Happy Anniversary to the first RCAF squadron formed overseas – 1 March 1941

The Air Force Association of Canada is indebted to Mr. George Mitchell, a member, who takes the time to compile updates to this list each year.

This page is under construction. Any member wishing to volunteer to design this page is encouraged to contact the Executive Director Dean Black.

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90128 F/L John W.M.AITKEN DFC 601 Squad Born in Montreal 15/2/1910.
On 16 May, 1940 he flew to France with Hurricanes of “Au F!ight to reinforce
3 Squad. He was quite successful being involved in the destruction of six
enemy aircraft. He returned to England as an acting S/Leader and took
command of 601 Squad. and destroyed a He 111 25 June,1940. For this and
his victories in France he was awarded the DFC 9/7/40. On 25/6/41, flying a
Spitfire he shot down a Me109 in a sweep over France. Commanding 68
Squad. flying Blenheims as a night-fighter unit with mainly Czech crews, he
shot down a 0017 on the night of 30 April and another on the night of 29/30
May and on the night of 23/24 June shot down a Ju88 and a 00217. He was
awarded the DSO and the Czech Military Cross. His operational tour
complete he was posted in February 1943 to HQ Eastern Mediterranean in
the Fighter Tactics Branch. On 05 March 1944 flying a Beaufighter of 46
Squad. he shot down two Ju52s, probably shot down a third and damaged a
fourth. His victories now totaled 14. He retired as a Group Captain in 1946.
He died 01 May, 1985. His father was Lord Beaverbrook, the Minister of
Aircraft Production. Max had refused the Barony when his father died.
41241 F/O Charles I.R. ARTHUR 141Squad. From Fort Garry.Ol June 1943 as
a F/Lt. he took command of 232 Squad. in Tunisia until 25 December and
then commanded 72 Squad. at Lagos, Italy. He destroyed a Me 109 on 07
May and was awarded the DFC 9/6/44. He took the Squad. to Sisteron,
France to cover the landings and returned to Italy on 02 October. He was
promoted to acting W/Com. and awarded a bar to his DFC. He left the RAF
as a W/Comm. on 03 November 1954 and returned to Canada.
Lt (FAA) Roy BAKER-FALKNER 600 Squad. Born 03 June 1916. At the end of
August 1940 when there was an urgent call for pilots, the call went out to
the Navy, Coastal Command and Bomber Command. Roy was one of these.
He rose to the rank of L/Cdr. DSO, DSC and was killed flying off the Aircraft
Carrier HMS Furious 18/6/1944.
37664 F/Lt. Robert A. BARTON, DFC 249 Squad. Born in Kamloops, Be. 07
June 1916. Joined 41 Squad. 11 October 1936 and remained there until
posted as a Flight Commander to 249 Squad. on 16 May 1940. On 15 August
he shot down a MellO and a Me109 destroyed on the 24th. On 15
“h September a 0017 destroyed, a MellO destroyed on the 27′ and a Mel09
on 19 October and another bomber shot down into the sea 11 November.
He was awarded the DFC 20 October and decorated by the King at Duxford
January 1941. On convoy patrol on 04 February he destroyed a MellO his
final victory in the UK. In mid April the Squadron was equipped with Mk.1I
Hurricanes armed with 20mm cannon and in early May sailed from Liverpool
on the aircraft carrier HMS Furious to Gibraltar where they transferred to
the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal and sailed for Malta on 21 May where all
aircraft arrived safely. The squadron was quite successful with Barton on 03
June destroying a SM79 and a BR20 on the 8th a Me200 on 17 July and a
Me202 on 22 November. He was awarded a bar to his DFC 31 October
1941and posted away for a rest 08 December. He flew a few Mustang
sorties in 1944 and was made a OBE 14 June 1945. Stayed in the RAF and
retired on 27 February 1959 as a Wing Commander.
84923 P/O Percival H. BEAKE 64 Squad. He was an instructor with numerous
squadrons and awarded the DFC 05/9/1944. Release as a S/Ldr. 21 Jan 1946.
C820 FjO Eric W. BEARDMORE l(RCAF) Squad. Born in Kitchener, ON. 29
August ,1911. He was shot down 18 September 1940 and wounded.
Repatriated to Canada in March 1941 he formed RCAF 118 squad. at
Rockcliffe, Released on 18 Oct. 1945 as WjCom. He died 23 August 1966.
43022 P/O Robert W.G. BELEY, 151 Squad, from Rossland, Be. In combat on
12 August 1940 was shot down in Hurricane P3304 and crashed into the
sea. He was rescued but died of his wounds. He is buried in Margate
Cemetery, Kent, Section 50, grave #15938.
42185 P/O John BENZIE. 242 Squad. From Winnipeg. He was posted to
Church Fenton and went to France in May 1940. He was shot down by a
Mel09 on the 23rd and baled out south of Dunkirk, wounded he was
evacuated to England by sea. He rejoined the squad. 11 July. On 07 Sept. he
failed to return from combat over the Thames Estuary. He is remembered
on the Runnymede Memorial Panel 7. Lake Benzie is named in his honour.
37715 F/U. Howard P.BLATCHFORD 17& 257 squads. From Edmonton. He
was born 25 Feb.1912. On 17 November 1939 he shared in the destruction
of a He III (the first Canadian victory of the war). With 257 Squad. he shot
down a Fiat BR20 on 11 November and on the lin a Mel09. He was
awarded the DFC 6/12/1940. On the night of May 11/12/41 he shot down a
He III. In September he was promoted and took command of the Canadian
Wing at Digby. On 25 April 1942 he shot down a FW190. He was then rested.
He returned to operations as Wing Leader of the Coltishall Wing on OS/2/43
On 18 March he destroyed two FW 190s. The Wing escorted bombers to
attack the power station at Amsterdam 03 May 1943. He was shot down and
ditched into the sea. He was not found and is remembered on the
Runnymede Memorial Panel 118.
42791 P/O Camile R. BONSEINEUR 257 Squad. Born at Gull Lake, SK. 27/5/18
Shot down by Mel09s 03 Sept.1940 in Hurricane 3518. He is buried in
Saffron Walden Cemetery, Essex. Section 40, Grave 2
40204 F/O John G. BOYLE 41 Squad. Born 27 March 1914 at Castle Maine
ON. On 05 Sept 40 he shot down a Me109, on the 9th a He Ilion the 15th a
Mel09 and on the 17th two MI09s. He was shot down on the 28th in Spitfire
X4426. He is buried in Lynstead New Cemetery, Row F, Grave 1
C1591 FlO Carl E. BRIEZE 1(RCAF) Squad. From Rosetown SK. Repatriated to
Canada in 1942 and given command of 128 RCAF Squad. at Sydney NS using
Hurricanes for East Coast defense. Retired 20 August 1962 as a W/Comm.
Died 20/11/83.
C1094 P/O de Peyster BROWN l(RCAF) Squad. On 27 Sept. 1940 he shot
down a Ju88. He transferred to the USAAF on 25 May, 1942
