QUALLE, Sergeant Richard Edward (R181818) - Distinguished Flying Medal

QUEALE, F/L Linton Wilson (J24216) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - Award effective 1 September 1944 as per London Gazette dated 15 September 1944 and AFRO 2373/44 dated 3 November 1944. Born 23 September 1915 at Stranraer, Saskatchewan; home in Victoria; enlisted in Victoria, 28 May 1937. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 11 September 1942), No.1 BGS (graduated 6 November 1942) and No.10 AOS (graduated 5 March 1943). Commissioned 1943. Remained in postwar RCAF and rose to Wing Commander (awarded CD). Died in Ottawa, 18 November 1985. Survived by son living in Ottawa, Michael. No citation other than "completed...many successful operations during which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/9276 has recommendation dated 22 June 1944 when he had flown 31 sorties (170 hours 15 minutes), 27 October 1943 to 15 June 1944.

* counted as 1/3 operation

27 Oct 43 NICKELLING, Paris (4.10) 30 Mar 44 Nuremburg (6.50)

20 Dec 43 Frankfurt (5.40) 18 Apr 44 Tergnier (3.00)*

24 Dec 43 Berlin (7.30) 20 Apr 44 Lens (3.00)*

29 Dec 43 Berlin (6.15) 24 Apr 44 Karlsruhe (5.45)

2 Jan 44 Berlin (7.05) 27 Apr 44 Friedrichshafen (7.00)

3 Jan 44 Berlin (6.30) 9 May 44 Haine St.Pierre (2.35)

6 Jan 44 Stettin (8.30) 10 May 44 Ghent (2.35)

21 Jan 44 Magdeburg (6.25) 11 May 44 Boulogne (2.15)

27 Jan 44 Berlin (7.15) 19 May 44 Le Mans (4.00)

29 Jan 44 Berlin (7.45) 22 May 44 Le Mans (3.30)

15 Feb 44 Frankfurt (7.05) 27 May 44 Rennes (3.40)

25 Feb 44 Augsburg (6.55) 28 May 44 Marduck (1.40)

2 Mar 44 Stuttgart (6.55) 11 Jun 44 Amiens (2.40)

15 Mar 44 Stuttgart (6.40) 12 Jun 44 Cambrai (2.45)

18 Mar 44 Frankfurt (4.35) 14 Jun 44 Tours (4.55)

22 Mar 44 Frankfurt (5.20) 15 Jun 44 Lens (2.40)

24 Mar 44 Berlin (6.50)

This officer is an exceptionally capable navigator who has completed 31 operational sorties against such heavily defended enemy targets as Berlin, Stettin and Frankfurt. He has invariably displayed coolness and courage of the highest order and by his exceptional skill and devotion to duty, has contributed in no small way to the general operational efficiency of his crew.

QUEALE, F/L Linton Wilson, DFC (J24216) - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London Gazette dated 8 December 1944 and AFRO 293/45 dated 16 February 1945.

Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has completed many vital sorties during which he has displayed admirable coolness under fire together with efficiency and determination of the highest order. In addition to his excellent operational record Flight Lieutenant Queale has largely assisted in the training of less experienced navigators. His consistent devotion to duty both in the air and on the ground has been most praiseworthy.

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QUESNEL, Sergeant Joseph Herve Leonel (R136383) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.432 Squadron - Award effective 8 January 1944 as per London Gazette dated 25 January 1944 and AFRO 410/44 dated 25 February 1944. Born in Parry Sound, Ontario, 1922; home in Reading, Berkshire (lathe operator); enlisted in Toronto, 27 October 1941). Trained at No.7 BGS (graduated 2 January 1942). Award sent by registered mail, 22 November 1950.

As rear gunner Sergeant Quesnel has taken part in several sorties and has proved himself to be a cool and reliable member of aircraft crew. During a sortie one night in December 1943, his aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters. In the engagement Sergeant Quesnel fought with great resolution and destroyed one of the attackers. On another occasion in November 1943, his aircraft was attacked three times by enemy fighters. His turret was rendered unserviceable but he coolly directed his pilot's combat manoeuvres and the attacker was evaded. This airman has set a very fine example.

