his way back but he did not. He is buried at the BANNEVILLE-LA-CAMPAGNE WAR CEMETERY Calvados, France. He was the son of Florence Gertrude and James Hamilton Campbell of Vancouver, British Columbia.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photos showing F/O Campbell as a young trainee, posing on his 442 Squadron Spitfire IX (probably Y2-K) and standing by the forward airbase tent are from the Collection of William Ronald Campbell; the photos, signature and contents of S/L Dowding's letter are courtesy of a family member, Jack Drysdale. I think the Spitfire photo is a Department of National Defence photo. It bears the number GK 10211 The signature has been extracted from his Flight Log.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) William Ronald "Bill" Campbell
(J14109) Bill Campbell began his aviation career at #16 Elementary Flying Training School, Edmonton, Alberta on March 17, 1942. He went on to #4 Service Flying Training School, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He got his Wings there on September 9, 1942. He must have done very well (top 25% of Class) because he was awarded a Commission (see him beaming in the blurry middle left photo). He left as Pilot Officer. He did further operational training at #1 General Reconnaissance School (suggesting that they were thinking of attaching him to an east coast squadron, perhaps to fight U-Boats in the St. Lawrence), Summerside, PEI, CTS, Rockcliffe (Ottawa), Ontario, and #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec. By then, he had trained in Harvards and Hurricanes so he was an experienced fighter pilot when he arrived at 111 Squadron on June 4, 1943 from Western Air Command. The squadron was just finishing up their Alaskan tour and were still at Kodiak Island. I believe F/O Campbell was assigned to 111 Squadron only temporarily so that he could become operational in P-40s. He first checked out, on June 5, in a Harvard because a Harvard was an intermediate step between the relatively low-powered aircraft they flew in the service flying training program and the high-performance characteristics of a fighter. He must have done quite well because he had his P-40 solo three days later on June 8. Some time in July, just before 111 Squadron returned to Canada at Patricia Bay, he was attached to 14 (f) Squadron who were operating out of Umnak Island, Alaska against the Japanese. He didn't get much time before he had to become operational. He was flying an operation when, on August 14, 1943, his wing mate, P/O R.M. Bell, crashed into the sea and was lost. As a witness, he was the one who reported the crash. Months later, when 14 Squadron was stationed at Boundary Bay, he did a noseover while landing Kittyhawk 1039. He was OK but the accident was described as Category B.
He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. On August 1, 1944, while flying armed reconnaissance, ten miles south of Caen, France, his Spitfire (MK826) was hit by flak. He bailed out but didn't survive. Here is the way his hit was recorded on that day. His last flight was recorded this way in the Squadron Operations Record Book: "Armed Recce to Argenton - Domfront. J14109 F/O W.R. Campbell was hit by flak but was seen to bale out and land safely, unfortunately very near the enemy front line, about 10 miles S.E. of Caen. It is thought that he has a 50-50 chance of being safe but he is reported as missing. This is the squadron's third loss since forming February 13, 1944. " He was not safe. He was 22 years old at the time of his death. His Squadron Leader, Harry Dowding, wrote a very moving letter to Bill's Father immediately after it was announced that Bill was missing. Here is how he described Flying Officer Campbell's final action: "On the afternoon of Aug 1st/ 44 Bill took off with the squadron on an armed reconnaisance (sic) to shoot up transport on the roads behind enemy lines. The operation was led by F/L Bill Olmstead. During the course of the action F/L Olmstead went down to attack some transport while the rest of the squadron circled overhead. As F/L Olmstead came up and rejoined the squadron a heavy barrage of anti-aircraft fire was encountered. Your son's aircraft was hit. He immediately started for home followed by F/O Stan McClarty as cover. Bill's aircraft was smoking and he encountered more flak so he was forced to bale out which he did successfully. He was seen by F/O McClarty to land safely near the enemy lines." There was some hope that he might have found his way back but he did not. He is buried at the BANNEVILLE-LA-CAMPAGNE WAR CEMETERY Calvados, France. He was the son of Florence Gertrude and James Hamilton Campbell of Vancouver, British Columbia.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photos showing F/O Campbell as a young trainee, posing on his 442 Squadron Spitfire IX (probably Y2-K) and standing by the forward airbase tent are from the Collection of William Ronald Campbell; the photos, signature and contents of S/L Dowding's letter are courtesy of a family member, Jack Drysdale. I think the Spitfire photo is a Department of National Defence photo. It bears the number GK 10211 The signature has been extracted from his Flight Log.
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______Assassinated_______
Squadron Leader (Pilot) Albert Edward Lucien "Bruddy" Cannon
He got his Wings at the Toronto Flying Club. His first posting, in March, 1940, was with 112 Squadron in Rockcliffe. He experienced several crashes and went back to pilot refresher courses. When he completed the courses, he was reassigned, becoming one of the first
pilots to report to the brand new 111 (f) Squadron. He arrived as a Flying Officer on November 14, 1941. Because of his earlier experience, he played a leadership role in the new squadron. On March 23, 1942, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant and made Officer Commanding of Flight A. He was, for a week, Officer Commanding of 132 Squadron in April, 1942. On May 4, 1942, he was re-posted to 130 Squadron at Mont Joli, Quebec. There he patrolled the St. Lawrence River for enemy submarines. He was the Commanding Officer of 130 Squadron from July 7, 1942 until May 19, 1943. Then he assumed Command of 128 Squadron in Sydney, Nova Scotia. He ended the war with 128 Squadron, leaving on March 15, 1944. In January, 1945, he became part of the RCAF voluntary reserve. He made a career with the Government of Canada's Department of External Affairs. On April 12, 1957, while posted in Saigon, he was murdered. His death was considered an assassination since he had been chairing a peace process that had enemies in then South Viet Nam. He was from Quebec City, Quebec and was married with two children. Biographical information courtesy of Lee W. Walsh of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society, Toronto Chapter. See this link for the assassination story and his obituary.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Two photos on right and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in the #014 position inn the portrait.
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Squadron Leader (Pilot) Albert Edward Lucien "Bruddy" Cannon
He got his Wings at the Toronto Flying Club. His first posting, in March, 1940, was with 112 Squadron in Rockcliffe. He experienced several crashes and went back to pilot refresher courses. When he completed the courses, he was reassigned, becoming one of the first
pilots to report to the brand new 111 (f) Squadron. He arrived as a Flying Officer on November 14, 1941. Because of his earlier experience, he played a leadership role in the new squadron. On March 23, 1942, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant and made Officer Commanding of Flight A. He was, for a week, Officer Commanding of 132 Squadron in April, 1942. On May 4, 1942, he was re-posted to 130 Squadron at Mont Joli, Quebec. There he patrolled the St. Lawrence River for enemy submarines. He was the Commanding Officer of 130 Squadron from July 7, 1942 until May 19, 1943. Then he assumed Command of 128 Squadron in Sydney, Nova Scotia. He ended the war with 128 Squadron, leaving on March 15, 1944. In January, 1945, he became part of the RCAF voluntary reserve. He made a career with the Government of Canada's Department of External Affairs. On April 12, 1957, while posted in Saigon, he was murdered. His death was considered an assassination since he had been chairing a peace process that had enemies in then South Viet Nam. He was from Quebec City, Quebec and was married with two children. Biographical information courtesy of Lee W. Walsh of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society, Toronto Chapter. See this link for the assassination story and his obituary.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Two photos on right and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in the #014 position inn the portrait.
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_________KFA________
Sergeant (Pilot) Richard Roland Thomas "Dickie" Christy
(R106837) Dickie was born in Victoria, British Columbia. He grew up in Moha, B.C., He received his Wings at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa) on March 13, 1942. He joined the Squadron on April 15, 1942 at Patricia Bay and, less than a month later, on May 12, he had engine trouble in his P-40 (AK 881) and, while trying to return to base, crashed into Saanichton Bay and drowned. He was 19 years old. It was his first Scramble and, I believe, his first operational flight. He was the son of Flying Officer Roland G. Christy. He is buried at Royal Oak Burial Park, Victoria, British Columbia. His second cousin, Malcolm Johnston, has informed me that only shortly before Dickie was killed he was married to Isabelle Sophia Elliott of Victoria, British Columbia.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The photo on the right appeared in The Ottawa Journal, May 13, 1942, page 2.. The photo on the left was the official service file photograph. It comes to me courtesy of the British Columbia Aviation Museum., North Saanich, British Columbia Thanks, Geoff.
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Sergeant (Pilot) Richard Roland Thomas "Dickie" Christy
(R106837) Dickie was born in Victoria, British Columbia. He grew up in Moha, B.C., He received his Wings at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa) on March 13, 1942. He joined the Squadron on April 15, 1942 at Patricia Bay and, less than a month later, on May 12, he had engine trouble in his P-40 (AK 881) and, while trying to return to base, crashed into Saanichton Bay and drowned. He was 19 years old. It was his first Scramble and, I believe, his first operational flight. He was the son of Flying Officer Roland G. Christy. He is buried at Royal Oak Burial Park, Victoria, British Columbia. His second cousin, Malcolm Johnston, has informed me that only shortly before Dickie was killed he was married to Isabelle Sophia Elliott of Victoria, British Columbia.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The photo on the right appeared in The Ottawa Journal, May 13, 1942, page 2.. The photo on the left was the official service file photograph. It comes to me courtesy of the British Columbia Aviation Museum., North Saanich, British Columbia Thanks, Geoff.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Courtney O'Brien Robertson Clacken DFC
J39101/ R53930 His home before the war was in Patricia Bay, B.C., He enlisted in Ottawa, 5 June 1940. He was a flight instructor at No.4 Service Flying Training School (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) from May 10, 1941 to February 3, 1942 and at No.11 SFTS (Yorkton, Saskatchewan), until March 12, 1942. He then went to Communications Flight, No. 8 Repair Depot (Winnipeg, Manitoba), and was there until November 2, 1942. He was posted to No.1 Operational Training Unit, (Bagotville, Quebec) on November 2, 1942. He joined 111 Squadron as a Warrant Officer Class 1 on February 13, 1943. He flew operationally with 111 in Alaska and the Aleutians and, while there, had a one month (July-August, 1943) posting to 14 Squadron when 111 Squadron redeployed to Kodiak Island. During his time with 14 Squadron, he spent two weeks on Adak Island, the forward position from which raids to Kiska Island were staged. He received his Commission on October 9, 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. While with 440, he was appointed Flight Commander, "B" Flight (see signature). He was redeployed to No.56 Operational Training Unit on May 17, 1945 which was his last assignment. He was released from service on October 5, 1945. According to his cousin, Tony Whittingham, F/L Clacken was born in Jamaica. He made a career, after the war, flying Vickers Vikings for British West Indies Airways.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Top photo shows him with S/L Pentland's dog Chip.sitting on a 500 pound bomb. From Department of National Defense PL28787. Left photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com; BWIA Vickers Viking photo from flyawaysimulation.com. Middle right photo from the Collection of and the signature extracted from Pilot's Flying Log Book of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward. Wally was in "B" Flight, 440 Squadron. Thanks, Wally.
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J39101/ R53930 His home before the war was in Patricia Bay, B.C., He enlisted in Ottawa, 5 June 1940. He was a flight instructor at No.4 Service Flying Training School (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) from May 10, 1941 to February 3, 1942 and at No.11 SFTS (Yorkton, Saskatchewan), until March 12, 1942. He then went to Communications Flight, No. 8 Repair Depot (Winnipeg, Manitoba), and was there until November 2, 1942. He was posted to No.1 Operational Training Unit, (Bagotville, Quebec) on November 2, 1942. He joined 111 Squadron as a Warrant Officer Class 1 on February 13, 1943. He flew operationally with 111 in Alaska and the Aleutians and, while there, had a one month (July-August, 1943) posting to 14 Squadron when 111 Squadron redeployed to Kodiak Island. During his time with 14 Squadron, he spent two weeks on Adak Island, the forward position from which raids to Kiska Island were staged. He received his Commission on October 9, 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. While with 440, he was appointed Flight Commander, "B" Flight (see signature). He was redeployed to No.56 Operational Training Unit on May 17, 1945 which was his last assignment. He was released from service on October 5, 1945. According to his cousin, Tony Whittingham, F/L Clacken was born in Jamaica. He made a career, after the war, flying Vickers Vikings for British West Indies Airways.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Top photo shows him with S/L Pentland's dog Chip.sitting on a 500 pound bomb. From Department of National Defense PL28787. Left photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com; BWIA Vickers Viking photo from flyawaysimulation.com. Middle right photo from the Collection of and the signature extracted from Pilot's Flying Log Book of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward. Wally was in "B" Flight, 440 Squadron. Thanks, Wally.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) John Howe Clarke
(J11288) He joined 111 Squadron fresh out of #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec on February 13, 1943. On June 27, 1943, he left 111 Squadron to be posted to 14 (f) squadron at Umnak Island. He spent a week on Adak Island, engaged in operations against the Japanese and defending their own position. On September 3, 1943, at Umnak Island, he was promoted to Flying Officer, effective October 24, 1942. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. They flew Spitfires. The 442 Squadron Daily Diary indicated that he departed for "home" from B.3 Landing Strip, St. Croix-sur-Mer, France on July 4, 1944. There was no explanation as to why he went home at that point; perhaps he had completed his tour of duty. He survived the war. He was from Havelock, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left extracted from Department of National Defence PMR 76-214; on right, extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139 both courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com
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(J11288) He joined 111 Squadron fresh out of #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec on February 13, 1943. On June 27, 1943, he left 111 Squadron to be posted to 14 (f) squadron at Umnak Island. He spent a week on Adak Island, engaged in operations against the Japanese and defending their own position. On September 3, 1943, at Umnak Island, he was promoted to Flying Officer, effective October 24, 1942. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. They flew Spitfires. The 442 Squadron Daily Diary indicated that he departed for "home" from B.3 Landing Strip, St. Croix-sur-Mer, France on July 4, 1944. There was no explanation as to why he went home at that point; perhaps he had completed his tour of duty. He survived the war. He was from Havelock, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left extracted from Department of National Defence PMR 76-214; on right, extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139 both courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com
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________KIA_______
Flying Officer (Pilot) Archibald Erle "Knobby" Clarke
(J26905/ R90768) He arrived as a Sergeant (Pilot) at 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay, on April 15, 1942. He soloed in a P-40 on April 25, 1942. On a training flight out of Pat Bay on May 2, 1942, he was forced to belly land his Kittyhawk (AK 922). He was not injured. He was pall bearer at Sergeant (Pilot) Christy's funeral on May 18, 1942. His stay with 111 Squadron was brief. I believe he was one of the two 111 Squadron pilots named Clarke (there were several) who transferred in May, 1942 to 14 Squadron at Boundary Bay, British Columbia. Early in his deployment to 14 Squadron, on May 25, 1942, he came in hard in P-40 YA*K (AK950) resulting in a head injury and Category B damage to the Kittyhawk. Sometime before February, 1943, he was promoted to Flight Sergeant. He served with 14 Squadron throughout their time posted at Umnak Island, Aleutians. He was part of the rotation of air crew between Umnak and Amchitka Island. Effective March 13, 1943, he was made Warrant Officer II. He received his Commission, becoming Pilot Officer, on June 25, 1943. On June 27, 1943, he was posted to #1 "Y" depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia to prepare for posting overseas. He left 14 Squadron on July 2, 1943. Somehow he found his way to RAF 132 Squadron and on December 21, 1943, while flying Spitfire IX MH738 over Cambrai, France, he was hit and failed to return. He was 20 years old. His body was never found. While there is no known grave, he is memorialized at the Runnymede War Memorial in Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England. He was the son of Thomas Henry and Emma Janet Clarke of North Bay, Ontario. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on right extracted from the Veterans' website. Left photo photo from Department of National Defence PMR 80235.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Archibald Erle "Knobby" Clarke
(J26905/ R90768) He arrived as a Sergeant (Pilot) at 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay, on April 15, 1942. He soloed in a P-40 on April 25, 1942. On a training flight out of Pat Bay on May 2, 1942, he was forced to belly land his Kittyhawk (AK 922). He was not injured. He was pall bearer at Sergeant (Pilot) Christy's funeral on May 18, 1942. His stay with 111 Squadron was brief. I believe he was one of the two 111 Squadron pilots named Clarke (there were several) who transferred in May, 1942 to 14 Squadron at Boundary Bay, British Columbia. Early in his deployment to 14 Squadron, on May 25, 1942, he came in hard in P-40 YA*K (AK950) resulting in a head injury and Category B damage to the Kittyhawk. Sometime before February, 1943, he was promoted to Flight Sergeant. He served with 14 Squadron throughout their time posted at Umnak Island, Aleutians. He was part of the rotation of air crew between Umnak and Amchitka Island. Effective March 13, 1943, he was made Warrant Officer II. He received his Commission, becoming Pilot Officer, on June 25, 1943. On June 27, 1943, he was posted to #1 "Y" depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia to prepare for posting overseas. He left 14 Squadron on July 2, 1943. Somehow he found his way to RAF 132 Squadron and on December 21, 1943, while flying Spitfire IX MH738 over Cambrai, France, he was hit and failed to return. He was 20 years old. His body was never found. While there is no known grave, he is memorialized at the Runnymede War Memorial in Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England. He was the son of Thomas Henry and Emma Janet Clarke of North Bay, Ontario. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on right extracted from the Veterans' website. Left photo photo from Department of National Defence PMR 80235.
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__________KIA__________
Flying Officer (Pilot) George Arnold Costello
J39820 / R116052 He transferred into 111 Squadron on May 16, 1943 from 133 (f) Squadron at Boundary Bay where he had been flying Hurricanes. I believe he was placed with 111 Squadron so he could become operational in a new, for him, fighter type, the P-40. On June 21, 1943, he transferred to 14 Squadron. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He was part of 442 Squadron. He died after his Spitfire (PL207) was hit by flak near Hennewig, Germany. He managed to bail out and land safely. His wing mate, Frosty Young (also formerly of 111 Squadron), circled overhead to cover for him for as long as he could. F/O Costello got away from the crash scene only to be captured later. His death, on October 28, 1944, was regarded as a murder at the hands of the capturing German officer. The German officer was later tried and executed for war crimes. Click here for a brief biography. For a bit more of the story, go here. He is buried at the Reichswald Forest Military Cemetery in Germany. He was from Stonewall, Manitoba. His parents were Marie and Valentine DeLacy Costello. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Right photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com.
Left photo extracted from newspaper clipping that appeared in the Winnipeg Tribune in 1943, issue unknown.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) George Arnold Costello
J39820 / R116052 He transferred into 111 Squadron on May 16, 1943 from 133 (f) Squadron at Boundary Bay where he had been flying Hurricanes. I believe he was placed with 111 Squadron so he could become operational in a new, for him, fighter type, the P-40. On June 21, 1943, he transferred to 14 Squadron. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He was part of 442 Squadron. He died after his Spitfire (PL207) was hit by flak near Hennewig, Germany. He managed to bail out and land safely. His wing mate, Frosty Young (also formerly of 111 Squadron), circled overhead to cover for him for as long as he could. F/O Costello got away from the crash scene only to be captured later. His death, on October 28, 1944, was regarded as a murder at the hands of the capturing German officer. The German officer was later tried and executed for war crimes. Click here for a brief biography. For a bit more of the story, go here. He is buried at the Reichswald Forest Military Cemetery in Germany. He was from Stonewall, Manitoba. His parents were Marie and Valentine DeLacy Costello. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Right photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com.
Left photo extracted from newspaper clipping that appeared in the Winnipeg Tribune in 1943, issue unknown.
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__________KIA__________
Flying Officer (Pilot) Francis Joseph "Frank" Crowley
(J26914/ R95588) Frank joined the RCAF, at the age of 19, on February 27, 1941 in Ottawa, Ontario. He arrived at 111 Squadron on March 22, 1942 (nine days after he got his Wings) from #13 Service Flying Training School, St. Hubert, Quebec and remained for the duration of the Aleutian Campaign. He left 111 Squadron on April 20, 1943 on a temporary (two month) posting to 14 Squadron on Umnak Island. While on Umnak, he came in too high for a landing in Kittyhawk AK978, and put the a/c up on its nose. He was uninjured and there was only light damage to the Kitty. He returned to 111 Squadron in mid-August, 1943 and remained with 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. David Hicks has pointed out that Crowley was mentioned in The RCAF Overseas - the Sixth Year (page 259) crediting him with making two direct hits and destroying a bridge on November 2, 1944. He was killed when his Typhoon (MP129) was hit by flak and exploded over Rouveen, Holland on November 11, 1944. That was not his first contact with flak. According to Flt Lt Hick's log book, Frank had been forced to bail out because of flak over Cherbourg but he was picked up O.K. He is buried in the New General Cemetery, Rouveen, Staphorst, Overijssel, Holland. At the time of his death, he was 23 years old. He was born in Toronto on July 25, 1921 but grew up in Brockville, Ontario. He was the son of Joseph James and Lillian Crowley. He was married to Julia Ann Davis. His two brothers and his Father also served in WWII. When Frank and his younger brother, Paul Anthony, an air gunner, were killed, his Father and his brother were re-deployed, an act of kindness to the family by the RCAF but accepted with ambivalence by the men who were removed from danger. A truly giving family with a powerful desire to serve their country.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Left photo from Department of National Defence PMR 80235. Right top photo and log information from the Collection of Flt. Lt. Clifford Hicks, courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks. The top middle picture and the one on the lower right come from the astonishingly researched site by Teunis Schurman which you can access here. The young man lying beside Frank is his younger brother, Paul. The tricycle photo is from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward, who flew with Frank in 440 Squadron. Thank you, Wally!
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Francis Joseph "Frank" Crowley
(J26914/ R95588) Frank joined the RCAF, at the age of 19, on February 27, 1941 in Ottawa, Ontario. He arrived at 111 Squadron on March 22, 1942 (nine days after he got his Wings) from #13 Service Flying Training School, St. Hubert, Quebec and remained for the duration of the Aleutian Campaign. He left 111 Squadron on April 20, 1943 on a temporary (two month) posting to 14 Squadron on Umnak Island. While on Umnak, he came in too high for a landing in Kittyhawk AK978, and put the a/c up on its nose. He was uninjured and there was only light damage to the Kitty. He returned to 111 Squadron in mid-August, 1943 and remained with 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. David Hicks has pointed out that Crowley was mentioned in The RCAF Overseas - the Sixth Year (page 259) crediting him with making two direct hits and destroying a bridge on November 2, 1944. He was killed when his Typhoon (MP129) was hit by flak and exploded over Rouveen, Holland on November 11, 1944. That was not his first contact with flak. According to Flt Lt Hick's log book, Frank had been forced to bail out because of flak over Cherbourg but he was picked up O.K. He is buried in the New General Cemetery, Rouveen, Staphorst, Overijssel, Holland. At the time of his death, he was 23 years old. He was born in Toronto on July 25, 1921 but grew up in Brockville, Ontario. He was the son of Joseph James and Lillian Crowley. He was married to Julia Ann Davis. His two brothers and his Father also served in WWII. When Frank and his younger brother, Paul Anthony, an air gunner, were killed, his Father and his brother were re-deployed, an act of kindness to the family by the RCAF but accepted with ambivalence by the men who were removed from danger. A truly giving family with a powerful desire to serve their country.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Left photo from Department of National Defence PMR 80235. Right top photo and log information from the Collection of Flt. Lt. Clifford Hicks, courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks. The top middle picture and the one on the lower right come from the astonishingly researched site by Teunis Schurman which you can access here. The young man lying beside Frank is his younger brother, Paul. The tricycle photo is from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward, who flew with Frank in 440 Squadron. Thank you, Wally!
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Flight Sergeant (Pilot) W. F. Delaney
R79366 He was assigned temporarily to 111 Squadron sometime in the Spring of 1942. He was one of a group of four bomber pilots that joined 111 Squadron temporarily while they waited for posting. They had been trained in multi-engine aircraft and were to be posted to No. 147 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron which was due to be formed on July 1, 1942. They were with 111 for a few weeks in May, 1942. In the 111 Squadron Daily Diary, they were referred to as "the dive bomber pilots". F/S Delaney did join No. 147 BR Squadron and flew Bolingbroke bombers in defense of Vancouver, Victoria and the shipping lanes around Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Here is a quote from 147 Squadron's Daily Diary: "On October 24, 1942 Bolingbroke #9043 piloted by R79366 F/S Delaney, W.F. and accompanied by R69882 WO.1 Ross, D.M., Observer, made a forced landing with wheels up one mile North West of station in marsh land at 10.30 hours. No injuries sustained by either man, and the aircraft is classified as a “B” crash. ...the cause of the accident is obscure and being investigated."
He survived the war.
I need a picture of him. Help!
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R79366 He was assigned temporarily to 111 Squadron sometime in the Spring of 1942. He was one of a group of four bomber pilots that joined 111 Squadron temporarily while they waited for posting. They had been trained in multi-engine aircraft and were to be posted to No. 147 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron which was due to be formed on July 1, 1942. They were with 111 for a few weeks in May, 1942. In the 111 Squadron Daily Diary, they were referred to as "the dive bomber pilots". F/S Delaney did join No. 147 BR Squadron and flew Bolingbroke bombers in defense of Vancouver, Victoria and the shipping lanes around Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Here is a quote from 147 Squadron's Daily Diary: "On October 24, 1942 Bolingbroke #9043 piloted by R79366 F/S Delaney, W.F. and accompanied by R69882 WO.1 Ross, D.M., Observer, made a forced landing with wheels up one mile North West of station in marsh land at 10.30 hours. No injuries sustained by either man, and the aircraft is classified as a “B” crash. ...the cause of the accident is obscure and being investigated."
He survived the war.
I need a picture of him. Help!
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Flying Officer (Pilot) John Fraser Dewar
(J28180) He joined the RCAF immediately after leaving high school. He was awarded his wings in the summer of 1943 at #2 Service
Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa). Shortly after graduation, he joined 111 Squadron in its last months when they were back from Alaska and winding down at 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. He transferred, as all of the squadron pilots did, from Kittyhawk to Typhoon and learned how to be a dive-bomber pilot. He was in on the first D-Day invasion waves in June, 1944, flying support to the landing troops. 440 Squadron flew many sorties into enemy-held France and he would have flown his share of them. It was perilous duty and on August 12, 1944, flying Typhoon MP 122, he was killed by flak while dive-bombing a bridge on the Orne River. He crashed near Conde-sur-Noireau in Normandy. He is buried in Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, France. He was from London, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photos from L to R: 1) Photo attached to his Service Record, taken when he received his Commission. It is here courtesy of Pierre Lagacé. See his rich commemorative blog: https://lestweforget2015.wordpress.com/; 2) extracted from website http://www.flyingforyourlife.com/pilots/ww2/d/ ; 3) from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward, who flew with John in 440 Squadron. Thanks, Wally! 4) extracted from Department of National Defence photo PL 31056, courtesy of Joe at http://www.flyingforyourlife.com
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Flying Officer (Pilot) John Fraser Dewar
(J28180) He joined the RCAF immediately after leaving high school. He was awarded his wings in the summer of 1943 at #2 Service
Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa). Shortly after graduation, he joined 111 Squadron in its last months when they were back from Alaska and winding down at 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. He transferred, as all of the squadron pilots did, from Kittyhawk to Typhoon and learned how to be a dive-bomber pilot. He was in on the first D-Day invasion waves in June, 1944, flying support to the landing troops. 440 Squadron flew many sorties into enemy-held France and he would have flown his share of them. It was perilous duty and on August 12, 1944, flying Typhoon MP 122, he was killed by flak while dive-bombing a bridge on the Orne River. He crashed near Conde-sur-Noireau in Normandy. He is buried in Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, France. He was from London, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photos from L to R: 1) Photo attached to his Service Record, taken when he received his Commission. It is here courtesy of Pierre Lagacé. See his rich commemorative blog: https://lestweforget2015.wordpress.com/; 2) extracted from website http://www.flyingforyourlife.com/pilots/ww2/d/ ; 3) from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward, who flew with John in 440 Squadron. Thanks, Wally! 4) extracted from Department of National Defence photo PL 31056, courtesy of Joe at http://www.flyingforyourlife.com
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Squadron Leader (Pilot) James Basil "Joe" Doak
(J5491/ R73766) He enlisted in the RCAF in September, 1940. He got his Wings at #4 Elementary Flying Training School, Windsor Mills, Quebec. He learned to fly the Harvard at #9 Service Flying Training School, Summerside, Prince Edward Island (Course 22, March 5 - May 27, 1941). He attended a course at #1 Bombing and Gunnery School, Jarvis, Ontario. By June, 1942, he was ready to take on the Kittyhawk at 14 Squadron stationed at Sea Island (Vancouver). He was with 14 Squadron for two months when he transferred to 111 Squadron in August, 1942. 111 Squadron was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska at that time. For a brief period he was acting Officer Commanding of a part of 111 Squadron. Here is his signature from that time (from the Daily Diary). He left 111 Squadron on April 20, 1943. He took command of 133 Squadron, then flying Hurricanes, in Boundary Bay, on April 23, 1943 and remained as Officer Commander until October 21, 1943. He led 133 Squadron when it relocated to Tofino, British Columbia in July, 1943. Shortly after the move to Tofino, he went overseas. In February, 1944, he was at #61 Operational Training Unit in England where he learned to handle the Spitfire. By middle summer, 1944, he had re-mustered with 412 Squadron and flew operations against the Germans as they leapfrogged from one forward base to the next in France. He was shot down (in Spitfire MJ877) and killed, on January 1, 1945, in action over northern Germany. Joe was from Cowansville, Quebec and had attended McGill University. He is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Germany.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
The centre photo was extracted from a Department of National Defence portrait of 412 Squadron which comes from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; The photos on the right and on the left are from the Collection of F/L Joseph Doak, courtesy of his nephew, Grant Doak; The right photo is Department of National Defence photo PL 13068 which was in F/L Doak's possession. It shows Joe killing time in the Readiness Tent. The signature was extracted from the 111 Squadron Daily Diary.
