Individual

W/Cdr. Harris and brother

W/Cdr. Harris (right) and his brother, Beverly.

Commanding Officer of one of the RCAF Bomber Group squadrons, Wing Commander C.E. Harris of Annapolis Royal, N.S. is pictured above as he took his brother, Sgt. Beverly Harris of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals on an inspection trip of the Bluenose squadron’s aircraft. W/Cdr. Harris (right) joined the RAF before the outbreak of war, while his brother, whose home is at 40 Macara St., Halifax, N.S. has been in Great Britain for two years with the Canadian Army.

21 Oct. 1943

Courtesy CFJIC, PL – 22140 / U.K. - 5755

Wing Commander - J.C. Mulvhill

Wing Commander J.C. Mulvhill , the Bluenosers fourth and last wartime Commander.

Courtesy - 434 Squadron History p. 33

Sgt Robert C. Brooks, crew 2

Sgt Robert C. Brooks, crew 2

Sgt. Harry Ridley, crew 5

Sgt. Harry Ridley, Crew 5

Courtesy Oakville Museum (Ontario)

Sgt. "Sly" Sylvester Konar, crew 8

Sgt. "Sly" Sylvester Konar, crew 8

“…Dad was born on Feb. 22 1923 in Mogilneca, Poland. At the age of ten years he journeyed on his own to Canada to meet his father who was now living in Winnipeg’s North End.

In 1942 finishing up his training in Canada as an Air Gunner. Sylvester was awarded Air Gunner certification at Paulson, Manitoba after his training from Oct 9-26, 1942 with a 80.3% score.

Sylvestor Konar on the right in uniform and his friend Nick Lapointe? touring London with two young ladies (unknown) in 1943 at Trafalgar Square.

Dad served 4 years as an aircrew member in WW II with the historic 434 “Bluenose Squadron” in Yorks, England.

For 8 months from August 1943 to April 1944, Dad flew on 25 dangerous bombing sorties over Germany, France and Holland in the strategic lead up to D-Day and the Allied Normandy invasion. After the war, Dad journeyed to the west coast and fell in love with Vancouver and English Bay…”

"Sly' Konar

Feb. 1923 - Dec. 2006

Thanks to Brian Konar (son) for photos & written content.

F/Sgt. D.E. Watson, Crew 10

F/Sgt. Dave E. Watson, Crew 10

On 19/20 Nov. 1943, Halifax V, LK-893, (WL-U) was returning from a mission to Mannheim Germany, the a/c came under enemy fire and crashed near Durnbach. F/Sgt. Watson (Nav.) and five others became POW's, Sgt. J.C. Hinks was killed.

more info coming

Photo courtesy the Watson family

Sgt Ernest Coward, Crew 11

Sgt E. Coward, Crew 11

(Photo courtesy Lillian Dixon - Sgt. E. Coward's sister)

Sgt Ernest Charles Coward (RAFVR) was the son of Henry Walter & Lilian Coward of London. Before volunteering for the RAF, Ernest worked as a mattress maker. In June of 1943 he married May of Rotherham, Yorkshire.

I would like to thank Nigel Caldicott (Great Uncle Sgt. Ernest Coward), Michael McGovern (Great Uncle F/Sgt. Robert Reynolds) for providing the following information, and is the result of comprehensive research.

On 22/23rd Sept. 1943 twelve Halifax’s from 434 squadron participated in a raid to Hannover, Germany. One bomber; Halifax V, serial # LK-909 (coded IP-G) piloted by P/O Green and crew would not return, all were killed.

Pilot(1): P/O Herbert Green 157406 R.A.F. Age 23.

“2^nd Dickey” Pilot(2): Fl/Sgt. Robert Peter Reynolds R/135119 R.C.A.F. Age 21.

Fl/Engineer: Sgt. Stanley Cyril Henry Hearn 1457812 R.A.F.V.R. Age 35.

Navigator: Sgt. John Cross 929899 R.A.F.V.R. Age ?.

Air Bomber: Fl/Sgt. Alan Francis Cudd 138854 R.A.F.V.R. Age 21.

W/Op/A/Gnr: Sgt. Ernest Charles Coward 1332058 R.A.F.V.R. Age 20.

Air/Gnr: W/O 1 Allan Heaney R/82526 R.C.A.F. Age 21.