37904 F/Lt. Mark H. BROWN DFC 1 Squad. Born at Portage la Prairie MB. 09
Oct. 1911. joined No.1 Squad. at Tangmere on 21 Feb.1937 and went to
France with the Squad. Destroyed a Me109 20 April 1940 and on 11 May
two MellOs, on the 14″”h . a Me109 and a Ju87 . On the 15 th a MellO, on the
Ith a MellO and a He III, on the 18th a Hs126; on the 19th. two He Ills; on
s~ th the 21 C a He III. On 05 June a Do17 and on the 14 a He III and a Me109. He
was shot down over France on 15 June but got a lift to Brest and got a boat
to England. The squadron flew their Hurricanes to Tangmere on the 18th and
he joined them that evening. He was awarded the DFC 30/7/1940. On 11
August he shot down a MellO. Four days later he was shot down into the
sea and rescued by a trawler. He took command of the squadron on 10 Nov
1940. He was awarded a bar to his DFC 23/5/1941. In late October 1941 he
was posted to Malta as Wing Commander Flying. On 12 November he was
leading his squad when he was hit by flak. On the night of 06 December the
Italians dropped a note saying that Brown had crashed and was killed. They
buried him in Catania War Cemetery with full military honours. He had shot
down18 Y, enemy aircraft. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the
Czech MM & MC
42101 P/O Marvin K. BROWN 242 Squad. From Kincardine, ON. He was shot
down on 21 Feb.1941 in Hurricane N2476. He is buried in Ipswich Cemetery
41823 P/O John BRYSON 92 Squad. from Westmount, Qe. He was shot down
and killed 24 Sepember 1940 in Spitfire X4037. He is buried in St. Andrew’s
Churchyard, North Weald Bassett, Row 1, Grave 4
79224 P/O Percy BYNG-HALL 29 Squad. Posted to 218 Squad.18 November
flying Wellingtons. He transferred to Administration Branch in July 1942 and
was released in 1946. He died 21 May, 1948 in BC
42393 P/O Alan R.M. CAMPBELL 54 Squad. From Sorrento Be. 18 August
1940 he shot down a Mel09 and on 03 March 1941 shot down another. He
sailed on the “Empire Moon” 10 June 1941, the second ship equipped with a
catapult Hurricane. He later served with 80; 123 & 234 Squads. He retired
from the RCAF in 1964 and died September 1979.
41824 P/O Norman N. CAMPBELL 242 Squad. from St. Thomas ON. On 18
Sept 1940 he shot down a Ju88 and on 17 Oct was shot down into the sea in
Hurricane V6575. His body was recovered and buried at Scottow Cemetery
Norfolk, Grave 244.
Sub/Lt.{FAA) Jack e. CARPENTER 229/46 Squads. From Toronto. He shot
down a Me 110 on 03 Sept 1940 and a Mel09 on the 5th. On 08 Sept. he
was shot down in Hurricane P3201. His body was returned to his family who
buried him at sea 16 September. He was 21 years old.
41825 F/O John CARRIERE 219 Squad. Born in Quebec 1915. Joined the RAF
on a short term commission in January 1939.He was posted to 219 Squad
when it reformed at Catterick on 04 October 1939 flying Blenheims. In
January 1944 he transferred to the RCAF. Released 28/11/45 as a F/Lt.
42484 P/O Gerald C.T.CARTHEW, 252; 85 & 145 Squads. From Mountain
Park AB. Transferred to the Administrative Branch in 1942. Released from
the RAF in 1946.
35198 F/O Edward F.J. CHARLES 54 Squad. Born 5 Feb.1919. From Lashburn
SK. On 07 April 41 he shot down a MellO. In sweeps over France between
17 June and the end of September 1941 he shot down five Mel09s and
probably destroyed six others. He was awarded the DFC 15 July 1941. He
moved to 511 Squad. 27 March 1943 and on 22 April was promoted to F/Lt.
and given command. On 22 April he destroyed a FW190 and the next day
two FW190s. On 17 Maya FW190 and on the 25th another. On 09 August 43
he was promoted to lead the Middle Wallop Wing and shot down a FW190
on 31 August. On 24 September he claimed his final victory. He was awarded
a bar to his DFC 15/7/43 ,the US Silver Star and the DSO 29/10/43. Charles
was on the staff of HQ Allied Expeditionary Air Forces. Released 1945
C855 P/O Joseph A.J. CHEVRIER l&l(RCAF) Squads. Born in St.Lambert QC
07 October 1917. He was repatriated to Canada on 09 January 1941 and
appointed ADC to the Governor General serving until 31 March 1942. He
was involved in a flying accident 05 July 1942 as a S/Ldr. and killed. He is
remembered on the Ottawa Memorial Panel 1; Column 4
40081 F/O George P. CHRISTIE DFC 242 & 55 Squads. Born 01 October 1917
at Westmount QC. He flew unarmed high- altitude Spitfires on photo Recce.
units and on 13 June 1940 he forced down a Fiat BR20. He was awarded the
DFC 21 August 1940. He shot down a MellO on the 30th and a Mel09, 04
September. On 14 November he shot down a Ju87 and on the 26 & 27 shot
down two more Mel09s. He was awarded a bar to his DFC. In early 1941 he
returned to Canada and joined Ferry Command. He was killed on 06 July in a
Hudson crash as a S/Ldr. Buried in Lake View Cemetery. Pointe Claire, QC
C925 P/O Beverley E. CHRISTMAS, l(RCAF) Squad. From Rouville, QC. He
shot down a Mel09, 31 August 1940 and another on 05 October. Back in
Canada he commanded 133(RCAF) Squad at Boundary Bay flying P40
Kittyhawks March and May 1941 on West Coast defense. He commanded
No 4 Wing Europe from April 1955 to July 1957/ He retired in 1973 as a
Colonel and died on 17 May 1988 at Victoria Be.
42915 P/O Arthur C. COCHRANE 257 Squad. Born in Vernon Be. 27/4/1919
08 August 1940 he shot down a Mel09 and on the 31st
. a MellO, a Do17 on
07 September. On the 15th he was injured in a car accident and spent some
time in hospital. The squad was sent to N. Africa where he shot down a
SM79. He was awarded the DFC 30/3/43. He failed to return from patrol on
31 March 1943. Remembered on the Malta Memorial Panel 6, Column 1.
C1159 P/O William e. CONNELL 32 Squad. From Tisdale SK. Posted 06/10/40
to Acklington. Released from the RCAF 16 June 1946 as a F/Lt. Died in 1994
81366 P.O George H. CORBETT 66 Squad. Born 04/11/19 in SK. On 27
September 1940 he shot down a Ju88 and was killed on 08 October in
Spitfire R6779 by a Mel09. He is buried in St. Mary’s Churchyard Upchurch,
Kent. SW Corner.
C299 F/Lt. Vaughan B. CORBETT l(RCAF) Squad. Born in Toronto 24/3/1911
He took command of 2(RCAF) Squad. in April 1941 which was renumbered
402 (RCAF). All other Canadian squadrons would be renumbered in the 400
series. Awarded the DFC 13/2/42. On 16 july was repatriated to Canada
Killed in a flying accident 20/2/45 as a G/Capt. and buried in St. James
Cemetery Toronto.
78746 P/O Malcolm e. CORNER 264 Squad. Born in Westmount QC 1907. He
transferred to the Admin and Special Services Branch on 05 June 1941. He
