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Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Officers
1939-1945
 

For detailed biographies of key RAF personnel (Air Commodore and higher) there is already an excellent website: www.rafweb.org
Only RCAF officers of ranks below Air Commodore will be shown here.

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Anderson,
James Hunter
J.H. Anderson (Photo courtesy of Mr James Edward Anderson) J.H. Anderson (Photo courtesy of Mr James Edward Anderson)
J.H. Anderson (Photo courtesy of Mr James Edward Anderson) J.H. Anderson (Photo courtesy of Mr James Edward Anderson)
J.H. Anderson (Photo courtesy of Mr James Edward Anderson) J.H. Anderson (Photo courtesy of Mr James Edward Anderson)
J.H. Anderson (Photo courtesy of Mr James Edward Anderson) J.H. Anderson (Photo courtesy of Mr James Edward Anderson)
Son (with one sister) of Thomas Edward Anderson (1894-1972), and Dorothy Gertrude Alice Wright (1893-1975).
Married 1st (1946) Lillian Marykuca (23.10.1928 - 22.06.1987), daughter (with two brothers) of Stephan Marykuca (1901-1992), and Anna Zarowsky (1904-1978); two daughters, one son.
Married 2nd (25.06.1960, Montreal, Quebec)Muriel Annie Valade (18.12.1921 - 14.05.2005); three daughters.
25.11.1921
Simric, Saskatchewan
-
11.02.2009
George Derby Centre for veterans in Burnaby, British Columbia
P/O ? [Can/J 22737]
F/O ?
1939-1945 Star 39|45 St - -
Italy Star It St - -
France & Germany Star Fr&G St - -
Defence Medal Def M - -
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal CdVSM - & clasp Overseas
War Medal 1939-1945 WM 39|45 - -
      navigator, 23 Squadron RAF (Mosquito YP-A S/N DZ230)
Ardis,
Beverley Donn
B.D. Ardis (Photo courtesy of Mr David Ford) B.D. Ardis (Photo courtesy of Mr David Ford)

Biography courtesy of Mr David Ford

1922
-
06.05.1997
P/O 1943 [J/26495]
F/O ?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 13.06.1944  
      rear/mid-upper gunner, 428 (RCAF) Squadron (for details, see "biography" button on the left)
Ash,
William Franklin
"Bill"
Portraits taken from promotion website for "Under the wire": http://www.bfoley.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ Portraits taken from promotion website for "Under the wire": http://www.bfoley.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/
Portraits taken from promotion website for "Under the wire": http://www.bfoley.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/
Portraits taken from promotion website for "Under the wire": http://www.bfoley.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/
Married to Ranjana Sidhanta Ash, freelance lecturer and writer of South Asian literatures.
1917
Dallas, Texas
-

03.2005 still alive
London, UK
P/O
? [Can/J.4737]
F/Lt.
?
Commander of the Order of the British Empire MBE
17.05.1946
escape attempts as POW *
* Flight Lieutenant Ash crash-landed near Calais on 24th March, 1942, and made his way to Lille where arrangements were made for him to reach Paris. He was arrested in Paris at the end of May, 1942, and imprisoned at Schubin (Oflag XXII). In September, 1942, he exchanged identities with an army private and joined a fatigue party. He escaped from this party but was recaptured the same night. In the spring, of 1943, Flight Lieutenant Ash and 32 others escaped from Schubin through a tunnel. With a companion he tried to reach Warsaw but was recaptured four days later. Shortly afterwards he was transferred to Stalag Luft III, Sagan, where he was an active member of the Escape Committee for the next 21 months. When other ranks were being transferred from Sagan to Stalag Luft VI (Heydekrug), Flight Lieutenant Ash changed his identity and accompanied them. Under his direction a tunnel was later made for a mass escape, but the tunnel was discovered when 10 prisoners had got away. Flight Lieutenant Ash nevertheless continued the attempt and eventually gained his freedom. He boarded a goods train for Kovno, but was discovered by station guards and returned to Sagan. He was liberated by Allied forces at the end of April, 1945.
Education: University of Texas, Austin
1940


rode the rails to Canada and enlisted in the RCAF
?
-
24.03.1942
411 Squadron RCAF
[
shot down by Jagdgeschwader 26 on a 'Circus' mission to Abbeville marshalling yards, flying the Spitfire Vb "AB281"]
1942
-
04.1945
evaded capture for some months, but was finally caught prisoner of war; undertook a dozen escape attempts while being POW
After gaining a further degree at Balliol College, Oxford, he worked for the BBC in India, then as a producer for BBC Radio Drama. A writer and journalist specializing in politics and philosophy, he is also a past officer of the Writers Guild (GB). 
Published
: The lotus in the sky (1961); Choice of arms (1962); The longest way round (1963); Marxism and moral concepts (1964); Ride a paper tiger (1968; mystery story); Take-off (1969); Pickaxe and rifle (1974; on Albania); Moral and politics : the ethics of revolution (1977); A red square : the autobiography of an unconventional revolutionary (1978; autobiography, including wartime); Incorporated : a novel (1980); Under the wire (2005; with Brendan Foley; wartime memoirs)