Air/Gnr: Fl/Sgt. Dennis John Burge 1320913 R.A.F.V.R. Age 21.

CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOSS:

Location: Ströhnen, South Barenburg.

‘G’ – Green took off at 19.02 hrs from Tholthorpe, Yorkshire as part of a group of 711 aircraft on the first major raid on Hannover for over 2 years. Five U.S.A.A.F B-17's from the 305th Bomb Group were in the formation, 422nd Bomb Squadron also joined which was their first night raid on Germany. 322 Lancaster's, 226 Halifaxes, 137 Stirlings and 26 Wellingtons took part. 26 aircraft would not return.

Visability in the target area was good but stronger winds than forecast caused the marking and the bombing to be concentrated between 2 and 5 miles south south-west of the city centre. It is unlikely that serious damage was caused.

LK909 was shot down by a Lt. Heinz Bock (Honours – EK 1 & 2 Night Fighter Operational Clasp) of the Luftwaffe 8./NJG1 night-fighter group flying a Messerschmitt Bf 110G-4, at a height of 4,500 metres at 22.40 hours over Ströhnen, South Barenburg.

The remains of LK-909 crashed near Han. Ströhnen, which is south of Bremen (war map reference L53/W6438). The crew were buried in a cemetery there known as 'Cemetery for All Foreigners'.

The German authorities confirmed the deaths of the crew of LK-909 to the Air Ministry, via the International Red Cross in Geneva, by a Totenliste (Death List) but, did not state burial particulars. A Totenliste was the normal method of alerting the Air Ministry of the demise of Allied aircrew over Germany. A telegram dated 3rd December 1943 from H.Q. of No. 6 Bomber Group to 434 Squadron, stated that German authorities had informed the M.R.E.S. (Missing Research and Enquiries Section) at P4 (casualty) of the Air Ministry of the deaths of the crew of LK-909.

Totenliste No. 190 stated that LK-909 crashed 4 Km’s east of Ströhnen and 8 bodies were recovered. At the time of burial in the ‘Cemetery For All Foreigners’ at Ströhnen, only Fl/Eng. Sgt. S. Hearn 1457812 R.A.F.V.R. was indentifiable. The communal grave was marked by a cross bearing ’7 unknown English fliers, shot down near Ströhnen 22.09.43. Sgt. Hearn 1457812’.

On 8th October 1945, the cemetery was visited by F/L. Cade of No. 8 section M.R.E.S. at R.A.F. Bunde, Germany. There, he discovered the communal grave of the crew of LK-909 and 42 other airmen from England and the Commonwealth.

An Investigation Report (4MREU – G55) dated 13th May 1946 reveals that F/L - E.T. Haines visited Han. Ströhnen and interrogated the local Burgemeister.

Haines was led to the cemetery and there, found the communal grave of the 8 aircrew from LK-909 previously reported by F/L. Cade. The Burgemeister revealed that the aeroplane had been hit at high altitude and had broken up, falling to the earth in small pieces. F/L. Haines ordered the Burgemeister to recruit local labour to exhume the coffins. Once the coffins were exposed, only four of the bodies were indentifiable. They were;

Sgt. Hearn 1457812, Sgt. Green 1096580, W/O Heaney R.82526 and Sgt. Burge 1320913.

As the investigation progressed, the following came to light;

Coffin 1 contained Nav. Sgt. Cross J929899 or B/A Sgt. Cudd 1388584.

Coffin 2 contained R.A.G. Sgt. Burge 1320913.

Coffin 3 contained MU/AG Sgt. Heaney R82526.

Coffin 4 contained WO/AG Sgt. Coward 1332058 and 2nd Pilot Sgt. Reynolds R135119.

Coffin 5 F/E. Sgt. Hearn 1457812.

Coffin 6 1st Pilot Sgt. Green 1095680.

Coffin 7 contained Sgt. Cross J929899 or Sgt. Cudd 1388584.

The crew had been buried in swampy ground and decomposition was advanced and the coffins were in a poor state.

F/L. Haines instructed the G.R.U. (Graves Registration Unit) to transport the bodies to the newly established Hannover War Cemetery and there, the crew were reburied in Plot 8, Row D with suitable headstones marking their respective positions.

Lt. Boch was killed in October 1943 in a crash landing at Bad Aibling airfield after being hit by flak.