died on 23 April 1945 at Ambala, India as a S/Ldr. Buried in Delhi War
Cemetery.
41674 F/O Lawrence E. CRYDERMAN 242 Squad. He was born in Toronto.
On 08 Feb 1941 he was scrambled with two other Hurricanes to search for a
bomber off the coast. He called to say that he was landing in the sea. He was
not found and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial Panel 30.
42806 P/O William A. CUDDlE 141 Squad. From Regina SK. He was killed in
N. Africa with 46 Squad. as a S/Ldr.03 October 1943. He is remembered on
the Alamein Memorial Column 267.
37596 F/Lt. Richard W. DENISON 236 Squad. Reared in Vernon BC He
commanded 80 Squad. in the Western Desert from April to September 1942
and commanded 46 Squad. at Idku from June to December 1944. He
awarded the AFC 1/1/45 and returned to Canada as a W/Comm. He was
killed in a flying accident at Yellowknife 06 February 1951
C788 F/O Jean-Paul J. DESLOGES l(RCAF) Squad. Born in Hull QC on 23 April
1913. He was killed in a flying accident in N. Africa 08 May 1944 as a W/Com
He is buried in Dely Ibrahim War Cemetery, Algeria.
42675 P/O Roland H. DIBNAH DFC 1&242 Squads. From Winnipeg he was an
ace with nine enemy aircraft shot down but did not receive his DFC until 40
years later! It had been recommended by his CO in May 1940 and sent in a
letter to his mother. The letter was never found until she died in 1980 and
sent to RAF HQ in London for verification. Roland died in Vancouver, Feb/90
41564 F/O Norman D. EDMOND 615 Squad. Born in Winnipeg. He was
involved in a collision with his CO’s Hurricane. Both aircraft crashed into the
sea and both were killed 20 April 1941. His body was recovered and buried
in St. Andrew’s Churchyard, North Weald Bassett.
41837 P/O Harry D. EDWARDS 92 Squad. From Winnipeg. He was shot down
by Mel09s in Spitfire P9464 and killed 11 September 1940. He is buried in
Folkstone New Cemetery, Kent. Plot 0, Grave 31
C903 Robert I. EDWARDS l(RCAF) Squad. from Cobourg ON. He was shot
down by return fire from Do17s attacking Debden on 16 August 1940 in
Hurricane P3874. Buried in Brookwood Miltary Cem. Plot 3,Row C, Grave lA
41566 F/O Allen L. EDY DFC 602 Squad. from Winnipeg. He was awarded the
DFC for his services in France. He was killed on 12 December 1941 when his
Spitfire caught fire. He baled out but was too low and his parachute failed to
open. He is buried in St. Andrew’s Churchyard, Andrea, Isle of Man
C1349 P/O George J. ELLIOD 615&607 Squads Converted to Hurricanes with
615 Squad. at Prestwick 05 October, 1940 and on the 9th moved to 607
Squad. at Tangmere. He was released from the RCAF on 04 June 1946 as a
S/Ldr.
37280 S/Ldr. Andrew W. FLETCHER DFC 235 Squad. From Cardston AB. He
had been awarded the DFC 22/10/1940 and MiD January 1941.He was given
the command of 272 Squad in the Middle East and while in Malta destroyed
seven Italian aircraft at airfields in Italy. He was given a bar to his DFC
31/10/41 and posted away. Released from the RAF in 1946 as a W/Com. he
returned to Canada and went farming in Warner, AB.
81636 P/O Ernest G. FORD 3& 232 Squads. From Regina SK, he was
repatriated to Canada and killed there on 12 December 1942 age 28 as a
F/Lt. He is buried in Burnsland Cemetery Calgary.
42831 P/O Charles G. FRIZELL 257 Squad. Born on 03 October 1921.0n the
15 September he was seriously injured when S/Ldr. Robert R.S. Tuck drove
into the back of his car. He spent three months in hospital. In June 1943 he
was posted to Gibraltar to command 1676 Fighter Defence Flight, carrying
out long- range Atlantic shipping patrols. He carried out liaison duties with
the Chinese Air Force and was released as a S/Ldr. on 06 March, 1946.
C1352 P/O Robert Carl FUMERTON 32 Squad. Born 21 March 1913 at Fort
Coulonge, QC. In June 1941 he went to 406(RCAF) squad where a night
fighter squad. was set up at Acklington in the North East of England first
with Blenheims and then with Beaufighters. He chose Sgt. Pat Bing as his
radar operator. He was tall and slim and didn’t yak all the time as Fumerton
said later. Their first victory was a Ju88 on 01 September 1941. It crashed on
the ground near the base so they hacked off the side panel with the German
Cross on it and brought it back to Canada. They were then sent with Egypt
with RAF 89 Squad (9 Beaufighters). They were immediately successful. On
the night of 7/8 April 1942 they shot down two He Ills. The squad was split,
four Beaufighters being sent to Malta. Their success continued where they
shot down nine enemy aircraft plus a Ju88 on the ground in Sicily. Fumerton
was awarded the DFC 27/3/42 and a bar to his DFC 21/7/42. They then
returned to Canada for a well earned rest. His 14th kill was a Ju 188 flying in a
Mosquito. He was given command of 7 OTU at Debert, NS and awarded the
AFe. Pat Bing DFC re-mustered as a pilot at Regina, becoming a S/Ldr. He
resides at Komox Be. Fumerton died 10 July 2006 at Huntsville, ON.
37632 F/U. Lionel M. GAUNCE DFC 615 Squad. he was born in Lethbridge AB
20 September 1915. He flew with the Squad. in France until they were
recalled in May 1940. He shot down Mel09s on the 20th, 25th July and on
12th. August. On 26th August after shooting down another Mel09 he was
shot down into the sea. He was awarded to DFC 23 August 1940. He was
promoted to S/Ldr. and given command of 41 Squad. On a sortie to Saint Lo
19 November 1941 his aircraft was hit by Flak and he crashed into the sea.
He is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial Panel 28
36075 S/Ldr. John A.G.GORDON 151 Squad. of Red Deer, AB He took
command of 151 Squad. on 05 August 1940 and shot down a Mel09 on the
14th. On 18 August he was shot down in combat with Mell0s. Badly burned
he was admitted to Rochford Hospital. His Hurricane P3940 crashed and
burned. On 01 June 1942 he failed to return from a sweep flying with 350
Squad. as a W/Comm. Remembered on the Runnymede Memorial Panel 64
41579 F/O Robert D. GRASSICK 242 Squad. Born in London ON. 22/5/1917
He went to France and while there shot down two Mel09s on 15 May and
on the 16
th
a Ju88. Over Dunkirk 25, 29, and 31, he destroyed three Mel09s.
In late August he was injured in a motorcycle accident and was off flying for
some time. On the night of 10/11 May 1941 he destroyed a He III, on 17
June a Mel09. He was awarded the DFC 15/7/41. He was then posted to
Aden on 28 Sept. From January 1943 he was on test pilot duties in East