 
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Boyce,
Francis Allan
A.D.R. Lowe
From St. Sylvestre, Quebec.
1923 ?
-
07.06.1944
(KIA) [age 21]
[Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, UK, panel 245]
P/O
? [J20871]
F/O
?
?
-
07.06.1944
navigator/bomb aimer, 299 Squadron
[killed in action on a mission to Southern France; the Stirling bomber [LJ 855] was shot down 8 miles NW of Caen, killing all 7 crew members]
Brinkworth,
Ernest Peter
E.P. Brinkworth (Photo courtesy of Mr Larry Taverner)
Son of Ernest Edward Brinkworth (1895-1925), and Christina Eliza Castledine (1880-1960), of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
20.12.1920
Ontario
-
18.03.1942
(KIA) [age 21]
[Runnymede War Memorial, Surrey, UK, panel 99]
F/O ? [J3276]
1939-1945 Star 39|45 St - -
Africa Star Atl St - -
Defence Medal Def M - -
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal CdVSM - & clasp Overseas
War Medal 1939-1945 WM 39|45 - -
? - 18.03.1942 observer, 86 Squadron RAF
[His Bristol Beaufort I W6474 had taken off from Portreath was lost while en route for the Middle East. The aircraft was seen the last time around 14.25 hours, off Cape Espichel (Portugal), by a British patrol boat. The Beaufort was seen 50 feet (15 meters) over water and there was also a Fw-200 Condor in the area. The ship made several research efforts but was unable to locate any aircraft or crew remains. The crew was part of 86 Squadron but was momentarily flying under the OADU control (44 Ferry Group).]
Brown,
Kenneth William
"Ken"

Married (1944) Beryl Blackband; four sons, one daughter.

speech transcript

20.08.1920
Moose Jaw, Sask.
-
23.12.2002

British Columbia
F/Sgt.
11.08.1942
P/O
20.04.1943
F/Lt.
07.10.1943
Sq.Ldr.
? (retd 1967)
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (RAF) CGM
28.05.1943
*
* On arrival over the target, (the Sorpe Dam), F/Sgt. Brown found that a thick fog had formed after the previous attack.. Despite this, he flew around the target at low level until there was a momentary clearance. By quickly making his run at the right time, and by a very high standard of crew co-operation. F/Sgt. Brown succeeded in dropping his mine in exactly the right position, in spite of adverse conditions.

Brown was in the third wave of five aircraft that attacked the Mohne, Eder and Sorpe Dams in the heart of industrial Germany on the night of 16th/17th May 1943. One of only two aircraft to successfully attack the Sorpe Brown received the coveted Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.
1941


enlisted, RCAF
02.1942


PRC
01.05.1942
-
22.06.1942
No. 1651 Conversion Unit RAF
23.06.1942
-
10.08.1942
No. 6 Advanced Flight Unit RAF
11.09.1942
-
14.12.1942
No. 19 Operational Training Unit RAF
15.12.1942
-
04.02.1943
No. 1660 Conversion Unit RAF / No. 1654 Conversion Unit RAF (Wigsley, Notts.)
05.02.1943
-
28.03.1943
44 Squadron RAF (flying 7 operations with Lancasters)
29.03.1943
-
01.05.1944
617 "Dambusters" Squadron RAF
02.05.1944


instructor, Lancaster Finishing School



No. 6 Group RAF



served in the Pacific
1945
-
1967
permanent commission, RCAF



Winter Experimental Establishment RCAF (Watson Lake & Churchill)
Air Section of Canada's Department of Transport, 1967-1979.
       

 
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Campbell,
Donald Ralph
D.R. Campbell  
Son of the late Fred and Pearl Campbell of Foxboro, Ontario, beloved husband of Ruth, daughter of the late William and Mabel Heron of Brooklin, Ontario. Father of Hugh (Darla) Stoney Creek, Catherine (Hugh) Wakefield, PQ, Elizabeth (Don Mitchell) Brooklin, and stepfather of Patricia Peterson (Eric), of Don Mitchell, and of Carolyn Hall (Robert) Port Perry. Grandfather of Ian, Robert, Brian, Julia, Christopher, Laura, Eric, Carrie, Shelley, Rachel, and Rebecca. Great grandfather of Eliot and Victoria. Predeceased by first wife, Joy, in 1975.
14.11.1918
on the family farm at Foxboro
-
13.03.2008