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QUIGG, P/O Thomas Joseph Fergus (J92042) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.419 Squadron - Award effective 5 July 1945 as per London Gazette dated 20 July 1945 and AFRO 1619/45 dated 19 October 1945. Born 1922 in Ottawa; home in Quyon, Quebec (store clerk); enlisted in Ottawa 24 August 1942. Trained at No.4 WS (graduated 6 August 1943) and No.6 BGS (graduated 20 September 1943). Commissioned September 1944. Award presented at Government House, 7 November 1949. Postwar became Vice-President, St.Lawrence Seaway Authority. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation by W/C M.E. Ferguson dated 17 January 1945 when he had flown 32 sorties (189 hours 50 minutes), 24 May to 6 October 1944. Died in Cornwall, Ontario, 25 May 1995.

This Wireless Operator has finished 32 operational trips and has proved himself to be a courageous and efficient Wireless Operator. On numerous occasions he has shown splendid qualities of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty.

I consider that Pilot Officer Quigg's selfless devotion to duty and his operational record fully merits the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

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QUINLAN, F/O Austin Samuel (J24971) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.408 Squadron - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London Gazette dated 12 December 1944 and AFRO 337/45 dated 23 February 1945. Born 1919 in Toronto; home there (former member of Royal Canadian Artillery); enlisted in Halifax, 4 February 1942. Trained at No.5 ITS (graduated 1 August 1942), No.13 EFTS (graduated 20 November 1942), and No.16 SFTS (graduated 2 April 1943). Commissioned 1943. No citation other than "..in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations against the enemy." DHist file 181.009 D.1633 (RG.24 Vol.20603) has recommendation dated 6 September 1944 when he had flown 29 sorties (140 hours 36 minutes), 22 March to 30 August 1944.

Flying Officer Quinlan has completed a very large number of sorties in four-engined bombers. Many of these trips took him to such heavily defended targets deep in Germany as Berlin, Stuttgart, and Hamburg. On all occasions Flying Officer Quinlan pressed home his attacks with great determination and he seldom returned without an excellent photograph of the target attacked. Throughout his tour he has displayed exceptional keenness to operate and come to grips with the enemy and by his keenness has inspired his crew and all members of the squadron.

Flying Officer Quinlan, by virtue of his fine spirit and operational ability has been a great asset to this squadron and [I] consider that his fine operational record fully warrants an award of the non-immediate Distinguished Flying Cross.

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QUINLAN, P/O Bryan Albert (J16969) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.458 Squadron - Award effective 24 September 1943 as per London Gazette dated 1 October 1943 and AFRO 2258/43 dated 5 November 1943. Home in Calgary; enlisted in Edmonton, 8 May 1941. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 16 August 1941), No.6 EFTS (graduated 4 October 1941) and No.4 SFTS (graduated 2 January 1942). Commissioned 1943. Invested with award by King George VI, 29 June 1945.

This officer has taken part in numerous anti-submarine and shipping strikes. He has also displayed exceptional ability on escort duty and mine-laying sorties. In March 1943 he delivered an effective attack on an enemy destroyer escorting a merchant vessel. In July 1943 he sighted a large merchant vessel escorted by three destroyers between Corsica and Sardinia. In spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire he succeeded in sinking the cargo ship. This officer has invariably displayed high courage and endurance.

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QUINLAN, F/O Gerald Joseph (J88459) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.431 Squadron - Award effective 12 January 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 471/45 dated 16 March 1945. Born 1921 in Saint John, New Brunswick; home in Verdun, Quebec; enlisted in London, Ontario. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 2 April 1943), No.20 EFTS (graduated 28 May 1943) and No.17 SFTS (graduated 17 September 1943). Commissioned 1944.