Africa. He transferred to the RCAF on 01 May 1945 and returned to Canada
39316 F/lt. Harry R. HAMILTON 85 Squad. From Kings County NB. He was
posted to Debden on 25 Mayas a Flight Commander and on 18 August 1940
shot down a MellO and on the 29th a Mel09 and was himself shot down
and killed over Winchelsea. His Hurricane V6623 crashed near the ruins of
Camber Castle. He is buried in Folkstone New Cemetery,Kent.Plot 0,Grave26
C1329 P/O Bruce A. HANBURY l&l(RCAF) Squads. Born on Vancouver 11
April 1911. He was killed in a flying accident as a S/Ldr. on 27 March 1942
with 409(RCAF). He is buried in Scopwich Church Burial Ground, Lincolnshire
41347 F/O Thomas P. HARNETT 219 Squad. From Moncton NB. He flew
Blenheims at Catterick and was then posted back to Canada in January 1941
as an instructor. In September 1944 he went to India to form and command
435(RCAF) Squad which flew Dakotas on supply drops to the 14th Army. He
was awarded the DFC 19/10/45. Released from the RCAF 10 September
1946 as a W/Comm. He died 19 December 1985
41696 P/O John S. HART 54&602 Squad. From Sackville NB. Born 11
Sept.1916. On 29 October he shot down a Mel09 . He commanded 67
Squad. in Burma from May to July 1943 and 112 Squad in italy from April to
August 1945. He was awarded the DFC 22/6/194S. He retired as a S/Ldr. and
settled in Naramata BC
81879 P/O Norris HART 242 Squad. From Montreal and brought up in
Hamilton. He shot down a He III on 30 August, a Mel09 on 15 September
and two Ju88s on the 18th he did not return from combat in Hurricane P2806
05 November. Remembered on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 8
76579 P/O Duncan A. HEWITT 501 Squad. Born in Toronto in 1920. He was
lost over the sea in Hurricane P3084 attacking a 0017 12 July 1940. He is
remembered on the Runnymede Memorial Panel 8
CI018 P/O Frank W. HILLOCK l(RCAF) Joined l(RCAF) squad. at Prestwick 21
October 1940. He then joined 406(RCAF) Squad.at Acklington 05 January
1941 as a Flight Commander flying Blenheims. as night-fighters. He was
given command of 410 Squad. at Ayr on 18 August 1942 flying Beaufighters.
He returned to Canada and was sent to the Staff College in May 1943. He
retired as a W/Comm. on 21 November1965.
41705 P/O Richard A. HOWLEY 141 Squad. From Victoria Be. On the morning
of 19 July 1940 he was flying one of the nine Defiants off Dover when they
were attacked by Mel09s. he was shot down into the Channel in Defiant
L6995 and lost. He is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial Panel 27
C948 F/O George G. HYDE l(RCAF) Squad. Born 11 February 1914 in
Montreal. He was killed in a flying accident 17 May 1941 as a F/Lt. with 402
Squad. Digby. He is buried in Scopwick Burial Grounds, Lincolnshire.
43037 P/O James T. JOHNSTON 151 Squad. From Brandon MB. He was shot
down by Mel09s in Hurricane P3941 15 August 1940. He is buried in
Folkstone New Cemetery, Kent. Plot O. Grave 16
37106 S/Ldr. John A. KENT DFC AFC 303 & 92 Squads. From Winnipeg.He
joined 303 Squad. at Northolt at its formation as a Polish Squad. as a Flight
Commander. On 09 September he shot down a MellO, on the 23rd a Mel09
on the nth. a Ju88 and on 01 October a Me 109. He was awarded the DFC
25/10/40. On 26 October he was posted to command 92 Squad. Biggin Hill.
He destroyed a Mel09 on 01 November and two more on the 2nd
• In early
June 1941 he was sent to Northolt to lead the Polish Wing. On 21 June he
shot down a Mel09 on the nth destroyed one on the ground. On 03 July he
shot one down and on the 20th another. On 02 August he was appointed to
lead the Kenley Wing. He destroyed Me109s on ]’h and 16th August. He was
awarded a bar to his DFC 21/10/41. In late August 1945 he was posted to Air
HQ British Forces of Occupation as Wing Commander Operation Plans. In
late 1946 he became the Personal Staff Officer to Air Marshal Sholto
Douglas, the Commander-in-Chief and Military Governor of the British Zone
of occupied Germany. He retired from the RAF on 01 December 1956 as a
Group Captain He died on 07 October 1985
C922 F/O John W. KERWIN l(RCAF) Squad. Born in Toronto 7/5/1918. He
shot down a 0017 on 31 August and was repatriated in Canada in November
1940 to command l11(RCAF) Squad. in the Aleutians. He was killed on 16
July 1942 when he hit a hill in fog. He was buried in Fort Richardson Post
Cemetery, Alaska, USA.
63783 Sgt. Joseph R. KILNER 65 Squad. from Medicine Hat SK. On August
5th,12th.and 13th. he was credited with Me109s and on 16th destroyed two
Me 109s and on the 20th another. Commissioned in April 1941 he was
awarded the DFC 5/9/44 credited with seven enemy aircraft destroyed and
four shared. He was released as a S/Ldr. in1946.he died on 11 May, 1986.
42849 P/O Joseph E.P.LARICHELIERE 213 Squad. Born in Montreal 03/12/12
He shot down two Me110s and a Me109 on 13 August and two Me110s and
a Ju87 on the 15th. He failed to return from combat on 16th August. He is
remembered on the Runnymede Memorial Panel 9
42008 p/a John B.LATIA 242 Squad. From Victoria, Be. Born 06/8/1914. On
patrol over Dunkirk 29 May 1940 he shot down a Me109 and on the 31st
.
another. On September 9th, 15th, & 1]’h he shot down four more Me109s.
He was awarded the DFC 8/11/1940. On patrol over the Dutch coast on
12th January 1941 he was reported missing in Hurricane V7208. He is
remembered on the Runnymede Memorial Panel 33.
41852 F/O Raymond G. LEWIS 1 Squad. from Fort Qu’ Appelle, SK. He was on
patrol in his Hurricane when he was attacked by Mel09s. He was set on fire
and baled out over the Channel 05 January 1941. He is remembered on the
Runnymede Memorial Panel 30.
C1117 F/O Thomas B.L1TILE l(RCAF) Squad. Born on Montreal 9 Sept. 1917
He shot down a Mel09 on 11 September 1940. On 27 August 1941 he was
reported missing as a F/Lt. with 402 Squad in Hurricane Z5001. He is
remembered on the Runnymede Memorial Panel 59
(997 F/O Peter W. LOCH NAN l{RCAF) Squad. Born Ottawa 03 August 1913
On 15 September he shot down a He III and on 07 October a Mel09. He
was killed in a flying accident on 21 May 1941. He is buried in Brookwood
Military Cemetery, Woking, Surrey, UK.
919410 Sgt. Robert H. LONSDALE 46/242&501 Squads. He shot down a He
III. on 30 August and a 0017 on 09 October 1940. In 1943 he joined Bomber
Command flying Lancasters as a F/O until the end of the war. He died in
Canada 1989.
(1323 F/O George F. McAVITY 3 Squad. From Little River NB he was in
Hurricane P3260 taking part in a Anti-Aircraft exercise in the North of