F/O
? [Can/J.24406]
F/Lt.
?
Member of the Order of Canada CM
1986
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
27.10.1944
*
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
15.06.1945
**
* This officer has completed numerous sorties and has invariably displayed a high degree of courage and devotion to duty. On one occasion, in August, 1944, en route to the target, engine trouble developed. Nevertheless, he went on to reach the target. Whilst over the sea on the homeward flight the propeller of the defective engine flew off. It fouled a second engine, rendering it useless. The aircraft could no longer be flown but Flying Officer Campbell brought it down safely on to the sea. He displayed resolution characteristic of that which he has shown throughout his tour of duty. 
** Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross this officer has participated in numerous attacks against the enemy including the airborne operations against Arnhem. In March, 1945, he took part in an airborne mission east of the Rhine. When setting course over 'base the port inner engine failed. Although the airspeed was affected. Flight Lieutenant Campbell continued his mission and by skilful flying, maintained height and eventually released his glider at the correct landing zone with the minimum loss of time. His consistent good work together with his keenness and determination has set a fine example to all.
Education: Stirling High School (-1937); MA, LLD, DCL, D Sc, F.A.I.C, FCAES
(1944)
-
(1945)
196 Squadron RAF
Upon graduation he became a full time farmer with his parents for the next five years. The family farm became noteworthy for its Holstein herd and for winning the provincial championship in oat production. Ralph became volunteer organizer for Hastings County Farm Radio Forums and aided four of them to found the Foxboro Co-operative, which still operates successfully after 67 years, and he participated in creating the first Hastings County Federation of Agriculture and its associated marketing boards. Ralph enlisted as a pilot-in-training and subsequently was awarded the DFC and Bar as an RAF bomber pilot after several life-threatening incidents in European skies. On return to Canada he became a student at U of T (1946-49), then Rhodes Scholar at Oxford (1949-51) and graduated with a 'first" from Balliol College, Oxford. He became a Lecturer in the Dept of Ag Econ at OAC, Guelph, in 1951 and Professor and the Head of Department (1952-62). The Department of Ag Econ became an integrated home of high quality members and developed a large and stimulating graduate program. He was chosen as Hon Pres by three "years" of students and counts many members of these years to be his very closest friends. Beside exceptional friendship with members of year '57 and '59, Ralph was a "people person" with friends in almost every county in Ontario. He became Ford Foundation adviser to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (1962-64) and acting leader of planning, backed by 15 energetic young Jordanian economists fresh out of university. Seven years ago, on returning to Jordan he found one of these "young men" he had hired in 1963 was now the Minister of Finance, another was Minister of Transportation, another was CEO of a major exporter, another had been ambassador to Kuwait for five years, etc.etc. Ralph became Professor and Assoc Dean at U of Toronto (1964-70) and chairman of the university discipline committee moderating between uncompromising exponents of old and new views of education prevalent in the discordant years 1968-70. He then became Ford Foundation adviser to Kenya (1970-72) where he became "trouble shooter" for a new sugar factory which brought hope and off-farm jobs to thousands of small holders of Western Province and which-wonder of wonders- opened on the very day planned. The Mumias Sugar Factory became one of his greatest achievements; it has since been expanded from the original 60,000 tons to 180,000 tons of sugar per year. Ralph returned to Canada as Principal of Scarborough College of U of T (1972-76), and spear-headed the creation of the first co-operative program of the U of T. He became President of U of Manitoba for four happy years (1976-81), during which he initiated the practice of holding convocations not only at the university but at five other cities so that non-university relatives and local friends could see their young people graduate. In 1981 he became Rockefeller Foundation adviser to Kenya and created small local teams analyzing sectors of the economy and stocked with newly graduated Kenyans. In 1984 he became Director, International Development Office of AUCC (Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada) Ottawa (1984-86) largely devoted to assisting Canadian universities establish productive relations with universities of the third world.. Thereafter, he was part time consultant/adviser in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and author of the book "We Flew by Moonlight" recounting his experience as a war-time pilot ditching at night in the Channel and later being shot down on fire after bombing the Ruhr Valley. A second book, "From Foxboro, Ontario" reviewed his long life with special attention to his early years in a farm community. He was President of the Agricultural Institute of Canada in 1960 and of the Canadian Agricultural Economic Society in 1959. He became a member of the Order of Canada in 1986. On June 8, 2008 he will be inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame. One of Ralph's strongest points is that he has always been a "people" person, a quality which comes naturally to those growing up in a family like his and a community like Foxboro. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, he will be sadly missed by his wife, Ruth, and many others.
Carter,
Charles Murray
C.M. Carter

Biography courtesy of Mr David Ford

08.1919
-
2006
P/O 04.01.1943 [J/16830]
F/O 04.07.1943
F/Lt. 18.01.1944
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 05.08.1944  
      bomb aimer, 428 (RCAF) Squadron (for details, see "biography" button on the left)
Cleworth,
Stanley Franklin

S.F. Cleworth

Son of Charles Warburton Ingle Cleworth and Ethel May Cleworth, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
11.03.1924
Toronto, Ont.
-
27.12.1943

(KIA) [age 19]
[Silloth (Causewayhead) Cemetery, Holme Low, R.18]
F/O
? [J/27208]
 
?
-
27.12.1943
pilot, 55 Operational Training Unit RAF (Annan, Dumfriesshire - 9 Group, Air Defence of Great Britain)
[killed when his Hurricane [V 7010] collided in mid-air at 10.45 hrs with another Hurricane [X AG175 piloted by F/Sgt. O.E.D. Louden, RNZAF] while they were carrying out a sector reconnaissance and dog fight practice; crashed 10 miles SW of Carlisle, nr Dalston, Cumberland]
Cowperthwaite,
Lonsdale
"Dale"
L. Cowperthwaite L. Cowperthwaite
L. Cowperthwaite L. Cowperthwaite
L. Cowperthwaite L. Cowperthwaite
Son (with two sisters and one brother [F/O Edward Morris Cowperthwaite, RAFVR]) of Edward Copperthwaite (1871-1946), and Eva Emily Morris (1874-1956), of Brantford, Ontario, Canada.
09.01.1914
Hampstead, London