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Squadron Leader (Pilot) James Basil "Joe" Doak
(J5491/ R73766) He enlisted in the RCAF in September, 1940. He got his Wings at #4 Elementary Flying Training School, Windsor Mills, Quebec. He learned to fly the Harvard at #9 Service Flying Training School, Summerside, Prince Edward Island (Course 22, March 5 - May 27, 1941). He attended a course at #1 Bombing and Gunnery School, Jarvis, Ontario. By June, 1942, he was ready to take on the Kittyhawk at 14 Squadron stationed at Sea Island (Vancouver). He was with 14 Squadron for two months when he transferred to 111 Squadron in August, 1942. 111 Squadron was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Anchorage, Alaska at that time. For a brief period he was acting Officer Commanding of a part of 111 Squadron. Here is his signature from that time (from the Daily Diary). He left 111 Squadron on April 20, 1943. He took command of 133 Squadron, then flying Hurricanes, in Boundary Bay, on April 23, 1943 and remained as Officer Commander until October 21, 1943. He led 133 Squadron when it relocated to Tofino, British Columbia in July, 1943. Shortly after the move to Tofino, he went overseas. In February, 1944, he was at #61 Operational Training Unit in England where he learned to handle the Spitfire. By middle summer, 1944, he had re-mustered with 412 Squadron and flew operations against the Germans as they leapfrogged from one forward base to the next in France. He was shot down (in Spitfire MJ877) and killed, on January 1, 1945, in action over northern Germany. Joe was from Cowansville, Quebec and had attended McGill University. He is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Germany.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
The centre photo was extracted from a Department of National Defence portrait of 412 Squadron which comes from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; The photos on the right and on the left are from the Collection of F/L Joseph Doak, courtesy of his nephew, Grant Doak; The right photo is Department of National Defence photo PL 13068 which was in F/L Doak's possession. It shows Joe killing time in the Readiness Tent. The signature was extracted from the 111 Squadron Daily Diary.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Ronald William Doidge
# J26406/ R164071 He and his brother, Leslie, joined the RCAF together in February, 1942. He trained at RCAF #5 ITS at Belleville, Ontario. He won his Wings on May 14, 1943. He was assigned to RCAF 132F Squadron. On November, 1943, he was transferred to RCAF 111F 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. He participated in the June 6, 1944 invasion of France. On D-Day+1 (June 7), he was shot down but managed to avoid capture. According to Andre Gorter, Don activated his parachute as he was exiting the aircraft and the chute became entangled in the tail. Somehow, he was able to land safely with the ragged chute. He landed south of Caen near a knocked-out Canadian tank. He gave aid to the three injured crewmen and on the way back to the beach, found a German helmet which he regarded as a great souvenir. He was a tall man with curly blonde hair. He had to deal with considerable suspicion from the American GIs where he crossed back into friendly territory.
He was back in a Typhoon shortly afterward. In the photo on the right (above), he and some of his squadron mates were posing on the wing of a Typhoon. It was August 8, 1944 and they were operating out of B9, a forward airfield in Normandy. He is top left, beside him is John Dewar. Below (L-R) Jim Beatty, Don Wright, Delbert English and Currie Gardner. All but Gardner in this group had flown in 111 Squadron before it became 440 Squadron.
Ron Doidge wasn't so lucky on October 20, 1944 when (in Typhoon 1B #PD469) he was brought down by the ill-timed explosion of a bomb that had been dropped by an airplane above him. This happened while he was in his dive to bomb a railroad junction at Nijverdal, Holland. Ronald Smit, a native of Nijverdal, in a note to me, said, based on data preserved in the official historical organization in his village, that "He did bale his plane but then his luck ran out. He landed on the roof of a factory (Ten Cate) which still is there. The roof was a zinc plate roof which could not hold him. He was cut up badly by sharp edges and was found dead on the floor from the factory by workers of the first shift" .
His gravestone is at the General Cemetery, Hellendoorn, Nederlands.
He was from LaSalle, Ontario. He was 20 years old when he died. His nephew, Derek Doidge, supplied the biographical information to Andre Gorter for inclusion in his book about F/O Doidge. He was the son of William Doidge and Charlotte Harwood Doidge of LaSalle, Ontario. He had an older sister and a brother.
Even to this day, the people of the Kingdom of the Netherlands remember the Canadian contribution to the freeing of their land and hold the Canadian fighters in high esteem. One such person is Andre Gorter. His research showed him that quite a few aircraft fell in Hellendoorn, the area where Ron Doidge's Typhoon crashed and where Ron died. Andre has begun a very extensive search and writing project. His goal: a booklet featuring each of the crashes and the people who lost their lives there. His book about Ron Doidge is the first in his series and is complete (2023). I have included some of his material here. If you would like to help him with this project or contribute information, you can contact him at [email protected]
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The two photos on the left are from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward who flew with them in 440 Squadron. Thank you, Wally! Photo on right extracted from Department of National Defence PL 31057. I am very grateful 1) to Andre Gorter of the Netherlands who has written a book about F/O Doidge and 2) to Ronald Smit of Nijverdal, Netherlands who is writing a project about F/O Doidge who died in Nijverdal. Smit supplied the Grave Marker photograph (see Sacrifices).
The 440 Squadron pilots are (L-R, sitting: Jim Beatty, Don Wright, Del English and Currie Gardner; standing: Jim Doidge and John Dewar, Date: August 8, 1944; location: Air Field B9 (Lanthueil, France). Names in green had been members of 111 Squadron.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Ronald William Doidge
# J26406/ R164071 He and his brother, Leslie, joined the RCAF together in February, 1942. He trained at RCAF #5 ITS at Belleville, Ontario. He won his Wings on May 14, 1943. He was assigned to RCAF 132F Squadron. On November, 1943, he was transferred to RCAF 111F 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. He participated in the June 6, 1944 invasion of France. On D-Day+1 (June 7), he was shot down but managed to avoid capture. According to Andre Gorter, Don activated his parachute as he was exiting the aircraft and the chute became entangled in the tail. Somehow, he was able to land safely with the ragged chute. He landed south of Caen near a knocked-out Canadian tank. He gave aid to the three injured crewmen and on the way back to the beach, found a German helmet which he regarded as a great souvenir. He was a tall man with curly blonde hair. He had to deal with considerable suspicion from the American GIs where he crossed back into friendly territory.
He was back in a Typhoon shortly afterward. In the photo on the right (above), he and some of his squadron mates were posing on the wing of a Typhoon. It was August 8, 1944 and they were operating out of B9, a forward airfield in Normandy. He is top left, beside him is John Dewar. Below (L-R) Jim Beatty, Don Wright, Delbert English and Currie Gardner. All but Gardner in this group had flown in 111 Squadron before it became 440 Squadron.
Ron Doidge wasn't so lucky on October 20, 1944 when (in Typhoon 1B #PD469) he was brought down by the ill-timed explosion of a bomb that had been dropped by an airplane above him. This happened while he was in his dive to bomb a railroad junction at Nijverdal, Holland. Ronald Smit, a native of Nijverdal, in a note to me, said, based on data preserved in the official historical organization in his village, that "He did bale his plane but then his luck ran out. He landed on the roof of a factory (Ten Cate) which still is there. The roof was a zinc plate roof which could not hold him. He was cut up badly by sharp edges and was found dead on the floor from the factory by workers of the first shift" .
His gravestone is at the General Cemetery, Hellendoorn, Nederlands.
He was from LaSalle, Ontario. He was 20 years old when he died. His nephew, Derek Doidge, supplied the biographical information to Andre Gorter for inclusion in his book about F/O Doidge. He was the son of William Doidge and Charlotte Harwood Doidge of LaSalle, Ontario. He had an older sister and a brother.
Even to this day, the people of the Kingdom of the Netherlands remember the Canadian contribution to the freeing of their land and hold the Canadian fighters in high esteem. One such person is Andre Gorter. His research showed him that quite a few aircraft fell in Hellendoorn, the area where Ron Doidge's Typhoon crashed and where Ron died. Andre has begun a very extensive search and writing project. His goal: a booklet featuring each of the crashes and the people who lost their lives there. His book about Ron Doidge is the first in his series and is complete (2023). I have included some of his material here. If you would like to help him with this project or contribute information, you can contact him at [email protected]
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The two photos on the left are from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward who flew with them in 440 Squadron. Thank you, Wally! Photo on right extracted from Department of National Defence PL 31057. I am very grateful 1) to Andre Gorter of the Netherlands who has written a book about F/O Doidge and 2) to Ronald Smit of Nijverdal, Netherlands who is writing a project about F/O Doidge who died in Nijverdal. Smit supplied the Grave Marker photograph (see Sacrifices).
The 440 Squadron pilots are (L-R, sitting: Jim Beatty, Don Wright, Del English and Currie Gardner; standing: Jim Doidge and John Dewar, Date: August 8, 1944; location: Air Field B9 (Lanthueil, France). Names in green had been members of 111 Squadron.
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Squadron Leader (Pilot) George J. Elliott
C1349 George Elliott joined the RCAF in Winnipeg in October, 1939. He attended the #1 Service Flying Training School (Course #4 - February 1 to May 23, 1940) at Camp Borden, Ontario. He went overseas to England in July, 1940 where he flew with two RAF squadrons. He distinguished himself as a Pilot Officer in the Battle of Britain. He flew Hawker Hurricane Is with RAF 607 Squadron. He was also associated with RAF 615. His name is inscribed on the Battle of Britain Honour Role. Later, he joined an RCAF squadron. He flew 200 Operational hours, including 20 offensive sweeps over Occupied France. While his primary duty was flying bomber escort in raids over France, he shot down several German aircraft. He was never injured. After his operational tour was complete, he spent the last six months in Europe training young pilots in an operational training unit in England.
On November 6, 1943, he arrived on post at RCAF Patricia Bay to relieve S/L David Ramsay as S/L of 111 Squadron. He had been at 132 Squadron at Boundary Bay, British Columbia. He was the final S/L for 111 Squadron before it was renumbered and deployed to the European Theatre. He left the RCAF as S/L on June 4, 1946. This is a copy of his signature as affixed to the final Daily Diary Monthly Summary on November 30, 1943. He was from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo and information supplied by his Grand Nephew, Andrew McCoy. Thanks, Andy. Signature extracted from the 111 Squadron Daily Diary.
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C1349 George Elliott joined the RCAF in Winnipeg in October, 1939. He attended the #1 Service Flying Training School (Course #4 - February 1 to May 23, 1940) at Camp Borden, Ontario. He went overseas to England in July, 1940 where he flew with two RAF squadrons. He distinguished himself as a Pilot Officer in the Battle of Britain. He flew Hawker Hurricane Is with RAF 607 Squadron. He was also associated with RAF 615. His name is inscribed on the Battle of Britain Honour Role. Later, he joined an RCAF squadron. He flew 200 Operational hours, including 20 offensive sweeps over Occupied France. While his primary duty was flying bomber escort in raids over France, he shot down several German aircraft. He was never injured. After his operational tour was complete, he spent the last six months in Europe training young pilots in an operational training unit in England.
On November 6, 1943, he arrived on post at RCAF Patricia Bay to relieve S/L David Ramsay as S/L of 111 Squadron. He had been at 132 Squadron at Boundary Bay, British Columbia. He was the final S/L for 111 Squadron before it was renumbered and deployed to the European Theatre. He left the RCAF as S/L on June 4, 1946. This is a copy of his signature as affixed to the final Daily Diary Monthly Summary on November 30, 1943. He was from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo and information supplied by his Grand Nephew, Andrew McCoy. Thanks, Andy. Signature extracted from the 111 Squadron Daily Diary.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Delbert Francis English
J11059 He arrived at 111 Squadron on April 20, 1942 directly from #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa). He had a temporary posting to 14 Squadron (Sea Island, British Columbia) in May, 1942. While there he hit a pole and crashed in Kittyhawk AK 144. He was uninjured. He returned to 111 Squadron in August, 1942. In the Fall of 1942, he spent over a month flying out of Umnak Island and Adak Island, Alaska. He was promoted to Flying Officer on December 28, 1942 after he came back to Kodiak Island where 111 was headquartered. On February 20, 1943, while stationed at Kodiak Island, his P-40K1 (#245954) slid on the ice and crashed into a gun emplacement. He was unhurt. He returned to Umnak and Amchitka Islands in the Spring of 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. He was with 440 Squadron for a while. He was from New Westminster, British Columbia. I believe he survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left from the 440 Sqn Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8. The picture is courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks. Middle right photo from Department of National Defence PMR 80235. The two name-tagged photos from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward who flew with Del in 111 and 440 Squadrons. Thank you, Wally
J11059 He arrived at 111 Squadron on April 20, 1942 directly from #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa). He had a temporary posting to 14 Squadron (Sea Island, British Columbia) in May, 1942. While there he hit a pole and crashed in Kittyhawk AK 144. He was uninjured. He returned to 111 Squadron in August, 1942. In the Fall of 1942, he spent over a month flying out of Umnak Island and Adak Island, Alaska. He was promoted to Flying Officer on December 28, 1942 after he came back to Kodiak Island where 111 was headquartered. On February 20, 1943, while stationed at Kodiak Island, his P-40K1 (#245954) slid on the ice and crashed into a gun emplacement. He was unhurt. He returned to Umnak and Amchitka Islands in the Spring of 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. He was with 440 Squadron for a while. He was from New Westminster, British Columbia. I believe he survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left from the 440 Sqn Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8. The picture is courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks. Middle right photo from Department of National Defence PMR 80235. The two name-tagged photos from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward who flew with Del in 111 and 440 Squadrons. Thank you, Wally
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Odin John Eskil
(J11076) He received his flight training at #14 Service Flying Training School, Aylmer, Ontario. He joined 111 Squadron on April 15, 1942 and stayed until the Aleutian Campaign was over. On May 26, 1942, according to the squadron Daily Diary, he flew to Sea Island but no reason was given. His name did not reappear in the Diary until July 6, 1942 when it was recorded that he had returned to the squadron after being discharged from Shaughnessy Hospital, Vancouver. He rejoined the squadron at Elmendorf Air Base, Anchorage Alaska. He was the only pilot, other than W/C McGregor, who survived the tragedy of July 16, 1942. In the late Summer and Fall of 1942, he was one of the pilots who manned the detachment at Umnak Island, flying operations with the USAAF units there. Between his turns at Umnak, he returned to squadron Headquarters at Elmendorf Air Field, Anchorage, Alaska. There he flew patrols in defence of that part of the Alaskan coast. In late October, 1942, the squadron made a very quick move to Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, Alaska. On November 5, 1942, then-Pilot Officer Eskil was made flight Commander and he served as Officer Commanding of the flight of three aircraft and six other pilots stationed at Point Chiniak, satellite base to Fort Greely. On December 26, 1942, word came through that he had been promoted to Temporary Flying Officer effective October 10, 1942. His tour at Point Chiniak ended on April 6, 1943 and he returned to Squadron Headquarters at Fort Greely. On May 1, 1943, he was part of a party of 111 Squadron aircraft that flew to Affectation Air Base, Amchitka Island (an advance base, very close to the Japanese stronghold on Kiska Island). He left 111 Squadron to go overseas on June 20, 1943. While overseas, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. He joined RAF 132 Squadron. I don't know how that happened. As an American, he probably could have joined one of the three RAF Eagle squadrons (RAF 71, 121 or 133) which had been formed to contain U.S. citizens who had joined the RAF. He was killed on August 1, 1944 while attached to RAF 132 Squadron. He was in a collision while landing between a Mustang and his Spitfire (NH 272) near Calvados, France. He is buried at the Bayeux War Cemetery, France. He was from Iron Mountain, Michigan. His parents were Odin F. and Julia Eskil. He was 27 years old when he died.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Both photos: Department of National Defence On left: number PMR76-224, I don't know the number of the one on the right. Both photos courtesy of Major Mathias Joost.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Odin John Eskil
(J11076) He received his flight training at #14 Service Flying Training School, Aylmer, Ontario. He joined 111 Squadron on April 15, 1942 and stayed until the Aleutian Campaign was over. On May 26, 1942, according to the squadron Daily Diary, he flew to Sea Island but no reason was given. His name did not reappear in the Diary until July 6, 1942 when it was recorded that he had returned to the squadron after being discharged from Shaughnessy Hospital, Vancouver. He rejoined the squadron at Elmendorf Air Base, Anchorage Alaska. He was the only pilot, other than W/C McGregor, who survived the tragedy of July 16, 1942. In the late Summer and Fall of 1942, he was one of the pilots who manned the detachment at Umnak Island, flying operations with the USAAF units there. Between his turns at Umnak, he returned to squadron Headquarters at Elmendorf Air Field, Anchorage, Alaska. There he flew patrols in defence of that part of the Alaskan coast. In late October, 1942, the squadron made a very quick move to Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, Alaska. On November 5, 1942, then-Pilot Officer Eskil was made flight Commander and he served as Officer Commanding of the flight of three aircraft and six other pilots stationed at Point Chiniak, satellite base to Fort Greely. On December 26, 1942, word came through that he had been promoted to Temporary Flying Officer effective October 10, 1942. His tour at Point Chiniak ended on April 6, 1943 and he returned to Squadron Headquarters at Fort Greely. On May 1, 1943, he was part of a party of 111 Squadron aircraft that flew to Affectation Air Base, Amchitka Island (an advance base, very close to the Japanese stronghold on Kiska Island). He left 111 Squadron to go overseas on June 20, 1943. While overseas, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. He joined RAF 132 Squadron. I don't know how that happened. As an American, he probably could have joined one of the three RAF Eagle squadrons (RAF 71, 121 or 133) which had been formed to contain U.S. citizens who had joined the RAF. He was killed on August 1, 1944 while attached to RAF 132 Squadron. He was in a collision while landing between a Mustang and his Spitfire (NH 272) near Calvados, France. He is buried at the Bayeux War Cemetery, France. He was from Iron Mountain, Michigan. His parents were Odin F. and Julia Eskil. He was 27 years old when he died.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Both photos: Department of National Defence On left: number PMR76-224, I don't know the number of the one on the right. Both photos courtesy of Major Mathias Joost.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Stanley Vincent Garside
J5068 He graduated from #3 Service Flying Training School, Calgary on May 2, 1941. He joined 111 Squadron fresh out of #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec on February 13, 1943. In July, 1943, he had a temporary posting to 14 Squadron and remained on Umnak Island when 111 Squadron redeployed to 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. On June 7, 1944, he was killed when his Typhoon (MN548) was brought down by flak at La Vacquerie, near Tilly-sur-Seulles, west of Caen, France. His wingmate, F/O Doug Gorden, in an interview with Ottawa Citizen's Bruce Deachman, published on June 4, 2014, said that Garside was flying very low and that he was hit by the blast from his own bombs, a not-uncommon fate for WWII dive-bomber pilots. He was the son of Emsley and Maude Garside of Edmonton, Alberta. He is buried at Bayeux War Cemetery, Calvados, France.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left extracted from Department of National Defence PMR 76-211; Photo in top middle extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com . Photo at lower middle extracted from Department of National Defence PMR 76-214. Photo on right from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward who flew with Stan in 111 and 440 Squadrons. Thank you, Wally.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Stanley Vincent Garside
J5068 He graduated from #3 Service Flying Training School, Calgary on May 2, 1941. He joined 111 Squadron fresh out of #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec on February 13, 1943. In July, 1943, he had a temporary posting to 14 Squadron and remained on Umnak Island when 111 Squadron redeployed to 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. On June 7, 1944, he was killed when his Typhoon (MN548) was brought down by flak at La Vacquerie, near Tilly-sur-Seulles, west of Caen, France. His wingmate, F/O Doug Gorden, in an interview with Ottawa Citizen's Bruce Deachman, published on June 4, 2014, said that Garside was flying very low and that he was hit by the blast from his own bombs, a not-uncommon fate for WWII dive-bomber pilots. He was the son of Emsley and Maude Garside of Edmonton, Alberta. He is buried at Bayeux War Cemetery, Calvados, France.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left extracted from Department of National Defence PMR 76-211; Photo in top middle extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com . Photo at lower middle extracted from Department of National Defence PMR 76-214. Photo on right from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward who flew with Stan in 111 and 440 Squadrons. Thank you, Wally.
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___________KIA____________
Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) James Garfield "Jim" Gohl AM
(J8356) He trained at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa) and graduated on October 24, 1941. He was in the same class
as fellow-111ers, Frank Lennon, Gordie Baird and Bob Lynch. He was one of the first group of pilots to join 111 Squadron, arriving at Rockcliffe on November 8, 1941. On August 1, 1942, he was promoted to Flying Officer. On April 18, 1943, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. He won the U.S. Air Medal for his participation in the attack on Kiska Island with S/L Boomer. He received Mention in Dispatches in the London Gazette on January 21, 1944 for his work with 111 Squadron. This is the citation: "This officer has led his squadron and participated in many bombing and strafing attacks against the enemy. Although bad weather prevented many sorties, by his personal example and enthusiasm he kept the squadron morale at a high level." He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. His Squadron Leader (W.H. Pentland) saw F/L Gohl as a respected leader and had planned to make him his second-in-command. He was killed on June 12, 1944 when his 440 Squadron Typhoon's engine conked out while returning from a bombing run in France (he was flying Typhoon #MN115) . He bailed out but his parachute got caught on the tail plane. It did finally rip loose but by then he was only about 100 feet above the sea. He was never found. Click here for more information about him and his career. No known grave. He was born in Carman, Manitoba and grew up in Boissevain, Manitoba. His Father was Elijah Gohl and he had a sister named Muriel.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Top right photo at Glenbow Archives NA. 4330-24; left photo and signature from the Collection of Flt Lt George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. The centre photo is from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward. He flew with Jim in 111 and 440 Squadrons. Thank you, Wally. Lower right photo shows him in the 1942 Squadron Portrait. He was in the #009 position. Inset photo of F/L Gohl, with his Air Medal ribbon, was part of his military file and comes through the courtesy of Anne Gafiuk.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) James Garfield "Jim" Gohl AM
(J8356) He trained at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa) and graduated on October 24, 1941. He was in the same class
as fellow-111ers, Frank Lennon, Gordie Baird and Bob Lynch. He was one of the first group of pilots to join 111 Squadron, arriving at Rockcliffe on November 8, 1941. On August 1, 1942, he was promoted to Flying Officer. On April 18, 1943, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. He won the U.S. Air Medal for his participation in the attack on Kiska Island with S/L Boomer. He received Mention in Dispatches in the London Gazette on January 21, 1944 for his work with 111 Squadron. This is the citation: "This officer has led his squadron and participated in many bombing and strafing attacks against the enemy. Although bad weather prevented many sorties, by his personal example and enthusiasm he kept the squadron morale at a high level." He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. His Squadron Leader (W.H. Pentland) saw F/L Gohl as a respected leader and had planned to make him his second-in-command. He was killed on June 12, 1944 when his 440 Squadron Typhoon's engine conked out while returning from a bombing run in France (he was flying Typhoon #MN115) . He bailed out but his parachute got caught on the tail plane. It did finally rip loose but by then he was only about 100 feet above the sea. He was never found. Click here for more information about him and his career. No known grave. He was born in Carman, Manitoba and grew up in Boissevain, Manitoba. His Father was Elijah Gohl and he had a sister named Muriel.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Top right photo at Glenbow Archives NA. 4330-24; left photo and signature from the Collection of Flt Lt George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. The centre photo is from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward. He flew with Jim in 111 and 440 Squadrons. Thank you, Wally. Lower right photo shows him in the 1942 Squadron Portrait. He was in the #009 position. Inset photo of F/L Gohl, with his Air Medal ribbon, was part of his military file and comes through the courtesy of Anne Gafiuk.
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Squadron Leader (Pilot) Harold Orville "Hal" Gooding DFC, AAM
J10608 He arrived at 111 Squadron on March 22, 1942 from #13 Service Flying Training School, St. Hubert, Quebec. He checked out on the p-40 and was declared operational on May 5, 1942. He went with 111 Squadron to Alaska where he was designated Section Leader (Section 4) as the squadron settled in to operations on Umnak Island against the Japanese. He flew with S/L Boomer on the attack on Kiska Island and was awarded the U.S. Air Medal. He was promoted to Flying Officer on December 28, 1942. On May 8, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Flight Lieutenant . 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 checked out in Typhoons and was ready and operational in the Typhoon in time for D-Day, June 6, 1944, when the Allies mounted their invasion of Europe. He proved to be very successful in dive bombing raids against German ground forces. On December 12, 1944, he was made Officer Commanding of 440 Squadron. He had attained the rank of Squadron Leader with 440 Squadron. On February 25, 1945, he was honoured with the Distinguished Flying Cross. His Tour of Duty expired on March 11, 1945. This was in fact his third tour. In all, he had completed 309 combat missions over enemy held territory. S/L Gooding was memorialized in a book published by Ken Arnott entitled "A Man Called Hal" (Sunnybrook Health Print Services, 2008). Picture on right shows him beside his 440 Squadron Typhoon (MN 555). He survived the War. He was from Ottawa, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
1st Photo at Glenbow Archives NA 4330-23; 2nd photo from the Collection of Tracy Gooding Roberts, courtesy of Ken Arnott; Signature from the Squadron Daily Diary. Photo on the right from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward. He flew with Hal in 111 and 440 Squadrons. Thank you, Wally.
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J10608 He arrived at 111 Squadron on March 22, 1942 from #13 Service Flying Training School, St. Hubert, Quebec. He checked out on the p-40 and was declared operational on May 5, 1942. He went with 111 Squadron to Alaska where he was designated Section Leader (Section 4) as the squadron settled in to operations on Umnak Island against the Japanese. He flew with S/L Boomer on the attack on Kiska Island and was awarded the U.S. Air Medal. He was promoted to Flying Officer on December 28, 1942. On May 8, 1943, he was promoted to Acting Flight Lieutenant . 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 checked out in Typhoons and was ready and operational in the Typhoon in time for D-Day, June 6, 1944, when the Allies mounted their invasion of Europe. He proved to be very successful in dive bombing raids against German ground forces. On December 12, 1944, he was made Officer Commanding of 440 Squadron. He had attained the rank of Squadron Leader with 440 Squadron. On February 25, 1945, he was honoured with the Distinguished Flying Cross. His Tour of Duty expired on March 11, 1945. This was in fact his third tour. In all, he had completed 309 combat missions over enemy held territory. S/L Gooding was memorialized in a book published by Ken Arnott entitled "A Man Called Hal" (Sunnybrook Health Print Services, 2008). Picture on right shows him beside his 440 Squadron Typhoon (MN 555). He survived the War. He was from Ottawa, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
1st Photo at Glenbow Archives NA 4330-23; 2nd photo from the Collection of Tracy Gooding Roberts, courtesy of Ken Arnott; Signature from the Squadron Daily Diary. Photo on the right from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward. He flew with Hal in 111 and 440 Squadrons. Thank you, Wally.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) John Alexander Douglas "Doug" Gordon
J 27210 He joined the RCAF in Montreal at the age of 19. He reported for duty in May, 1942. at #5 "M" Depot, Lachine, Quebec. He was awarded his Wings at No. 2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa) Ontario. He transferred into 111 Squadron in early November, 1943 from 132 (f) Squadron, where he was performing coastal patrols out of Boundary Bay, British Columbia. He arrived just as 111 Squadron was standing down from the Aleutian Campaign and getting ready, at Patricia Bay, to join the battle in 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. They flew Typhoons in dive-bombing and ground support roles. Two months after arriving in England, he was promoted to Flying Officer. He had a close call on May 3, 1944. In Typhoon JR 431, he was hit by flak but was not injured and he got back safely. I don't know if he lost the a/c, however. For a flavour of his D-Day experience with 440 Squadron, see this article by Bruce Deachman (Ottawa Citizen, June 4, 2014). Also: hear F/O Gordon's voice and see him speak of his D-Day (June 6, 1944) experience at this site (also created by Bruce Deachman). He survived the war. In the picture on the right, he is seen (June, 2014) holding his RCAF-issued silk map of Europe which he carried into Europe on D-Day. He was from Lachute, Quebec, Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo (middle, right) from the 440 Squadron Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8 - courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks. Dave Hicks also drew my attention to Bruce Deachman's articles in the Ottawa Citizen (June 4, 1944) from which the left photo and the right photo came. Thanks, Dave. I believe Bruce Deachman took the current picture of F/O Gordon, making it the property of the Ottawa Citizen. Permission is being sought for its use here. The middle left photo comes from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward, a squadron-mate of Doug's. Thank you, Wally.
The lower panel shows Doug's RCAF ID cards. Note signature. This collection (from F/O Gordon's Collection) came courtesy of Anne Gafiuk who knows Doug and who got his permission for me to show them here. Thank you Doug and Anne.
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J 27210 He joined the RCAF in Montreal at the age of 19. He reported for duty in May, 1942. at #5 "M" Depot, Lachine, Quebec. He was awarded his Wings at No. 2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa) Ontario. He transferred into 111 Squadron in early November, 1943 from 132 (f) Squadron, where he was performing coastal patrols out of Boundary Bay, British Columbia. He arrived just as 111 Squadron was standing down from the Aleutian Campaign and getting ready, at Patricia Bay, to join the battle in 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. They flew Typhoons in dive-bombing and ground support roles. Two months after arriving in England, he was promoted to Flying Officer. He had a close call on May 3, 1944. In Typhoon JR 431, he was hit by flak but was not injured and he got back safely. I don't know if he lost the a/c, however. For a flavour of his D-Day experience with 440 Squadron, see this article by Bruce Deachman (Ottawa Citizen, June 4, 2014). Also: hear F/O Gordon's voice and see him speak of his D-Day (June 6, 1944) experience at this site (also created by Bruce Deachman). He survived the war. In the picture on the right, he is seen (June, 2014) holding his RCAF-issued silk map of Europe which he carried into Europe on D-Day. He was from Lachute, Quebec, Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo (middle, right) from the 440 Squadron Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8 - courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks. Dave Hicks also drew my attention to Bruce Deachman's articles in the Ottawa Citizen (June 4, 1944) from which the left photo and the right photo came. Thanks, Dave. I believe Bruce Deachman took the current picture of F/O Gordon, making it the property of the Ottawa Citizen. Permission is being sought for its use here. The middle left photo comes from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward, a squadron-mate of Doug's. Thank you, Wally.
The lower panel shows Doug's RCAF ID cards. Note signature. This collection (from F/O Gordon's Collection) came courtesy of Anne Gafiuk who knows Doug and who got his permission for me to show them here. Thank you Doug and Anne.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Walter Howard David "Dave" Hanchet
J9455 He enlisted in April, 1940; Wings in December, 1940. He was immediately promoted Pilot Officer because he finished in the top 25% of his flight class. He was trained as a bomber pilot but he was temporarily placed with No. 111 Squadron in the Spring of 1942. He and three other bomber pilots were mentioned in the 111 Squadron Daily Diary on May 3, 1942. They were with 111 Squadron so they could get some flying experience while they waited for their new bomber squadron to be formed on July 1, 1942. His group was described in the Daily Diary as "the dive bomber pilots". They left 111 Squadron at the end of May, 1942 when the Squadron went north to Elmendorf, Alaska. His name appeared in the Daily Dairy of No. 147 BR (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron on August 19, 1942. He was flying Bristol Bolingbrokes on anti-submarine patrols. He survived the war and died in March, 2002. He was from Ottawa.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photos from the Collection of P/O Dave Hanchet, courtesy of his son, Guy Hanchet. Note: the photos were signed by Yousef Karsh of Ottawa.