Scotland. Attempting a slow roll 19 October 1940 he crashed. He is buried
in Olrig New Cemetery, Caithness. Scotland. Sect. A, Grave 109
Cl172 P/O J.B. McCOLL 615&607 Squads. from Waterdown, ON. A graduate
of Camp Borden in May 1940. Along with others from Camp Borden arrived
at 6 OTU Sutton Bridge for conversion to Hurricanes. He moved to 73 Squad.
and went with it to the Middle East where he shot down a Caproni 133. He
was released from the RCAF on February 1945 as a F/Lt.
C936 F/Lt. Gordon R. McGREGOR DFC l(RCAF) Squad. Born in Montreal 26
September 1901. He shot down a 0017 on 26 August 1940. a He ilion 11
September, a Ju88 on the 2th. and Mel09s on the 30th and 05 October. He
was awarded the DFC 25/10/1940. And commanded the squadron
November and December. In January 1941 he was given command of
2(RCAF) Squad. which was re-numbered 402 Squadron on 01 March 1941.He
then formed and commanded a Wing in Canada to give air support to the
USA in Alaska. He was made a aBE 11 January 1943 and promoted to
G/Capt. He was the oldest Canadian Fighter pilot to see action in the war. He
was released from the RCAF 27 November 1945. He died in Montreal 08
March 1971.
41937 P/O William l. McNIGHT DFC* 242Squad. Born 1918 in Edmonton AB
He went to France 14 May 1940 and shot down a Me109 on the 19th
• Over
Dunkirk on 28 May he destroyed a Mel09. On the 29th
, a Mel09 and a
Do17. On the 31st destroyed two Me110s and a Mel09. On 01 June he shot
down two Ju87s. He was awarded an immediate DFC and decorated by the
King three days later. On 14 June he destroyed two Me 109s. The squadron
returned to England on the 18th
• McNight shot down three Mell0s and a He
III on 30 August. Two Mell0s on 09 September, and a Do17 on the 18th He
was awarded a bar to his DFC 8/10/1940. On 12 January 1941 , in company
with P/O M.K. Brown was on a rhubarb operation to straff enemy troops. As
they turned to take a second pass, a Mel09 was seen at 500 feet. Brown
attacked the troops but when he looked for McNight he had vanished. He
either fell to Flak or the Mel09. He is remembered on the Runnymede
Memorial Panel 30. and also a commemorative plaque at Calgary Airport.
36005 S/ldr. James R. MacLACHLAN 46 Squad. Born 27 February 1911. He
took command of 46 Squad. at Digby in June 1940. He transferred to the
Technical Branch in late 1940. He retired from the RAF on September 1956
as a Group Captain. He died in 1989
C134 S/Ldr. Ernest A. McNAB DFC l(RCAF) Squad. From Rosthern SK, Born in
1905. He took command of l(RCAF) Squad. at St. Hubert in November 1939.
He was leading the squadron when it arrived in the UK on 20 June 1940. On
15 August he destroyed a Do17 while flying with 111 Squad. On the 26th
another Do17 destroyed. On 15 September a He III destroyed and on the
27th a MellO destroyed. He was awarded the DFC 22/10/1940. In November
he returned to Canada and in June 1941 was given command of 118 Squad.
and took it to Dartmouth, NS for East Coast defence. He was made an OBE
13/6/46 and also held the Czech Military Cross. He retired from the RCAF in
October 1957 as a G/Capt. and settled in Vancouver. He died 10 Jan. 1977
C892 F/O William B.M. MILLAR l(RCAF) Squad. Born 14 December 1914 in
Penticton BC He was posted to Northolt 30 August 1940. He was shot down
by Mel09s in Hurricane P3081. He baled out wounded and burned. He
retired from the RCAF on 10 July 1964 as a W/Comm. He died 08 Jan. 1969
42758 P/O John A. MILNE 605 Squad. born 18 January 1915 in Yorkton SK.
He shot down a Me109, 27 Sept 1940 and was shot down by Mel09s, 22
October. He baled out of Hurricane V6783 but broke his hip on landing and
was admitted to hospital. It was the beginning of a love affair and he would
later marry his Welsh nurse. He was posted to Aden in 1941 and early in
1942 joined 112 Squad. in the Western Desert. In 1944 he went to Assam as
Chief Test Pilot. He was released from the RAF in July 1946 as a F/Lt. and
returned to Yorkton, SK. He was invited to represent Canada at the unveiling
of the new Battle of Britain Monument in London UK. 18 September 2005
but his wife fell and broke her hip and died soon after. He died 14 February,
2007
41447 P/O Harry T. MITCHELL 87 Squad. Born 1920 in Port Hope, ON. On 10
May he shot down two Do17s and on the 11th a Ju87 while in France. The
squadron returned to Debden where he shot down a MellO and a Ju87 on
15 August and a Me109 on the 25th 1940. He was awarded the DFC 11/2/41
and posted to Canada to serve in the Aleutians with the RCAF Fighter Squad.
He was released from the RCAF as a S/Ldr. in1946.
Cl226 F/O Hartland de M. MOLSON l(RCAF) Squad. Born in Montreal
29/5/1907 . He shot down a He ilion 11 September. He was shot down by
Mel09s on 05 October in Hurricane P3873. He baled out wounded and was
admitted to Chartham Hospital. He returned to Canada in early 1941 and
took command of 118 Squad. from 23 July 1941 to14 June 1942 flying
Kittyhawks in defence of the East Coast. He then took command of 126
squad. flying Hurricanes in a similar role from 15 June 1942. He retired as a
G/Capt. In 1945. He was made an OBE 1/1/46 and appointed a Senator in
July 1955.
39675 F/O William H. NELSON DFC 74 Squad. Born in Montreal 2/4/1917.
Originally in Bomber Command he transferred to Fighter Command 24/5/40
He was awarded the DFC for his service flying Whitleys in Bomber
Command. After converting to Spitfires he shot down a Mel09 and a MellO
on 11 August and Mel09s destroyed on 17,27, & 29 October. He was killed
on 01 November being shot down in a surprise attack by Mel09s. He
crashed into the Channel in Spitfire P7312. He is remembered on the
Runnymede Memorial Panel 4.
C1327 Arthur D. NESBITI l(RCAF) Squad. Born in Montreal 1904. He shot
down a MellO on 04 September and a Mel09 on the 15th
. he would be shot
down twice but survived both times albeit wounded. In March 1941 he took
command of the Squadron now numbered 401 and led it until September
He was awarded the DFC 23/9/41 and the OBE 1/1/46 and released from
the RCAF in 1946 as a W/Comm. He died in 1979.
91226 P/O Hugh G. NIVEN 601&602 Squads. Born in Canada, he went to
Scotland in 1937. He was admitted to Horton Emergency Hospital on 24
September 1941 suffering from tuberculosis. He was invalided out on 12
March 1942 as a F/O. When the squadron reformed in Jun 1946 he rejoined
as a civilian clerk.
C994 F/O Robert W. NORRIS l(RCAF) Squad. Born in Toronto. He was posted