-
12.02.1942
(MPK) [age 28]
[Runnymede Memorial, panel 99]
Acm. 2nd cl. 06.06.1940 [R 65777]
Ldg. Acm. 16.09.1940
P/O 29.01.1941 [J 3726]
(A) F/O 17.12.1941
Mentioned in Despatches MID 11.06.1942 HM's birthday 1942

His school memorial book reports: "He served as a bomber pilot in Coastal Command for many months, raiding German shipping. On one occasion he showed exceptional skill in bringing his plane back to base after his machine had been badly damaged by anti-aircraft fire and one of the crew had been wounded. On February 12, 1942, he was killed in action while attacking the German warships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau in the English Channel. The Air Ministry reported the action as follows: "He was acting Flight Commander for 407 (Demon) Squadron. He led the charge into a hail of anti-aircraft fire and the last seen of him he was straddling the ships with his load of bombs with nearly a dozen Nazi fighter planes after him". He was mentioned in despatches for gallantry."

Education: Sir Anthony Browne, England (1921-1923); Trinity College School, Port Hope, Ontario (1924-1932; School Prefect).
Investment clerk, Royal Trust Co., Montreal & London UK, 1933-1936. Salesman, Routley, Sheppard & Co., London UK, 1936-1937. Workman, Wright-Hargreaves Mines, Kirkland Lake, 1937-1938 (accident). Circulation promotion, Toronto Daily Star Ltd., 1938-1939. Salesman, Anderson-Buick-Pontiac Ltd., 1939.
06.06.1940 - 23.06.1940 No. 1 MD (Toronto)
24.06.1940 - 15.09.1940 No. 1 [Officer Training School?] (OTS) (Toronto)
16.09.1940 - 11.11.1940 No. 1 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) (Malton, Ont.)
12.11.1940 - 17.02.1941 No. 5 Service Flying Training School (SFTS)
29.01.1941     commissioned, RCAF
18.02.1941 - 22.02.1941 RAF Station Rockcliffe
23.02.1941 - 10.03.1941 No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre (PRC)
11.03.1941 - 06.06.1941 2 (Army Co-operation) Squadron (Old Sarum)
07.06.1941 - 27.06.1941 59 Squadron RAF
28.06.1941 - 12.02.1942 407 Squadron RCAF
[Took off 13:30 hrs from North Coates as captain of a Hudson aircraft ("P") for an operational flight to attack the enemy ships Scharnhorst & Gneisenau in the English Channel. In two formations of 4 aircraft each, he flew formation with aircraft "J" to target area. Did not return from operations and reported missing.]
       

 
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De Shane,
Charles Wilbert
C.W. De Shane
Son of Joseph and Florence Emaline De Shane, of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
1921/22 ?
-
09.03.1942
(flying accident) [age 20]
[Scottow Cemetery, Nofolk, grave 264]
P/O
1942? [J15148]
Joined Royal Bank of Canada at Guelph, Ont., 09.1939.
10.1940
 
 
joined RCAF
08.1941
 
 
active service overseas
1942?
 
 
commissioned, RCAF
?
-
09.03.1942
pilot, 137 Squadron RAF
[killed when his Whirlwind aircraft [P 4036] went into a spin and crashed south-east of North Walsham, at White Hose Common, Norfolk]
Duquette,
Frederick Albert
F.A. Duquette (Photo courtesy of Jamie Duquette) F.A. Duquette (Photo courtesy of Jamie Duquette)
F.A. Duquette (Photo courtesy of Jamie Duquette) F.A. Duquette (Photo courtesy of Jamie Duquette)
Son of Moses Alzoria Duquette, retired condutor CPR, and Nellie Jane Dion, of North Bay, Ontario, Canada.
16.11.1922
North Bay, Ontario
-
08.05.1943
(MPK) [age 20]
[Alamein Memorial, Egypt, column 271]
AC2 17.02.1941 [R90502]
LAC 30.06.1941
Sgt. 07.11.1941
(T) F/Sgt. 01.12.1942
P/O 06.04.1943 [J17243]
1939-1945 Star 39|45 St - -
Africa Star Afr St - & clasp
Defence Medal Def M - -
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal CdVSM - & clasp Overseas
War Medal 1939-1945 WM 39|45 - -
Education: St Joseph's Separate School, North Bay (1929-1935); North Bay Collegiate School (1935-1940).
Service station attendant, 07-08.1940.
17.02.1941     enlisted RCAF
03.07.1941 - 19.08.1941 No. 16 Elementary Flying Training School (Edmonton)
20.08.1941 - 05.11.1941 No. 3 Service Flying Training School (Calgary)
22.11.1941 - 09.12.1941 No. 1 "Y" Depot (Halifax)
18.12.1941 - 15.02.1942 No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre RAF (Bournemouth, from 10.01.1942 Hastings)
15.02.1942 - 14.04.1942 No. 5 Advanced Flying Unit RAF (No. 1 Deam Approach School (Watchfield) 15.03.1942-24.03.1942)
14.04.1942 - 18.08.1942 54 Operational Training Unit RAF
20.11.1942 - 08.05.1943 pilot, 272 (Long Range Fighter) Squadron RAF (Idku, Egypt)
[Aircraft ran out of petrol on flight from Egypt. Bailed out of his Beaufighter EL529 aircraft at 18:35 hrs 25 miles off Kalaframa (Malta) but was lost in heavy sea.]
       