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J9455 He enlisted in April, 1940; Wings in December, 1940. He was immediately promoted Pilot Officer because he finished in the top 25% of his flight class. He was trained as a bomber pilot but he was temporarily placed with No. 111 Squadron in the Spring of 1942. He and three other bomber pilots were mentioned in the 111 Squadron Daily Diary on May 3, 1942. They were with 111 Squadron so they could get some flying experience while they waited for their new bomber squadron to be formed on July 1, 1942. His group was described in the Daily Diary as "the dive bomber pilots". They left 111 Squadron at the end of May, 1942 when the Squadron went north to Elmendorf, Alaska. His name appeared in the Daily Dairy of No. 147 BR (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron on August 19, 1942. He was flying Bristol Bolingbrokes on anti-submarine patrols. He survived the war and died in March, 2002. He was from Ottawa.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photos from the Collection of P/O Dave Hanchet, courtesy of his son, Guy Hanchet. Note: the photos were signed by Yousef Karsh of Ottawa.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Alfred Lloyd-Simpson Harrison
R80097/ J23047 A. L.S. Harrison joined the RCAF in the Fall of 1940. During his stint in #2 Manning Pool, Brandon, Manitoba, he was assigned to pilot training. His first flying experiences occurred at #16 Elementary Flying Training School in Edmonton, Alberta. He moved from there to Service Flying Training School (Medicine Hat, Alberta), graduating on August 8, 1941 (see photo, above. He is on the left. I don't know the name of his colleague). He took additional flying training courses around Canada including a Bombing and Gunnery Course at #3 B&G School in MacDonald, Manitoba. He even had a brief, two-week stint in #124 Ferry Squadron where he got some experience flying multi-engine aircraft, specifically the Oxford and the Avro Anson. He received his operational training as a fighter pilot at #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec, completing that on January 29, 1943.
His first squadron assignment was to 14 Fighter Squadron. He arrived there on February 7, 1943. 14 Squadron was at Sea Island (Vancouver), British Columbia but it was in the final stages of getting ready to go into action against the Japanese. They arrived at Fort Glenn, Umnak Island on March 3, 1943. The fighters that 14 Squadron flew were Curtiss P-40 E Kittyhawks. He was first mentioned in the 14 Squadron Daily Diary on March 20, 1943 when he had received his Commission which was made effective October 25, 1942, according to Canada Gazette, May 8, 1943. He was promoted from Warrant Officer 1 to Pilot Officer. He made his first solo flight in a Kittyhawk on March 28, 1943.
He flew with 14 Squadron for nearly seven weeks when he was attached temporarily to 111 Squadron, another P-40 squadron, stationed on Kodiak Island, Alaska. He flew with 111 Squadron, improving his skills at flying the P-40, for a month, He was still with 111 in June (see Photo PL13139). His son, Edward Loyd Harrison, remembers this: "The story my mother always told about my dad was that he was kept in Canada to train other pilots. She said that his voice was always steady and easily understood over the communications systems and this helped him be a great instructor."
On June 12, 1943, he joined 135 Squadron, another P-40 fighter squadron, stationed on Annette Island, Alaska. On November 17, 1943, 135 Squadron returned to Canada, and was stationed in Terrace, British Columbia. There, they did coastal protection operations. 135 Squadron moved several times in the next two years, operating out of Patricia Bay and Tofino, British Columbia. He remained with them. through these moves. His association with 135 Squadron ended on February 21, 1945 when he went to #1 Y Depot in Moncton, New Brunswick to prepare to go overseas to the European war. At that point the war was winding down. He spent time in four different stations in England, training to fly different aircraft types. P-40 pilots typically were trained to fly dive bomber Typhoons and he had the opportunity to check out on them He also flew two different Spitfire models, the Spitfire XIV and Spitfire XVI. By the beginning of September, 1945, the RCAF decided that he, and many other Canadian airmen, were no longer needed in the European Theatre. He returned home to a unit in Brandon, Manitoba where, closer to home, he could finish out his service to Canada,
He survived the war but died, at the age of 29, on November 2, 1948. He was buried at St. George's Wakefield Anglican Cemetery, St. Andrews, Manitoba but the family wanted him closer to home so his body was transferred to Medicine Hat Hillside Cemetery where there is a War Memorial section in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Medicine Hat is where he earned his Wings.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
I am very grateful to Flight Lieutenant Harrison's son, Edward Loyd Harrison, who sent me a copy of part of his Father's Log Book from which the information here was extracted. Thanks, Ted. Right photo is from the Collection of F/L A.L.S. Harrison, courtesy of his Son, Middle photo is part of Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com Left photo extracted from newspaper clipping that appeared in the Winnipeg Tribune in 1943, issue unknown.
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R80097/ J23047 A. L.S. Harrison joined the RCAF in the Fall of 1940. During his stint in #2 Manning Pool, Brandon, Manitoba, he was assigned to pilot training. His first flying experiences occurred at #16 Elementary Flying Training School in Edmonton, Alberta. He moved from there to Service Flying Training School (Medicine Hat, Alberta), graduating on August 8, 1941 (see photo, above. He is on the left. I don't know the name of his colleague). He took additional flying training courses around Canada including a Bombing and Gunnery Course at #3 B&G School in MacDonald, Manitoba. He even had a brief, two-week stint in #124 Ferry Squadron where he got some experience flying multi-engine aircraft, specifically the Oxford and the Avro Anson. He received his operational training as a fighter pilot at #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec, completing that on January 29, 1943.
His first squadron assignment was to 14 Fighter Squadron. He arrived there on February 7, 1943. 14 Squadron was at Sea Island (Vancouver), British Columbia but it was in the final stages of getting ready to go into action against the Japanese. They arrived at Fort Glenn, Umnak Island on March 3, 1943. The fighters that 14 Squadron flew were Curtiss P-40 E Kittyhawks. He was first mentioned in the 14 Squadron Daily Diary on March 20, 1943 when he had received his Commission which was made effective October 25, 1942, according to Canada Gazette, May 8, 1943. He was promoted from Warrant Officer 1 to Pilot Officer. He made his first solo flight in a Kittyhawk on March 28, 1943.
He flew with 14 Squadron for nearly seven weeks when he was attached temporarily to 111 Squadron, another P-40 squadron, stationed on Kodiak Island, Alaska. He flew with 111 Squadron, improving his skills at flying the P-40, for a month, He was still with 111 in June (see Photo PL13139). His son, Edward Loyd Harrison, remembers this: "The story my mother always told about my dad was that he was kept in Canada to train other pilots. She said that his voice was always steady and easily understood over the communications systems and this helped him be a great instructor."
On June 12, 1943, he joined 135 Squadron, another P-40 fighter squadron, stationed on Annette Island, Alaska. On November 17, 1943, 135 Squadron returned to Canada, and was stationed in Terrace, British Columbia. There, they did coastal protection operations. 135 Squadron moved several times in the next two years, operating out of Patricia Bay and Tofino, British Columbia. He remained with them. through these moves. His association with 135 Squadron ended on February 21, 1945 when he went to #1 Y Depot in Moncton, New Brunswick to prepare to go overseas to the European war. At that point the war was winding down. He spent time in four different stations in England, training to fly different aircraft types. P-40 pilots typically were trained to fly dive bomber Typhoons and he had the opportunity to check out on them He also flew two different Spitfire models, the Spitfire XIV and Spitfire XVI. By the beginning of September, 1945, the RCAF decided that he, and many other Canadian airmen, were no longer needed in the European Theatre. He returned home to a unit in Brandon, Manitoba where, closer to home, he could finish out his service to Canada,
He survived the war but died, at the age of 29, on November 2, 1948. He was buried at St. George's Wakefield Anglican Cemetery, St. Andrews, Manitoba but the family wanted him closer to home so his body was transferred to Medicine Hat Hillside Cemetery where there is a War Memorial section in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Medicine Hat is where he earned his Wings.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
I am very grateful to Flight Lieutenant Harrison's son, Edward Loyd Harrison, who sent me a copy of part of his Father's Log Book from which the information here was extracted. Thanks, Ted. Right photo is from the Collection of F/L A.L.S. Harrison, courtesy of his Son, Middle photo is part of Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com Left photo extracted from newspaper clipping that appeared in the Winnipeg Tribune in 1943, issue unknown.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Roy Hinkle Heath
R98278/ C25287
When he was about 24 years old, and a University Graduate and married with a child, Roy enlisted in the RCAF on May 12, 1941, long before his country, U.S.A., became engaged in WWII. His reason: he wanted to fly. Roy had loved speed all of his life. He raced cars. He was sure he would be a pilot. He had a month of Basic Training, probably at the Manning Station in Toronto. There can be no doubt that he let his preference for flying be known. So he was sent to Initial Training School in Toronto. That's where the RCAF decided if you would be a pilot or be given some other aircrew assignment. In the three weeks there, the ITU not only decided that he had the potential to be a pilot but that, given his temperament, he might be best suited to be a fighter pilot.
R98278/ C25287
When he was about 24 years old, and a University Graduate and married with a child, Roy enlisted in the RCAF on May 12, 1941, long before his country, U.S.A., became engaged in WWII. His reason: he wanted to fly. Roy had loved speed all of his life. He raced cars. He was sure he would be a pilot. He had a month of Basic Training, probably at the Manning Station in Toronto. There can be no doubt that he let his preference for flying be known. So he was sent to Initial Training School in Toronto. That's where the RCAF decided if you would be a pilot or be given some other aircrew assignment. In the three weeks there, the ITU not only decided that he had the potential to be a pilot but that, given his temperament, he might be best suited to be a fighter pilot.
He had his first flying training with the RCAF at No. 20 Elementary Flying Training School at Oshawa, Ontario. He trained with the Tiger Moth bi-plane. After eight weeks of instructions and 50 hours flying time, the successful trainee gets a promotion and the right to wear a white flash on his wedge cap. Roy must have loved the experience because he took innumerable photographs of his instructors and staff. His second round of training took place at No. 6 Service Flying Training School, Dunnville, Ontario. The Dunnville program had been designed specifically for fighter pilots. He did well enough in the 16 week program to get his Wings and promotion to Sergeant. He finished his flight training shortly after the Japanese invaded Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Other Americans have written about this period. Some decided to return to their country to become part of the American mobilization. Many decided that they felt they could advance more quickly in the RCAF and therefore remained in Canada. There is no record of Roy's rationale but he did decide to remain with the RCAF.
Other Americans have written about this period. Some decided to return to their country to become part of the American mobilization. Many decided that they felt they could advance more quickly in the RCAF and therefore remained in Canada. There is no record of Roy's rationale but he did decide to remain with the RCAF.
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His first assignment as a new Pilot was instructing incoming pilot students at No. 6 Service Flying Training School at Dunnville, Ontario. In 1942, the flight training schools were staffed by civilian pilots. The rules of dress were pretty much determined by the schools themselves. Some opted for khaki, others dark blue etc. Gradually, as more RCAF Pilots became available, the rules and the uniforms became more military. The civilian teaching staff wanted their own distinctive cap badges and trade markers and in 1943, a new Canadian law made it a crime for civilians to wear military uniforms or badges.
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The Canadian Flying Club Association stepped in and proposed a series of badge designs. Civilian Flying Instructors wore a unique officers cap badge and unique Wings. Of course, Roy wore the RCAF Wings that were presented to him after successful completion of his air force training. He began as a Sergeant Pilot and, while there, he progressed through Flight Sergeant and two levels of Warrant Officer. He was awarded his Officer's Commission and the rank of Pilot Officer, effective on April 2, 1943, In the first picture below, he can be seen sporting his brand new Officer regalia, including the "Flying Instructor" cap badge and a wonderful grin. These Flight Instructors were Roy's colleagues at RCAF No. 6 Service Flying Training School, Dunnville, Ontario. He had photos of others in his collection. If you recognize any of these men, I am sure Roy's family would like to know about it. I will be happy to pass on any information.
On July 14, 1943, he was posted to RCAF No. 132 (F) Squadron, then operating out of Boundary Bay, British Columbia. I believe the assignment to 132 Squadron was to give him a chance to learn operational flying. There would have been much emphasis on formation flying, attack tactics, shooting, bombing and radio transmission. During his time with 132 Squadron, he received a promotion to Flying Officer.
He held the rank of Flying Officer when he transferred into RCAF No. 111 Squadron in early November, 1943 from 132 (f) Squadron. 111 Squadron was newly returned to Canada from their Aleutian Campaign and back in Patricia Bay where they were reorganizing and preparing the squadron to move to England.
Roy was reported, in the Squadron Daily Diary, to be ill at the time of his transfer and the re-posting might have been ordered to facilitate a hospital stay at Patricia Bay. In any case, he was well enough to be on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944.
He trained with 111 Squadron as the squadron learned to fly a new aircraft, the Hawker Typhoon, to execute a new function, fighter bombing, against a new enemy, the Germans, in a new theatre of war, Europe. And they had a new name: RCAF No. 111 (F) Squadron became RCAF No. 440 (FB) Squadron. He made his first entry into his No. 2 Flight Log Book, on June 4, four days before D-Day, the Invasion of France at Normandy. He was moving his Typhoon to the forward airbase at Hurn in England to shorten the trip to France on Invasion day. In the coming days, he was in the thick of things, dive-bombing tanks, railroad tracks, bridges and supply vehicles to support the invading Allied armies.
He remained with 440 Squadron until July 10, 1944 when he was transferred to RAF No. 65 (F) Squadron. He was in 65 Squadron for only a few hours when he was re-posted to RAF 19 (F) Squadron that flew Mustangs. Roy had two days and two practice flights to orient himself to the Mustang, a very different aircraft from the Typhoon. On July 12, he was part of two armed recce raids over France. His group was jumped by 16 enemy aircraft (Focke-Wulfe 190s and Messerschmitt 109s). His group was able to damage two enemy aircraft. He very quickly learned to survive in a very dangerous work place.
For some reason, after about a month of daily bombing sorties, perhaps because he was feeling ill, he was assigned light duties from the 1st of August until August 19 when he was posted (temporary attachment) to RAF No. 409 Repair and Salvage Unit operating out of B12, a forward, hastily-constructed aerodrome in Normandy very close to the front. His role was as test pilot whose job was to make sure that repaired fighter aircraft were airworthy enough to go back to work.
He held the rank of Flying Officer when he transferred into RCAF No. 111 Squadron in early November, 1943 from 132 (f) Squadron. 111 Squadron was newly returned to Canada from their Aleutian Campaign and back in Patricia Bay where they were reorganizing and preparing the squadron to move to England.
Roy was reported, in the Squadron Daily Diary, to be ill at the time of his transfer and the re-posting might have been ordered to facilitate a hospital stay at Patricia Bay. In any case, he was well enough to be on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 Squadron to England, January 20 to 27, 1944.
He trained with 111 Squadron as the squadron learned to fly a new aircraft, the Hawker Typhoon, to execute a new function, fighter bombing, against a new enemy, the Germans, in a new theatre of war, Europe. And they had a new name: RCAF No. 111 (F) Squadron became RCAF No. 440 (FB) Squadron. He made his first entry into his No. 2 Flight Log Book, on June 4, four days before D-Day, the Invasion of France at Normandy. He was moving his Typhoon to the forward airbase at Hurn in England to shorten the trip to France on Invasion day. In the coming days, he was in the thick of things, dive-bombing tanks, railroad tracks, bridges and supply vehicles to support the invading Allied armies.
He remained with 440 Squadron until July 10, 1944 when he was transferred to RAF No. 65 (F) Squadron. He was in 65 Squadron for only a few hours when he was re-posted to RAF 19 (F) Squadron that flew Mustangs. Roy had two days and two practice flights to orient himself to the Mustang, a very different aircraft from the Typhoon. On July 12, he was part of two armed recce raids over France. His group was jumped by 16 enemy aircraft (Focke-Wulfe 190s and Messerschmitt 109s). His group was able to damage two enemy aircraft. He very quickly learned to survive in a very dangerous work place.
For some reason, after about a month of daily bombing sorties, perhaps because he was feeling ill, he was assigned light duties from the 1st of August until August 19 when he was posted (temporary attachment) to RAF No. 409 Repair and Salvage Unit operating out of B12, a forward, hastily-constructed aerodrome in Normandy very close to the front. His role was as test pilot whose job was to make sure that repaired fighter aircraft were airworthy enough to go back to work.
RAF No. 193 (FB) Squadron
August, 1943 -
Heath, 5th from left, standing -
From Collection of F/L Roy Heath
On August 27, he was posted to RAF 193 (F) Squadron, back to flying Typhoons.
He served as the Diarist in 193 Squadron, demonstrating a witty and light-hearted style. He had health issues but he flew a lot of missions with 193. By the end of 1944, he was deemed to have completed his tour. He was rated by his Commanding officer in 193 Squadron as an "above the average" Fighter-Bomber pilot. His log book noted that during his tour, he had flown 1,495 hours of service flying.
But the war was not quite over. He was needed to transfer his hard-earned fighting skills to young pilots who were just ready to come on line. By that time, they had a better aircraft. It was the Hawker Tempest. He was posted to RAF No. 56 (Operational Training Unit) back in England (Brunton, Northumberland) as an Instructor. He instructed for four months there. On May 3, 1945, he was posted to a second Operational Training Unit (RAF No 62 OTU) but he was there only for a week when Victory over Europe was declared. The war was over.
By the end of November, 1945, he was home in Salina, Kansas. He entered a few small aircraft flights out of his beloved Municipal Aerodrome, Salina, Kansas in his flight log book. There were no more entries after that but I doubt they were his last flights. He joined his Father's automobile dealership (they sold Hudson cars).
He was the son of Roy and Olive Heath of Salina, Saline, Kansas. He had a younger sister named Olive. Before he went to war, he married Rachel Tonkin and they had a daughter while he was away. The child was named Rae, no doubt a contraction of Rachel's name. He named his Typhoons after Rae, calling them Little Rae. There were four Little Raes by the time the war had ended. A second daughter, Alison, was born soon after Roy returned from the War.
He died in 1958 at the age of 40 and was buried near his parents at Roselawn Cemetery, Salina. His grave marker may be seen here.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
He served as the Diarist in 193 Squadron, demonstrating a witty and light-hearted style. He had health issues but he flew a lot of missions with 193. By the end of 1944, he was deemed to have completed his tour. He was rated by his Commanding officer in 193 Squadron as an "above the average" Fighter-Bomber pilot. His log book noted that during his tour, he had flown 1,495 hours of service flying.
But the war was not quite over. He was needed to transfer his hard-earned fighting skills to young pilots who were just ready to come on line. By that time, they had a better aircraft. It was the Hawker Tempest. He was posted to RAF No. 56 (Operational Training Unit) back in England (Brunton, Northumberland) as an Instructor. He instructed for four months there. On May 3, 1945, he was posted to a second Operational Training Unit (RAF No 62 OTU) but he was there only for a week when Victory over Europe was declared. The war was over.
By the end of November, 1945, he was home in Salina, Kansas. He entered a few small aircraft flights out of his beloved Municipal Aerodrome, Salina, Kansas in his flight log book. There were no more entries after that but I doubt they were his last flights. He joined his Father's automobile dealership (they sold Hudson cars).
He was the son of Roy and Olive Heath of Salina, Saline, Kansas. He had a younger sister named Olive. Before he went to war, he married Rachel Tonkin and they had a daughter while he was away. The child was named Rae, no doubt a contraction of Rachel's name. He named his Typhoons after Rae, calling them Little Rae. There were four Little Raes by the time the war had ended. A second daughter, Alison, was born soon after Roy returned from the War.
He died in 1958 at the age of 40 and was buried near his parents at Roselawn Cemetery, Salina. His grave marker may be seen here.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
I am deeply indebted to Elizabeth Carter, Roy Heath's Granddaughter, for supplying me with a goldmine of materials. pertaining to her Grandfather's military career. Other than those listed below, all photos were from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant Roy Heath, courtesy of his Granddaughter, Elizabeth Carter.
Re: the photos on the top: the one on left was extracted from his 1939 University of Michigan yearbook where he was in his Senior year (1939 Michigan Ensian, Vol 43, page 40). The photo in the middle appears in the Dole Institute, University of Kansas site. It was discovered by Mojmir Vraj, a student of Typhoon pilots. Thanks, Mojmir. The photo on right from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward, Roy's squadron mate in 111 and 440 Squadrons.
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Re: the photos on the top: the one on left was extracted from his 1939 University of Michigan yearbook where he was in his Senior year (1939 Michigan Ensian, Vol 43, page 40). The photo in the middle appears in the Dole Institute, University of Kansas site. It was discovered by Mojmir Vraj, a student of Typhoon pilots. Thanks, Mojmir. The photo on right from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward, Roy's squadron mate in 111 and 440 Squadrons.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Clifford Waldron Hicks
(R99822/ J26912) He joined the RCAF in the Spring of 1941. He graduated from the Elementary Flying Training School at Rockcliffe, Ontario, continued to the #9 Service Flying Training School at Summerside, Prince Edward Island. His first squadron assignment was to RCAF No.14 (F) Squadron in May, 1942. He was reassigned to RCAF No.No. 132 (F) Squadron shortly afterwards. On June 18, 1942, he was assigned to RCAF No. 111 (F) Squadron in Anchorage, Alaska. He joined the squadron on June 28, 1942. With him were Sgt/Pilot Al Watkins and Sgt/ Pilot Weber, all from 14 Squadron. He was promoted to Flight Sergeant at Fort Greely, Kodiak, Alaska on October 9, 1942. He was one of the 111 Squadron pilots who flew out of Amchitka Island as part of the campaign against the Japanese on Kiska Island. He remained with 111 Squadron until it was renumbered as RCAF No. 440 (FB) 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. He was killed on August 8, 1944 while on a dive-bombing run in France (at Ussy, north west of Falaise). His Typhoon (MN313) was hit by flak. He crashed in flames near Village Claire, Normandy.
In the picture on the left, he is holding the Thunderbird Totem presented to the Squadron by Chief Edward Jim of Saanich First Nation who honoured the Squadron by naming them the Thunderbirds, a name they identified with but which never became official. Clifford Hicks had been designated as the official keeper of the emblem. Note totem crest on his flight jacket. The present whereabouts of the Totem is unknown. It is possible that the Thunderbird statue went down with him. He is buried at the Brettville-sur-Laize Canadian Cemetery, Normandy, France. Flt. Lt. Hicks grew up on a farm near Centralia, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
1st Photo (left) courtesy of P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise; 2nd photo from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943 both 2nd and 3rd are from Flt Lt Clifford Hick's Collection, courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks; the fourth picture appeared in RCAF Overseas Year Five. I believe it is a Department of National Defence photo taken while he was with 440 Squadron in France but I don't know the number.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Clifford Waldron Hicks
(R99822/ J26912) He joined the RCAF in the Spring of 1941. He graduated from the Elementary Flying Training School at Rockcliffe, Ontario, continued to the #9 Service Flying Training School at Summerside, Prince Edward Island. His first squadron assignment was to RCAF No.14 (F) Squadron in May, 1942. He was reassigned to RCAF No.No. 132 (F) Squadron shortly afterwards. On June 18, 1942, he was assigned to RCAF No. 111 (F) Squadron in Anchorage, Alaska. He joined the squadron on June 28, 1942. With him were Sgt/Pilot Al Watkins and Sgt/ Pilot Weber, all from 14 Squadron. He was promoted to Flight Sergeant at Fort Greely, Kodiak, Alaska on October 9, 1942. He was one of the 111 Squadron pilots who flew out of Amchitka Island as part of the campaign against the Japanese on Kiska Island. He remained with 111 Squadron until it was renumbered as RCAF No. 440 (FB) 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. He was killed on August 8, 1944 while on a dive-bombing run in France (at Ussy, north west of Falaise). His Typhoon (MN313) was hit by flak. He crashed in flames near Village Claire, Normandy.
In the picture on the left, he is holding the Thunderbird Totem presented to the Squadron by Chief Edward Jim of Saanich First Nation who honoured the Squadron by naming them the Thunderbirds, a name they identified with but which never became official. Clifford Hicks had been designated as the official keeper of the emblem. Note totem crest on his flight jacket. The present whereabouts of the Totem is unknown. It is possible that the Thunderbird statue went down with him. He is buried at the Brettville-sur-Laize Canadian Cemetery, Normandy, France. Flt. Lt. Hicks grew up on a farm near Centralia, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
1st Photo (left) courtesy of P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise; 2nd photo from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943 both 2nd and 3rd are from Flt Lt Clifford Hick's Collection, courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks; the fourth picture appeared in RCAF Overseas Year Five. I believe it is a Department of National Defence photo taken while he was with 440 Squadron in France but I don't know the number.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) John M. "Johnny" Ingalls
J8357 He graduated from Course 35 at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands, Ontario. He was one of the first pilots to be posted to
RCAF No. 111 (F) Squadron. He arrived, at Rockcliffe, on November 8, 1942. He soloed in a P-40 (AK875) on November 22, 1941 and in the afternoon of the same day, he pranged AK875 (Category C accident). He was OK but the a/c required work. While the squadron was preparing to go north to Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, he had a couple of accidents with P-40s while landing. One incident was a noseover due to faulty brakes (P40 AK863) and the other, a landing gear collapse (P-40 AK968). He was not injured. On July 25, 1942, he was appointed Flight Leader of one (Flt #3) of the five flights that were formed on Umnak Island (a flight consisted of two aircraft). On August 1, 1942, at Umnak, he was promoted to Acting Flying Officer. In the following months, he had two more landing accidents: (P-40 K1 #945952 skidded on ice; P-40 K1 #245954 over shot the runway). He was made Flying Officer on December 28, 1942. On February 20, 1943, he transferred out of 111 Squadron to Western Air Command. I believe his next posting was to No. 133 (F) Squadron at Boundary Bay, British Columbia. He appeared in the squadron's Operational Reports in mid-April, 1943. He flew Hurricanes, there. He went with 133 Squadron when they moved to Tofino, British Columbia in July, 1944. He may have finished out his tour of duty with 133 Squadron. He did survive the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on left and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Centre photo extracted
from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 He is in the #007 position in the squadron portrait. Photo on right is extracted from a photo in the Collection of F/L Robert Lynch, courtesy of his Granddaughter, Karen Abel.
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J8357 He graduated from Course 35 at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands, Ontario. He was one of the first pilots to be posted to
RCAF No. 111 (F) Squadron. He arrived, at Rockcliffe, on November 8, 1942. He soloed in a P-40 (AK875) on November 22, 1941 and in the afternoon of the same day, he pranged AK875 (Category C accident). He was OK but the a/c required work. While the squadron was preparing to go north to Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, he had a couple of accidents with P-40s while landing. One incident was a noseover due to faulty brakes (P40 AK863) and the other, a landing gear collapse (P-40 AK968). He was not injured. On July 25, 1942, he was appointed Flight Leader of one (Flt #3) of the five flights that were formed on Umnak Island (a flight consisted of two aircraft). On August 1, 1942, at Umnak, he was promoted to Acting Flying Officer. In the following months, he had two more landing accidents: (P-40 K1 #945952 skidded on ice; P-40 K1 #245954 over shot the runway). He was made Flying Officer on December 28, 1942. On February 20, 1943, he transferred out of 111 Squadron to Western Air Command. I believe his next posting was to No. 133 (F) Squadron at Boundary Bay, British Columbia. He appeared in the squadron's Operational Reports in mid-April, 1943. He flew Hurricanes, there. He went with 133 Squadron when they moved to Tofino, British Columbia in July, 1944. He may have finished out his tour of duty with 133 Squadron. He did survive the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on left and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Centre photo extracted
from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657 He is in the #007 position in the squadron portrait. Photo on right is extracted from a photo in the Collection of F/L Robert Lynch, courtesy of his Granddaughter, Karen Abel.
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__________KFA__________
Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Arthur "Art" Jarred Jr.
(C 4808) He was born in Toronto to American parents. Later the family moved to Lansing, Michigan where Arthur grew up. He enlisted in the RCAF on September 12, 1940. I don't know where he got his early training but he was an experienced civilian pilot when he enlisted. He had been an airshow pilot performing throughout the USA and had flown as a commercial pilot for Michigan Airways. After completing the military training programs, he was assigned to #5 Bombing and Gunnery School at Dafoe, Saskatchewan where he worked as Staff Pilot from June to the end of December, 1941. He was not happy with that assignment, requesting transfer to a post that would provide more action. On September 9, 1942, he was promoted from Flying Officer to Flight Lieutenant. In response to his requests, he was posted to Eastern Air Command, specifically to #2 (CAC) Detachment in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. While there, in a letter to his Commanding Officer, he explained that "I have no aptitude for certain parts of this type of flying" and requested transfer to a Fighter squadron, either in Canada or overseas. He was redeployed to Western Air Command and, since he had to cross the country to get there, he was granted leave so he could see family along the way. On September 10, 1942, he married Marion Lichteig in Hennepin County, Minnesota. After his leave, he joined RCAF Fighter squadrons that were serving in Alaska. I believe he went first on a temporary assignment with RCAF No.115 (F) Squadron on Annette Island, Alaska. On November 2, 1942, he moved to No. 111 (F) Squadron from 115 Squadron as temporary replacement for Mitchell as Flight Commander. When Mitchell returned, he left 111 Squadron, on January 25, 1943, and made his way to Elmendorf Air Force Base to await further posting. Apparently, his next posting was with RCAF No. 118 (F) Squadron, also on Annette Island. On March 30, 1943, this appeared in the 111 Squadron Daily Diary: "F/L Jarred, on strength of this unit, but at present attached to WAC (Western Air Command), was killed in a crash of a P-40 at Annette Island." On March 28, 1943, he had been authorized to fly escort to a Funeral DC-3 carrying bodies. He joined the escort flying a P-40 Kittyhawk Mk 1 (AK 821) that had just come back from an operation and was still carrying a 300 pound bomb. For some reason, F/L Jarred engaged in a low altitude upward roll which he completed but not without stalling at the top. His a/c went into an uncontrollable spin and crashed. The DC-3 contained the bodies of three female USO Troupe members plus F/L Dowling (late of 111 Squadron), another Officer S/L (Pilot) F. Curry and an Airman (LAC E.K. McMichael) who had been killed when their aircraft went down in stormy, snowy weather shortly after the USO Troupe had put on an entertainment at Annette Island. A Court of Inquiry was held within two days of F/L Jarred's accident. The findings: “F/L A. Jarred was instantly killed when his aircraft went into a spin at a very low altitude and crashed into the ground.” The Inquiry noted the Pilots flying times: Dual Hours: 55.45 hours; Solo: 758:55 hours. It made the following recommendation: "That all pilots be warned repeatedly of the danger of carrying out aerobatics with an overloaded aircraft and at a low altitude. That infringements of C.A.P. 100 of this nature will be dealt with severely.”
His flying partner, that day, was Acting F/O Jack Beirnes who, apparently, performed the same maneuver (without a bomb attached) and survived. As wingman, he, too, had to face a Court Martial because he was part of the incident. He received a reprimand and some loss of seniority but went on to become a Squadron Leader. He twice led RCAF No. 438 (FB) Squadron flying Typhoons and earned a DFC & Bar before he was killed. There is a terrible irony that he, too, died in a ceremonial flying exhibition. He completed the ceremonial component but died in a dead stick landing, not over enemy territory, but in Copenhagen. Thanks to Francois Dutil, who has made a study of 438 Squadron, for telling me about S/L Beirnes.
F/C Jarred's grave site is at Deepdale Cemetery in Lansing, Michigan. He was the son of Arthur and Gertrude Jarred of Lansing and the husband of Marion M. Jarred then of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The photo on the left was extracted from a magazine page (Dafoe Doings, Dafoe, Saskatchewan, home of #5 Bombing and Gunnery School) featuring "Captains from the Battles". John Horvath, F/C Jarred's nephew, explained the red circle: "My grandmother was quite proud and didn't want anyone to miss Arthur's picture."