to 400(RCAF) Squad. on 30 January 1941 flying Tomahawks on photo-recce.
duties across the Channel. He was repatriated to Canada in March 1942 and
commanded 125(RCAF) Squad from 03 June 1942 flying Hurricanes from
Sydney NS on east coast defence. In January 1944 he took his squadron to
the UK but lost his command to a more experienced fighter pilot on 08 Feb.
He refused a posting back to Canada and transferred to Bomber Command
taking command of 424 Squad. at Skipton-on-Swale flying Lancasters. He
was released from the RCAF as a W/Comm. 28 November 45. He rejoined
the RCAF on 26 May 1951 and served in Transport Command.
33329 F/Lt. Peter G.S. O’BRIAN 152&247 Squads Born in Toronto 16/9/1917
When at RAF Cranwell College he graduated as the top student in 1937 and
was awarded the Sword of Honour, the only Canadian to do so. He took
command of the newly re-formed 247 Squad at Roborough flying Gladiators
in 10 Group. As there were only 12 aircraft Peter was not qualified as a
S/Ldr. 18 Aircraft being required to qualify as a Fighter Squadron at that
time. He was awarded the DFC 2/12/41 while with 152 Squad flying Spifires
and led the Squad. until May 1942. In June he was promoted to W/Comm
training. In September he led the Portreath Wing on escorts and sweeps
over the Brest Penninsula and carrying attacks on shipping. he was awarded
a bar to his DFC 6/8/43. In May 1944 he joined the Joint Planning Staff in
London. He stayed in the RAF and was made a OBE 1/1/1954 and served as
ADC to the Queen. He retired on 18 July as a G/Capt. He died 15 April 2007
and is buried in St. James Cemetery, Toronto.
42872 P/O Alfred K. OGILVIE 609 Squad. Born in Ottawa. in 1915. He shot
down a Mel09 on 07 September and a MellO on the 27th 1940. In 1941 he
shot down a Mel09 on 16 May and two more on June 17 &21. He was shot
down injured 04 July and taken to a hospital in Belgium for nine months and
then taken to Stalag Luft Ill. He was involved in the Great Escape but was
captured after two days. He was awarded the DFC 11/4/1941. He retired
from the RCAF 14 September 1962 as a F/Lt. and died in 1998.
C957 F/O John D. PATIISON 1(RCAF) Squad. Posted to 1(RCAF) Squad at
Northolt in August 1940. He was with 419(RCAF) Squad. in 1942 and was
awarded the DFC 6/11/42 as an acting S/Ldr. He later returned to Canada
and commanded 145(RCAF) Squad. at Dartmouth from 01 March to 30 June
1945 when it was disbanded. He was released from the RCAF on 05 Sept. 45
as a W/Comm.
C900 P/O Otto J. PETERSON 1(RCAF) Squad. From Lioydminster, SK. Born 14
March 1915. He shot down a Me109 on 09 September and he was shot
down and killed on 27 September. His Hurricane P3647 crashed at Hever,
Kent. He is buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery, Plot3, Row K. Grave 1A
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 until16 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
146316 Sgt. Owen W. PORTER 111 Squad. Born in Alberta. After converting
to Hurricanes he joined 111 Squad. at Debden on 31 August. Commissioned
in February 1943 he was killed on 31 July 1944 as a F/O with 21 Squad.
operating Mosquitos from Thorney Island. He is buried in Morgny-IaPormmeraye
churchyard, France.
42260 P/O George R. PUSHMAN 23 Squad. He flew Blenheims with 23 Squad
during the Battle of Britain in 12 Group. He was awarded the DFC 17/10/44
as an acting S/Ldr. with 88 Squad operating Bostons. The citation mentions
laying smoke screens during D.Day and after. He retired as a F/Lt.
43043 P/O Hugh W. REILLEY 64&66 Squads. Born in London.ON. 26 May 18.
He attended London South Collegiate from 1933-38. In May 1939 a friend
and him left for England and were successful in obtaining a short service
commission. He joined the RAF in September 1939. After converting to
Spitfires he joined 66 Squad. at Gravesend. He shot down a Me109 on 27
September. He was shot down and killed by Major Molders a Lufftwaffe Ace
in combat over Westerham 17 October 1940 .His Spitfire R6800 crashed and
burned out. He is buried in Gravesend Cemetery Kent.
C806 F/Lt. Edwin M. REYNO 1(RCAF) Squad. Born in Halifax NS 1917. He
joined the RCAF on 03 January 1938 and was with 1(RCAF) Squad. when it
arrived in the UK on 20 June 1940. He was posted to 2(RCAF) squad on 01
Jan. 1941 as a Flight Commander. In 1942 he was appointed Chief Instructor
at N01 Fighter OTU at Bagotvilie, PQ. He was awarded the AFC 8/6/1944.
He was Station Commander at Greenwood NS in 1944 and in 1946 was
apPointed Senior Personnel Officer at Western Air Command Vancouver. He
retired on 30 October 1972 as a LGen Canadian Forces. He died 10 Feb.1982.
552653 Sgt. Leo P.V.J. RICKS 235 Squad. Born 20 December 1921 in Calgary
He joined 235 Blenheim Squad on April 1940 and served on it until 02/2/41
He then went to Coastal Command as an instructor. He transferred to the
RCAF and was commissioned. He retired from the RCAF in 1964 as a F/O He
went to Ireland to live in January 1969 and died there on 09 Jan.1985.
C1319 F/O Blair D, RUSSEL DFC 1(RCAF) Squad. Born in Toronto 9/12/1916
Graduated from Camp Borden Feb.1940 on a PPO course and joined the rest
of the squad on 20 June 1940. The squadron. was declared operational on
17 August. On the 21 &25 September he shot down a Me109 & a MellO
and was awarded the DFC 25/10/40 He had been involved in 9 other shared
kills. He was promoted to F/lt. and took command of 14(RCAF) Squad at
Rockcliffe on 01 January 1942. A number of command posts followed in the
UK and he had completed a tour by 15 October 1943 and was now a S/Ldr
and a bar was added to his DFC 16/11/43. He was promoted to W/Comm.
Tactics at HQ 83 Group. He dropped a rank to take command on 442 Squad.
on 28 April 1944 sensing that D Day was not far away. He was sent to land
on the first Allied airfield in Normandy on 10 June, the first Spitfire to land in
France after the invasion. He was re-promoted to W/Comm. and awarded
the DSO 3/10/44. He complete three tours and returned to Canada 13/3/45.
He died 20 November, 2007 at his home in Knowlton, QC.
37301 P/O Kirkpatrick M. SCLANDERS 242 Squad. Born in Saskatoon SK 1916
but brought up in St. Johns NF. He was in France when the collapse came.
He reached England and re-joined the RAF. He had originally been
commissioned in the RAF but had to resign in 1937 because of ill health.
Posted to 242 Coltishall on 26 August he regained his commission. He was
killed in combat with Do17s and Me110s 09 September 1940 in Hurricane