 
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Ford,
Charles George
"Chuck"
C.G. Ford (Photo courtesy of Mr David Ford) C.G. Ford (Photo courtesy of Mr David Ford)
C.G. Ford (Photo courtesy of Mr David Ford) C.G. Ford (Photo courtesy of Mr David Ford)

Biography courtesy of Mr David Ford

02.08.1921
-
11.02.1995
P/O 04.12.1942 [J/21372]
F/O 04.06.1943
F/Lt. 27.11.1943
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 13.06.1944  
      pilot, 428 (RCAF) Squadron (for details, see "biography" button on the left)
       

 
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Henry,
Meredith Allen
"Al"
M.A. Henry (Photo courtesy of Mr David Ford)

Biography courtesy of Mr David Ford

17.08.1919
-
17.08.2008
P/O ? [J/19136]
F/O ?
F/Lt. ?
      bomb aimer, 428 (RCAF) Squadron (for details, see "biography" button on the left)
Hughes,
Griffith Lewis
G.L. Hughes

Son of Thomas and Blodwen Lloyd Hughes, of Vancouver, British Columbia.
1922 ?
Wells, British Columbia ?
-
09.10.1943
(KIA) [age 21]
[buried at Harsewinkel, Germany; exhumed & reburied at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany, 29.A.15]
P/O ? [J/26610]
? - 09.10.1943 air gunner, 78 Squadron RAF
[Halifax II LW 315 (EY-G) took off 22:42 hrs from Breighton on operation to Hannover. Shot down & crashed at Harsewinkel, 12 km NW of Gütersloh. One of the crew of eight survived.]
       

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Judiesch,
John Fredrick
J.F. Judiesch

Biography courtesy of Mr David Ford

1920 ?
-
24.04.2001
[age 81]
P/O ? [J/85067]
F/O ?
F/Lt. ?
      pilot, 428 (RCAF) Squadron (for details, see "biography" button on the left)
       

 
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Lowe,
Allister Duncan Ross
A.D.R. Lowe
Residence: Calgary, Alb.
1915
Springhill, NS
-
P/O
1941 [C1477]
F/O
?
F/Lt.
?
Sq.Ldr.
?
(A) W/Cdr.
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
13.10.1944
*
Air Force Cross AFC
07.09.1945
?
Mentioned in Despatches MID
01.01.1946
?
Queen's Coronation Medal (23.10.1953) while commanding (as Wing Commander) No.418 (Auxiliary) Squadron
* Squadron Leader Lowe is a capable and confident captain whose determination to complete his sorties successfully has been a feature of his tour. In his capacity of Flight Commander he has maintained an exceptionally high standard in every branch of activity. His 27 sorties have been over a wide variety of targets, including some of the most heavily defended in Germany. For his splendid qualities of leadership, loyalty and an inspiring example to those in his flight, this officer is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. 
Education: two years at University of Alberta
Field engineer.



served three years as a Militia Trooper, two years as Militia Lieutenant
06.06.1940


enlisted RCAF at Calgary, Alb.
06.06.1940
-
20.07.1940
training, No.1 Initial Training School
21.07.1940
-
15.09.1940
training, No. 8 Elementary Flying Training School
16.09.1940
-
20.12.1940
training, No. 4 Service Flying Training School
1941


commissioned
26.07.1944
-
28.09.1944
Commanding Officer, 432 (RCAF) Squadron RAF
       

 
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Mason,
Earl Wallace
"Tootie"
E.W. Mason E.W. Mason
E.W. Mason E.W. Mason
E.W. Mason  
Son of Nathan and Agnes Mason, of Hanley, Saskatchewan, Canada.
19.04.1917
Pitt, Minn., USA
-
15.09.1941

(KIA) [age 24]
[Brookwood Military Cemetery, 25.B.4]
P/O
? [J/15009]
 
1940


trained on a Tiger Moth in Prince Albert, Sask.



flew Spitfires
?
-
15.09.1941
pilot, 121 (Eagle) Squadron RAF (Kirton-in-Lindsey, Lincolnshire) (flew Hurricanes)
[engaged in bombing practise & killed when his Hurricane aircraft dived into the ground two miles east of Horncastle, UK]
McAuley,
Vincent Cronkite
V.C. McAuley
Son (with two sisters and one brother) of Scott McAuley, and Loula Cronkite.
Married; one son.
From Toronto.
04.01.1918
Royalton, N.Br.
-
?
A/Sq.Ldr.
? [J.4761]
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
02.11.1942
* [presented 25.02.44]
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
31.07.1943
** [presented 10.06.48]

* Acting Flight Lieutenant McAuley is an outstanding navigator who has to his credit 45 operational bombing sorties against the enemy. His ability to get straight to the most distant targets under difficult conditions is exceptional and when acting as Bomb Aimer he has steered his captain over the target in every endeavour to drop his bombs in exactly the correct place. Acting Flight Lieutenant McAuley has recently been filling the post of Squadron Navigation Officer and he has, by his personal example as a skilled navigator and a courageous member of an aircrew, been responsible for the high standard of navigation being maintained in the squadron.
** In air operations this officer displayed courage and fortitude of the highest order.