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photos on top left from the Collection of Mrs. Gertrude Jarred (Arthur's mother), the collage on right created by Arthur's nephew, Joseph Horvath and they come here courtesy Arthur's nephew, John Horvath. I am grateful to writer Anne Gafiuk for the details about the accident and the Inquiry Report. She also supplied the document with his signature which was from one of his many letters to his Commanding Officer requesting transfer to another squadron and she directed me to the newspaper clipping which appeared in the Owosso (Michigan) Argus-Press, August 7, 1941. F/O Jarred was home on leave and attended a Rotary meeting which his Father, as President, chaired. The two mayors are Mayor Ellis (Owosso) and Mayor Hughes of Lansing, Michigan.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Arthur "Art" Jarred Jr.
(C 4808) He was born in Toronto to American parents. Later the family moved to Lansing, Michigan where Arthur grew up. He enlisted in the RCAF on September 12, 1940. I don't know where he got his early training but he was an experienced civilian pilot when he enlisted. He had been an airshow pilot performing throughout the USA and had flown as a commercial pilot for Michigan Airways. After completing the military training programs, he was assigned to #5 Bombing and Gunnery School at Dafoe, Saskatchewan where he worked as Staff Pilot from June to the end of December, 1941. He was not happy with that assignment, requesting transfer to a post that would provide more action. On September 9, 1942, he was promoted from Flying Officer to Flight Lieutenant. In response to his requests, he was posted to Eastern Air Command, specifically to #2 (CAC) Detachment in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. While there, in a letter to his Commanding Officer, he explained that "I have no aptitude for certain parts of this type of flying" and requested transfer to a Fighter squadron, either in Canada or overseas. He was redeployed to Western Air Command and, since he had to cross the country to get there, he was granted leave so he could see family along the way. On September 10, 1942, he married Marion Lichteig in Hennepin County, Minnesota. After his leave, he joined RCAF Fighter squadrons that were serving in Alaska. I believe he went first on a temporary assignment with RCAF No.115 (F) Squadron on Annette Island, Alaska. On November 2, 1942, he moved to No. 111 (F) Squadron from 115 Squadron as temporary replacement for Mitchell as Flight Commander. When Mitchell returned, he left 111 Squadron, on January 25, 1943, and made his way to Elmendorf Air Force Base to await further posting. Apparently, his next posting was with RCAF No. 118 (F) Squadron, also on Annette Island. On March 30, 1943, this appeared in the 111 Squadron Daily Diary: "F/L Jarred, on strength of this unit, but at present attached to WAC (Western Air Command), was killed in a crash of a P-40 at Annette Island." On March 28, 1943, he had been authorized to fly escort to a Funeral DC-3 carrying bodies. He joined the escort flying a P-40 Kittyhawk Mk 1 (AK 821) that had just come back from an operation and was still carrying a 300 pound bomb. For some reason, F/L Jarred engaged in a low altitude upward roll which he completed but not without stalling at the top. His a/c went into an uncontrollable spin and crashed. The DC-3 contained the bodies of three female USO Troupe members plus F/L Dowling (late of 111 Squadron), another Officer S/L (Pilot) F. Curry and an Airman (LAC E.K. McMichael) who had been killed when their aircraft went down in stormy, snowy weather shortly after the USO Troupe had put on an entertainment at Annette Island. A Court of Inquiry was held within two days of F/L Jarred's accident. The findings: “F/L A. Jarred was instantly killed when his aircraft went into a spin at a very low altitude and crashed into the ground.” The Inquiry noted the Pilots flying times: Dual Hours: 55.45 hours; Solo: 758:55 hours. It made the following recommendation: "That all pilots be warned repeatedly of the danger of carrying out aerobatics with an overloaded aircraft and at a low altitude. That infringements of C.A.P. 100 of this nature will be dealt with severely.”
His flying partner, that day, was Acting F/O Jack Beirnes who, apparently, performed the same maneuver (without a bomb attached) and survived. As wingman, he, too, had to face a Court Martial because he was part of the incident. He received a reprimand and some loss of seniority but went on to become a Squadron Leader. He twice led RCAF No. 438 (FB) Squadron flying Typhoons and earned a DFC & Bar before he was killed. There is a terrible irony that he, too, died in a ceremonial flying exhibition. He completed the ceremonial component but died in a dead stick landing, not over enemy territory, but in Copenhagen. Thanks to Francois Dutil, who has made a study of 438 Squadron, for telling me about S/L Beirnes.
F/C Jarred's grave site is at Deepdale Cemetery in Lansing, Michigan. He was the son of Arthur and Gertrude Jarred of Lansing and the husband of Marion M. Jarred then of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The photo on the left was extracted from a magazine page (Dafoe Doings, Dafoe, Saskatchewan, home of #5 Bombing and Gunnery School) featuring "Captains from the Battles". John Horvath, F/C Jarred's nephew, explained the red circle: "My grandmother was quite proud and didn't want anyone to miss Arthur's picture."
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photos on top left from the Collection of Mrs. Gertrude Jarred (Arthur's mother), the collage on right created by Arthur's nephew, Joseph Horvath and they come here courtesy Arthur's nephew, John Horvath. I am grateful to writer Anne Gafiuk for the details about the accident and the Inquiry Report. She also supplied the document with his signature which was from one of his many letters to his Commanding Officer requesting transfer to another squadron and she directed me to the newspaper clipping which appeared in the Owosso (Michigan) Argus-Press, August 7, 1941. F/O Jarred was home on leave and attended a Rotary meeting which his Father, as President, chaired. The two mayors are Mayor Ellis (Owosso) and Mayor Hughes of Lansing, Michigan.
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_______________KIA______________
Flying Officer (Pilot) Gerard Pringle "Gerry" Johnson
(J10430) He grew up in Moncton, New Brunswick but enlisted in the RCAF in Toronto in June, 1940. He had had flight training at the Moncton Flying Club. He attended #1 Service Flying Training School in Borden, Ontario, graduating in November, 1940. In the next month he completed Intermediate Training and Advanced Flying training before the year was out. He was probably wearing his new Wings when he married Elma Belyea in Belleville, Ontario on January 9, 1941. He had three postings during the year of 1941: CFS Trenton, Ontario, #1 Bombing and Gunnery School in Macdonald, Manitoba and #8 Bombing and Gunnery School at Lethbridge, Alberta. He arrived at RCAF No. 111 (F) Squadron on December 19, 1941, probably fresh out of Flight Training but with more than 700 hours of flying experience. He was among the first pilots to join 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay, British Columbia. He remained with 111 Squadron for four months before he was posted to RCAF No. 132 (F) Squadron back at Rockcliffe. He received his Commission on March 1, 1942. and subsequently promoted was promoted to Flying Officer. He had worked his way up from Sergeant Pilot. He was transferred to RCAF No. 115 (F) Squadron, along with F/O Ian Dowling, on April 8, 1942. Shortly after his promotion, he died at Patricia Bay on October 6, 1942. At mid-morning, that day, three Kittyhawks, flying in Vic formation, had scrambled to find and attack a submarine that had been spotted. The formation entered a fog bank with zero visibility. P/O Johnson, in Kittyhawk AL216, and another pilot (F/L John David Butler in ET860) collided. Both crashed, near Williams Head, British Columbia, and were killed. It was P/O Johnson's first scramble, according to his son, also named Gerry Johnson.
F/O Johnson was born in St. George, New Brunswick and is buried in the Cedar Hill "Extension" Cemetery, Saint John West, New Brunswick.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The two photos on the right and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Photo on the left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #064 in the portrait.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Gerard Pringle "Gerry" Johnson
(J10430) He grew up in Moncton, New Brunswick but enlisted in the RCAF in Toronto in June, 1940. He had had flight training at the Moncton Flying Club. He attended #1 Service Flying Training School in Borden, Ontario, graduating in November, 1940. In the next month he completed Intermediate Training and Advanced Flying training before the year was out. He was probably wearing his new Wings when he married Elma Belyea in Belleville, Ontario on January 9, 1941. He had three postings during the year of 1941: CFS Trenton, Ontario, #1 Bombing and Gunnery School in Macdonald, Manitoba and #8 Bombing and Gunnery School at Lethbridge, Alberta. He arrived at RCAF No. 111 (F) Squadron on December 19, 1941, probably fresh out of Flight Training but with more than 700 hours of flying experience. He was among the first pilots to join 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay, British Columbia. He remained with 111 Squadron for four months before he was posted to RCAF No. 132 (F) Squadron back at Rockcliffe. He received his Commission on March 1, 1942. and subsequently promoted was promoted to Flying Officer. He had worked his way up from Sergeant Pilot. He was transferred to RCAF No. 115 (F) Squadron, along with F/O Ian Dowling, on April 8, 1942. Shortly after his promotion, he died at Patricia Bay on October 6, 1942. At mid-morning, that day, three Kittyhawks, flying in Vic formation, had scrambled to find and attack a submarine that had been spotted. The formation entered a fog bank with zero visibility. P/O Johnson, in Kittyhawk AL216, and another pilot (F/L John David Butler in ET860) collided. Both crashed, near Williams Head, British Columbia, and were killed. It was P/O Johnson's first scramble, according to his son, also named Gerry Johnson.
F/O Johnson was born in St. George, New Brunswick and is buried in the Cedar Hill "Extension" Cemetery, Saint John West, New Brunswick.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The two photos on the right and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Photo on the left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #064 in the portrait.
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Squadron Leader (Pilot) John William Kerwin
(C922) In 1937, he left school to join the RCAF. He had already acquired his pilots licence so he got his Commission with his Wings on September 2, 1939. He was ordered to #1 RCAF Squadron and flew Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain. He was credited with two (perhaps 3) enemy a/c shot down, one Messerschmitt Bf 110 and one (possibly 2) Dornier 17 bombers. While chasing the second Dornier, he was himself shot down and forced to bail out over Maidstone, Kent, England. He received burn wounds which were serious enough to render him ineffective. He was returned to Canada. When sufficiently recovered, he trained pilots at #12 Service Flying Training School, Brandon, Manitoba. He joined the brand new 111 Squadron on January 10, 1942 to bring the relatively inexperienced 111 pilots the benefit of his combat experience and, probably, to boost morale. On March 23, 1942, he was made Officer Commanding of Training. On July 11, 1942, he was appointed Squadron Leader. He was killed, at the age of 24, on July 16, 1942 when he and 2 others in his flight flew into a fog-obscured mountain on Unalaska Island in the Aleutian Islands. He was from Belleville, Ontario. He is buried at Fort Richardson Post Cemetery in Alaska. Click on this link to see more about him: link .
Kerwin's great nephew sent this memorial: "I am the great nephew of S/L John William Kerwin #111 Squadron, and have some of his memorabilia and gear proudly displayed in my home. Even though I never met the man as I was born in 1970… the stories my father told me of his Uncle have made him by far my favorite relative. I have his fighter goggles, that were damaged when he was shot down in one of his battles over Maidstone in Kent during the battle of Britain, as well as picture of him in his training flight log and much of his regalia from RMC. As A man who went through Beavers, Cub Scouts and then on to Air Cadets (who attained his flight wings for glider at age 14 in Mountain View Ontario ) my Uncle Jack was a major influence in my life. I want to thank you for all of your hard work and dedication, and especially bringing some very happy thoughts to my head...as well as some wonderful pictures of my great Uncle which I never saw before!"
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 #011 in the squadron portrait. Photo in middle left and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Newspaper photo on right is courtesy of Gary Boudreau.
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Squadron Leader (Pilot) John William Kerwin
(C922) In 1937, he left school to join the RCAF. He had already acquired his pilots licence so he got his Commission with his Wings on September 2, 1939. He was ordered to #1 RCAF Squadron and flew Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain. He was credited with two (perhaps 3) enemy a/c shot down, one Messerschmitt Bf 110 and one (possibly 2) Dornier 17 bombers. While chasing the second Dornier, he was himself shot down and forced to bail out over Maidstone, Kent, England. He received burn wounds which were serious enough to render him ineffective. He was returned to Canada. When sufficiently recovered, he trained pilots at #12 Service Flying Training School, Brandon, Manitoba. He joined the brand new 111 Squadron on January 10, 1942 to bring the relatively inexperienced 111 pilots the benefit of his combat experience and, probably, to boost morale. On March 23, 1942, he was made Officer Commanding of Training. On July 11, 1942, he was appointed Squadron Leader. He was killed, at the age of 24, on July 16, 1942 when he and 2 others in his flight flew into a fog-obscured mountain on Unalaska Island in the Aleutian Islands. He was from Belleville, Ontario. He is buried at Fort Richardson Post Cemetery in Alaska. Click on this link to see more about him: link .
Kerwin's great nephew sent this memorial: "I am the great nephew of S/L John William Kerwin #111 Squadron, and have some of his memorabilia and gear proudly displayed in my home. Even though I never met the man as I was born in 1970… the stories my father told me of his Uncle have made him by far my favorite relative. I have his fighter goggles, that were damaged when he was shot down in one of his battles over Maidstone in Kent during the battle of Britain, as well as picture of him in his training flight log and much of his regalia from RMC. As A man who went through Beavers, Cub Scouts and then on to Air Cadets (who attained his flight wings for glider at age 14 in Mountain View Ontario ) my Uncle Jack was a major influence in my life. I want to thank you for all of your hard work and dedication, and especially bringing some very happy thoughts to my head...as well as some wonderful pictures of my great Uncle which I never saw before!"
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 #011 in the squadron portrait. Photo in middle left and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Newspaper photo on right is courtesy of Gary Boudreau.
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Flight Sergeant (Pilot) Frank Robert "Pop" Lennon
(R79072) The picture on the left was taken on the day he got his Wings. He trained at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands
(Ottawa). He was in the same class as fellow-111ers, Jim Gohl, Gordie Baird and Bob Lynch. The picture on the right also shows him at the time he received his Wings. He was immediately assigned to 111 Squadron and arrived at RCAF Rockcliffe on November 14, 1941. At the start of his training, his rank was Leading Aircraftman, but on completion, he was promoted to Sergeant. Sgt Lennon was in the tragic flight on July 16, 1942. He and three other pilots flew into a mountain on Unalaska Island. He is buried there. The photo of his shoulder patch showed that he was an American citizen enlisted in the RCAF. He was from Clifton, New Jersey, son of J. J. Lennon. His gravesite is at Fort Richardson Post Cemetery, Alaska. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The left photo was extracted from Department of National Defence PL 5481 courtesy of Captain Fred Paradie; The full length photo and
signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Scwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; The photo at centre left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #102 in the portrait.
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Flight Sergeant (Pilot) Frank Robert "Pop" Lennon
(R79072) The picture on the left was taken on the day he got his Wings. He trained at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands
(Ottawa). He was in the same class as fellow-111ers, Jim Gohl, Gordie Baird and Bob Lynch. The picture on the right also shows him at the time he received his Wings. He was immediately assigned to 111 Squadron and arrived at RCAF Rockcliffe on November 14, 1941. At the start of his training, his rank was Leading Aircraftman, but on completion, he was promoted to Sergeant. Sgt Lennon was in the tragic flight on July 16, 1942. He and three other pilots flew into a mountain on Unalaska Island. He is buried there. The photo of his shoulder patch showed that he was an American citizen enlisted in the RCAF. He was from Clifton, New Jersey, son of J. J. Lennon. His gravesite is at Fort Richardson Post Cemetery, Alaska. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The left photo was extracted from Department of National Defence PL 5481 courtesy of Captain Fred Paradie; The full length photo and
signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Scwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; The photo at centre left was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #102 in the portrait.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) John William Lippert
(J27245) He transferred into 111 (F) Squadron from 118 (F) Squadron in late October, 1943, just before 111 Squadron left for 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. On July 30, 1944, he failed to return from a troop bombing mission north east of Bretteville, France. It was presumed that he was shot down while over the target. He was flying Typhoon 1B MN7952. He is buried in Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery. He was the son of Herbert Albert and Genevieve Belle Lippert of Kitchener, Ontario. Years later, his wingmate, Wally Ward, wrote an article describing the mystery surrounding F/O Lippert's death. They were flying at 10,000 feet over Normandy, clear sky, no enemy in sight. Here is a quote from his article: "After a few minutes I noticed that John Lippert was lagging behind, thereby losing visual contact. I throttled back, drew alongside and waved but there was no response. Lippert was motionless, looking into the cockpit. So I broke radio silence and called him, but there was no reply. I then dropped under him, checking for any sign of damage - and then moved to the opposite side. I was within 15 feet of him, and had a clear view, but nothing seemed out of order. Shortly thereafter, Lippert's Typhoon -in a shallow dive- began to lose altitude. I followed him down until he disappeared into cloud at about 2,000 feet."
He speculated that Lippert's death was caused not by enemy fire but by failure in his oxygen supply.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The quote and the photo of F/O Lippert are from: Wally Ward, "Mystery in Normandy" Airforce Magazine, Spring, 2011, pp 20-21. For a much more thorough exploration of F/O Lippert's career and life, see Shirley Tort's beautiful tribute posted on this site
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Flying Officer (Pilot) John William Lippert
(J27245) He transferred into 111 (F) Squadron from 118 (F) Squadron in late October, 1943, just before 111 Squadron left for 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. On July 30, 1944, he failed to return from a troop bombing mission north east of Bretteville, France. It was presumed that he was shot down while over the target. He was flying Typhoon 1B MN7952. He is buried in Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery. He was the son of Herbert Albert and Genevieve Belle Lippert of Kitchener, Ontario. Years later, his wingmate, Wally Ward, wrote an article describing the mystery surrounding F/O Lippert's death. They were flying at 10,000 feet over Normandy, clear sky, no enemy in sight. Here is a quote from his article: "After a few minutes I noticed that John Lippert was lagging behind, thereby losing visual contact. I throttled back, drew alongside and waved but there was no response. Lippert was motionless, looking into the cockpit. So I broke radio silence and called him, but there was no reply. I then dropped under him, checking for any sign of damage - and then moved to the opposite side. I was within 15 feet of him, and had a clear view, but nothing seemed out of order. Shortly thereafter, Lippert's Typhoon -in a shallow dive- began to lose altitude. I followed him down until he disappeared into cloud at about 2,000 feet."
He speculated that Lippert's death was caused not by enemy fire but by failure in his oxygen supply.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The quote and the photo of F/O Lippert are from: Wally Ward, "Mystery in Normandy" Airforce Magazine, Spring, 2011, pp 20-21. For a much more thorough exploration of F/O Lippert's career and life, see Shirley Tort's beautiful tribute posted on this site
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F/L Robert Lynch on his P-40 K (US # 246004). He gave it the pet name he had for his wife: "Snookums". According to his Granddaughter, Karen Abel, F/L Lynch's records indicate that this is the aircraft he flew in the mission against Kiska.
Robert and Eileen "Snookums" Lynch with Gord and Mona Baird. I think the picture was taken at Patricia Bay in June 1942, just before the unit went to Alaska. Flight Sergeant (Pilot) Baird was killed in a Flying Accident during an operation on July 16, 1942. I am very appreciative of a correction. I had Mrs. Baird's name wrong. Her Son-in-Law, Mike Bourne, has provided the correct name. He also informed me that Gord and Mona were married on October 29, 1941.
Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Robert "Rob" Lynch MM.
J8354 He trained at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa) and graduated on October 24, 1941. He was in the same class as fellow-111ers, Frank Lennon, Gordie Baird and Jim Gohl. He was one of the first pilots to join 111 in Rockcliffe. He arrived on November 8, 1941. He was assigned the job of squadron Diarist on December 2, 1941. His writing style was succinct but with a touch of enthusiasm. On July 5, 1942, he was made Flight Commander of Flight "A". At the Kodiak Winter Carnival, January, 1943, he was Judge in the Figure Skating Event. On February 6, 1943, he was named to take command of the detachment of planes and personnel from the squadron who went to Marks Field on Chiniak Point, Kodiak Island. He won the U.S. Air Medal for his part in the attack on Kiska Island with S/L Boomer. On June 1, 1943, he left Kodiak and 111 Squadron to teach flying at #1 Flight Instruction School in Trenton, Ontario. F/L Lynch survived the war and, according to his granddaughter, Karen Abel, 'He went on to have a successful career with Air Canada and died when he was 79." He settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, married and had three daughters. Karen Abel also reported that he had the name "Snookums" painted on his P-40 which was his pet name for his wife, Eileen. He claimed that his was the only aircraft in the squadron with a name painted on it.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Note: See Karen Abel's blog focusing on the Aleutian Campaign and her grandfather at www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com
Signature part of Flt Lt George Schwalm's Collection, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; photos of him in the cockpit , on the wing and of him getting his Wings are from Collection of Flt Lt. Lynch courtesy of his granddaughter, Karen Abel. Photo in middle from the Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PMR 1657. He is in the #008 position in the squadron portrait.
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J8354 He trained at #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa) and graduated on October 24, 1941. He was in the same class as fellow-111ers, Frank Lennon, Gordie Baird and Jim Gohl. He was one of the first pilots to join 111 in Rockcliffe. He arrived on November 8, 1941. He was assigned the job of squadron Diarist on December 2, 1941. His writing style was succinct but with a touch of enthusiasm. On July 5, 1942, he was made Flight Commander of Flight "A". At the Kodiak Winter Carnival, January, 1943, he was Judge in the Figure Skating Event. On February 6, 1943, he was named to take command of the detachment of planes and personnel from the squadron who went to Marks Field on Chiniak Point, Kodiak Island. He won the U.S. Air Medal for his part in the attack on Kiska Island with S/L Boomer. On June 1, 1943, he left Kodiak and 111 Squadron to teach flying at #1 Flight Instruction School in Trenton, Ontario. F/L Lynch survived the war and, according to his granddaughter, Karen Abel, 'He went on to have a successful career with Air Canada and died when he was 79." He settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, married and had three daughters. Karen Abel also reported that he had the name "Snookums" painted on his P-40 which was his pet name for his wife, Eileen. He claimed that his was the only aircraft in the squadron with a name painted on it.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Note: See Karen Abel's blog focusing on the Aleutian Campaign and her grandfather at www.floridabeachestotheberingsea.com
Signature part of Flt Lt George Schwalm's Collection, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; photos of him in the cockpit , on the wing and of him getting his Wings are from Collection of Flt Lt. Lynch courtesy of his granddaughter, Karen Abel. Photo in middle from the Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PMR 1657. He is in the #008 position in the squadron portrait.
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Sergeant (Pilot) Stanley Ray "Stan" Maxmen
(R100245) He trained first in Brandon, Manitoba, then Verdun, Quebec and Regina before completing his training at #2 Service Flying Training School at Uplands, Ontario. He graduated on March 13, 1942. The picture in the middle shows him with his brand new Wings, only loosely attached to his tunic. He married Edythe Elsie Chesworth Maxmen, also of Moose Jaw. A short while later,on April 15, 1942, they went to his first squadron posting, Squadron 111, in Patricia Bay, British Columbia. On June 8, 1942, he and his squadron were sent to Anchorage, Alaska. Edythe returned to Moose jaw. The picture on the right was taken as he waited to take off from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage. He was killed soon after when he crashed (in P-40E AK 996) into the mountain on Unalaska Island near Umnak Island, July 16, 1942. He is buried at Fort Richardson Post Cemetery, Alaska. He was the son of Annabelle and Ole Maxmen of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
He had been an avid lacrosse player in Moose Jaw and was commonly called "Axel". For more information see Bill Barry's tribute here.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on the left courtesy of his Grand Niece, Danielle Whitmore ; the photo in the middle was extracted from Department of National Defence PL 8074, courtesy of Captain Fred Paradie; photo on the right from the Collection of P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise. The clippings (below), from the Moose Jaw Times Herald were supplied by Richard Dowson, a fellow searcher who has made his focus the people of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan as captured by the local newspaper. I think my birth there did not occur within his research window. Thanks, again, Richard.
Sergeant (Pilot) Stanley Ray "Stan" Maxmen
(R100245) He trained first in Brandon, Manitoba, then Verdun, Quebec and Regina before completing his training at #2 Service Flying Training School at Uplands, Ontario. He graduated on March 13, 1942. The picture in the middle shows him with his brand new Wings, only loosely attached to his tunic. He married Edythe Elsie Chesworth Maxmen, also of Moose Jaw. A short while later,on April 15, 1942, they went to his first squadron posting, Squadron 111, in Patricia Bay, British Columbia. On June 8, 1942, he and his squadron were sent to Anchorage, Alaska. Edythe returned to Moose jaw. The picture on the right was taken as he waited to take off from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage. He was killed soon after when he crashed (in P-40E AK 996) into the mountain on Unalaska Island near Umnak Island, July 16, 1942. He is buried at Fort Richardson Post Cemetery, Alaska. He was the son of Annabelle and Ole Maxmen of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
He had been an avid lacrosse player in Moose Jaw and was commonly called "Axel". For more information see Bill Barry's tribute here.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on the left courtesy of his Grand Niece, Danielle Whitmore ; the photo in the middle was extracted from Department of National Defence PL 8074, courtesy of Captain Fred Paradie; photo on the right from the Collection of P/O (Pilot) Lou Wise. The clippings (below), from the Moose Jaw Times Herald were supplied by Richard Dowson, a fellow searcher who has made his focus the people of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan as captured by the local newspaper. I think my birth there did not occur within his research window. Thanks, again, Richard.
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Pilot Officer (Pilot) D.R. McGill
(R104304/ J45250) He was posted to 111 Squadron as a Flight Sergeant from 135 Squadron (Annette Island) on September 11, 1943. Since 135 Squadron flew Hurricanes , he probably came to 111 Squadron specifically to learn to fly P-40's. His former squadron continued to fly Hurricanes for at least another year so I assume that the plan for him was to redeploy to a P-40 squadron in Western Air Command after finishing his conversion training at 111. While with 111 Squadron, he was promoted to Warrant Officer 2. He had his first P-40 solo on October 27, 1943. After his solo, he was never mentioned again in the Daily Diary. I don't know which P-40 squadron in the Western Air Command received him after he left 111 squadron but I believe it was 132 Squadron (a P40 squadron) operating out of Boundary Bay, British Columbia at that time. 132 Squadron disbanded on September 30, 1944. Pilot Officer McGill was discharged from the service a month later on October 28, 1944.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3 Tentative
Photo extracted from an informal portrait of 135 Squadron Pilots taken shortly after the squadron arrived at Patricia Bay in October, 1942. It was attributed to the G. Lawson Collection (George Lawson flew with 135 squadron) and can be viewed at this site.
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(R104304/ J45250) He was posted to 111 Squadron as a Flight Sergeant from 135 Squadron (Annette Island) on September 11, 1943. Since 135 Squadron flew Hurricanes , he probably came to 111 Squadron specifically to learn to fly P-40's. His former squadron continued to fly Hurricanes for at least another year so I assume that the plan for him was to redeploy to a P-40 squadron in Western Air Command after finishing his conversion training at 111. While with 111 Squadron, he was promoted to Warrant Officer 2. He had his first P-40 solo on October 27, 1943. After his solo, he was never mentioned again in the Daily Diary. I don't know which P-40 squadron in the Western Air Command received him after he left 111 squadron but I believe it was 132 Squadron (a P40 squadron) operating out of Boundary Bay, British Columbia at that time. 132 Squadron disbanded on September 30, 1944. Pilot Officer McGill was discharged from the service a month later on October 28, 1944.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 3 Tentative
Photo extracted from an informal portrait of 135 Squadron Pilots taken shortly after the squadron arrived at Patricia Bay in October, 1942. It was attributed to the G. Lawson Collection (George Lawson flew with 135 squadron) and can be viewed at this site.
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Pilot Officer (Pilot) Samuel Roderick Joseph "Red" McLeod
R104777/ J50243 I don't know where he started out his RCAF career, but on April 15, 1942, he was a new Sergeant Pilot when he arrived at 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay, British Columbia. In the Summer of 1942, presumably on temporary assignment, he flew with 14 (f) Squadron at Sea Island, British Columbia. While with 14 Squadron, on July 12, 1942, he had a wheels up landing with Kittyhawk AL228 at Sea Island. He left 14 Squadron on August 17, 1942 to rejoin 111 Squadron who, by then, had moved to Elmendorf Airfield, Anchorage, Alaska. He joined the 111 pilots in their training program designed to get their pilots to Operational Readiness. On March 22, 1943, he was promoted to Warrant Officer II. On April 13, 1943, his P-40 (AL 194; squadron ID "V") suffered an electrical system failure which forced him to make a landing without the use of his flaps. He ran off the end of the Fort Greely, Kodiak Island runway into the ocean; he was not injured. The Kitty was retrieved. The picture shows him beside his P-40 at Kodiak Island, Alaska. On August 8, 1943, he was part of the advance party that returned to Patricia Bay to prepare for the return of the squadron. As 111 Squadron wound down its operations in Canada, Warrant Officer II McLeod was transferred to No. 132 Squadron. He reported in on December 13, 1943, at Boundary Bay, British Columbia. He was replacing Flying Officer Stults who soon after went overseas to fly Typhoons with 440 Squadron. He probably remained with 132 Squadron until it was disbanded on September 30, 1944. He remained in the service at least until the end of the war. He received his Commission , effective on October 9, 1944 (according to Canada Gazette, where his promotion was announced on February 3, 1945). I don't know what his rank was at the time he left the Service. He survived the war. He was from Alexandria, Virginia.
Photo Identification Confidence level: 1 Confirmed
Left photo from Department of National Defence PMR 80235. Right photo credit Department of National Defence, number PMR76-222; appreciation to Major Mathias Joost. Thanks, too, to Mojmir Vraj who did some of the detective work.
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R104777/ J50243 I don't know where he started out his RCAF career, but on April 15, 1942, he was a new Sergeant Pilot when he arrived at 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay, British Columbia. In the Summer of 1942, presumably on temporary assignment, he flew with 14 (f) Squadron at Sea Island, British Columbia. While with 14 Squadron, on July 12, 1942, he had a wheels up landing with Kittyhawk AL228 at Sea Island. He left 14 Squadron on August 17, 1942 to rejoin 111 Squadron who, by then, had moved to Elmendorf Airfield, Anchorage, Alaska. He joined the 111 pilots in their training program designed to get their pilots to Operational Readiness. On March 22, 1943, he was promoted to Warrant Officer II. On April 13, 1943, his P-40 (AL 194; squadron ID "V") suffered an electrical system failure which forced him to make a landing without the use of his flaps. He ran off the end of the Fort Greely, Kodiak Island runway into the ocean; he was not injured. The Kitty was retrieved. The picture shows him beside his P-40 at Kodiak Island, Alaska. On August 8, 1943, he was part of the advance party that returned to Patricia Bay to prepare for the return of the squadron. As 111 Squadron wound down its operations in Canada, Warrant Officer II McLeod was transferred to No. 132 Squadron. He reported in on December 13, 1943, at Boundary Bay, British Columbia. He was replacing Flying Officer Stults who soon after went overseas to fly Typhoons with 440 Squadron. He probably remained with 132 Squadron until it was disbanded on September 30, 1944. He remained in the service at least until the end of the war. He received his Commission , effective on October 9, 1944 (according to Canada Gazette, where his promotion was announced on February 3, 1945). I don't know what his rank was at the time he left the Service. He survived the war. He was from Alexandria, Virginia.