This officer has completed a very large number of bombing missions during which he has successfully attacked such targets as Kiel, Essen, Duisburg and Bremen. In September 1944 he piloted an aircraft in an attack on Wanne Eickel. During the operation his aircraft was badly hit. The flight engineer was injured about the head and the wireless operator was wounded in the leg. In spite of this Flying Officer Quinlan pressed home a most vigorous attack and afterwards flew his badly damaged aircraft back to this country. This officer is a model captain whose exemplary conduct has greatly inspired his crew.

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QUINN, FS Charles Joseph (R64433) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.108 Squadron - Award effective 14 September 1942 as per London Gazette dated 18 September 1942 and AFRO 1653/42 dated 16 October 1942. Born in Ottawa, 1917; home described as there (civil servant) or Liberty, Saskatchewan; enlisted in Hamilton, 2 July 1940. Trained at No.2 ITS, No.1 EFTS, and No.1 BGS. Later commissioned (J23456). Award presented 28 February 1946.

This airman is a cool and skilful air gunner. His prowess has many times caused destruction to enemy equipment and at the same time saved his aircraft.

NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/9596 has recommendation communicated on 4 August 1942 to Air Ministry by Group Captain W.J.M. Akerman (Headquarters, Royal Air Force, Middle East).

This Air Gunner was posted to No.108 Squadron on 7th August, 1941, after completing his training as Air Gunner in Canada and an Operational Training Unit in England. He has since carried out 37 operational raids and 382 operational hours. Through his coolness and excellent shooting he has many times caused destruction to enemy equipment and at the same time saved his aircraft from destruction. Whilst on a raid on benghazi in October 1941, his aircraft was caught and held in searchlights at a very low level. With great coolness he proceeded to dispose of the defences from the rear turret, destroying one searchlight and probably destroying several others, also silencing several flak positions. The remaining searchlights were turned off and the aircraft left alone. A similar instance occurred over Tmimi in November 1941, when his aircraft was caught by searchlights at a low level. He destroyed two searchlights and the remaining two were switched off when he fired at them. He also silenced several light flak positions. The remaining ones became very inaccurate without the searchlights and in the face of such unexpected opposition. By his coolness and courage in the face of such strong opposition he undoubtedly saved his aircraft from possible destruction or at least serious damage.

During offensive reconnaissance on the Derna-Barce and Derna-Tocra, Barce-Elabiar roads on November 3rd and March 11, 1942, Flight Sergeant Quinn and the front gunner between them disposed of a considerable amount of enemy motor transport moving on the roads. All motor transport moving on the roads in the above-mentioned area on the nights stated were wrecked through excellent shooting.

The examples quoted are but a few of the cases in which the marksmanship of Flight Sergeant Quinn has succeeded in destroying enemy equipment. He has always been an excellent example to his fellow gunners, keeping his turret and guns in perfect condition. He is now acting as Assistant Gunnery Leader as well as carrying out operations and is passing on his keenness and valuable knowledge to the new gunners.

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QUINN, WO2 Francis Paul Desmond (R82607) - Mention in Despatches - No.101 Squadron (deceased) - Award effective 13 June 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 726/46 dated 26 July 1946. Home in Ottawa; enlisted there 20 January 1941. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 9 June 1941), No.11 EFTS (graduated 12 September 1941) and No.8 SFTS (graduated 5 December 1941). Killed in action 8 December 1944 (Lancaster).

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QUINN, F/L Gerald Samuel (J12473) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London Gazette dated 21 September 1945 and AFRO 1704/45 dated 9 November 1945. Born 1920 in Prince George, British Columbia; home there (sheet metal worker); enlisted in Montreal, 30 August 1941. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 20 December 1941), No.3 EFTS (graduated 14 March 1942) and No.14 SFTS (graduated 1 August 1942). Commissioned July 1942. Award sent by registered mail 4 April 1950. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 20 April 1945 when he had flown 36 sorties (256 hours 20 minutes), 4 October 1944 to 25 March 1945.