Civil engineer.
26.06.1940
 
 
enlisted RCAF at Moncton



trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 17.09.1940), No.2 BGS (graduated 17.02.1941), No.3 AOS (graduated 06.01.1941), and No.1 CNS (graduated 20.03.1941)
03.1941


commissioned, RCAF
 
 
 
11 Operational Training Unit (Bassingbourne)
?
-
11.12.1942
navigator, 7 Squadron RAF
[Took off 17:00 hrs in a Stirling aircraft BF379  MG-D of the Pathfinder Force from Oakington, Cambridgeshire for a bombing operation against Turin. On reaching the target had to descend due to hazy weather and were hit by Flak at about 21:00 hrs, which set the aircraft on fire. Carried out duties nevertheless, but were losing height on return journey and had to bale out about 21:45 hrs near Cuneo, Piedmont (Italy). Was captured by the Italians the next day.]
12.12.1942
-
14.04.1943
POW in Italian captivity (escaped from Celio Military Hospital [detailed escape report available])
One of the engineers who worked on the Expo 67 site in Montreal.
McCarthy,
Joseph Charles
"Joe"
J.C. McCarthy J.C. McCarthy
J.C. McCarthy J.C. McCarthy
J.C. McCarthy
J.C. McCarthy
Married Alice (née ...); one daughter, one son.

31.09.1919
St. James, Long Island, New York, USA
-
06.09.1998

Virginia, USA
P/O
1941 [F/9356]
F/O
?
F/Lt.
?
Sq.Ldr.
02.1944
W/Cdr.
?
Distinguished Service Order DSO
28.05.1943
*
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
14.05.1943
29 operations
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
28.04.1944
48 operations
* On the night of the 16th May 1943, a force of Lancaster bombers was detailed to attack the Möhne, Eder and Sorpe dams in Germany. The operation was one of great difficulty and hazard, demanding a high degree of skill and courage and close co-operation between the crews of the aircraft engaged. Nevertheless a telling blow was struck at the enemy by the successful breaching of the Möhne and Eder dams. This outstanding success reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of the above mentioned personnel who participated in the operation, in various capacities as members of aircraft crew.
** On many occasions this officer has attacked targets in Germany. As captain of aircraft he has participated in sorties to the heavily defended objectives in the Ruhr and took part in the successful raid on Essen on a night in March 1943.  He has also attacked Berlin three times and Italian targets on five occasions. Throughout his whole career, his conduct has set an example of high courage and efficiency to other members of the squadron.
*** Since being awarded the DSO this officer has completed numerous sorties as captain of aircraft in which he has taken part in difficult and hazardous operations at low level.  Squadron Leader McCarthy has displayed exemplary skill and courage which, combined with his unfailing devotion to duty, have contributed much to the success achieved.
In his youth he was a lifeguard on Coney Island.
05.05.1941


joined RCAF (Ottawa, Ont.)
?
-
11.08.1941
No. 1 Initial Training School
12.09.1941
-
26.09.1941
No. 12 Elementary Flying Training School (Goderich, Ont.)
27.09.1941
-
18.12.1941
No. 5 Services Flying Training School (Brantford, Ont.)
01.1942


Personnel Reception Centre 22 RAF (UK)
23.02.1942
-
08.03.1942
No. 3 ATC RAF
09.03.1942
-
18.05.1942
No. 12 Advanced Flying Unit RAF
19.05.1942
-
21.08.1942
No. 14 Operational Training Unit RAF
22.08.1942
-
10.09.1942
No. 97 Conversion Unit RAF
11.09.1942
-
20.09.1942
106 Conversion Unit RAF
21.09.1942
-
24.03.1943
97 Squadron RAF (flying 30 Lanacaster operations)
25.03.1943
-
19.07.1944
617 Squadron RAF (flying 37 operations)
20.07.1944


61 Base RAF
11.1944
-
1945
Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough
1946


returned to Canada to Command the Test and Development Establishment (Rockcliffe, Ont.)
1948


RCAF Staff College, Ont.
1949


No 6 Repair Depot, Trenton, Ont.
1952


Station Chatham, N.Br.
1953


No 2 (F) Wing, France
1954


Station Trenton, Ont.
1955


Wing Commander (Flying), No. 4 Flying Training School (Penhold, Alb.)



Commanding Officer, 407 Maritime Reconnaissance Squadron (Comox, BC)
1962


Air Operations Officer for the United Nations in the Belgian Congo
1966


Base Operations Officer, Greenwood



Wing Commander RCAF on the staff at Allied Commander in Chief Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia
McGregor,
Norval Roy
"Mac"
N.R. McGregor

Biography courtesy of Mr David Ford

20.08.1918
-
01.04.2000
P/O ? [J/14675]
F/O ?
F/Lt. ?
      navigator, 428 (RCAF) Squadron (for details, see "biography" button on the left)
McNaughton,
Ian George Armour
I.G.A. McNaughton
Son of General Andrew George Latta McNaughton and Mrs. Mabel Clara Stuart McNaughton (née Weir), of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
1920 ?
Ottawa, Ont.
-
23.06.1942

KIA near Emden
[Sage War Cemetery, Oldenburg, Germany, grave 1.F.4]
Sq.Ldr.
?
 