Photo Identification Confidence level: 1 Confirmed
Left photo from Department of National Defence PMR 80235. Right photo credit Department of National Defence, number PMR76-222; appreciation to Major Mathias Joost. Thanks, too, to Mojmir Vraj who did some of the detective work.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Edwin Alexander "Ed" Merkley
(J28385) He joined 111 Squadron fresh out of #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands, Ontario on November 11, 1941. He was one of the first pilots in 111 Squadron. He was promoted to Warrant Officer 2 on November 19, 1942. By July, 1943, he had been elevated to Warrant Officer 1 and it was announced that he was to be posted overseas. He left 111 Squadron on July 20, 1943. In October, 1943, he joined RAF 57 Operational Training Unit. He was killed in a formation flying training accident when his Spitfire (K9824) was hit by another Spitfire over Eshott, Northumberland, England on November 19, 1943. P/O Merkley was found to be blameless. He was from St. Vital, Manitoba. He is buried in Stonefall Cemetery, Wetherby Road, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England. Also see: Image No: NA-4330-5, Glenbow Archives.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo above signature was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #083 in the portrait. The other three photos and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. __________________________________________________________________
Flying Officer (Pilot) Edwin Alexander "Ed" Merkley
(J28385) He joined 111 Squadron fresh out of #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands, Ontario on November 11, 1941. He was one of the first pilots in 111 Squadron. He was promoted to Warrant Officer 2 on November 19, 1942. By July, 1943, he had been elevated to Warrant Officer 1 and it was announced that he was to be posted overseas. He left 111 Squadron on July 20, 1943. In October, 1943, he joined RAF 57 Operational Training Unit. He was killed in a formation flying training accident when his Spitfire (K9824) was hit by another Spitfire over Eshott, Northumberland, England on November 19, 1943. P/O Merkley was found to be blameless. He was from St. Vital, Manitoba. He is buried in Stonefall Cemetery, Wetherby Road, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England. Also see: Image No: NA-4330-5, Glenbow Archives.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo above signature was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #083 in the portrait. The other three photos and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. __________________________________________________________________
Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Borden Earle "Bo" Middleton DFC
(Service # J7820) He joined the R.C.A.F. in December, 1940, leaving his studies at Ontario Agricultural College. He arrived at 111 Squadron fresh out of #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec on February 13, 1943. He was with 111 Squadron only briefly. On April 9, 1943, he was posted to Sea Island and, later, on July 23, 1943, he had a posting with 14 (f) Squadron who were at Fort Glenn, Umnak Island. While at Umnak, he flew flights out of the forward base on Adak Island against the Japanese on Kiska Island.
He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. He became very successful at low level bombing, disabling as many as 100 enemy vehicles in his first tour. He became a Flight Leader in 442 Squadron. He was awarded the DFC for his daring, aggressive leadership. The citation reads: "Completing very many sorties against the enemy, he often pressed home his attacks in the face of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire. He is extraordinarily keen and daring, deliberately attacking the most heavily defended areas." He survived the war. He was from Brougham and Pickering, Ontario. He was the youngest son of Luther and Elida Middleton of Pickering, Ontario.
I believe he became a Lawyer after the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com
Newspaper clipping came to me courtesy of Becky George, Local History and Genealogy Librarian, Pickering Public Library, Pickering, Ontario:
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) George Glenn Millar
(J20388) He arrived at 111 Squadron as a replacement pilot on May 16, 1943 from 133 (f) Squadron at Boundary Bay. He was at 111 Squadron to get checked out in a new, for him, fighter type. He had been flying Hurricanes with 133 squadron. But he did not remain long with 111 Squadron. He soloed in the Kittyhawk in late May and by the middle of August, 1943, he was flying with 14 Squadron at Umnak Island. He spent a one week rotation at the forward assembly airport on Amchitka Island in August, 1943. He remained with 14 Squadron and went overseas with them. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. On September 28, 1944, while on a front line patrol in his Spitfire (PL490), he ran out of gas and was last seen over Nijmegen, Holland. He is buried it the War Cemetery at Uden, North Brabant, Holland. He was from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photos Left to Right: 1) Found in his Service Record. It shows him at the time he received his Commission. It is here courtesy of Pierre Lagacé. See his rich commemorative blog: https://lestweforget2015.wordpress.com/; 2) extracted from newspaper clipping that appeared in the Winnipeg Tribune in 1943, issue unknown; 3) extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com Photos 2) and 3) were obviously taken at the the same time.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) George Glenn Millar
(J20388) He arrived at 111 Squadron as a replacement pilot on May 16, 1943 from 133 (f) Squadron at Boundary Bay. He was at 111 Squadron to get checked out in a new, for him, fighter type. He had been flying Hurricanes with 133 squadron. But he did not remain long with 111 Squadron. He soloed in the Kittyhawk in late May and by the middle of August, 1943, he was flying with 14 Squadron at Umnak Island. He spent a one week rotation at the forward assembly airport on Amchitka Island in August, 1943. He remained with 14 Squadron and went overseas with them. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. On September 28, 1944, while on a front line patrol in his Spitfire (PL490), he ran out of gas and was last seen over Nijmegen, Holland. He is buried it the War Cemetery at Uden, North Brabant, Holland. He was from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photos Left to Right: 1) Found in his Service Record. It shows him at the time he received his Commission. It is here courtesy of Pierre Lagacé. See his rich commemorative blog: https://lestweforget2015.wordpress.com/; 2) extracted from newspaper clipping that appeared in the Winnipeg Tribune in 1943, issue unknown; 3) extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com Photos 2) and 3) were obviously taken at the the same time.
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Wing Commander (Pilot) Harry Thorne "Mitch" Mitchell D.F.C.
(Note the DFC ribbon below the Wings) He arrived at 111 Squadron as a Flying Officer on December 2,1941 from 118 Squadron. He had had combat experience in the Battle of Britain and was awarded the DFC for that. On January 25, 1942, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. On August 29, 1942, he was made Wing Commander. He was OC while 111 was in Alaska and on Umnak Island. On September 9, 1942, he left 111 Squadron to report to Western Air Command to await posting. On October 13, 1942, he was instructed to report to RCAF Station Rockcliffe. The Air Force Association of Canada summarized his career this way: "41447 P/O Harry T.MITCHELL 87 Squad. Born in Port Hope, ON in 1920. On 10 May,1940 he shot down two Do17s and on the 11th a Ju87. 0n 15 Aug. he shot down a Me ll0 and a Ju87 and on the 25th a Me109. He was awarded the DFC 11/2/41 and was posted to Canada to serve in the Aleutians as a fighter pilot. He was released from the RAF in 46 as a S/Ldr." He survived the war. He came from Ottawa. Click on picture to see more about him.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
See also: http://www.acesofww2.com/Canada/aces/mitchell.htm where the picture of him beside his P-40 came from. The photo on right and
signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Photo at left is extracted from the Squadron Portrait, Department of National defence PMR 1657. He is in the 013 position in the portrait.
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(Note the DFC ribbon below the Wings) He arrived at 111 Squadron as a Flying Officer on December 2,1941 from 118 Squadron. He had had combat experience in the Battle of Britain and was awarded the DFC for that. On January 25, 1942, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. On August 29, 1942, he was made Wing Commander. He was OC while 111 was in Alaska and on Umnak Island. On September 9, 1942, he left 111 Squadron to report to Western Air Command to await posting. On October 13, 1942, he was instructed to report to RCAF Station Rockcliffe. The Air Force Association of Canada summarized his career this way: "41447 P/O Harry T.MITCHELL 87 Squad. Born in Port Hope, ON in 1920. On 10 May,1940 he shot down two Do17s and on the 11th a Ju87. 0n 15 Aug. he shot down a Me ll0 and a Ju87 and on the 25th a Me109. He was awarded the DFC 11/2/41 and was posted to Canada to serve in the Aleutians as a fighter pilot. He was released from the RAF in 46 as a S/Ldr." He survived the war. He came from Ottawa. Click on picture to see more about him.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
See also: http://www.acesofww2.com/Canada/aces/mitchell.htm where the picture of him beside his P-40 came from. The photo on right and
signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Photo at left is extracted from the Squadron Portrait, Department of National defence PMR 1657. He is in the 013 position in the portrait.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Hugh Fitch Morse DFC
(J 27017, R1104955) Morse enlisted, got his Wings and was ready for his first posting just as 132 Squadron was forming (April 14, 1942) in RCAF Rockcliffe (Ottawa). He was among the first Pilots assigned to 132. a Kittyhawk squadron. He went with the squadron to the West Coast to defend the coast from Japanese attack. Their zone to protect was the northern end of Vancouver Island which they did from RCAF Tofino. His Squadron Leader was Boomer who later took command of 111 Squadron. He flew with 132 Squadron for about a year. The squadron's keeper of the Daily Diary must have been a born story teller. In a rare (for RCAF Diarists) display of amusement and, I think, affection for Morse, told this story: “March 1, 1943, RCAF Station Tofino, B.C.
Birthday Present: It was F/S Morse’s (R1104955 F/S Morse, H.F.) birthday today. Present: a whole skin. A flight of 6 Kitties was taking off when a workman noticed an object fly off one of the airplanes which he picked up and brought to us immediately, reporting that it flew off the third aircraft as it commenced it’s (sic) takeoff. The object which flew off proved to be a piece of metal about 10 in. long from the rim which holds the tires in. As a result there was great possibility of a tire on one of the aircraft having blown during take-off or when landing on returning, with obvious danger to pilot and aircraft. Accordingly, all pilots were immediately radioed to lower their undercarriages and inspect each other’s wheels. They could see nothing the matter. There is often something amusing at even the gravest times. One of our N.C.O. pilots, F/S Hingston, had no radio in his aircraft, consequently thought everyone had gone mad when he saw them all lowering undercarriages and crossing above and below each other. F/L B. Boe (J3463) acting O.C., then took off in a Kitty and identified the damaged aircraft as that flown by Morse. Morse had been fifth to take off, not third as reported by the workman. As F/L Boe had no radio, he indicated to Morse by hand that Morse’s undercarriage was damaged. Morse was next told by the ground station that his tire had blown.
Accordingly, Morse asked the ground station to pancake the other aircraft, which was done, and told us he would touch down to test the tire, and, if successful, make a wheels down landing. By this time, everybody was watching. He approached rather low, applied throttle, and touched down twice at about 100 M.P.H.., with flaps down. The aircraft took quite pronounced bounces, veering to port as he gave it throttle and took off again. For a moment our hearts were n our mouths, as it appeared for a moment that he might crash. , in fact, he did cause a group of watchers at this point, to scatter precipitatley (sic), but his tire appeared to be alright. He then made a circuit and a safe landing, cutting his switches just before his wheels touched. Morse says he was not unduly worried and had plenty of time to think. He had decided to make a belly landing at Sea Island, or some nearby field, if his tire had proved faulty.”
For some reason, he was with 111 Squadron on July 2, 1943, when he received his Commission, being promoted to Pilot Officer from Warrant Officer. I believe he was with 111 Squadron only briefly, perhaps for training or replacement purposes. He joined 14 Squadron (from 111 Squadron) on July 25, 1943 at the time that 14 Squadron was deployed to Umnak Island and was flying sorties from Adak Island (via Amchitka Island) against the Japanese on Kiska Island. He went overseas with 14 Squadron. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. According to his daughter, Kathy Morse, "he was redeployed to Europe with 442 Squadron - flew No 2 with Johnny Johnson - was awarded the DFC. He flew the clipped wing Spitfire Mark 9B - loved that aircraft - even had “Spit 9B” as his personalized licence plate! He specialized in low level attacks against ground vehicles and was highly effective at it. After two tours in Europe, he returned to Canada and became a dental surgeon - died in January of 2008." The citation associated with the Distinguished Flying Cross: "Flight Lieutenant Morse has now completed his first tour of operations. He has at all times displayed a fine fighting spirit and great determination to engage the enemy. In August, 1944, this officer destroyed or damaged thirty-seven enemy vehicles, bringing his total of enemy vehicles destroyed or damaged since the invasion of the continent to sixty-eight. In addition to this fine achievement he has damaged one enemy aircraft. The cool precision and effectiveness of Flight Lieutenant Morse's low level attacks have set an exceptionally fine example to other pilots." Though he enlisted in Montreal, he was from Haney, British Columbia.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photos courtesy of Hugh's Daughter, Kathy Morse. Photo on right was taken on Remembrance Day, 2007. The Medals: on top, the Distinguished Flying Cross; below, L-R, Volunteer Service Medal, Defence Medal and War Medal 1939-1945. For a good deal more information, see this website. I am grateful to Ross Carter who is gathering historical information about No. 132 Squadron for telling about the 132 Squadron phase of Hugh Morse's rich RCAF career and directing me to the "flat tire" story in the Daily Diary.
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Wing Commander (Pilot) Arthur Deane Nesbitt, D.F.C.
C1327 He attended Course #4 at #1 Service Flying Training School, Camp Borden, Ontario, receiving his Wings on May 23, 1940 along with George J. Elliott. Both men took a turn as Squadron Leader of 111 Squadron. In the photos above, his Distinguished Flying Cross Ribbon is evident below his Wings. He won the DFC for his gallantry in the Battle of Britain. He arrived to take command of the brand new 111 (f) Squadron on November 3, 1941. He stayed with the squadron until they were trained and ready to take up operations in Alaska when he assumed command of the Wing which contained 111 Squadron. The bottom left photo dispels any myth that command was glamorous. Click here for Wikipedia LINK. Also, see this website for more information about his military career and this one for his entry in The Canadian Encyclopedia. The Air Force Association of Canada summarized his career this way: "C1327 F/O Arthur D. NESBITT 1(RCAF) Squad. Born in Montreal 1904 He shot down a Me ll0 on 04 September 1940 and the 15th a Me109 In March 1941 he took command of the Squad. now numbered 401 and led in until September. He was awarded the DFC 23/9/41.and made an OBE 1/1/46 He was released as a W/Com. He died in 1979" Airforce Magazine (Vol 36, issue 1) reported his death: April 16, 2012. There is a beautiful description of his career at this site.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo on right and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Photo top right, extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #012 in the portrait. Photo on top left is DND PMR 76485; bottom left is PMR 76186, appreciation to Captain Fred Paradie.
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C1327 He attended Course #4 at #1 Service Flying Training School, Camp Borden, Ontario, receiving his Wings on May 23, 1940 along with George J. Elliott. Both men took a turn as Squadron Leader of 111 Squadron. In the photos above, his Distinguished Flying Cross Ribbon is evident below his Wings. He won the DFC for his gallantry in the Battle of Britain. He arrived to take command of the brand new 111 (f) Squadron on November 3, 1941. He stayed with the squadron until they were trained and ready to take up operations in Alaska when he assumed command of the Wing which contained 111 Squadron. The bottom left photo dispels any myth that command was glamorous. Click here for Wikipedia LINK. Also, see this website for more information about his military career and this one for his entry in The Canadian Encyclopedia. The Air Force Association of Canada summarized his career this way: "C1327 F/O Arthur D. NESBITT 1(RCAF) Squad. Born in Montreal 1904 He shot down a Me ll0 on 04 September 1940 and the 15th a Me109 In March 1941 he took command of the Squad. now numbered 401 and led in until September. He was awarded the DFC 23/9/41.and made an OBE 1/1/46 He was released as a W/Com. He died in 1979" Airforce Magazine (Vol 36, issue 1) reported his death: April 16, 2012. There is a beautiful description of his career at this site.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo on right and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Photo top right, extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #012 in the portrait. Photo on top left is DND PMR 76485; bottom left is PMR 76186, appreciation to Captain Fred Paradie.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) James Douglas "Doug" Orr DFC
R56907/ J10391 He enlisted in the RCAF in Winnipeg. He attended #1 Service Flight Training School, (Camp Borden, Ontario) graduating on September 18, 1940. On December 19, 1941, he arrived, as a Sergeant Pilot, at 111 Squadron at Sea Island, (Vancouver), British Columbia. On February 19, 1942, he was promoted to Warrant Officer 2. Two weeks later, on March 1, 1942, at Patricia Bay, he received his Commission, becoming a Pilot Officer. On May 9, 1942, he married Elinor (sp? this is the way her name was spelled in the 111 Squadron Daily Diary) Scott in Vancouver (He had "Eleanor" written on one of his Spitfires see link) . When 111 Squadron sent a detachment of pilots and planes to Umnak Island in the Aleutians, P/O Orr was made Officer Commanding of the flying personnel who remained with the balance of the squadron at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island. Shortly after, he was made Officer Commanding of the satellite airfield on Point Chiniak, Kodiak Island. On December 28, 1942, he was promoted to Flying Officer (Temporary). On March 30, 1943, he was ordered posted overseas almost immediately. He left 111 Squadron on April 4, 1943. He was sent to 116 Squadron, on the Atlantic Coast, and then to 403 Squadron in Europe where he served with distinction and was awarded the DFC. Here is the wording of his DFC citation: London Gazette 29 December 1944: "This officer has completed many sorties during which he has either destroyed or damaged more than 100 enemy vehicles. In addition he has destroyed three enemy aircraft and damaged two others. He has proved himself a keen and efficient pilot whose leadership and fine fighting spirit have won the admiration of his squadron." He was released from the Air Force on October 17, 1945. He was born in Elm Creek, Manitoba but was living in Victoria, B.C. before he enlisted.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
The photo on the left and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; The photo on the right is from http://rcaf403squadron.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/dougorr/ Middle photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #078 in the portrait.
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R56907/ J10391 He enlisted in the RCAF in Winnipeg. He attended #1 Service Flight Training School, (Camp Borden, Ontario) graduating on September 18, 1940. On December 19, 1941, he arrived, as a Sergeant Pilot, at 111 Squadron at Sea Island, (Vancouver), British Columbia. On February 19, 1942, he was promoted to Warrant Officer 2. Two weeks later, on March 1, 1942, at Patricia Bay, he received his Commission, becoming a Pilot Officer. On May 9, 1942, he married Elinor (sp? this is the way her name was spelled in the 111 Squadron Daily Diary) Scott in Vancouver (He had "Eleanor" written on one of his Spitfires see link) . When 111 Squadron sent a detachment of pilots and planes to Umnak Island in the Aleutians, P/O Orr was made Officer Commanding of the flying personnel who remained with the balance of the squadron at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island. Shortly after, he was made Officer Commanding of the satellite airfield on Point Chiniak, Kodiak Island. On December 28, 1942, he was promoted to Flying Officer (Temporary). On March 30, 1943, he was ordered posted overseas almost immediately. He left 111 Squadron on April 4, 1943. He was sent to 116 Squadron, on the Atlantic Coast, and then to 403 Squadron in Europe where he served with distinction and was awarded the DFC. Here is the wording of his DFC citation: London Gazette 29 December 1944: "This officer has completed many sorties during which he has either destroyed or damaged more than 100 enemy vehicles. In addition he has destroyed three enemy aircraft and damaged two others. He has proved himself a keen and efficient pilot whose leadership and fine fighting spirit have won the admiration of his squadron." He was released from the Air Force on October 17, 1945. He was born in Elm Creek, Manitoba but was living in Victoria, B.C. before he enlisted.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
The photo on the left and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; The photo on the right is from http://rcaf403squadron.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/dougorr/ Middle photo extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #078 in the portrait.
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Warrant Officer 2 (Pilot) L. "Tom" Orthman
He joined 111 Squadron at RCAF Rockcliffe (Ottawa, Ontario) on December 1, 1941. He had come from the School of Army Cooperation. He made a successful solo on a Kittyhawk there on December 6, 1941. On January 22, 1942, his Kittyhawk (AL 180) caught fire in the tail section at 3,000 feet, forcing him to bail out. He was little more than a mile from Patricia Bay and got home easily. He was promoted to Flight Sergeant on February 19, 1942 and then further promoted to Warrant Officer 2 on May 11, 1942. According to the Squadron Daily Diary, February 9, 1942, it was Orthman's "brainchild" to create the squadron Thunderbird insignia. On June 24, 1942, he had to bail out of P-40 AK869 when it went into an uncontrollable spin. This happened just over the aerodrome at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island.
Again, he was uninjured. On August 26, 1942, he had another mishap, hitting a runway traffic light in AK 905. No damage to either the pilot or the plane. He had a big day on September 16, 1942. He went on leave and he and Edna June Boatright from San Francisco were married. Perhaps he was reassigned while on leave but there were no more mentions of him in the Daily Diary. I don't know what he did after the squadron re-mustered at the end of 1943. It is possible that he was deployed to #2 Bombing and Gunnery School at Mossbank, Saskatchewan. Or he may have been assigned to a Flight Training School. He survived the War.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photos from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Photo in middle was extracted from the squadron portrait, Department of National Defence, PBG 1657. He is in position #060 in the portrait.
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He joined 111 Squadron at RCAF Rockcliffe (Ottawa, Ontario) on December 1, 1941. He had come from the School of Army Cooperation. He made a successful solo on a Kittyhawk there on December 6, 1941. On January 22, 1942, his Kittyhawk (AL 180) caught fire in the tail section at 3,000 feet, forcing him to bail out. He was little more than a mile from Patricia Bay and got home easily. He was promoted to Flight Sergeant on February 19, 1942 and then further promoted to Warrant Officer 2 on May 11, 1942. According to the Squadron Daily Diary, February 9, 1942, it was Orthman's "brainchild" to create the squadron Thunderbird insignia. On June 24, 1942, he had to bail out of P-40 AK869 when it went into an uncontrollable spin. This happened just over the aerodrome at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island.
Again, he was uninjured. On August 26, 1942, he had another mishap, hitting a runway traffic light in AK 905. No damage to either the pilot or the plane. He had a big day on September 16, 1942. He went on leave and he and Edna June Boatright from San Francisco were married. Perhaps he was reassigned while on leave but there were no more mentions of him in the Daily Diary. I don't know what he did after the squadron re-mustered at the end of 1943. It is possible that he was deployed to #2 Bombing and Gunnery School at Mossbank, Saskatchewan. Or he may have been assigned to a Flight Training School. He survived the War.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photos from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Photo in middle was extracted from the squadron portrait, Department of National Defence, PBG 1657. He is in position #060 in the portrait.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Harold C. Paynter
He joined 111 Squadron on April 14, 1942 from 115 Squadron. He went with 111 Squadron to Alaska, serving at both Elmendorf Airfield in Anchorage and Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, Alaska. He was struck off strength on May 12, 1943 to attend #1 Instructors School in Trenton, Ontario. He returned to 111 Squadron when it was renumbered as 440 Squadron and went to Europe in early 1944. As far as I can ascertain, he survived the war. He was from Toronto.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photos taken from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943, courtesy of David Hicks, son of Flt. Lt. Clifford Hicks.
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He joined 111 Squadron on April 14, 1942 from 115 Squadron. He went with 111 Squadron to Alaska, serving at both Elmendorf Airfield in Anchorage and Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, Alaska. He was struck off strength on May 12, 1943 to attend #1 Instructors School in Trenton, Ontario. He returned to 111 Squadron when it was renumbered as 440 Squadron and went to Europe in early 1944. As far as I can ascertain, he survived the war. He was from Toronto.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photos taken from The Toronto Daily Star, November 18, 1943, courtesy of David Hicks, son of Flt. Lt. Clifford Hicks.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) William Dempsey "Bill" Peacock
(J26271) He graduated from Course 36 at #1 Service Flying Training School (Camp Borden, Ontario) and immediately joined 111 Squadron on November 25, 1941. While with 111 Squadron, he flew P-40 Mark 1 - AK-940, originally bearing the letters LZ-E. (It was later renumbered as #1058). In April, 1942, he was one of six pilots who were pulled from 111 Squadron to help establish new squadrons in Eastern Canada. He flew P-40s with 130 Squadron out of Mont Joli, Quebec. They patrolled the St. Lawrence River for German U-Boats. According to his younger brother, Wally Peacock, Bill had returned to his home province of Quebec and "was chasing German subs in the St. Lawrence River and had crashed & spent considerable time in Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Quebec. His legs were damaged & he suffered severe burns. After recovering, he rejoined his squadron" The crash occurred on June 8, 1942.
In the 111 Squadron Daily Diary entry for May 21, 1943, it was noted that he had returned to 111 Squadron and he was acknowledged as one of the original 111 pilots. He remained with 111 Squadron until it disbanded in the Fall of 1943, although he had a temporary posting with 111 Squadron's sister squadron, 14 Squadron, and remained on Umnak Island with 14 Squadron for a while when 111 Squadron redeployed to Kodiak Island. He was part of 14 Squadron's raiding sorties against Kiska via Amchitka Island. During his rotation on Adak Island, the weather was too severe for flying operations. He, with his buddy Billy Pigden, cleaned up in the Cribbage tournament, winning first prize. He rejoined 111 Squadron in August, 1943 who, by that time, had returned 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. Wally also remembers that "he was sent to England. I understood he did not have to go but I heard him tell my Mom that he had to go because it was his duty ... so the Nazis could not get at the children in North America. I was eight years old in the kitchen of our home in Noranda, Quebec when I heard him explain this to my Mom."
Sergeant Pilot Bill Peacock went to Europe with 440 Squadron and probably earned his Commission there. He flew four sorties into France. On the fourth one, on May 4, 1944, he completed his run but, while returning, he was killed when his Typhoon struck a cable supporting a barrage balloon over Eastlea, Hampshire.
There is a conflict in the recorded record. The Squadron's Operations Record Book indicated that he died in Typhoon MN 635. However, the memorial compendium of RCAF's WWII deaths, indicated that he was flying Typhoon MN 431 when he died. Ordinarily, I would side with the ORB except that the ORB showed that MN 635 was serviceable enough to go out on a sortie two weeks later and continued to do so for many more sorties. That suggests that the memorial compendium might have been the more correct. However, there is no reference to suggest that Typhoon MN 431 was ever on 440 Squadron's complement.
Flying Officer Peacock is buried at North Cemetery, Bournemouth, Hampshire, England. He was from Noranda, Quebec. His brother, Wally, also reported that he got to visit his brother's grave in 2007, fulfilling a promise to their mother that he would.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photo on left is from the Collection of Flying Officer Wally Ward who flew with Bill. Photo at top centre was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in the #059 position in the portrait. The Sergeant photo on middle left and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. The quotes, the "Kitty Hawk of my own" picture and the Typhoon photos are from his younger brother, W. E. Peacock, in personal communication
It is with great sadness that I received the news that Bill Peacock's younger brother, Wally, passed away on December 10, 2018. His old friend, Grant Workman, told me and sent this picture of Wally beside the type of aircraft his brother flew. Both Wally and Grant have been helpful contributors to this site from the very beginning. Thank you both. So long, Wally.
Wally Peacock posing with a Hawker Typhoon, his brother's final ride.
Photo by Grant Workman.
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Squadron Leader (Pilot) William Harry "Big Bill" Pentland DFC
(J3204) He received his Wings from #2 Service Flying Training School at Uplands (Ottawa) in early 1940. He was ordered to England and arrived on Christmas Eve, 1940. On June 28, 1941, he was injured in a plane crash (head injuries) and spent a period in recovery. By early 1942, he had been promoted to Flight Lieutenant and was named a Flight Commander. He returned to Canada and served for a time as instructor at #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec. He was appointed Squadron Leader of 111 Sqn in December, 1943, relieving his good friend since flight training days, David L. Ramsay. He took the newly re-numbered (to 440 Squadron) squadron 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 remained S/L until his death on October 7, 1944. His Typhoon (Number MN 641) exploded just as he released his bombs on a railroad bombing run near Wesel, Germany. He is buried at the War Cemetery at Rheinberg, Germany. The 440 Squadron Operations Record Book, dated Oct 7, 1944, noted his last mission. "There were three missions that day. The first two were successful. "The third and final target proved very costly when our Officer commanding, S/L W.H. Pentland, DFC, was killed. He has only three more trips to complete his second tour of operations and his loss is deeply felt by all who worked with and knew him. The target was to dive-bomb rails at A.0758 - A.1747 in which 8 of our aircraft participated, using 16 X 500 lb 11 second delay bombs. On the bombing run S/L Pentland was seen to dive with his guns blazing and his aircraft was seen to explode after dropping his bombs. F/O Savard who followed behind was caught in the explosion and narrowly escaped spinning in.... All bombs were in target area, rails were cut and near misses scored. Weather was hazy and smoky."
He was from Calgary, Alberta.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Face Photo from website Aces of WWII.com; see link for a thorough examination of his career; the picture on the left of then-Pilot Officers
Ramsay and Pentland (on left, as identified by his cousin, Penny Temple-Watts. Thanks Penny), all decked out in their brand new flying suits, was taken at Elementary Flying Training School #3, London, Ontario on August 23, 1940. It and the first signature are from the Collection of S/L David L. Ramsay courtesy of his daughter and son-in-law Christie Anne and Bo Jensen. The second signature was extracted from an assessment report he wrote about one of his flying officers.
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Squadron Leader (Pilot) William Harry "Big Bill" Pentland DFC
(J3204) He received his Wings from #2 Service Flying Training School at Uplands (Ottawa) in early 1940. He was ordered to England and arrived on Christmas Eve, 1940. On June 28, 1941, he was injured in a plane crash (head injuries) and spent a period in recovery. By early 1942, he had been promoted to Flight Lieutenant and was named a Flight Commander. He returned to Canada and served for a time as instructor at #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec. He was appointed Squadron Leader of 111 Sqn in December, 1943, relieving his good friend since flight training days, David L. Ramsay. He took the newly re-numbered (to 440 Squadron) squadron 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 remained S/L until his death on October 7, 1944. His Typhoon (Number MN 641) exploded just as he released his bombs on a railroad bombing run near Wesel, Germany. He is buried at the War Cemetery at Rheinberg, Germany. The 440 Squadron Operations Record Book, dated Oct 7, 1944, noted his last mission. "There were three missions that day. The first two were successful. "The third and final target proved very costly when our Officer commanding, S/L W.H. Pentland, DFC, was killed. He has only three more trips to complete his second tour of operations and his loss is deeply felt by all who worked with and knew him. The target was to dive-bomb rails at A.0758 - A.1747 in which 8 of our aircraft participated, using 16 X 500 lb 11 second delay bombs. On the bombing run S/L Pentland was seen to dive with his guns blazing and his aircraft was seen to explode after dropping his bombs. F/O Savard who followed behind was caught in the explosion and narrowly escaped spinning in.... All bombs were in target area, rails were cut and near misses scored. Weather was hazy and smoky."