As Captain of aircraft this officer has shown great courage, determination and devotion to duty. Throughout his operational tour he has displayed a keen desire to press home the attack and has participated in attacks on many heavily defended targets. On each he has shown an utter disregard for personal safety and has carried on against all opposition.

His obvious ability as a pilot created a high standard of morale in his crew and undoubtedly contributed to a major degree to the operational efficiency of the squadron.

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QUINN, WO (now F/O) Ivan Boyd (R56295/J96003) - Mention in Despatches - Overseas - Award effective 28 December 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 155/46 dated 15 February 1946. Home in Little Current, Ontario; enlisted in Montreal, 14 August 1940. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 15 November 1940), No.10 EFTS (graduated 16 January 1941), and No.8 SFTS (graduated 22 April 1941). As a member of the RCAF Association in AFHQ he received the Queen's Coronation Medal, 26 October 1953.

...for distinguished service while [prisoner] of war.

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QUINN, P/O Reynold Norman (J16157) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.97 Squadron - Award effective 7 May 1943 as per London Gazette dated 14 May 1943 and AFRO 1035/43 dated 4 June 1943. Born Grand Falls, Newfoundland, 1915; home in Brompton, Quebec; enlisted in Montreal, 13 November 1940. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 26 February 1941), No.2 BGS (graduated 7 July 1941), No.3 AOS (graduated 26 May 1941) and No.1 CNS (graduated 4 August 1941). Commissioned 1942. Invested with award by King George VI, 7 December 1943. Died in Montreal 8 January 1960.

Pilot Officer Quinn has participated in sorties against heavily defended targets in Germany, including Essen and Berlin. His skilful navigation and courage have set an excellent example and contributed to the many successes achieved.

NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/8950 has recommendation dated 26 March 1943 when he had flown 31 sorties (198 hours 20 minutes). Although the text does not add materially to the above, the sortie list tells more of his career.

25 July 42 GARDENING (6.45) 20 Nov 42 Turin (8.45)

26 July 42 Hamburg 28 Nov 42 Turin (8.40)

29 July 42 Saarbrucken (4.45) 20 Dec 42 Duisburg (4.15)

6 Aug 42 Duisburg (4.25) 21 Dec 42 Munich (8.35)

9 Aug 42 Osnabruck (4.10) 2 Jan 43 GARDENING (9.00)

11 Aug 42 Mainz (5.20) 8 Jan 43 Duisburg (4.50)

12 Aug 42 Mainz (6.00) 12 Jan 43 Essen (4.35)

16 Aug 42 GARDENING (7.40) 16 Jan 43 Berlin (8.05)

24 Aug 42 Frankfurt (6.05) 21 Jan 43 Essen (5.10)

28 Aug 42 Nuremburg (6.50) 27 Jan 43 Dusseldorf (5.05)

8 Sept 42 Frankfurt (6.35) 31 Jan 43 Hamburg (6.25)

10 Sept 42 Dusseldorf (4.20) 3 Feb 43 Hamburg (5.50)

13 Sept 42 Bremen (6.10) 14 Feb 43 Milan (9.35)

14 Sept 42 Wilhelmshaven (4.40) 16 Feb 43 Lorient (6.50)

18 Sept 42 GARDENING (9.30) 18 Feb 43 Wilhelmshaven (6.35)

23 Sept 42 Wismar (8.10)

This officer has taken part in many successful sorties. He has attacked many of the most heavily defended targets in germany including Essen and Berlin; also Italian towns and other targets. His navigational skill and courage have always been at a high level and he has et a fine example to others.

This recommendation was endorsed by the Air Officer Commanding, No.5 Group, on 2 April 1943.

QUINN, S/L Reynold Norman, DFC (J16157) - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.53 Base - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London Gazette dated 8 December 1944 and AFRO 293/45 dated 16 February 1945. Award presented 24 April 1948.

Squadron Leader Quinn has acted as station navigation officer on many operational sorties during which he has participated in attacks against major targets in Germany and enemy occupied territory. He has displayed consistent keenness to operate against the enemy, inspiring leadership and outstanding navigational skill worthy of high commendation.