Education:Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
? - 23.06.1942 pilot, 61 Squadron RAF
[reported killed in action when their Lancaster I serial R5517 code QR- from 61 Squadron took off from RAF Syerston at 2340 on 22/23.06.1942 on Ops to Emden and due to enemy action crashed at Gross Midlum Germany]
Murphy,
A H
A.H. Murphy

Biography courtesy of Mr David Ford

?
-
P/O ? [J/25069]
F/O ?
      bomb aimer, 428 (RCAF) Squadron (for details, see "biography" button on the left)
       

 
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Peever,
Rolland Nelson
R.N. Peever

From Three Rivers, Quebec.
1920 ?
-
09.05.1944
(KIA) [age 24]
[Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar, joint grave 19.A.7-8]
P/O ? [J/21217]
F/O ?
? - 09.05.1944 pilot, 177 Squadron RAF
[Beaufighter EL363 hit a steep hillside and burst into flames whiile attacking enemy commmunications three miles north of Mogok, north-west of Mandalay. The navigator, not Canadian, was also killed.]
       

 
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Rath,
Henry Eric
H.E. Rath
Husband of Lillian Edna Rath, of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
1921 ?
-
20.04.1942
[age 21]
[Saint Andrew Churchyard
Cranwell, Lincolnshire]
P/O
? [J/6686]



pilot
Reilander,
Aloyis Valentine
"Lou"
A.V. Reilander

Biography courtesy of Mr David Ford

?
-
15.02.1944
P/O ? [J/20359]
Sq.Ldr. ?
      training officer, 428 (RCAF) Squadron (for details, see "biography" button on the left)
Russel,
Blair Dalzell
"Dal"
B.D. Russel B.D. Russel
B.D. Russel
B.D. Russel
The Gazette obituary
Telegraph obituary
Aces of WW2
09.12.1916
Toronto, Ont.
-
20.11.2007
Knowlton, Que.
P/O
15.09.1939 [Can/C.1319]
...
...
(A) W/Cdr.
09.07.1943-01.05.1944,
15.07.1944-...
Distinguished Service Order DSO
03.10.1944
*
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
25.10.1940
**
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
16.11.1943
?
Officer, Order of Oranje-Nassau (The Netherlands) OON
23.01.1947
?
* In recent intensive air operations the squadrons under the command of Wing Commander Russell have completed a large number of sorties. Within a period of three days a very large number of enemy transport vehicles were attacked of which 127 were set on fire and a bigger number were damaged. In addition 4 hostile aircraft were destroyed and seventeen tanks and nineteen other armoured vehicles were damaged. .By his masterly leadership, sound judgment and fine fighting qualities, Wing Commander Russell played a good part in the success achieved. His example inspired all.
** Flying Officer Russell has personally destroyed five enemy aircraft and has assisted in the destruction of a sixth. He has shown great keenness to attack the enemy.



1 Squadron RAF, 411 Squadron RAF, 402 Squadron RAF, 416 Squadron RAF etc.
       

 
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St Denis,
John Alfred
"Jack"
J.A. St Denis
Son of Victor Alfred and Ida St. Denis, of Waterloo, Province of Quebec, Canada.
1922 ?
-
01.12.1943
(KIA) [age 21]
[Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery,
Pas de Calais, France , 8.B.32]
P/O ? [J/18964]
? - 01.12.1943 pilot, 411 Squadron RCAF
[Spitfire aircraft MJ 288 was shot down fifteen miles northwest of Cambrai, France. Ex F/Lt. D. Matheson now of Edmonton, Alberta had this to say about the sortie, “John St. Denis was my wingman when we took off for a sweep into France at a low-level. We were both hit by cannon fire from those mobile multiple cannon trucks which were very accurate. We both crashed and I got out and got away. I spent several months with the underground and ended up as a Prisoner of War.” The engine of St. Denis’ Spitfire was dug up recently by a team under Andrew Coilliot of Beaurains, France. A monument was erected in a village near the site.]
 
Smith,
Owen Albert
O.A. Smith (Photo courtesy of Norris Dean)
Son of James Albert and Anne Jane Rebecah Smith, of Elmvale, Ontario, Canada.
03.04.1920
Elmvale, Ontario
-
23.03.1943
(KIA) [age 23]
[Runnymede War Memorial, Surrey, panel 174]
P/O
? [J/11116]
F/O
?
?
-
23.03.1943
navigator, 511 Squadron RAF
[Liberator aircraft AL587 failed to complete a flight from Gibraltar to Lyneham (UK); probably shot down at 14.20 hrs by Leutnant Ulrich Hanshen of 15. Staffel/Kampfgeschwader 40]
 
Stephens,
Doug
D. Stephens (Photo courtesy of Mr Roy Styles) D. Stephens (Photo courtesy of Mr Roy Styles)
D. Stephens (Photo courtesy of Mr Roy Styles) D. Stephens (Photo courtesy of Mr Roy Styles)
1918
-
1972
P/O ?
F/O ? (reld)
Education: studied art in the UK (post-war); Art Centre School, Los Angeles (graduated as illustrator).
      served RCAF
Commercial art director. Associate member of the Cowboy Artists of America. Llifetime member of the Rodeo Historical Society of Oklahoma City. Established Canada's first fine art bronze foundry, Studio West.
Stephenson,
John Gay
J.G. Stephenson
Son of John and Irene Stephenson.
Married Barbara Stephenson; two sons.
04.04.1914
Walkerville, Ontario
-
29.04.1960
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
P/O 04.07.1938 [C/860]
... ...
Gp.Capt. (1946)
... ...
A/Cdre. ?
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) OBE 13.06.1946 ?
Air Force Cross AFC 08.06.1944 ?
Canadian Forces Decoration CD ? -
Education: Royal Canadian Military College, Kingston, Ontario.
04.07.1938     commissioned, RCAF at Kingston, Ontario
      pilot, 432 Squadron RAF (flying Lancasters)
05.01.1945     shot down over Hamburg (missing in action; reported POW 22.02.1945; freed 03.1945)
? - 29.04.1960 Chief of Personnel Services, Air Force HQ (died in a B-25 en route to Madison, Wisconsin)
Suggitt,
William Reid
"Bill"
W.R. Suggitt