Sgt. Ernest Coward

At the time of Sgt. Ernest's Coward's death, May was three months pregnant, she named their son after the youngest crew member Dennis Burge.

Sgt Tim Tyler, crew 12

Sgt. Tim Tyler, crew 12

434 Squadron... My Dad

P/O Harry Hansell, crew 15

P/O Harry Hansell, crew 15

Harry was part of crew 15 and one of hundreds of Canadian boys who, just as their adult lives were beginning, faced the reality of war. A somewhat unique aspect of Harry’s wartime account, is that he was the son of the Honourable Ernest G. Hansell, M.P. Throughout the war years, Harry's father served in the Canadian Parliament, helping to bear the burden of decisions made concerning the war effort, which ultimately cost him his son.

Harry during training

On his enlistment application, Harry noted as his interests; woodworking and several sports, stating that his favourite by far was hockey and ice skating - a typical rural-Canadian kid! His father was gifted in woodworking, an interest he must have passed on to Harry. Harry attended school from grades 5 to 12 in the Vulcan, Alberta public school, but left in the middle of his twelfth grade.

What motivated boys like Harry to enlist? The adventure of war was a likely aspect, the opportunity to do things and see things that would never be possible staying at home. No doubt there was an undercurrent of social pressure that might have made Harry feel uneasy each time he heard the report of a Vulcan family suffering the loss of a son or husband. When boys are 19, they feel immortal. They lack the wisdom of age to accurately assess the risks. Yet, in the end it was likely a sense of duty that motivated most boys to accept a role for which they were never intended - it was a chance to make a contribution with their young lives that no one else was able to make.

Crew 15 piloted by P/O O. Lytle "FTR" 27/28 Sept. 1943 on a mission to Hannover, all were killed.

Photo and Bio courtesy of Barry Dickieson, also visit Harry's Story

F/O Benjamin Stanley Jones, crew 21

F/O Benjamin Stanley Jones, Navigator - crew 21

Also known as "Stan" by his crew mates, he along with the rest of the crew piloted by F/L Fred Lord FTR from an Op to Hanover Germany on the 27/28 Sept. 1943, all were killed.

Stan in flight suit

A.O.S. Malton, Ontario. 1942. Stan in middle front row, having just returned from a “flip”.

A “Nissen Hut” was Stan and the rest of his crewmates residence, 434 station Tholthorpe.

August 1943, Stan in “F-Freddie”

Photos and written material courtesy Laura Fearon

R.H. James lands Halifax, crew 22

R.H. James, DFC - crew 22

An air bomber who has sent loads of destruction plummeting to enemy targets on 30 sorties, F/O R.H. James (941 West 20th Ave.) Vancouver, was recently awarded the DFC. When his Bluenose squadron Halifax had its windshield smashed in colliding with a bird, the skipper was temporarily blinded and the big plane plunged out of control. With about an hour’s experience as a pilot behind him, James took over the controls. He pulled out of the dive, steered home and landed on the second attempt.

10 July 1944

Courtesy CFJIC, PL–31161, 31162 / U.K.–12597, 12598

F/O Chet Popplewell, crew 24

F/O Chet Popplewell, crew 24

Crew 24 piloted by F/O Chet Popplewell "FTR" from a mission to Bochum 29/30 Sept. 1943, five were killed. P/O C.F. Kirk and Sgt. R.A. Earl became POW.

See story in links section "Chet Popplewell - Just One of the Many" by Brent Hamre, Brent graciously allowed me to add Chet's story to bombercrew.com

Included is a segment on a Luftwaffe Ace; Prince Hauptmann zur Lippe Weissenfeld whom shot down this aircraft. The Prince would subsequently be the fatal target of the Third Reich.

Photo Courtesy Brent Hamre

F/Lt. George Berg, crew 27

F/L George Theodore Berg - Crew 27

RCAF - J16782

February 24, 1916 - October 3, 1943

“..against the terrible arithmetic of survival” ⁽¹⁾

Written by John G. Berg, nephew. January 2012

This is the story of my uncle – George “Icy” Berg.

George was born in Saskatchewan in 1916 and lived in Weldon and then Saskatoon. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1939 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. He worked for 3 years as an agricultural assistant at the Dominion Laboratory of Plant Pathology in Saskatoon and then a year (1940) at the INCO facilities in Sudbury as an Electrotype Processor.