P3087. He is buried in St. Luke’s Churchyard, Surrey. Row G, Grave 34
41073 F/O Arthur W. SMITH 141 Squad, From Summerland BC. He joined
242 Squad. at Duxford on 04 November 1940. While on patrol on 28 March
1941 his turbo charger cut out and he spun in and was killed. He is buried in
Ipswich Cemetery, Suffolk.
37613 F/Lt. Forgrave M.SMITH 72 Squad. Born in Edmonton 17 August 1913.
He joined the Squad. at Church Fenton 1937. He shot down two Ju88s on 15
August and he himself was shot down in Spitfire P9438 and badly burned.
He spent three months in hospital then returned to 72 Squad. He was
promoted to S/Ldr. 1/9/1941 and sent to Drem as commander. In 1942 he
was posted to India as CFI at Risalpur. After a course at RAF Staff College
Haifa he returned to India as W/Comm. Ops at Air HQ New Delhi. He was
awarded the DFC 30/10/45. He retired from the RAF as a W/Comm. Died in
1994.
40325 F/O James D. SMITH 73 Squad. From Winnipeg. He shot down a
MellO on 11 Sept 1940 and a Me109 on the 15th
. During December the
Squad. was attached to 272 Squad in the Western Desert. He shot down
th ‘h ‘h three SM79s on the 14 ,16′ ,& 18′ . He was Mid 1/1/1942. 14 April 1942 the
Squad took off to intercept CR 42 and G50 fighters attacking Tobruk. He shot
down two G50s before being shot down and killed. He is buried in
Knightsbridge Cemetery Acroma. Libya.
40952 F/O Robert R. SMITH 229 Squad. From London. ON. on 01 June he
shot down a Ju87 over Dunkirk. From September 1942 he served in the
Western Desert with 112 Squad. on the nnd he shot down a Mel09, on the
31st a Ju87 and on 10 December a Mel09 and a Mc202. He was awarded the
DFC 23/2/1943. On the 10th of March he was shot down and became a pow.
He was released from the RAF in 1945 as a F/Lt. He died in the early 60’s.
C1594 F/O Ross SMITHER l(RCAF) Squad. Born in London, ON. 12/11/1912
He shot down a MellO on 04 September and was shot down and killed by
Mel09s on the 15th in Hurricane P3876. He is buried in Brookwood Military
Cemetery Plot 2, Row H, Grave 1
C1365 P/O Henry A. SPRAGUE 3 Squad. From Port Nelson Be. Born 12 Sept.
1915. A graduate of Camp Borden he converted to Hurricanes and joined
the Squad on 05 October 1940. On 06 February 1941 he joined l(RCAF)
Squad later 401 (RCAF) Squad.at Biggin Hill. He was shot down on n
November and became a POW. He was freed in May 1945 and returned to
Canada as a F/Lt. He was released from the RCAF on August 1945.
C895 F/O William P. SPRENGER l(RCAF) Squad. Born in North Bay 13 /7/11
He was killed 12 November 1940 when he crashed beside Loch Lomond
during an Anti-Aircraft exercise. He is buried in Vale of Leven Cemetery,
Bonhill Dumbarton Scotland.
42272 P/O Noel K STANSFELD DFC 242&229 Squad Born 1915 in Edmonton.
Over Dunkirk 31 May he destroyed a MellO. He went to France with the
Squad. and on 18 June destroyed a He III. On 07 September he shot down a
Do17 and on the 15th
. a Do17 and a He III. He was awarded the DFC 8/10/40.
He was invalided out of the RCAF when he contracted tuberculosis. He died
in 1995.
40862 F/Lt. Hugh N. TAMBLYN 141&242 Squads. Born 05 September 1917 at
Watrous, SK. He shot down a MellO on 07 September and two more on the
9th and a Do17 on the 18th
. He was awarded the DFC 7/1/1941. On 03 April
he was shot down into the sea. His body was found unwounded but he died
from exposure. He is buried in Ipswich Cemetery, Suffolk.
C787 P/O Charles W. TREVENA l(RCAF) Squad. In Sept. and Oct. 1939 he
carried out advanced training at Camp Borden .He joined the Squad. 01
Sept. 1940 at Northolt. In January 1942 he went to Eastern Air Command
RCAF to supervise fighter operations. He retired on medical grounds on 09
October 1943 as an acting S/Ldr. He died in 1998.
40766 P/O Alec A.G. TRUEMAN 253 Squad. Born in Sackville NB 1914.
Originally with 144 Squad. Bomber Command, he converted to Hurricanes at
Sutton Bridge and joined 253 Squad at Turnhouse. He was shot down and
killed in combat over Kenley on 04 September. His Hurricane V6638 crashed
in Tudor Close, Banstead. He is buried in St. Luke’s Churchyard, Whyteleafe,
Surrey. Row E, Grave 37.
41631 F/O Percival S. TURNER DFC 242 Squad. From Toronto. He was born
03 Sept.19B. He was sent to France on 14 May 1940 and was
attached to 607 Squad. Between 25 May and 01 June he destroyed
five Mel09s and probably another three. On 08 June 242 Squad. went
to France to cover the retreat to the Atlantic ports. He destroyed two
Me109s on the 9th
. On the 15th
• he was made a Flight Commander and
destroyed two Do17s. He was then posted to command 145 Squad. at
Tangmere on 13 April 1940. He was awarded the DFC 8/4/40. He was
posted to command 145 Squad. at Tangmere on 13 April 1941. He
destroyed a Mel09 on 29 July and given a bar to his DFC 5/8/41. He
was given command of 411(RCAF) Squad. at Hornchurch on 17
December. In February 1942 turner was posted to Malta to command
249 squadron. He destroyed a Mel09 on the 22nd and on the 23rd was
shot down, crashing near Luqa and going to hospital. He rejoined the
squadron on 10 March. He was posted away to take charge of the
Fighter control room at Valetta. In late August he went to RAF
Heliopolis and on 10 September he was sent as an observer on HMS
Coventry on a combined operation against Tobruk. The ship was sunk
and Turner was rescued from the sea by a destroyer. In January 1943
he took command of 134 Squad. at Shandur and in June took over
417(RCAF) squadron at Ben Gardane. The squadron moved to Malta in
July, to prepare for the invasion of Sicily. On 19 November 1943
Turner became Wing Leader of 244 Wing. He was awarded the DSO
23/5/1944 and posted to HQ Desert Air Force on 26 May 1944 as a
staff officer. In June he went to Corsica for the invasion of southern
France. In October 1944 Turner returned to the UK, was promoted to
G/Capt. and given command of 127 (RCAF) Wing. He sailed in the
Mauretania for Canada on 22 March 1946. He remained in the RCAF
until 1965 and died in Ottawa 23 July 1985
42544 P/O Hamilton C. UPTON 43 & 607 Squad. From Vancouver. On 08
th ‘h August 1939 he shot down two Ju88s, on the 13 a 0017, on the 15′ a Ju88,
on the 16th three Ju87s, on the 18th a Ju87 and a Me109 and on 04
September a MellO. He was awarded the DFC 29/4/1941. In 1945 he
transferred to the RCAF serving until 1953 as a F/Lt. He died in1965
42281 P/O John R. URWIN-MANN 238 Squad. Born in Victoria BC 29/7/20.
He shot down a He59 on 11 August, a Me109 on the 13th a Ju 88 on the 25th