He was from Calgary, Alberta.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Face Photo from website Aces of WWII.com; see link for a thorough examination of his career; the picture on the left of then-Pilot Officers
Ramsay and Pentland (on left, as identified by his cousin, Penny Temple-Watts. Thanks Penny), all decked out in their brand new flying suits, was taken at Elementary Flying Training School #3, London, Ontario on August 23, 1940. It and the first signature are from the Collection of S/L David L. Ramsay courtesy of his daughter and son-in-law Christie Anne and Bo Jensen. The second signature was extracted from an assessment report he wrote about one of his flying officers.
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Squadron Leader Pentland's Command
440 Squadron
This photo was taken at the English base at Hurn, Hants in May, 1944
The pilots are: L-R front: Hattie, Milne, Wright, Dewar, Hicks , Pentland, Gooding, Heath, Campbell, Crowley, D. Gordon
on Typhoon: C. Gordon, Ward, Doidge, Frombolo (with Smokey), Stults, Watson, Bernier, Colville, Stewart, English
The squadron had only recently got its first Typhoons (Mark 1B) and they were already painted with invasion stripes.
Names in blue flew with 111 Squadron at some time.
Photo from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward (in picture). Thanks, Wally.
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440 Squadron
This photo was taken at the English base at Hurn, Hants in May, 1944
The pilots are: L-R front: Hattie, Milne, Wright, Dewar, Hicks , Pentland, Gooding, Heath, Campbell, Crowley, D. Gordon
on Typhoon: C. Gordon, Ward, Doidge, Frombolo (with Smokey), Stults, Watson, Bernier, Colville, Stewart, English
The squadron had only recently got its first Typhoons (Mark 1B) and they were already painted with invasion stripes.
Names in blue flew with 111 Squadron at some time.
Photo from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward (in picture). Thanks, Wally.
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Sergeant (Pilot) Charles Benjamin "Ben" Pierce
R84163 According to his nephew, Chuck Pierce, Ben worked in his family's fishing operation. But when the War broke out, he was quick to enlist. On August 5, 1940, he enlisted in the RCAF. He had had the yen to fly from early on, building box kites that soared deep into the sky. He requested training as an Air Gunner but the Air Force, in its wisdom, redirected him into Pilot training. He graduated from Course 36 at #1 Service Flying Training School, Camp Borden, Ontario on November 8, 1941 and immediately joined 111 Squadron at Rockcliffe, Ontario on November 25, 1941. Two other members of his class also joined 111 Squadron with Ben. They were Bill Pigden and Bill Peacock. Ben arrived shortly after the squadron was formed and he was one of the pilots who ferried the brand new Kittyhawks from the factory in Buffalo, New York to Rockcliife. The squadron moved to Sea Island (Vancouver)), British Columbia. Since the pilots were too inexperienced, as a group, to fly their fighters across the Canadian winter landscape, everything was loaded on trains, airplanes included. The Kittyhawks had to be reassembled and tested before they could be used operationally. It was on one such test that Ben was killed. He was checking out P-40E No. AK-887. According to the local newspaper (perhaps the Simcoe Reformer) that served his hometown of Port Rowan, Ontario, Ben's Kittyhawk failed to come out of a loop, went into an uncontrollable spin and crashed on a Vancouver suburb city street on December 27, 1941. He was 25 years old. An inquest ruled his death was accidental although it was not able to determine the cause. He was from Port Rowan, Ontario, the son of Mr. and Mrs T.D. Pierce, and is buried in Bayview Cemetery there.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Left and right photos are from the Collection of Sergeant Charles Benjamin Pierce, courtesy of his nephew, Chuck Pierce. It is quite possible that the photo on the right was taken when Ben took leave time on his way out west to Vancouver. I am particularly grateful to Chuck for much of the information contained above. Thanks for contacting me, Chuck. The newspaper picture in the middle shows Ben as a pilot trainee. It comes courtesy of Gary Boudreau. Thanks, Gary
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Sergeant (Pilot) Charles Benjamin "Ben" Pierce
R84163 According to his nephew, Chuck Pierce, Ben worked in his family's fishing operation. But when the War broke out, he was quick to enlist. On August 5, 1940, he enlisted in the RCAF. He had had the yen to fly from early on, building box kites that soared deep into the sky. He requested training as an Air Gunner but the Air Force, in its wisdom, redirected him into Pilot training. He graduated from Course 36 at #1 Service Flying Training School, Camp Borden, Ontario on November 8, 1941 and immediately joined 111 Squadron at Rockcliffe, Ontario on November 25, 1941. Two other members of his class also joined 111 Squadron with Ben. They were Bill Pigden and Bill Peacock. Ben arrived shortly after the squadron was formed and he was one of the pilots who ferried the brand new Kittyhawks from the factory in Buffalo, New York to Rockcliife. The squadron moved to Sea Island (Vancouver)), British Columbia. Since the pilots were too inexperienced, as a group, to fly their fighters across the Canadian winter landscape, everything was loaded on trains, airplanes included. The Kittyhawks had to be reassembled and tested before they could be used operationally. It was on one such test that Ben was killed. He was checking out P-40E No. AK-887. According to the local newspaper (perhaps the Simcoe Reformer) that served his hometown of Port Rowan, Ontario, Ben's Kittyhawk failed to come out of a loop, went into an uncontrollable spin and crashed on a Vancouver suburb city street on December 27, 1941. He was 25 years old. An inquest ruled his death was accidental although it was not able to determine the cause. He was from Port Rowan, Ontario, the son of Mr. and Mrs T.D. Pierce, and is buried in Bayview Cemetery there.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Left and right photos are from the Collection of Sergeant Charles Benjamin Pierce, courtesy of his nephew, Chuck Pierce. It is quite possible that the photo on the right was taken when Ben took leave time on his way out west to Vancouver. I am particularly grateful to Chuck for much of the information contained above. Thanks for contacting me, Chuck. The newspaper picture in the middle shows Ben as a pilot trainee. It comes courtesy of Gary Boudreau. Thanks, Gary
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) William L. "Bill" Pigden
He graduated from Course 36 at #1 Service Flying Training School, Camp Borden, Ontario and immediately joined 111 Squadron on November 25, 1941 at Rockcliffe,(Ottawa), Ontario. He went with the squadron to the west coast in the second week of December, 1941 . He was one of six pilots who left 111 Squadron in April, 1942 to help establish new squadrons in the East. He flew with 130 Squadron out of Mont Joli, Quebec. They patrolled the St. Lawrence River for German U-Boats. On May 21, 1943, he was recorded in 111's Daily Diary as returning. He had a temporary posting to 14 Squadron when 111 Squadron redeployed to Kodiak Island. He remained on Umnak Island with 14 Squadron. and participated in raids 14 Squadron made against the Japanese on Kiska Island. During the many severe weather periods that occurred there, he and his longtime buddy and fellow 111 Squadron pilot, Wally Peacock, won the Cribbage Tournament. On October 11, 1943, while he was with 14 Squadron, he was promoted to Flying Officer. He returned to and remained with 111 Squadron until they disbanded later in the Fall of 1943. It is not clear just what he did next but I don't think he went to Europe with 111 (440) Squadron. According to his nephew, David Neal: "he transferred in to 417 Squadron (Italy) flying Spit IX's, in April, 1945. After hostilities in Europe ended, he went to 411 Squadron flying Spit XIV's & XVI's with the occupation forces. As you noted, Bill remained in the RCAF, living in Belleville, Ontario. I assume, from the types he flew (a very brief look at his logbook) that he was attached to CFS, Trenton. He went to No.3 OTU, North Bay then to the newly-opened base at Cold Lake with the same group to complete air weapons training on Clunks (CF-100s) . Bill was with 445 Squadron at Manville only a couple of weeks before he and his 'backseater' were forced out of their aircraft. In August, 1957, Bill transferred to Station Edgar (the Pinetree line, I assume)". Here are the details regarding the incident at Manville: on December 5, 1956, Flight Lieutenant Pigden was forced to bail out of a RCAF 445 Sqn Avro CF-100. He and his crew member survived the mishap. They were flying over Troyes, France.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in the #017 position in the portrait. The second photo and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland.
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He graduated from Course 36 at #1 Service Flying Training School, Camp Borden, Ontario and immediately joined 111 Squadron on November 25, 1941 at Rockcliffe,(Ottawa), Ontario. He went with the squadron to the west coast in the second week of December, 1941 . He was one of six pilots who left 111 Squadron in April, 1942 to help establish new squadrons in the East. He flew with 130 Squadron out of Mont Joli, Quebec. They patrolled the St. Lawrence River for German U-Boats. On May 21, 1943, he was recorded in 111's Daily Diary as returning. He had a temporary posting to 14 Squadron when 111 Squadron redeployed to Kodiak Island. He remained on Umnak Island with 14 Squadron. and participated in raids 14 Squadron made against the Japanese on Kiska Island. During the many severe weather periods that occurred there, he and his longtime buddy and fellow 111 Squadron pilot, Wally Peacock, won the Cribbage Tournament. On October 11, 1943, while he was with 14 Squadron, he was promoted to Flying Officer. He returned to and remained with 111 Squadron until they disbanded later in the Fall of 1943. It is not clear just what he did next but I don't think he went to Europe with 111 (440) Squadron. According to his nephew, David Neal: "he transferred in to 417 Squadron (Italy) flying Spit IX's, in April, 1945. After hostilities in Europe ended, he went to 411 Squadron flying Spit XIV's & XVI's with the occupation forces. As you noted, Bill remained in the RCAF, living in Belleville, Ontario. I assume, from the types he flew (a very brief look at his logbook) that he was attached to CFS, Trenton. He went to No.3 OTU, North Bay then to the newly-opened base at Cold Lake with the same group to complete air weapons training on Clunks (CF-100s) . Bill was with 445 Squadron at Manville only a couple of weeks before he and his 'backseater' were forced out of their aircraft. In August, 1957, Bill transferred to Station Edgar (the Pinetree line, I assume)". Here are the details regarding the incident at Manville: on December 5, 1956, Flight Lieutenant Pigden was forced to bail out of a RCAF 445 Sqn Avro CF-100. He and his crew member survived the mishap. They were flying over Troyes, France.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He was in the #017 position in the portrait. The second photo and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland.
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Wing Commander (Pilot) Paul Brook Pitcher
He was brought in (Spring, 1943) to provide temporary replacement (several weeks) while W/C Robert E. E. Morrow, 111's last W/C,
was in hospital due to a bail-out injury. W/C Pitcher was a lawyer in Montreal when he enlisted. He was an early RCAF-er and had a low
service number: # 615. He got his Wings in 1939 and went to the Battle of Britain. He flew Hurricanes with RCAF 1 Squadron then commanded 401 Squadron and 411 Squadron. He also commanded 417 Squadron in northern Africa just before coming to 111. This is how Air Force of Canada Association summarized his military career: "C625 F/O Paul B. PITCHER 1(RCAF) Squad. Born in Montreal 05 August 1913. He was with 1(RCAF) Squad when it arrived in the UK 20 June 1940. He shot down a Me109 on 05 October. He took command of the squadron on 13 December 1940 until 11 March 1941 when the squadron became 401(RCAF) He later formed 411(RCAF) Squad. at Digby until 16 December 1941 when he went on leave to Canada. He took command of 417(RCAF) Squad. and took them to the Middle East. On 17 November 1942 he was repatriated to Canada and served with SASO at Western Air Command, Vancouver. He was released on 28 November 1944 as a W/Comm. He died in 1998."
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo came from The Canadian Fighter Pilot & Air Gunner Museum website (see link): Signature from the Squadron Daily Diary.
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He was brought in (Spring, 1943) to provide temporary replacement (several weeks) while W/C Robert E. E. Morrow, 111's last W/C,
was in hospital due to a bail-out injury. W/C Pitcher was a lawyer in Montreal when he enlisted. He was an early RCAF-er and had a low
service number: # 615. He got his Wings in 1939 and went to the Battle of Britain. He flew Hurricanes with RCAF 1 Squadron then commanded 401 Squadron and 411 Squadron. He also commanded 417 Squadron in northern Africa just before coming to 111. This is how Air Force of Canada Association summarized his military career: "C625 F/O Paul B. PITCHER 1(RCAF) Squad. Born in Montreal 05 August 1913. He was with 1(RCAF) Squad when it arrived in the UK 20 June 1940. He shot down a Me109 on 05 October. He took command of the squadron on 13 December 1940 until 11 March 1941 when the squadron became 401(RCAF) He later formed 411(RCAF) Squad. at Digby until 16 December 1941 when he went on leave to Canada. He took command of 417(RCAF) Squad. and took them to the Middle East. On 17 November 1942 he was repatriated to Canada and served with SASO at Western Air Command, Vancouver. He was released on 28 November 1944 as a W/Comm. He died in 1998."
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo came from The Canadian Fighter Pilot & Air Gunner Museum website (see link): Signature from the Squadron Daily Diary.
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Pilot Officer (Pilot) August W. "Gus" Rabe
(C39821) He was already a civilian pilot when he enlisted in the RCAF in Montreal on May 30, 1941. He got his initial Service flying training at Central Training School, Trenton, Ontario. In September, 1941, he was assigned to #11 Elementary Flying Training School at Trois Rivieres, Quebec as a Pilot Instructor. After nearly six months of training new pilots, he was sent to #6 Service Flying Training School at Dunnville, Ontario and then to #1 Manning Depot in Toronto for Officer's Training School. He was then assigned to a squadron, 132 Squadron, I think. He joined 111 Squadron as Warrant Officer II on June 7, 1943 from 132 Squadron. On the following day, he was transferred to 14 Squadron. He served with 14 Squadron on Umnak Island and was slated to take part in raids out of Amchitka Island. However, during his rotation there, the weather was consistently too severe for operations. He never made it to Amchitka Island and had to return to Umnak on August 4, 1943. Later he went to Europe with 14 Squadron, renamed 442 Squadron. He was one of the many American pilots who joined the RCAF and later transferred to USAAF. In the book Escort to Berlin, he was mentioned. He had joined USAAF Mustang-equipped 335 Squadron, participated in USAAF Fourth Fighter Group, on August 15, 1944. He was captured and made POW around Christmas, 1944. He came from Park Hill, Yonkers, New York. He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The photos come from website (see Link) created by his son, William Rabe, as a memorial to his father. I would like to reach William Rabe but cannot do so via his website. I am wondering about the the ribbons he is wearing under his Wings. If you can identify them, I would appreciate hearing from you.
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(C39821) He was already a civilian pilot when he enlisted in the RCAF in Montreal on May 30, 1941. He got his initial Service flying training at Central Training School, Trenton, Ontario. In September, 1941, he was assigned to #11 Elementary Flying Training School at Trois Rivieres, Quebec as a Pilot Instructor. After nearly six months of training new pilots, he was sent to #6 Service Flying Training School at Dunnville, Ontario and then to #1 Manning Depot in Toronto for Officer's Training School. He was then assigned to a squadron, 132 Squadron, I think. He joined 111 Squadron as Warrant Officer II on June 7, 1943 from 132 Squadron. On the following day, he was transferred to 14 Squadron. He served with 14 Squadron on Umnak Island and was slated to take part in raids out of Amchitka Island. However, during his rotation there, the weather was consistently too severe for operations. He never made it to Amchitka Island and had to return to Umnak on August 4, 1943. Later he went to Europe with 14 Squadron, renamed 442 Squadron. He was one of the many American pilots who joined the RCAF and later transferred to USAAF. In the book Escort to Berlin, he was mentioned. He had joined USAAF Mustang-equipped 335 Squadron, participated in USAAF Fourth Fighter Group, on August 15, 1944. He was captured and made POW around Christmas, 1944. He came from Park Hill, Yonkers, New York. He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The photos come from website (see Link) created by his son, William Rabe, as a memorial to his father. I would like to reach William Rabe but cannot do so via his website. I am wondering about the the ribbons he is wearing under his Wings. If you can identify them, I would appreciate hearing from you.
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Wing Commander (Pilot) David L. Ramsay
He assumed command after S/L Boomer on May 31, 1943 but, due to bad weather and delays, did not arrive until June 28. S/L Ramsay's family, as conveyed by his daughter, Christie Anne Jensen, suggested the following summary of his career for use here: "S/L David L. Ramsay (retired as Wing Commander in 1966) was from Calgary, served in Russia (151 Wing), England (402 and 411 Squadrons) along with Squadrons 111 (June 4, 1943 to Sept 1943 at Kodiak and until Nov 12, 1943 at Pat Bay) and Squadron 163 at Sea Island until the end of the war". While he was in Russia, he taught Russian pilots to fly Hurricanes. He died in 1992." He was Officer Commanding with 163 (f) Squadron (also a Kittyhawk squadron) at Sea Island, British Columbia from November 12, 1943 until March 7, 1944 when 163 Squadron was disbanded.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Signature from the Squadron Daily Diary; photos from S/L Ramsay's Collection, courtesy of his daughter and son-in-law Christie Anne and Bo
Jensen.
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He assumed command after S/L Boomer on May 31, 1943 but, due to bad weather and delays, did not arrive until June 28. S/L Ramsay's family, as conveyed by his daughter, Christie Anne Jensen, suggested the following summary of his career for use here: "S/L David L. Ramsay (retired as Wing Commander in 1966) was from Calgary, served in Russia (151 Wing), England (402 and 411 Squadrons) along with Squadrons 111 (June 4, 1943 to Sept 1943 at Kodiak and until Nov 12, 1943 at Pat Bay) and Squadron 163 at Sea Island until the end of the war". While he was in Russia, he taught Russian pilots to fly Hurricanes. He died in 1992." He was Officer Commanding with 163 (f) Squadron (also a Kittyhawk squadron) at Sea Island, British Columbia from November 12, 1943 until March 7, 1944 when 163 Squadron was disbanded.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Signature from the Squadron Daily Diary; photos from S/L Ramsay's Collection, courtesy of his daughter and son-in-law Christie Anne and Bo
Jensen.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Arnold Walter "Rosey" Roseland
(Service #s: R60258/ J4116) He joined the Air Force in Calgary, Alberta on June 29, 1940. He was posted to 14 Squadron flying Kittyhawks. He served on temporary assignment (4 days in May, 1943) to 111 Squadron. He returned to 14 Squadron on June 9. He was promoted to Acting Flight Lieutenant on June 19, 1943 while 14 Squadron was on Umnak Island. On September 14, 1943, he was presented with the US Air Medal for his work with 14 Squadron while on Amchitka Island. As the senior officer, he regularly served as the Squadron Leader when S/L Walker was away. Just after 14 Squadron returned to Boundary Bay, British Columbia on September 29, 1943, his second son was born.
He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. In the picture on the right, he is standing beside his 442 Squadron Spitfire. On July 13, 1944, he was shot down (in Spitfire LF772) near the Normandy village of St. Martin de Mailloc. He was killed. There is a stirring website memorializing F/L Roseland. And another magnificent site here. He was born in Youngstown, Alberta. Vintage Wings of Canada and Comox Air Force Museum are rebuilding a Squadron 442 Spitfire which they are naming after F/L Roseland. He is buried in Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, France.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photos from the memorial website belong to the Roseland Family Archives, see link.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Arnold Walter "Rosey" Roseland
(Service #s: R60258/ J4116) He joined the Air Force in Calgary, Alberta on June 29, 1940. He was posted to 14 Squadron flying Kittyhawks. He served on temporary assignment (4 days in May, 1943) to 111 Squadron. He returned to 14 Squadron on June 9. He was promoted to Acting Flight Lieutenant on June 19, 1943 while 14 Squadron was on Umnak Island. On September 14, 1943, he was presented with the US Air Medal for his work with 14 Squadron while on Amchitka Island. As the senior officer, he regularly served as the Squadron Leader when S/L Walker was away. Just after 14 Squadron returned to Boundary Bay, British Columbia on September 29, 1943, his second son was born.
He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. In the picture on the right, he is standing beside his 442 Squadron Spitfire. On July 13, 1944, he was shot down (in Spitfire LF772) near the Normandy village of St. Martin de Mailloc. He was killed. There is a stirring website memorializing F/L Roseland. And another magnificent site here. He was born in Youngstown, Alberta. Vintage Wings of Canada and Comox Air Force Museum are rebuilding a Squadron 442 Spitfire which they are naming after F/L Roseland. He is buried in Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, France.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photos from the memorial website belong to the Roseland Family Archives, see link.
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Flight Sergeant (Pilot) Joseph Jean. Sabourin
R120014 He joined 111 Squadron on May 21, 1943. He was a replacement pilot. On May 26 1943, he made his first P-40 flight. On June 21, 1943, he was posted temporarily to 14 Squadron on Umnak Island. While on Umnak Island, he made a wheels-up landing in a Kittyhawk which significantly damaged the a/c but not him. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. He survived the war. He was from Montreal, Quebec.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Note: this is not SABOURIN, Joseph Jean Paul (J3519), Flight Lieutenant, killed on active service overseas with RAF 145 Squadron. L. X. Sabourin (father), St. Isidore de Prescott, Ont.
Photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, Photos and identification process courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com) Thanks, again, Joe. Middle photo from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward who flew with Joe in 111 and 440 Squadron. Thank you, Wally
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R120014 He joined 111 Squadron on May 21, 1943. He was a replacement pilot. On May 26 1943, he made his first P-40 flight. On June 21, 1943, he was posted temporarily to 14 Squadron on Umnak Island. While on Umnak Island, he made a wheels-up landing in a Kittyhawk which significantly damaged the a/c but not him. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. He survived the war. He was from Montreal, Quebec.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Note: this is not SABOURIN, Joseph Jean Paul (J3519), Flight Lieutenant, killed on active service overseas with RAF 145 Squadron. L. X. Sabourin (father), St. Isidore de Prescott, Ont.
Photo extracted from Department of National Defence, PL-13139, Photos and identification process courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com) Thanks, again, Joe. Middle photo from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward who flew with Joe in 111 and 440 Squadron. Thank you, Wally
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___________KIA_____________
Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) George Talbot Schwalm
(R85878/ J28375) He enlisted in Toronto in the Fall of 1940. He worked his way up from enlisted man to officer. He got his Wings at #2 Service Flying Training School in Uplands (Ottawa). He arrived at 111 Squadron in Rockcliffe on November 10, 1941 as a Sgt/ Pilot. He was promoted to Flight Sergeant on August 1, 1942. On December 12, 1942, he was promoted to Warrant Officer 2. He received his
Commission on September 8, 1943. He went to Patricia Bay with 111 on December 16, 1941 and then on to Anchorage on April 6, 1942. He did three one-week stints on Umnak Island (July 18, 1942, November 1, 1942 and again on November 9, 1942). He was one of the flight
of seven that became disoriented in the fog around Unalaska Island in the Aleutians on July 16. 1942. Early in the flight, while still over the mainland, his engine caught fire and he was forced to bail out. He was flown back to his Squadron by a pilot working for Alaska Star
Airlines. On June 29, 1943, he left 111 Squadron to prepare to go overseas. First he served with 411 Squadron in England and then he was assigned to 412 Squadron. On July 7, 1944, flying Spitfire NH 212, he shot down a Fw 190. He wasn't so lucky on August 12, 1944 when, on an armed recon mission near Fresne le Mer, France, he was killed (in Spitfire MN485) by ack ack fire. There is no known grave. He was from Tottenham, Ontario. Click on picture for personal information.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photos and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; Career information courtesy of his cousin, Sherry Thomas. Photo in middle extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #090 in the portrait.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) George Talbot Schwalm
(R85878/ J28375) He enlisted in Toronto in the Fall of 1940. He worked his way up from enlisted man to officer. He got his Wings at #2 Service Flying Training School in Uplands (Ottawa). He arrived at 111 Squadron in Rockcliffe on November 10, 1941 as a Sgt/ Pilot. He was promoted to Flight Sergeant on August 1, 1942. On December 12, 1942, he was promoted to Warrant Officer 2. He received his
Commission on September 8, 1943. He went to Patricia Bay with 111 on December 16, 1941 and then on to Anchorage on April 6, 1942. He did three one-week stints on Umnak Island (July 18, 1942, November 1, 1942 and again on November 9, 1942). He was one of the flight
of seven that became disoriented in the fog around Unalaska Island in the Aleutians on July 16. 1942. Early in the flight, while still over the mainland, his engine caught fire and he was forced to bail out. He was flown back to his Squadron by a pilot working for Alaska Star
Airlines. On June 29, 1943, he left 111 Squadron to prepare to go overseas. First he served with 411 Squadron in England and then he was assigned to 412 Squadron. On July 7, 1944, flying Spitfire NH 212, he shot down a Fw 190. He wasn't so lucky on August 12, 1944 when, on an armed recon mission near Fresne le Mer, France, he was killed (in Spitfire MN485) by ack ack fire. There is no known grave. He was from Tottenham, Ontario. Click on picture for personal information.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed.
Photos and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; Career information courtesy of his cousin, Sherry Thomas. Photo in middle extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #090 in the portrait.
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___________KIA___________
Flying Officer (Pilot) Frank Richard Fisher Skelly
(J35985/ R90517) His Service File reveals that he entered the RCAF on February 18, 1941, wanting to be a Stenographer/Clerk. In No. 1 Manning Depot, Toronto, they must have spotted his potential to do something more and he was sent to No. 3 Bomb & Gunnery School, Aylmer, Ontario to train as an Air Gunner. He must have demonstrated significant talents, probably as a marksman, because it was decided that he should be assessed for the intellectual capacity and knowledge base to handle Pilot training. He went to No. 2 Initial Training School in Regina. It was a particularly grueling curriculum and no one could progress to any flying program without succeeding at ITS. He passed. He went to No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School in Fort William, Ontario. He graduated and moved up to No. 2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa), Ontario. He graduated on October 24, 1941. He joined 111 Squadron on November 8, 1941 as a Sergeant/ Pilot. On June 20, 1942, while Elmendorf Air Field in Anchorage, Alaska was in a blackout (an attack was feared), he ran through a glass door in a hanger and incurred serious injury to arm and hand. He was hospitalized. Shortly after that incident, on August 1, 1942, he was made Flight Sergeant. On December 23, 1942, he was promoted to Warrant Officer 2. On October 12, 1943, he received his Commission and left 111 Squadron. I don't know how he made his way to Europe but as soon as he got there he was enrolled in RAF No. 57 Operational Training Unit (Hawarden, England) where he learned to fly the Hawker Typhoon. With this new skillset, he was assigned to RCAF No. 438 Squadron to prepare, with them, for the invasion of Europe. He was killed in action (by flak) on January 22, 1945, while flying Hawker Typhoon Mk 1B (#MP-128, equipped with a 1000 lb bomb) on a dive bombing run over Montfort, Holland. His aircraft exploded while on the bombing approach. He was from Kirkland Lake, Ontario. He is buried at Junkerbos British Cemetery, Nijmegen, Holland.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The two photos on right, on left and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Photo in the middle was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #069 in the portrait. I am very grateful to Anne Gafiuk who went to the Ottawa Archives and dug out information from F/O Skelly's Service File.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Frank Richard Fisher Skelly
(J35985/ R90517) His Service File reveals that he entered the RCAF on February 18, 1941, wanting to be a Stenographer/Clerk. In No. 1 Manning Depot, Toronto, they must have spotted his potential to do something more and he was sent to No. 3 Bomb & Gunnery School, Aylmer, Ontario to train as an Air Gunner. He must have demonstrated significant talents, probably as a marksman, because it was decided that he should be assessed for the intellectual capacity and knowledge base to handle Pilot training. He went to No. 2 Initial Training School in Regina. It was a particularly grueling curriculum and no one could progress to any flying program without succeeding at ITS. He passed. He went to No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School in Fort William, Ontario. He graduated and moved up to No. 2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands (Ottawa), Ontario. He graduated on October 24, 1941. He joined 111 Squadron on November 8, 1941 as a Sergeant/ Pilot. On June 20, 1942, while Elmendorf Air Field in Anchorage, Alaska was in a blackout (an attack was feared), he ran through a glass door in a hanger and incurred serious injury to arm and hand. He was hospitalized. Shortly after that incident, on August 1, 1942, he was made Flight Sergeant. On December 23, 1942, he was promoted to Warrant Officer 2. On October 12, 1943, he received his Commission and left 111 Squadron. I don't know how he made his way to Europe but as soon as he got there he was enrolled in RAF No. 57 Operational Training Unit (Hawarden, England) where he learned to fly the Hawker Typhoon. With this new skillset, he was assigned to RCAF No. 438 Squadron to prepare, with them, for the invasion of Europe. He was killed in action (by flak) on January 22, 1945, while flying Hawker Typhoon Mk 1B (#MP-128, equipped with a 1000 lb bomb) on a dive bombing run over Montfort, Holland. His aircraft exploded while on the bombing approach. He was from Kirkland Lake, Ontario. He is buried at Junkerbos British Cemetery, Nijmegen, Holland.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
The two photos on right, on left and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. Photo in the middle was extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #069 in the portrait. I am very grateful to Anne Gafiuk who went to the Ottawa Archives and dug out information from F/O Skelly's Service File.
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Sergeant (Pilot) Douglas Leslie Stapleton
(R103264) He was born in Welland, Ontario and grew up in Hamilton, Ontario. When he was 18 years old, he joined the RCAF. He knew he wanted to be a flier. After basic introduction to military life, he was sent to #10 Elementary Flying Training School at Mt. Hope, Ontario. He succeeded well enough to go forward to #14 Service Flying Training School at Aylmer, Ontario. He got his Wings on March 3. 1942 and was promoted to Sergeant. He was sent to 115 Squadron which, in early 1942, was stationed in Patricia Bay, British Columbia. It is not known why he was transferred to 111 Squadron, also at Patricia Bay, on April 14, 1942. But since he was just out of SFTS, he would have been tasked with learning how to fly the fighter aircraft, Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk. It is possible that he was placed with 111 Squadron to get up to speed with the Kittyhawk so he could return to his placement with 115 Squadron, but 115 Squadron was a bomber squadron flying Bolingbrokes at that time. It is more likely that he had wanted to fly fighters and requested a reassignment. Whatever the plan, he was killed five days after he arrived at 111 Squadron. He was flying a P-40 (AL212) on a training exercise and crashed into the sea off Galliano Island near Patricia Bay. His body was never recovered. There is, of course, no known grave, although, according to his younger sister, Jean Johnston, his name has been added to the family gravestone in Hamilton, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The top photo was the official photograph on his Service Record. It came courtesy of the British Columbia Aviation Museum, North Saanich, British Columbia. Thanks Geoff. All other photos from the Collection of Sgt Douglas Leslie Stapleton, courtesy of his sister, Jean (Stapleton) Johnston.