Biography courtesy of Mr David Ford

?
-
15.02.1944
P/O ? [J/15131]
Sq.Ldr. ?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC 01.07.1943  
      Commanding Officer, 428 (RCAF) Squadron (for details, see "biography" button on the left)
       

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Tatler,
Harold John Mason
H.J.M. Tatler (Photo courtesy of Mr Fred Tatler)

Married Helen Mutch; one daughter, two sons.
24.04.1917
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
-
15.01.2009
St Paul's Hospital, Saskatoon
Acm. 2nd cl. 07.03.1941 [R/87495]
Ldg.Acm. 27.07.1941
F/Sgt. 05.12.1941
Wt.Offr. 2nd cl. 12.04.1942
P/O 17.11.1942 [J/22983]
F/O 01.07.1943
F/Lt. 01.10.1943 (reld 21.09.1945)
1939-1945 Star 39|45 St - -
France & Germany Star Fr&G St - -
Defence Medal Def M - -
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal CdVSM - & clasp Overseas
War Medal 1939-1945 WM 39|45 - -
Education: Saskatoon Technical Collegiate (1932-1935).
Worked for the CNR (1935-1941).
07.03.1941     enlisted, RCAF (RCAF Recruitment Center, Saskatoon)
22.04.1941     No. 2 Manning Depot RCAF (Brandon)
04.05.1941     No. 33 Service Flying Training School RCAF (Carberry)
09.06.1941     No. 2 Initial Training School RCAF (Regina)
27.07.1941     No. 14 Elementary Flying Training School RCAF (Portage-La-Prairie)
13.09.1941     No. 11 Service Flying Training School RCAF (Yorkton)
07.12.1941     No. 1 Flying Instructors' School RCAF (Trenton)
03.05.1942     Instructor, No. 17 Elementary Flying Training School RCAF (Stanley, N.S.) (from 17.11.1942 Training Officer, from 01.10.1943 Flight Commander)
01.01.1944     Flight Commander, No. 35 Elementary Flying Training School RCAF (Neepawa)
30.01.1944     Squadron Commander, No. 26 Elementary Flying Training School RCAF (Neepawa)
28.07.1944     No. 1 "Y" Depot RCAF (Lachine) (posting pending overseas deployment; 03.08.1944 left Halifax, N.S. for UK)
10.08.1944     No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre RCAF (Bournemouth)
28.12.1944     5 (Pilots') Advanced Flying Unit RAF (Tern Hill)
[flew Harvards, Hawker Hurricanes, and Spitfire Mk Vb]
22.03.1945     pilot, 541 Squadron Photo Reconnaissance Unit RAF (Benson)
[Flew Spitfire Mk XI over Holland and Germany to assist Bomber Command]
10.04.1945     pilot, 41 Fighter Reconnaissance Wing Operational Training Unit RAF (Chilbolton)
[Flew Hawker Hurricanes and Spitfire Mk Vb]
14.06.1945     pilot, 51 Night Fighter Operational Training Unit RAF (Cranfield)
[Flew Hawker Hurricanes]
23.07.1945     "R" Depot RCAF (Torquay) (posting pending repatriation; 01.08.1945 RAF Station Yarmouth; 02.08.1945 left UK for Canada)
       

 
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Wheeler,
Arthur Brian
H.E. Rath
Son of Arthur Leslie and Dorothy Maud Wheeler, of Marton, Wellington, New Zealand.
Husband of Evelyn Margaret (Peggie) Wheeler, of Marton.
11.02.1916
Feilding, New Zealand
-
15.02.1944
(KIA) [age 28]
[Cherbourg Old Communal Cemetery, France, 6.G.3]
P/O
? [J/4813]
W/Cdr.
?
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC
?
?
10.1940


joined RCAF
1941


flew with a Blenheim squadron in daylight attacks on shipping in the North Sea



flew Bostons in low-level bombing raids (prominent in air operations over Dieppe)
?
-
31.01.1944
226 Squadron RAF (22.11-28.11.1943 temporary duty, Combined Training Centre, Largs)
01.02.1944
-
15.02.1944
Commanding Officer, 88 Squadron RAF
[his Boston aircraft (BZ279) took a direct hit by enemy Flak whilst on a daylight raid over Cherbourg
       

 
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Yule,
Andrew Campbell
A.C. Yule

Biography courtesy of Mr David Ford

03.11.1916
-
11.06.2002
P/O ? [C/19523]
Distinguished Flying Medal DFM 27.11.1943  
      flight engineer, 428 (RCAF) Squadron (for details, see "biography" button on the left)
       

 
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