On 15 September he destroyed a He III, on the 25th destroyed two He Ills on
the 26th a MellO and on 07 October a Ju88. He was awarded the DFC
26/11/1940. In May 1941 he went with the Squad. to the Middle East as a
Flight Commander. He was promoted and given command of 80 Squad. at EI
Adem. He was given a bar to his DFC 7/4/42. In mid-October 1942 he was he
took command of 126 Squad. at Luqa, Malta. On completion of his tour in
May he was awarded the DSO 15/5/1943. He retired from the RAF on 15
March 1959 as a S/Ldr.
40778 F/O James A. WALKER DFC from Gleichen AB. Patrolling over France
on18 May, 1940 he destroyed a He III and on the 31st destroyed a Me109
over Dunkirk, on 07 June a Me109 and on the 11th a Do17. He then shot
down a 0017 on 13 August, a Me109 on the 16th. He was awarded the DFC
6/9/1940. In 1943 he was in India with 31 Transport Squad. He was killed on
08 February 1944 when his Dakota FD775 was shot down by a Japanese
fighter while he was dropping supplies to the 14th. Army. He is remembered
on the Singapore Memorial Column 432.
41500 F/O James R. WALKER 611&41 Squads. From Oak Bay Be. He was
with 41 Squad. at Hornchurch when he shot down two Me 109s on 07 and
09 October 1940. He volunterred for service in the Middle East. In midNovember
the aircraft carrier HMS Argus sailed from Gibraltar with six
Hurricanes for Malta. Walker was one of the six pilots who flew off on 16
November 1940. One by one they ran out of fuel and fell into the sea with
the loss of all six pilots. He is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial
Panel 6.
C1371 PIO Clarence A.B. WALLACE 3 Squad. From Victoria BC With other
Canadian pilots he arrived at Sutton Bridge on 21 September for conversion
to Huricanes. He was then posted to 3 Squad. at Turnhouse on 05 October.
He was reported missing on air operations on 27 October 1941 with
401(RCAF)Squad. Remembered on the Runnymede Memorial Panel 59
42547 PIO John J. WALSH 615 Squad. From Bassano AB. He arrived at Sutton
Bridge for conversion to Hurricanes on 05 September 1940. In January 1941
he was in Egypt when he and three other pilots flew to Malta in a
th ·h Sunderland on the 20 . to reinforce 260 Squad. On the 25′ he was shot
down by Mel09s over St.Paul’s Bay. He was picked up by a destroyer with a
leg broken in four places and a broken arm. He died in hospital 02 March
from pneumonia. He is buried in the Naval Cemetery, Cappucini, Malta.
C1372 PIO Frederick S. WATSON 3 &l(RCAF) Squads. Born in Winnipeg 10
February 1915. Along with other Canadian pilots he converted to Hurricanes
at Sutton Bridge. He moved to l(RCAF) squad at Castletown on 21 October.
In 1941he was with 409(RCAF) Squad. at Coleby Grange on Defiants. He was
killed in a flying accident on 11 October. He is buried in Scopwick Buria!
Grounds, Lincolnshire.
41513 Robert Roy WILSON 111 Squad. From Moncton NB. He joined the
Squad. at Digby on 23 May 1940. Over Dunkirk on 02 June, he destroyed a
Mel09. On 25 July he shot down another. He was shot down in combat with
Mel09s and crashed into the sea 11 August. He is remembered on the
Runnymede Memorial Panel 10
39362 F/Lt. James S. YOUNG 234 Squad. Born in Saskatoon 05 August 1915
In August 1940 he went to 7 OTU Hawarden for conversion to Spitfires and
joined the Squad. at St. Eval on 16 September. In the years that followed he
was on a roving commission. He went to Nassau on 30 January 1944
with113 Group to operate on the South Atlantic Ferry route. He retired from
the RCAF in October 1962 as a S/Ldr.
70766 F/O John R.C. YOUNG 249 Squad. Born 19 July 1915, he became a
Canadian citizen on 22 November 1936. After the Battle of Britain he had a
roving commission assisting newly form squadrons. He was awarded the AFC
1/1/1942 and a MiD 15/7/1944. In April 1945 he joined BOAC, eventually
becoming Senior Operating Captain and retired 24 November 1970.
C1328 F/O Arthur M.YUILE l(RCAF) Squad. Born in Montreal 6/6/1917 A
graduate of Camp Borden, he joined the rest of them when they arrived in
the UK, 20 June 1940. They then went to Sutton Bridge for conversion to
Hurricanes. He was shot down in an action with a Do17 on 01 September
and baled out unhurt. His Hurricane R4171 crashed near West Mailing. He
shot down a He ilion the 11th and on the 15th. returned to Northolt with his
Hurricane L1973 severely damaged after being in combat with Mel09s and
He Ills south of London. He served with the Squad. until mid-February 1941
when he was repatriated to Canada and joined 118(RCAF) Squad. at
Rockcliffe. On 27 April 1942 he took command of 126(RCAF) Squad. He took
it to Annette Island, Alaska where it formed part of the force protecting
Prince Rupert. He resigned his commission to complete his studies at McGill
University. Graduating in May 1945. He emigrated to the USA in April 1963.
43052 P/O Alexander R. ZATONSKI 79 Squad. Born 01 November 1915. He
grew up in Brantford, ON and his photo can be seen in the Legion Halls. He
was shot down in combat 28 August in Hurricane P2718. He baled out and
was treated for burns. In May 1941 he went to the Middle East and on 06
December was shot down. His body was buried by an Army padre but never
found. He is remembered on the Alamein Memorial Column 241.

As of 10 August, 2009 Only three are still alive:

37664 Wing Commander Robert (Butch) BARTON, OBE, DFC
41696 S/Ldr. John S. HART DFe.
C1365 F/Lt. Henry (Hank) Sprague.

Compiled by George Mitchell, Battle of Britain Historical Society, Secretary Air
Crew Assn. Canadian Fighter Pilots Assn.
*******************************************************************

Free admission and free Dinner for all Veterans and their Spouses.

RSVP essential. Please call “Lion” George Carpenter at 647-830-0217 no later than November 20th.

Hosted by the Mississauga Central Lions Club

WHEN

Sun Nov 27^th, 2011.

Please arrive by 6:00 PM – Brief Church Memorial Service, followed by a short march to the Auditorium for a welcoming message at approximately 6:30 PM, and a

“Meet and Greet” with refreshments and this follows with a full course Buffet Style sit down meal, and an evening of entertainment. The meal begins at 7:00 PM.

WHERE

Place – Square One Shopping Centre, Older Adult Centre, Lower Level by Centre Court, next to The Bay and Goodlife Fitness.

DRESS

Full Association Dress with Medals. If you are planning on attending, please contact George Carpenter of the Mississauga Lions Club at 647-830-0217.