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Sergeant (Pilot) Douglas Leslie Stapleton
(R103264) He was born in Welland, Ontario and grew up in Hamilton, Ontario. When he was 18 years old, he joined the RCAF. He knew he wanted to be a flier. After basic introduction to military life, he was sent to #10 Elementary Flying Training School at Mt. Hope, Ontario. He succeeded well enough to go forward to #14 Service Flying Training School at Aylmer, Ontario. He got his Wings on March 3. 1942 and was promoted to Sergeant. He was sent to 115 Squadron which, in early 1942, was stationed in Patricia Bay, British Columbia. It is not known why he was transferred to 111 Squadron, also at Patricia Bay, on April 14, 1942. But since he was just out of SFTS, he would have been tasked with learning how to fly the fighter aircraft, Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk. It is possible that he was placed with 111 Squadron to get up to speed with the Kittyhawk so he could return to his placement with 115 Squadron, but 115 Squadron was a bomber squadron flying Bolingbrokes at that time. It is more likely that he had wanted to fly fighters and requested a reassignment. Whatever the plan, he was killed five days after he arrived at 111 Squadron. He was flying a P-40 (AL212) on a training exercise and crashed into the sea off Galliano Island near Patricia Bay. His body was never recovered. There is, of course, no known grave, although, according to his younger sister, Jean Johnston, his name has been added to the family gravestone in Hamilton, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The top photo was the official photograph on his Service Record. It came courtesy of the British Columbia Aviation Museum, North Saanich, British Columbia. Thanks Geoff. All other photos from the Collection of Sgt Douglas Leslie Stapleton, courtesy of his sister, Jean (Stapleton) Johnston.
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Pilot Officer (Pilot) Donald John Sterling
(J9487) He graduated from #9 Service Flying Training School in Summerside, PEI, Course #39, on December 10, 1941. He was in 111 Squadron in early May, 1942. He was one of a group of Pilots who were redirected from Eastern Air Command to Western Air Command after the Pearl Harbor scare. He and three other pilots were placed on temporary attachment to 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay while they waited for their new bomber squadron (the 147th) to be established. While with 111 Squadron, they were able to get some training in operational flying before eventually joining bomber squadrons. They were referred to in the Daily Diary as "the dive bomber pilots". The term was never explained. Before joining his new bomber squadron, he returned to Ottawa on leave to visit his parents. It was only shortly after that leave that he was sent to 147 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron out of RCAF Sea Island, British Columbia. He flew ocean reconnaissance patrols in Bristol Bolingbrokes. On July 7, 1942, while on a routine training flight, Cessna Crane #8671 crashed on Lulu Island near Vancouver. Pilot Officer Sterling, who was First Pilot on that flight, and two colleagues were killed. The colleagues were Sgt Pilot Harold Milton Miners and AC1 (Security Guard) Edmund James Delaney, also of 147 Squadron. The cause of the crash is not known although the squadron Daily Diary did note, ten days after this crash, that all Crane aircraft in the squadron were to be checked for any sign of cracking in the wings. He was 20 years old when he died. He was the son of John and Aileen I. Sterling of Ottawa, Ontario.
P/O Sterling's niece, Chantal Piepers, has contacted me to say that he was his parents' only child at the time of his death. But shortly after his death, they conceived another child, her father.
P/O Sterling was buried in Pinecrest Cemetery, Ottawa, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The photograph on right came from the site of Glebe Collegiate, Ottawa, Ontario. For more information, visit the site. Photograph on the left was taken by his parents, John and Aileen Sterling, while he was on leave in April, 1942, only a few weeks before he was killed. It comes to the site courtesy of P/O Sterling's cousin, Janice Staines.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Douglas Stewart Stiles
He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. I don't know if he was related to Bill Stiles (below)
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He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. I don't know if he was related to Bill Stiles (below)
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) George Archibald "Bill" Stiles
He arrived at 111 Squadron on April 15, 1942 as part of a group of Pilots who trained with 111's experienced Pilots. For six weeks he took part in training in formation flying and shooting. He returned to his squadron (14 Squadron, Sea Island, British Columbia) at the end of May as 111 Squadron was packing up to leave Patricia Bay for Alaska. On November 1, 1942, he was granted leave to get married to Edith Webster whom he met on the ferry traveling between Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia. The marriage occurred on November 2. He returned from marriage leave on December 14, 1942. He was with 14 Squadron when they moved north to participate in the campaign against the Japanese in the Aleutians. In early 1943, he was promoted to Flying Officer. 14 Squadron was installed on Umnak Island by the end of February, 1943. Enroute to Umnak, P/O Stiles, while landing at Yakutaga, hit a patch of soft ground and bent the prop on his P-40. That accident seemed to be the start of a string of bad luck: On March 1, 1943, still enroute, he did a ground loop (in P-40 H). His aircraft was repaired but, 10 days later, while landing at Naknak, he damaged the wingtip of the same P-40 H. He finished the trip to Umnak on the DC-3. He went to Adak and Amchitka Islands and flew in the squadron's patrols to protect the base from Japanese attacks. He assumed temporary command while the Squadron Leader was away throughout June and July, 1943. At one point, he was Armament officer, as well. At the end of July, 1943, he left the squadron at Umnak Island to attend a two-month Armament Officers Course in Mountain View, Ontario. By the time he had finished the Course, the Squadron had moved back to Boundary Bay, British Columbia where he joined them. On December 24, 1943, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. He survived the war. He was from Cornwall, Ontario and he and Edith returned there after the War..
He pursued a career in Law and retired as a Judge in the District Court of Ontario. He and Edith had three children. Judge Stiles died in the Autumn of 1998.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo extracted from Department of National Defence photo # PMR 76-422, courtesy of Captain Fred Paradie. see: Image No: NA-4330-6,
Glenbow Archives)
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He arrived at 111 Squadron on April 15, 1942 as part of a group of Pilots who trained with 111's experienced Pilots. For six weeks he took part in training in formation flying and shooting. He returned to his squadron (14 Squadron, Sea Island, British Columbia) at the end of May as 111 Squadron was packing up to leave Patricia Bay for Alaska. On November 1, 1942, he was granted leave to get married to Edith Webster whom he met on the ferry traveling between Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia. The marriage occurred on November 2. He returned from marriage leave on December 14, 1942. He was with 14 Squadron when they moved north to participate in the campaign against the Japanese in the Aleutians. In early 1943, he was promoted to Flying Officer. 14 Squadron was installed on Umnak Island by the end of February, 1943. Enroute to Umnak, P/O Stiles, while landing at Yakutaga, hit a patch of soft ground and bent the prop on his P-40. That accident seemed to be the start of a string of bad luck: On March 1, 1943, still enroute, he did a ground loop (in P-40 H). His aircraft was repaired but, 10 days later, while landing at Naknak, he damaged the wingtip of the same P-40 H. He finished the trip to Umnak on the DC-3. He went to Adak and Amchitka Islands and flew in the squadron's patrols to protect the base from Japanese attacks. He assumed temporary command while the Squadron Leader was away throughout June and July, 1943. At one point, he was Armament officer, as well. At the end of July, 1943, he left the squadron at Umnak Island to attend a two-month Armament Officers Course in Mountain View, Ontario. By the time he had finished the Course, the Squadron had moved back to Boundary Bay, British Columbia where he joined them. On December 24, 1943, he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant. He survived the war. He was from Cornwall, Ontario and he and Edith returned there after the War..
He pursued a career in Law and retired as a Judge in the District Court of Ontario. He and Edith had three children. Judge Stiles died in the Autumn of 1998.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo extracted from Department of National Defence photo # PMR 76-422, courtesy of Captain Fred Paradie. see: Image No: NA-4330-6,
Glenbow Archives)
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Nicholas "Nick" Stusiak
(R106871/ J35984) He began his military flying training at #5 Elementary Flying Training School at High River, Alberta. With his brand new Wings, he went to #11 Service Flying Training School, Dauphin, Manitoba. Then his real flying experience began. His first deployment was to 111 Squadron who were serving at Patricia Bay on the West Coast at that time. He arrived at 111 Squadron on April 15, 1942. His flight training experience had been almost exclusively on twin-engine aircraft. Then- P/O Orr took him through a short course of dual training on the Harvard. He was promoted to Warrant Officer II on March 22, 1943. In September/ October, 1942, he was part of the detached unit of Pilots and Airmen who served at Umnak Island, Aleutians, Alaska. In October, 1943, he received his Commission. He went to Europe with 111 Squadron (re-numbered as 440 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. On May 27, 1944, while he was practising low altitude dog fighting, his Typhoon (MN342) went into a spin and crashed near Bransgrove Village, Christchurch, England. The funeral ceremony and burial occurred at North Cemetery in Bournemouth, Hampshire, England. The Protestant Chaplain, Squadron Leader Ashford conducted the ceremony with Officers from 440 Squadron serving as Pallbearers and Escort. Wreaths were received from 143 Wing H.Q. and 438 and 439 Squadrons (These squadrons also flew Typhoons and were all members of the same Wing). Click here to see photographs of his Full Military Honours Funeral. He was from Powell River, B.C. For moving coverage of all of the residents of Powell River, British Columbia who gave their lives in service to their country, see this beautiful website. Also: see Shirley Tort's workup on Nick's life and career at this website. There is more to see at Bill Barry's tribute here. Nick was 24 years old when he died. Most of his young adult life was engaged with preparing for war. He never married but he did have a girl. While at #5 Elementary Flight Training School in High River, Alberta, he met a young woman at a dance there and they went together for about a year. She gave him a bracelet engraved with the words "Nick from Ellen". He wore it to war. See photo inset above. He was wearing it the day he died. It was found by the man who owned the property where Nick's plane crashed. Through his family's effort, (read about it at this site) the bracelet found its way back to the Stusiak family. Recently, Ellen's daughter began inquiries and, partly through this site, she is connecting with the Stusiak family. Nick's girl, Ellen Randle, who is still alive, might yet hold the bracelet again.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo on left part of the Powell River Museum Collection. The signature and photo on right were extracted from his official RCAF file. The clippings came from an article in Montreal's The Standard - Photonews, October 31, 1942. It is here courtesy of Millie Anderson, Ellen Randle's daughter. Millie also supplied the details of Nick's early training, based on his letters to Ellen which she has. Bracelet photos by Paul Stusiak, courtesy of Michael Stusiak, both nephews of F/O (Pilot) Nicholas Stusiak. Photo on lower right is from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward, a fellow-pilot in 440 Squadron.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Nicholas "Nick" Stusiak
(R106871/ J35984) He began his military flying training at #5 Elementary Flying Training School at High River, Alberta. With his brand new Wings, he went to #11 Service Flying Training School, Dauphin, Manitoba. Then his real flying experience began. His first deployment was to 111 Squadron who were serving at Patricia Bay on the West Coast at that time. He arrived at 111 Squadron on April 15, 1942. His flight training experience had been almost exclusively on twin-engine aircraft. Then- P/O Orr took him through a short course of dual training on the Harvard. He was promoted to Warrant Officer II on March 22, 1943. In September/ October, 1942, he was part of the detached unit of Pilots and Airmen who served at Umnak Island, Aleutians, Alaska. In October, 1943, he received his Commission. He went to Europe with 111 Squadron (re-numbered as 440 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. On May 27, 1944, while he was practising low altitude dog fighting, his Typhoon (MN342) went into a spin and crashed near Bransgrove Village, Christchurch, England. The funeral ceremony and burial occurred at North Cemetery in Bournemouth, Hampshire, England. The Protestant Chaplain, Squadron Leader Ashford conducted the ceremony with Officers from 440 Squadron serving as Pallbearers and Escort. Wreaths were received from 143 Wing H.Q. and 438 and 439 Squadrons (These squadrons also flew Typhoons and were all members of the same Wing). Click here to see photographs of his Full Military Honours Funeral. He was from Powell River, B.C. For moving coverage of all of the residents of Powell River, British Columbia who gave their lives in service to their country, see this beautiful website. Also: see Shirley Tort's workup on Nick's life and career at this website. There is more to see at Bill Barry's tribute here. Nick was 24 years old when he died. Most of his young adult life was engaged with preparing for war. He never married but he did have a girl. While at #5 Elementary Flight Training School in High River, Alberta, he met a young woman at a dance there and they went together for about a year. She gave him a bracelet engraved with the words "Nick from Ellen". He wore it to war. See photo inset above. He was wearing it the day he died. It was found by the man who owned the property where Nick's plane crashed. Through his family's effort, (read about it at this site) the bracelet found its way back to the Stusiak family. Recently, Ellen's daughter began inquiries and, partly through this site, she is connecting with the Stusiak family. Nick's girl, Ellen Randle, who is still alive, might yet hold the bracelet again.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo on left part of the Powell River Museum Collection. The signature and photo on right were extracted from his official RCAF file. The clippings came from an article in Montreal's The Standard - Photonews, October 31, 1942. It is here courtesy of Millie Anderson, Ellen Randle's daughter. Millie also supplied the details of Nick's early training, based on his letters to Ellen which she has. Bracelet photos by Paul Stusiak, courtesy of Michael Stusiak, both nephews of F/O (Pilot) Nicholas Stusiak. Photo on lower right is from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward, a fellow-pilot in 440 Squadron.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Dufferin Nelson "Duff" Wakeling A.M.
(J5126) He enlisted in 1940 and received his Wings at #6 Service Flying Training School, Dunnville, Ontario in April, 1941, coming out as a Pilot Officer in the Spring of 1941. His first deployment was to the Atlantic Command attached to 118 (F) Squadron at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. He served there for eight months. He moved to 14 Squadron in Rockcliffe (Ottawa) on January 6, 1942. He went with 14 Squadron to Sea Island, British Columbia where, by August, 1942, he had made Flight Lieutenant and served as a Flight Commander. He was part of the detached unit of 14 Squadron flyers who went to Amchitka and Adak Islands to participate directly in the attacks against the Japanese. The American USAAF presented him with the Air Medal for his participation in the raids on Kiska Island. He maintained his role as Flight Commander. He was sent on temporary assignment (4 days in May, 1943) to 111 Squadron from 14 (f) Squadron. He died in service at Elmendorf Air Field, Anchorage, Alaska on June 13, 1943, while serving as a Flight Commander with 14 Squadron. He is buried at the Fort Richardson Post Cemetery in Alaska. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Wakeling of Brantford, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo from The Brampton Public Library, see link.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Dufferin Nelson "Duff" Wakeling A.M.
(J5126) He enlisted in 1940 and received his Wings at #6 Service Flying Training School, Dunnville, Ontario in April, 1941, coming out as a Pilot Officer in the Spring of 1941. His first deployment was to the Atlantic Command attached to 118 (F) Squadron at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. He served there for eight months. He moved to 14 Squadron in Rockcliffe (Ottawa) on January 6, 1942. He went with 14 Squadron to Sea Island, British Columbia where, by August, 1942, he had made Flight Lieutenant and served as a Flight Commander. He was part of the detached unit of 14 Squadron flyers who went to Amchitka and Adak Islands to participate directly in the attacks against the Japanese. The American USAAF presented him with the Air Medal for his participation in the raids on Kiska Island. He maintained his role as Flight Commander. He was sent on temporary assignment (4 days in May, 1943) to 111 Squadron from 14 (f) Squadron. He died in service at Elmendorf Air Field, Anchorage, Alaska on June 13, 1943, while serving as a Flight Commander with 14 Squadron. He is buried at the Fort Richardson Post Cemetery in Alaska. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Wakeling of Brantford, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo from The Brampton Public Library, see link.
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Squadron Leader (Pilot) Bradley Reardon "Brad" or "Pinkie" Walker DFC
He graduated from #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands, Ontario on October 25, 1940. Before assuming command of 14 Squadron, he had flown (in Hurricanes and Spitfires) more than 50 sorties in the European Theatre, and earned the DFC there. He returned to Canada to become S/L of 14 Squadron. For four days in May, 1943, he was on temporary assignment to 111 Squadron at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island. He returned to 14 Squadron on August 3. For his part in the attacks on Kiska Island, he, and nine other Pilots from 14 Squadron, won the U.S. Air Medal. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron. He continued to command 14 Squadron, (renumbered to 442 Squadron) through part of its European tour of duty. It became a Spitfire squadron (see photo above right). He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo on left from the Collection of S/L David Ramsay, courtesy of S/L Ramsay's daughter and son-in-law Anne and Bo Jensen.
442 Squadron photo on right courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com Thanks, Joe.
I have made an attempt to identify all of the Pilots in this picture.
Sitting front L-R: W.O. Arthur Cecil Fanning, Sgt Archibald E. Clarke, Sgt Frank Crowley, Sgt S.R.J. "Red" McLeod, W. O. D.M. McDuff
Sitting, middle L-R: Flt Lt A.G. Byers, F/O A.J. Essery (Adjutant), S/L Brad Walker, F/O Dufferin Nelson Wakeling
Standing L-R: F/O R.W.A. Todd, F/O Ronnie Cox, F/O Joe Doak, F/O William G. Holmes, F/O Arnold Walter Roseland, P/O Fred Heather,
F/O Al Crimmins, P/O Delbert E. English.
Pilots with names in green were attached, (sometimes for only a matter of days) to 111 Squadron.
Please let me know where I am wrong: Contact me
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He graduated from #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands, Ontario on October 25, 1940. Before assuming command of 14 Squadron, he had flown (in Hurricanes and Spitfires) more than 50 sorties in the European Theatre, and earned the DFC there. He returned to Canada to become S/L of 14 Squadron. For four days in May, 1943, he was on temporary assignment to 111 Squadron at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island. He returned to 14 Squadron on August 3. For his part in the attacks on Kiska Island, he, and nine other Pilots from 14 Squadron, won the U.S. Air Medal. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron. He continued to command 14 Squadron, (renumbered to 442 Squadron) through part of its European tour of duty. It became a Spitfire squadron (see photo above right). He survived the war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo on left from the Collection of S/L David Ramsay, courtesy of S/L Ramsay's daughter and son-in-law Anne and Bo Jensen.
442 Squadron photo on right courtesy of Joe at www.flyingforyourlife.com Thanks, Joe.
I have made an attempt to identify all of the Pilots in this picture.
Sitting front L-R: W.O. Arthur Cecil Fanning, Sgt Archibald E. Clarke, Sgt Frank Crowley, Sgt S.R.J. "Red" McLeod, W. O. D.M. McDuff
Sitting, middle L-R: Flt Lt A.G. Byers, F/O A.J. Essery (Adjutant), S/L Brad Walker, F/O Dufferin Nelson Wakeling
Standing L-R: F/O R.W.A. Todd, F/O Ronnie Cox, F/O Joe Doak, F/O William G. Holmes, F/O Arnold Walter Roseland, P/O Fred Heather,
F/O Al Crimmins, P/O Delbert E. English.
Pilots with names in green were attached, (sometimes for only a matter of days) to 111 Squadron.
Please let me know where I am wrong: Contact me
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Ray Tyler Walker
J11051 R 109903 He graduated from #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands, Ontario (Course #45) on April 9, 1942. On May 21, 1942, he arrived at 111 Squadron in Patricia Bay. He served with 111 Squadron through his whole training on P-40s. On December 28, 1942, he was promoted to Flying Officer. He flew with 111 Squadron at Umnak Island and Kodiak Island, Alaska. While on Kodiak Island, he was, from November 6, 1942 until he left the squadron, Officer Commanding of the 111 Squadron unit detached to Point Chiniak. On March 14, 1943, he was struck off strength from 111 Squadron to go to #1 "Y" Depot, Halifax for re-posting overseas. On his way to England, his troop ship was torpedoed but he and 15 other RCAF airmen were rescued by a Royal Canadian Navy corvette despite the 60 foot waves and a blinding snowstorm. The photo on the right, according to his daughter, was taken just after he was rescued from the sea. It is not known how long he spent in England but, according to his daughter, Lynn Walker, he flew in the India-Burma Theatre for two and one half years. He very likely flew P-40s there, as well. He returned to Canada, via troopship, reaching Halifax in September, 1945, where he was met by his wife, the former Virginia Eaton. He was from Duncan, Oklahoma, son of Henry and Pearl Walker. He returned to Duncan with Virginia. He was an early franchisee with A&W Root Beer (in Oregon) but moved on into real estate and building business. He relocated to California and continued in real estate. For a time, he kept up his interest in flying but gradually let that go when he moved to the West Coast. He maintained contact with his RCAF buddies, notably Herb Ivens and Charles Darling, neither of whom was a 111 Squadron member. He died on February 20, 1997 in Merced, California.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photos from the Collection of his daughter, Lynn Walker.
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J11051 R 109903 He graduated from #2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands, Ontario (Course #45) on April 9, 1942. On May 21, 1942, he arrived at 111 Squadron in Patricia Bay. He served with 111 Squadron through his whole training on P-40s. On December 28, 1942, he was promoted to Flying Officer. He flew with 111 Squadron at Umnak Island and Kodiak Island, Alaska. While on Kodiak Island, he was, from November 6, 1942 until he left the squadron, Officer Commanding of the 111 Squadron unit detached to Point Chiniak. On March 14, 1943, he was struck off strength from 111 Squadron to go to #1 "Y" Depot, Halifax for re-posting overseas. On his way to England, his troop ship was torpedoed but he and 15 other RCAF airmen were rescued by a Royal Canadian Navy corvette despite the 60 foot waves and a blinding snowstorm. The photo on the right, according to his daughter, was taken just after he was rescued from the sea. It is not known how long he spent in England but, according to his daughter, Lynn Walker, he flew in the India-Burma Theatre for two and one half years. He very likely flew P-40s there, as well. He returned to Canada, via troopship, reaching Halifax in September, 1945, where he was met by his wife, the former Virginia Eaton. He was from Duncan, Oklahoma, son of Henry and Pearl Walker. He returned to Duncan with Virginia. He was an early franchisee with A&W Root Beer (in Oregon) but moved on into real estate and building business. He relocated to California and continued in real estate. For a time, he kept up his interest in flying but gradually let that go when he moved to the West Coast. He maintained contact with his RCAF buddies, notably Herb Ivens and Charles Darling, neither of whom was a 111 Squadron member. He died on February 20, 1997 in Merced, California.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photos from the Collection of his daughter, Lynn Walker.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Walter Edwaed "Wally" Ward
R 123273/ J 27828 Wally enlisted in 1941 because "I just wanted to fly", he told me recently. He began his flying career at #4 Elementary Flying School, Windsor Mills, Quebec , finishing there in January, 1942. He went on to #13 Service Flying Training School at St. Hubert, Quebec, completing his training in June, 1942. He was initially thought to be a candidate for flight instruction and was sent to the Flight Instruction program at Central Flying School, Trenton, Ontario. He was there for several months and then flew Ansons at #3 Bombing and Gunnery School, Fingal, Ontario where he remained until March, 1943. At that point, he was assigned to #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec where he completed Course #9, in May, 1943. On June 5, 1943, he was posted to 118 Squadron on Annette Island, Alaska. He said that he was glad to get assigned to a squadron so he could fly fighters. He flew his solo flight in a P-40 there on June 9, 1943. The mission of 118 Squadron was to protect the shipping lanes going into Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Prince Rupert was a vital port through which supplies and materials, bound for the Aleutians Campaign and the building of the Alaska Highway were processed. He described this duty in this way: "When we went on patrol, we were scrambled, We ran out to our planes, we buckled up, and we started up our airplane. And the air controller would take over, give us our vector to fly and we would fly that flight basically looking for Japanese submarines or any other strange looking boats." He did not mind this duty because he was just glad to be flying. He transferred into 111 Squadron on October 9, 1943 at Patricia Bay just before 111 Squadron left for 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 flew with them into Europe as the Allied advance pressed into Germany through France and Belgium. He flew Typhoons against German ground forces. After he finished his tour of 100 missions, he went to England where he helped other fighter pilots to become operational. He survived the war. He was from Toronto, Ontario and returned there after the war. He made a successful career in education. I am very grateful to Wally for supplying materials and helping me to understand, from a first hand perspective, what it was like to fly in two theatres in that war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The photo on the top left is taken from an article he wrote for AirForce Magazine, Spring, 2007, pp 20-21. The other photos come from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant Wally Ward and are used here with his permission. Thanks, Wally!
R 123273/ J 27828 Wally enlisted in 1941 because "I just wanted to fly", he told me recently. He began his flying career at #4 Elementary Flying School, Windsor Mills, Quebec , finishing there in January, 1942. He went on to #13 Service Flying Training School at St. Hubert, Quebec, completing his training in June, 1942. He was initially thought to be a candidate for flight instruction and was sent to the Flight Instruction program at Central Flying School, Trenton, Ontario. He was there for several months and then flew Ansons at #3 Bombing and Gunnery School, Fingal, Ontario where he remained until March, 1943. At that point, he was assigned to #1 Operational Training Unit, Bagotville, Quebec where he completed Course #9, in May, 1943. On June 5, 1943, he was posted to 118 Squadron on Annette Island, Alaska. He said that he was glad to get assigned to a squadron so he could fly fighters. He flew his solo flight in a P-40 there on June 9, 1943. The mission of 118 Squadron was to protect the shipping lanes going into Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Prince Rupert was a vital port through which supplies and materials, bound for the Aleutians Campaign and the building of the Alaska Highway were processed. He described this duty in this way: "When we went on patrol, we were scrambled, We ran out to our planes, we buckled up, and we started up our airplane. And the air controller would take over, give us our vector to fly and we would fly that flight basically looking for Japanese submarines or any other strange looking boats." He did not mind this duty because he was just glad to be flying. He transferred into 111 Squadron on October 9, 1943 at Patricia Bay just before 111 Squadron left for 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 flew with them into Europe as the Allied advance pressed into Germany through France and Belgium. He flew Typhoons against German ground forces. After he finished his tour of 100 missions, he went to England where he helped other fighter pilots to become operational. He survived the war. He was from Toronto, Ontario and returned there after the war. He made a successful career in education. I am very grateful to Wally for supplying materials and helping me to understand, from a first hand perspective, what it was like to fly in two theatres in that war.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
The photo on the top left is taken from an article he wrote for AirForce Magazine, Spring, 2007, pp 20-21. The other photos come from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant Wally Ward and are used here with his permission. Thanks, Wally!
Walter Edward Ward
Obituary - May 14, 1923 - May 30, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Walter Edward Ward on Thursday May 30, 2019 in his 96th year. Beloved husband of Marjorie for 74 wonderful years. Loving father of Susan Denyer (John), Stephen Ward and Julie Sinclair (Thane). Cherished Grandfather of Graham, Laura, Adam, Emma, Blakely and Alice. Loved uncle of Janice and Frank Ward. Wally will be remembered for his WW2 service as a typhoon fighter pilot receiving the Legion of Honour for completing 100 missions. His career with the Peel Board of Education as the principal of Gordon Graydon Secondary School, founder of INDEC Alternative School and the director of Continuing Education has enriched the lives of young people and has given him immense pleasure over the years. In his community, Wally has received awards for citizenship in Mississauga, and has headed committees that provide services and language learning for adults and new Canadians. Friends and family will remember Wally as living his life with enthusiasm and showing great interest in all those around him. For this reason he has been blessed with the richness of many friendships throughout his life.
Friends may call at the Turner & Porter ‘Neweduk-Erin Mills’ Chapel, 1981 Dundas St. W., Mississauga (east of Erin Mills Pkwy), on Tuesday June 11, 2019 from 6-8 pm. Funeral service and burial at St. Peter’s Church Erindale, 3041 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga, on Wednesday June 12, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Obituary - May 14, 1923 - May 30, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Walter Edward Ward on Thursday May 30, 2019 in his 96th year. Beloved husband of Marjorie for 74 wonderful years. Loving father of Susan Denyer (John), Stephen Ward and Julie Sinclair (Thane). Cherished Grandfather of Graham, Laura, Adam, Emma, Blakely and Alice. Loved uncle of Janice and Frank Ward. Wally will be remembered for his WW2 service as a typhoon fighter pilot receiving the Legion of Honour for completing 100 missions. His career with the Peel Board of Education as the principal of Gordon Graydon Secondary School, founder of INDEC Alternative School and the director of Continuing Education has enriched the lives of young people and has given him immense pleasure over the years. In his community, Wally has received awards for citizenship in Mississauga, and has headed committees that provide services and language learning for adults and new Canadians. Friends and family will remember Wally as living his life with enthusiasm and showing great interest in all those around him. For this reason he has been blessed with the richness of many friendships throughout his life.
Friends may call at the Turner & Porter ‘Neweduk-Erin Mills’ Chapel, 1981 Dundas St. W., Mississauga (east of Erin Mills Pkwy), on Tuesday June 11, 2019 from 6-8 pm. Funeral service and burial at St. Peter’s Church Erindale, 3041 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga, on Wednesday June 12, 2019 at 2:00 pm
I am very grateful to Wally's daughter, Susan Denyer, for informing me of her Father's passing. Wally was a great support in the creation of this website and an inspiration. He was an enthusiast, embracing what came to him in life with courage, appreciation and a deep desire to serve. Thank you, Wally, for your service to your country, both in wartime and in peace. You have lived a long and meaningful life.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) A. A. "Al" Watkins DFC
He was from Aylesbury, Saskatchewan. At the time of his enlistment on 07 July 1941, he was working as an aircraft engineering apprentice at the Regina Flying Club. He trained on Tiger Moths at No. 19 E.F.T.S. in Virden, Manitoba, and on Harvards at No. 2
S.F.T.S. at Uplands, Ottawa, Ontario. He began flying Kittyhawks after being posted to 132 fighter squadron at RCAF Rockcliffe, Ottawa, Ontario, in April 1942. After the pilots of 132F flew their Kittyhawks to Sea Island in June 1942, Al was re-assigned to 111F Squadron and commenced flying out of Elmendorf Airforce Base in Anchorage, Alaska on 28 June 1942. He was posted with 111F to Kodiak in November 1942 and, in May 1943, to the forward base on Amchitka Island. He participated in bombing missions on Kiska in May and June. He returned with 111F to Patricia Bay on Vancouver Island in September 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. He learned to fly Hurricanes and Typhoons with 440 Squadron in February 1944. He flew Typhoons on bombing and strafing sorties over France in April and May. His Typhoon was hit by flak on 22 May 1944 and he was forced to bale out over the English Channel. After 5 ½ days drifting in his dinghy off the French coast, he was recovered by an RAF amphibian aircraft and spent several months recuperating in England before returning to Canada in late 1944. Flying Officer Watkins was awarded the DFC.
This is the way this incident was reported in his hometown newspaper. Moose Jaw Times Herald, Tuesday, May 30, 1944 "Rescued Airman Went to School in the City Flying Officer Allen Watkins, R.C.A.F., who was rescued Sunday after being adrift in the English Channel for five and one half days is an old Moose Jaw boy who joined the air force in 1941 and spent two years with the American Air Force on the Aleutian Islands. He attended Prince Arthur and King George schools and during his residence in Moose Jaw was a member of the Choir of St. John's Anglican Church... His parents are now residing in Aylesbury (about 40 minutes north of Moose Jaw).
The Hamilton Spectator picked up the story more fully: Hamilton Spectator, Tuesday, May 30, 1944 "Adrift 5.5 Days in the English Channel, Flier Thought Rescuers were Huns Somewhere in England, May 30, 1944 -- (CP) Flying Officer Albert Allen Watkins of Aylesbury, Saskatchewan, had been adrift 5.5 days when he was picked up Sunday. He was almost unconscious when brought to hospital here, but the 23 year old Typhoon fighter-bomber pilot remembered instructions to give only his rank, number and name if captured. Watkins at first thought doctors and officials at the hospital were Germans, and for several hours refused to give any more inforation than that. The hospital tonight reported his condition as 'all right but weak'. Watkins parachuted from his plane after it was crippled by heavy anti-aircraft fire during an evening attack on military targets in the Cherbourg area of France Squadron mates saw him crawl into his dinghy , and wirelessed his position, but darkness fell before a rescue boat could reach him. The dinghy drifted far during the night, and the air-sea rescue patrol did not sight the missing airman until he was seen lying in the dinghy Sunday morning."
He died in Qualicum Beach, B.C. in March 2010. Ribbons showing: Top, L-R: Distinguished Flying Cross, 1939-45 Star (Battle of Britain) and the Air Crew Europe Star. He also earned (bottom, L-R): the Pacific Star (Aleutian Campaign), the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the War Medal 1939-1945. The picture on the right was taken shortly before he died in March, 2010. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photos and career summary provided by his stepson, David Hicks. The Moose Jaw Times Herald quotes are courtesy of the indefatigable Times Herald scourer, Richard Dowson. Thank you, Richard.
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He was from Aylesbury, Saskatchewan. At the time of his enlistment on 07 July 1941, he was working as an aircraft engineering apprentice at the Regina Flying Club. He trained on Tiger Moths at No. 19 E.F.T.S. in Virden, Manitoba, and on Harvards at No. 2
S.F.T.S. at Uplands, Ottawa, Ontario. He began flying Kittyhawks after being posted to 132 fighter squadron at RCAF Rockcliffe, Ottawa, Ontario, in April 1942. After the pilots of 132F flew their Kittyhawks to Sea Island in June 1942, Al was re-assigned to 111F Squadron and commenced flying out of Elmendorf Airforce Base in Anchorage, Alaska on 28 June 1942. He was posted with 111F to Kodiak in November 1942 and, in May 1943, to the forward base on Amchitka Island. He participated in bombing missions on Kiska in May and June. He returned with 111F to Patricia Bay on Vancouver Island in September 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. He learned to fly Hurricanes and Typhoons with 440 Squadron in February 1944. He flew Typhoons on bombing and strafing sorties over France in April and May. His Typhoon was hit by flak on 22 May 1944 and he was forced to bale out over the English Channel. After 5 ½ days drifting in his dinghy off the French coast, he was recovered by an RAF amphibian aircraft and spent several months recuperating in England before returning to Canada in late 1944. Flying Officer Watkins was awarded the DFC.
This is the way this incident was reported in his hometown newspaper. Moose Jaw Times Herald, Tuesday, May 30, 1944 "Rescued Airman Went to School in the City Flying Officer Allen Watkins, R.C.A.F., who was rescued Sunday after being adrift in the English Channel for five and one half days is an old Moose Jaw boy who joined the air force in 1941 and spent two years with the American Air Force on the Aleutian Islands. He attended Prince Arthur and King George schools and during his residence in Moose Jaw was a member of the Choir of St. John's Anglican Church... His parents are now residing in Aylesbury (about 40 minutes north of Moose Jaw).
The Hamilton Spectator picked up the story more fully: Hamilton Spectator, Tuesday, May 30, 1944 "Adrift 5.5 Days in the English Channel, Flier Thought Rescuers were Huns Somewhere in England, May 30, 1944 -- (CP) Flying Officer Albert Allen Watkins of Aylesbury, Saskatchewan, had been adrift 5.5 days when he was picked up Sunday. He was almost unconscious when brought to hospital here, but the 23 year old Typhoon fighter-bomber pilot remembered instructions to give only his rank, number and name if captured. Watkins at first thought doctors and officials at the hospital were Germans, and for several hours refused to give any more inforation than that. The hospital tonight reported his condition as 'all right but weak'. Watkins parachuted from his plane after it was crippled by heavy anti-aircraft fire during an evening attack on military targets in the Cherbourg area of France Squadron mates saw him crawl into his dinghy , and wirelessed his position, but darkness fell before a rescue boat could reach him. The dinghy drifted far during the night, and the air-sea rescue patrol did not sight the missing airman until he was seen lying in the dinghy Sunday morning."
He died in Qualicum Beach, B.C. in March 2010. Ribbons showing: Top, L-R: Distinguished Flying Cross, 1939-45 Star (Battle of Britain) and the Air Crew Europe Star. He also earned (bottom, L-R): the Pacific Star (Aleutian Campaign), the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the War Medal 1939-1945. The picture on the right was taken shortly before he died in March, 2010. Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photos and career summary provided by his stepson, David Hicks. The Moose Jaw Times Herald quotes are courtesy of the indefatigable Times Herald scourer, Richard Dowson. Thank you, Richard.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Gordon Robert Weber
Gordon Weber, according to his Niece, Arlene Baird, was tired of school and enlisted, at the age of 17, in the RCAF. The RCAF sent him to Aircrew training. He got his Wings at #6 Service Flying Training School, Dunnville, Ontario. He was assigned to the newly constituted 111 Squadron in Rockcliffe on November 7, 1941. Indeed, he was the first pilot to report in to this brand new squadron. His rank was Sergeant Pilot at the time. He flew his first solo P-40 flight on January 11, 1942 at RCAF Sea Island (Vancouver). Four days later, he flew a Kittyhawk from Sea Island to RCAF Patricia Bay, the new home of 111 F Squadron. He must have left the squadron for a while because the Daily Diary reported that he returned to the squadron from 14 Squadron (at Sea Island) on June 28, 1942. In July of 1942, 111 Squadron was relocated to Anchorage Alaska. On July 4, 1942, he was promoted to Acting Flight Sergeant. Soon after, he was deemed "Operational" and was flying operational flights in defence of the American sea lanes approaching Anchorage. He was part of the squadron that was detached to serve on Umnak Island in the Aleutians. There, Canadian Airmen defended American air force installations, thereby freeing up the American forces to attack the Japanese who had attempted to invade the Aleutian Islands (American territory). He flew 16 operational patrols in defence and one, an attack on Kiska Island, in an offensive role. Soon afterwards, the squadron was relocated to Kodiak Island where they flew patrols in defence of the American sea lanes leading up to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, a Canadian seaport which was vital to American interests in the area.
On December 12, 1942, he was raised to Warrant Officer 2. He received his commission on August 27, 1943 and was sent, immediately, to #1 "Y" Depot in Halifax in preparation for going overseas. The picture of him at the bottom shows him in his new Pilot Officer's uniform and was probably taken when he was home on leave in Killarney, Manitoba, in September, 1943 just before he made his way to Halifax, Nova Scotia to be processed for Overseas Posting.
Don Forbes, the son of 111 Squadron's Johnnie Forbes, has found a reference to Flying Officer Gordon Weber's subsequent war experience. Here is his note to me: "In Volume 1 of Larry Milberry's three volume set Canada's Air Force at War and Peace, there is an excerpt covering the excitement during August 17, 1944. It would appear to me that F/O Gordon Weber served with RCAF 441 Squadron when he was posted overseas. It is mentioned that the lads had much "joy" in the proper pranging of numerous German MTs (mechanized transport). In the fray, 'three pilots lost to a barrage of intense flak. F/O R. Weber returned ten days later'. I have good reason to believe that this R. Weber was formerly of No. 111 (F). No. 441 was with Fighter Command No. 12 Group, Digby, U.K. The lads flew Spitfire Mk IXB and later on (early '45) transitioned to the Mustang Mk III (P-51C)." As always, thanks, Don.
Note: frequently in the Press, his name was spelled "Webber" , however, in an autographed squadron photograph he signed his name with only one "b". That convinced me. I have recently heard from his Niece, Arlene Baird, who confirmed that his name was spelled "Weber". The misspelling continued: see "Webster" above. in the clipping. Also, the clipping states that he participated in raids on Attu Island. He did not.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Top middle photo from Source: rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca); 1st and 3rd photos on top and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; Top left photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-4. Top right picture: Waiting for the call in the Readiness Tent on Kodiak Island, It might be Sgt Lou Wise who is behind Sgt Weber in the top right picture. Photo in the top middle was
extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #095 in the portrait. The photo and clipping on the bottom are from the Collection of Flying Officer Weber's Sister, courtesy of his Niece, Arlene Baird.
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Gordon Weber, according to his Niece, Arlene Baird, was tired of school and enlisted, at the age of 17, in the RCAF. The RCAF sent him to Aircrew training. He got his Wings at #6 Service Flying Training School, Dunnville, Ontario. He was assigned to the newly constituted 111 Squadron in Rockcliffe on November 7, 1941. Indeed, he was the first pilot to report in to this brand new squadron. His rank was Sergeant Pilot at the time. He flew his first solo P-40 flight on January 11, 1942 at RCAF Sea Island (Vancouver). Four days later, he flew a Kittyhawk from Sea Island to RCAF Patricia Bay, the new home of 111 F Squadron. He must have left the squadron for a while because the Daily Diary reported that he returned to the squadron from 14 Squadron (at Sea Island) on June 28, 1942. In July of 1942, 111 Squadron was relocated to Anchorage Alaska. On July 4, 1942, he was promoted to Acting Flight Sergeant. Soon after, he was deemed "Operational" and was flying operational flights in defence of the American sea lanes approaching Anchorage. He was part of the squadron that was detached to serve on Umnak Island in the Aleutians. There, Canadian Airmen defended American air force installations, thereby freeing up the American forces to attack the Japanese who had attempted to invade the Aleutian Islands (American territory). He flew 16 operational patrols in defence and one, an attack on Kiska Island, in an offensive role. Soon afterwards, the squadron was relocated to Kodiak Island where they flew patrols in defence of the American sea lanes leading up to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, a Canadian seaport which was vital to American interests in the area.
On December 12, 1942, he was raised to Warrant Officer 2. He received his commission on August 27, 1943 and was sent, immediately, to #1 "Y" Depot in Halifax in preparation for going overseas. The picture of him at the bottom shows him in his new Pilot Officer's uniform and was probably taken when he was home on leave in Killarney, Manitoba, in September, 1943 just before he made his way to Halifax, Nova Scotia to be processed for Overseas Posting.
Don Forbes, the son of 111 Squadron's Johnnie Forbes, has found a reference to Flying Officer Gordon Weber's subsequent war experience. Here is his note to me: "In Volume 1 of Larry Milberry's three volume set Canada's Air Force at War and Peace, there is an excerpt covering the excitement during August 17, 1944. It would appear to me that F/O Gordon Weber served with RCAF 441 Squadron when he was posted overseas. It is mentioned that the lads had much "joy" in the proper pranging of numerous German MTs (mechanized transport). In the fray, 'three pilots lost to a barrage of intense flak. F/O R. Weber returned ten days later'. I have good reason to believe that this R. Weber was formerly of No. 111 (F). No. 441 was with Fighter Command No. 12 Group, Digby, U.K. The lads flew Spitfire Mk IXB and later on (early '45) transitioned to the Mustang Mk III (P-51C)." As always, thanks, Don.
Note: frequently in the Press, his name was spelled "Webber" , however, in an autographed squadron photograph he signed his name with only one "b". That convinced me. I have recently heard from his Niece, Arlene Baird, who confirmed that his name was spelled "Weber". The misspelling continued: see "Webster" above. in the clipping. Also, the clipping states that he participated in raids on Attu Island. He did not.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Top middle photo from Source: rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca); 1st and 3rd photos on top and signature are from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland; Top left photo from Glenbow Archives NA 4330-4. Top right picture: Waiting for the call in the Readiness Tent on Kodiak Island, It might be Sgt Lou Wise who is behind Sgt Weber in the top right picture. Photo in the top middle was
extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in position #095 in the portrait. The photo and clipping on the bottom are from the Collection of Flying Officer Weber's Sister, courtesy of his Niece, Arlene Baird.
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) William Roland "Billy" Weeks DFC
J23840 Pilot Officer Weeks was a replacement pilot for 111 Squadron pilots being sent overseas. He arrived from Western Air Command, on June 2, 1943. He had his P-40 solo on June 8. He crashed P-40 #1051 on June 9. He was unhurt but the Kitty was badly damaged. According to his son, Alex Weeks, the accident was the result of the port oleo leg collapsing on landing. This was a particular vulnerability of the early P-40's. The "Pilots in a Jeep" photo shows a bunch of 111 Squadron pilots at the time that S/L David Ramsay (at the wheel) assumed command in March, 1943. In July, 1943, when 111 Squadron had finished its tours on Umnak Island, Bill was "temporarily" posted to 14 Squadron. He remained on Umnak, participating in sorties against the Japanese until September 21, 1943. Again according to Alex Weeks, Bill was part of the team that recovered the body of P/O Rodney Shavalier who was killed, on September 6, 1943, when he crashed his Kittyhawk (P-40, 1043) into Mount Idak on Umnak Island. He also served on the Board of Inquiry that investigated the accident.
He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. 442 was a Spitfire squadron. He was promoted to Flying Officer on April 3, 1944. He believed that he might have been the pilot that attacked Rommel's staff car and who wounded the general on July 19, 1944. His parents were informed in a letter dated January 15, 1945, that he had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Here is the citation: "This officer has, throughout a long operational tour, consistently shown great determination, enthusiasm and devotion to duty. He has participated in a large number of dive bombing sorties and attacks against ground targets. He has also inflicted much damage to enemy transport including destruction or damage to sixty-three vehicles and damage to eleven locomotives. On one occasion he participated in the destruction of a large ammunition train. Another time he successfully attacked and destroyed a midget submarine. In combat he has destroyed one enemy aircraft and damaged two others." He survived the war. His son, Alex Weeks, has supplied this summary of his Father's post-war life: "My Dad went to the University of New Brunswick and obtained his Bachelor of Science in 1950 but re-enlisted in November of 1950 because of the Korean Conflict. He flew Vampires and F-86 Sabres mostly out of St-Hubert, Quebec (441 then 421 Sq.). Because he had a B. Sc. he was selected to work at Canadian Armament Research and Development Establishment (CARDE) in Valcartier for a period time 1951-1952. He left the Air force in September 1954 to work for Aircraft Industries Canada Ltd. in Saint-Jean, Quebec. From 1959 until 1986 he taught Mathematics (mostly as Department Head) at Chambly County High School in Saint-Lambert, Quebec until retirement. He returned to the Miramichi area of New Brunswick in 1998 and passed away on March 16, 2006."
For a more detailed look at F/L Weeks' military and personal career see Joe's workup at http://flyingforyourlife.com/pilots/ww2/w/weeks/
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left is a 1943 RCAF portrait from the Collection of F/L William Weeks, courtesy of his son, Alex. Right photo is Department of National Defence PMR 76-2. Bill is in the front centre. Upper middle right photo extracted from the Late Robert Bracken's SPITFIRE - The Canadians courtesy of Joe at http://www.flyingforyourlife.com/. Upper middle left photo shows the clock from the P-40 Bill crashed on landing. He had sent it to his Father. Bottom middle photo extracted from Department of National Defence photo, serial number unknown. Thanks, Alex, for all of the above.
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J23840 Pilot Officer Weeks was a replacement pilot for 111 Squadron pilots being sent overseas. He arrived from Western Air Command, on June 2, 1943. He had his P-40 solo on June 8. He crashed P-40 #1051 on June 9. He was unhurt but the Kitty was badly damaged. According to his son, Alex Weeks, the accident was the result of the port oleo leg collapsing on landing. This was a particular vulnerability of the early P-40's. The "Pilots in a Jeep" photo shows a bunch of 111 Squadron pilots at the time that S/L David Ramsay (at the wheel) assumed command in March, 1943. In July, 1943, when 111 Squadron had finished its tours on Umnak Island, Bill was "temporarily" posted to 14 Squadron. He remained on Umnak, participating in sorties against the Japanese until September 21, 1943. Again according to Alex Weeks, Bill was part of the team that recovered the body of P/O Rodney Shavalier who was killed, on September 6, 1943, when he crashed his Kittyhawk (P-40, 1043) into Mount Idak on Umnak Island. He also served on the Board of Inquiry that investigated the accident.
He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. 442 was a Spitfire squadron. He was promoted to Flying Officer on April 3, 1944. He believed that he might have been the pilot that attacked Rommel's staff car and who wounded the general on July 19, 1944. His parents were informed in a letter dated January 15, 1945, that he had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Here is the citation: "This officer has, throughout a long operational tour, consistently shown great determination, enthusiasm and devotion to duty. He has participated in a large number of dive bombing sorties and attacks against ground targets. He has also inflicted much damage to enemy transport including destruction or damage to sixty-three vehicles and damage to eleven locomotives. On one occasion he participated in the destruction of a large ammunition train. Another time he successfully attacked and destroyed a midget submarine. In combat he has destroyed one enemy aircraft and damaged two others." He survived the war. His son, Alex Weeks, has supplied this summary of his Father's post-war life: "My Dad went to the University of New Brunswick and obtained his Bachelor of Science in 1950 but re-enlisted in November of 1950 because of the Korean Conflict. He flew Vampires and F-86 Sabres mostly out of St-Hubert, Quebec (441 then 421 Sq.). Because he had a B. Sc. he was selected to work at Canadian Armament Research and Development Establishment (CARDE) in Valcartier for a period time 1951-1952. He left the Air force in September 1954 to work for Aircraft Industries Canada Ltd. in Saint-Jean, Quebec. From 1959 until 1986 he taught Mathematics (mostly as Department Head) at Chambly County High School in Saint-Lambert, Quebec until retirement. He returned to the Miramichi area of New Brunswick in 1998 and passed away on March 16, 2006."
For a more detailed look at F/L Weeks' military and personal career see Joe's workup at http://flyingforyourlife.com/pilots/ww2/w/weeks/
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo on left is a 1943 RCAF portrait from the Collection of F/L William Weeks, courtesy of his son, Alex. Right photo is Department of National Defence PMR 76-2. Bill is in the front centre. Upper middle right photo extracted from the Late Robert Bracken's SPITFIRE - The Canadians courtesy of Joe at http://www.flyingforyourlife.com/. Upper middle left photo shows the clock from the P-40 Bill crashed on landing. He had sent it to his Father. Bottom middle photo extracted from Department of National Defence photo, serial number unknown. Thanks, Alex, for all of the above.
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Pilot Officer (Pilot) Dean Edward "Whitey" Whiteside
(R 98401 / J10607) After serving a four-year enlistment in the United States Navy, reaching the rank of Petty Officer, 2nd Class (Radioman), Dean decided to pursue a dream. As he stated in his RCAF application: "Since childhood, flying has been my ambition." So he left Kansas, making is way to Windsor, Ontario where, on June 2, 1941, he joined the RCAF. He attended #22 Elementary Flying Training School at Ancienne Lorette, Quebec, then he went to #13 Service Flying Training School, St. Hubert, Quebec. He received his Wings there on March 3, 1942. He joined 111 (f) Squadron on March 21, 1942 at Patricia Bay, British Columbia, just after the squadron portrait was taken. When the squadron moved to Elmendorf Air Base, Anchorage, Alaska, he went with them. He was killed on July 16, 1942. He was one of the three fliers who flew into a fog-shrouded mountain on Unalaska Island. They were moving from Elmendorf to Umnak Island in the Aleutian Islands. He and his most of his flight didn't make it. He flew P-40E # AL 201. He is buried at Fort Richardson National Cemetery, Alaska, site 233. See his headstone. He died four days after his 21st birthday. At the time of his death, he was engaged to the daughter of Royal Canadian Army Major C.M. McDowell. I don't know her name. He was an American citizen, from Waterville, Kansas. He was the son of farmer Edward H. and Mabel C. Whiteside and he had a sister named Evelyn McCandless. I have heard from his 6th Cousin, Robert, who said this about Dean: "Dean was born in Kansas. In both 1920 & 1930, his family were living in Waterville, Marshall County, Kansas. I would assume he was born near there. In 1940 Edward and Mabel Whiteside, Dean's parents, were also living in Waterville. Waterville is just up US Hwy 71 from Manhattan."
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
The information here and signature were excerpted from his Royal Canadian Air Force Service Record. Unfortunately, there was no picture in his record. This photo was found by Gary Boudreau on the Canadian Memorial website. Thanks, Gary
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Pilot Officer (Pilot) Dean Edward "Whitey" Whiteside
(R 98401 / J10607) After serving a four-year enlistment in the United States Navy, reaching the rank of Petty Officer, 2nd Class (Radioman), Dean decided to pursue a dream. As he stated in his RCAF application: "Since childhood, flying has been my ambition." So he left Kansas, making is way to Windsor, Ontario where, on June 2, 1941, he joined the RCAF. He attended #22 Elementary Flying Training School at Ancienne Lorette, Quebec, then he went to #13 Service Flying Training School, St. Hubert, Quebec. He received his Wings there on March 3, 1942. He joined 111 (f) Squadron on March 21, 1942 at Patricia Bay, British Columbia, just after the squadron portrait was taken. When the squadron moved to Elmendorf Air Base, Anchorage, Alaska, he went with them. He was killed on July 16, 1942. He was one of the three fliers who flew into a fog-shrouded mountain on Unalaska Island. They were moving from Elmendorf to Umnak Island in the Aleutian Islands. He and his most of his flight didn't make it. He flew P-40E # AL 201. He is buried at Fort Richardson National Cemetery, Alaska, site 233. See his headstone. He died four days after his 21st birthday. At the time of his death, he was engaged to the daughter of Royal Canadian Army Major C.M. McDowell. I don't know her name. He was an American citizen, from Waterville, Kansas. He was the son of farmer Edward H. and Mabel C. Whiteside and he had a sister named Evelyn McCandless. I have heard from his 6th Cousin, Robert, who said this about Dean: "Dean was born in Kansas. In both 1920 & 1930, his family were living in Waterville, Marshall County, Kansas. I would assume he was born near there. In 1940 Edward and Mabel Whiteside, Dean's parents, were also living in Waterville. Waterville is just up US Hwy 71 from Manhattan."
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
The information here and signature were excerpted from his Royal Canadian Air Force Service Record. Unfortunately, there was no picture in his record. This photo was found by Gary Boudreau on the Canadian Memorial website. Thanks, Gary
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Eldon Clifford "Bill" Williams
R63939/ J9858 He got his wings from No. 1 Service Flying Training School, Camp Bordon, Ontario in Class #1 that began on July 20 and ended on September 21, 1940. He arrived at 111 Squadron on December 19, 1941. He came out of flight school as a Sergeant but received his Commission, effective December 15, 1941, shortly after he arrived at 111 Squadron. He was active in the 111 training program to learn to fly the P-40. However, on March 24, 1942, the Daily Diary reported that he was admitted to the station hospital without indicating the reason for admission. His name never reappeared in the Diary. Coincidentally, a week later, six of 111 Squadron's pilots were sent "East" to help in the formation of new squadrons. The names of the six departing pilots were not given. I believe he was included in that group. That was the time that 132 Squadron was being formed at Rockvcliffe, Ontario and his name is associated with that squadron. At some point in 1944, he went overseas to join RCAF No. 403 Squadron in Europe (see link). His 111 flying mate, Doug Orr, was his wing mate in 403 Squadron. "On 9th June, 1944, his Spitfire Mk.IX MJ827 of No.403 Sqn RCAF was shot down near Omaha Beach by naval anti-aircraft fire. He was taken to hospital in Cherbourg as a prisoner, but was later freed on 27th June 1944 when the Allies took the hospital." F/L E.C. Williams survived the war. He was born in Warwick, Bermuda, April 8, 1917. After the war, he settled in British Columbia where he died.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in the #010 position in the squadron portrait. Second photo and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. The above quote from: http://www.worldnavalships.com/directory/airframeprofile.php?FrameID=13486 I am grateful to Mojmir Vraj for supplying some of the information.
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R63939/ J9858 He got his wings from No. 1 Service Flying Training School, Camp Bordon, Ontario in Class #1 that began on July 20 and ended on September 21, 1940. He arrived at 111 Squadron on December 19, 1941. He came out of flight school as a Sergeant but received his Commission, effective December 15, 1941, shortly after he arrived at 111 Squadron. He was active in the 111 training program to learn to fly the P-40. However, on March 24, 1942, the Daily Diary reported that he was admitted to the station hospital without indicating the reason for admission. His name never reappeared in the Diary. Coincidentally, a week later, six of 111 Squadron's pilots were sent "East" to help in the formation of new squadrons. The names of the six departing pilots were not given. I believe he was included in that group. That was the time that 132 Squadron was being formed at Rockvcliffe, Ontario and his name is associated with that squadron. At some point in 1944, he went overseas to join RCAF No. 403 Squadron in Europe (see link). His 111 flying mate, Doug Orr, was his wing mate in 403 Squadron. "On 9th June, 1944, his Spitfire Mk.IX MJ827 of No.403 Sqn RCAF was shot down near Omaha Beach by naval anti-aircraft fire. He was taken to hospital in Cherbourg as a prisoner, but was later freed on 27th June 1944 when the Allies took the hospital." F/L E.C. Williams survived the war. He was born in Warwick, Bermuda, April 8, 1917. After the war, he settled in British Columbia where he died.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1, Confirmed
Photo on left extracted from the 1942 Squadron Portrait, Department of National Defence PBG 1657. He is in the #010 position in the squadron portrait. Second photo and signature from the Collection of Flt. Lt. George Schwalm, courtesy of his nephew, Bob Hofland. The above quote from: http://www.worldnavalships.com/directory/airframeprofile.php?FrameID=13486 I am grateful to Mojmir Vraj for supplying some of the information.
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Flying Officer (Pilot) Donald Vicars Wright
R52896/ J12686 He attended Course 5 at Service Flying Training School #1, Camp Borden, Ontario from September 15 to November 21, 1940. For some reason, his name reappeared on the graduating list for another flying class that occurred there at Camp Borden but started three days later and graduated on December 12, 1940. He may have missed the Wings ceremony for the first and then showed up to get his Wings on December 12. I don't know what his first assignment was but, when the new 132 (f) Squadron formed at Rockcliffe, Ontario, on April 14, 1942, he joined it. 132 Squadron flew Kittyhawks out of Tofino and Boundary Bay, British Columbia in that time period. He transferred into 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay in early November, 1943 from 132 (f) 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. He flew Typhoons with 440 Squadron. Dave Hicks noted that, according to his Father's log, F/O Wright was injured slightly (facial lacerations, broken nose) on April 2, 1944 when he crashed landed his Hurricane into a field near the aerodrome where they were stationed. He survived the war. He was from Trenton, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo from the 440 Sqn Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8 - courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks. Photo on right was extracted from another squadron portrait taken that day: Department of National Defence photo PL 31056. Middle photo from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward who flew with Don in 111 and 440 Squadron. Thank you, Wally. I am also grateful to Mojmir Vraj for supplying some of the information about F/O Wright
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R52896/ J12686 He attended Course 5 at Service Flying Training School #1, Camp Borden, Ontario from September 15 to November 21, 1940. For some reason, his name reappeared on the graduating list for another flying class that occurred there at Camp Borden but started three days later and graduated on December 12, 1940. He may have missed the Wings ceremony for the first and then showed up to get his Wings on December 12. I don't know what his first assignment was but, when the new 132 (f) Squadron formed at Rockcliffe, Ontario, on April 14, 1942, he joined it. 132 Squadron flew Kittyhawks out of Tofino and Boundary Bay, British Columbia in that time period. He transferred into 111 Squadron at Patricia Bay in early November, 1943 from 132 (f) 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. He flew Typhoons with 440 Squadron. Dave Hicks noted that, according to his Father's log, F/O Wright was injured slightly (facial lacerations, broken nose) on April 2, 1944 when he crashed landed his Hurricane into a field near the aerodrome where they were stationed. He survived the war. He was from Trenton, Ontario.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed
Photo from the 440 Sqn Portrait taken at B.9, Normandy in the first week of August, 1944 from the Collection of Flt Lt Clifford Hicks - who is also in the portrait but was killed on August 8 - courtesy of his son, Dave Hicks. Photo on right was extracted from another squadron portrait taken that day: Department of National Defence photo PL 31056. Middle photo from the Collection of Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Wally Ward who flew with Don in 111 and 440 Squadron. Thank you, Wally. I am also grateful to Mojmir Vraj for supplying some of the information about F/O Wright
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Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Forrest Bee "Frosty" Young DFC
J 31819 He was from Huntington, West Virginia. He joined the RCAF in Toronto. He attended #1 Elementary Flying Training School, Camp Borden, Ontario. By the time he got into flight training, he had the option of switching to the USAAF but he felt he had a better chance at getting into a fighter squadron and getting into action if he remained in the RCAF. His first squadron assignment was to 133 Squadron, a fighter squadron flying Hurricanes out of Boundary Bay, British Columbia. He served only briefly in 111 Squadron, joining on May 12, 1943 at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, Alaska. He was there to get checked out in a new, for him, fighter type, the P-40. He soloed in the Kittyhawk in late May and transferred to 14 Squadron on June 10, 1943. In August, 1943, he was part of the 14 Squadron contingent who flew P-40s and participated in the battle against the Japanese. He flew out of Amchitka and Adak Islands. When 14 Squadron did eventually get back to Boundary Bay, British Columbia, he married Miss N.E. Fellows of Vancouver on December 17, 1943. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. He won distinction as a dive bomber (Spitfire) pilot in 442 Squadron in Europe. He was credited with destroying 73 enemy vehicles and shooting down 2 aircraft. For his ground support accomplishments he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was shot down in November, 1944, and taken prisoner. He was repatriated in June, 1945. To hear his voice as he reminisced about his time with the RCAF, go to Wally Feydenchuk's YouTube posting. He died on September 8, 2008 in Grinnell, Iowa.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo credit: http://www.acesofww2.com/Canada/aces/young.htm
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J 31819 He was from Huntington, West Virginia. He joined the RCAF in Toronto. He attended #1 Elementary Flying Training School, Camp Borden, Ontario. By the time he got into flight training, he had the option of switching to the USAAF but he felt he had a better chance at getting into a fighter squadron and getting into action if he remained in the RCAF. His first squadron assignment was to 133 Squadron, a fighter squadron flying Hurricanes out of Boundary Bay, British Columbia. He served only briefly in 111 Squadron, joining on May 12, 1943 at Fort Greely, Kodiak Island, Alaska. He was there to get checked out in a new, for him, fighter type, the P-40. He soloed in the Kittyhawk in late May and transferred to 14 Squadron on June 10, 1943. In August, 1943, he was part of the 14 Squadron contingent who flew P-40s and participated in the battle against the Japanese. He flew out of Amchitka and Adak Islands. When 14 Squadron did eventually get back to Boundary Bay, British Columbia, he married Miss N.E. Fellows of Vancouver on December 17, 1943. He was on the passenger manifest of the troop transport S.S. Pasteur which carried 111 and 14 Squadrons to England, January 20 to 27, 1944. He traveled with 14 Squadron which was re-numbered as 442 Squadron. He won distinction as a dive bomber (Spitfire) pilot in 442 Squadron in Europe. He was credited with destroying 73 enemy vehicles and shooting down 2 aircraft. For his ground support accomplishments he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was shot down in November, 1944, and taken prisoner. He was repatriated in June, 1945. To hear his voice as he reminisced about his time with the RCAF, go to Wally Feydenchuk's YouTube posting. He died on September 8, 2008 in Grinnell, Iowa.
Photo Identification Confidence Level: 1 Confirmed.
Photo credit: http://www.acesofww2.com/Canada/aces/young.htm
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