He originally enlisted in 1939 but was discharged having failed his pilot’s flying test. George re-enlisted in 1941 and received the Air Observers badge on December 6, 1941 qualified as a navigator, bomb aimer and astro-navigator.

From his Flight Log and Postings Sheet

- April 1941 14 - EFTS – Portage la Prairie

- April 25, 1941 – first solo-Tiger Moth

- June 1941 11 - SFTS – Yorkton, Sask.

- August 1941 - 9 Air Observer School, St Johns, Quebec

- 25/10/41 qualified Observer Navigator, Astro-Navigator

- November 1941 – 6 B&G, Mountain View, Ontario (Bombing and Gunnery)

- December 1941 – 2 ANS, Pennfield Ridge, New Brunswick

- 6/12/41 – inability general flying

- 6/12/41 qualified Observer, Bomb Aimer and Air Gunner

- 8/2/42 Depart to RAF Trainees pool

- 19/2/42 Disembarked UK

- March 1942 – 2 AFU RAF, Millom England

- May 1942 – 22 OTU Wellesbourne, Mountford

Insert photo In England 1942

- June 1942 A flight Wellesbourne

- July 1943 419 Sqn, Mildenhall

- 7/11/42 419 Sqn to 427 Sqn Croft

- May 1943 1695 Conversion Unit – Topcliffe (Halifaxes)

- May 1943 427 Sqn - Leeming

- 15/6/43 427 Sqn to 434 Sqn as Bombing Leader - Tholthorpe

- 4/10/43 Missing aircraft

- 4/10/43 SOS from 434 Sqn to RAF

- 3/10/43 Presumed Dead

insert photo 419 RCAF Squadron

Joined 419 RCAF squadron at Mildenhall – B Flight in July 17, 1942. Operations:

1. July 23^rd to Duisburg as Front Gunner – Bomb Aimer in Wellington PX 3752 with F/Sgt “Willy” Gasco as pilot

2. July 25 Duisburg

3. July 26 Hamburg

4. July 28 Hamburg – fired at Me 110

5. September 9 with Sgt Crewe as pilot to Bremen

6. Sept 19 F-BU886 to Saarbrucken, turned back shot-up

7. October 2 WX3390 to Krefeld with P/O “Alf” Hasty as pilot

8. October 6 PX 3752 to Osnabruck

9. October 15 UZ 1604 to Cologne

insert photo RAF Vickers Wellington medium bombers flying in formation, circa 1940. National Archives of Canada, PA-128144

insert photo Left to right: unknown, F/O Hasty – pilot; F/Sgt Flanagan – Wop; F/Sgt Crossman – Nav; F/Sgt Whyte – A/G; F/Sgt Berg - BA

insert photo 427 RCAF Squadron Transferred to 427 RCAF Squadron -November 2, 1942

The crew from 419 RCAF Squadron arrived at 427 RCAF Squadron – Croft without a pilot. Quoting from the book My Last Op by F/LT Geoffrey B. Whyte, DFC who was the crew’s rear gunner:

“Sgt “Johnny” Johnson was our fifth pilot. This time no one came around and told us he was our new pilot and by chance there were two new unattached pilots on the squadron. We decided we would take matters into our own hands and pick the pilot we wanted. One was a Canadian Flt/Sgt. And the other an RAF Sgt. At first we thought the Canadian, but then had second thoughts – where had he been and what had he done – and we just did not like the look of him. We all agreed for all the unlikely reasons that the RAF type was our choice. He was RAF, he was very young, nineteen, just off a farm and in our considered opinion a bit of an innocent. We would take him in hand. He agreed to be our pilot.”

Operations:

11. Jan 3, 1943 – RX3873 – Mining with Sgt Johnson as pilot

12. Jan 9 – Mining

13. Jan 26 – Y - X3553 - Lorient

14. Jan 29 - Lorient

15. Feb 4 - Lorient

16. Feb 13 – Z- BK558 - Lorient

insert photo Target Token 17. Feb 16 Lorient/crew

L to R: W/O2 G. Crossman RCAF, Navigator; Sgt E. A. Johnson, RAF, pilot; F/Sgt G. Berg RCAF, Bomb Aimer; and F/Sgt E. Flanagan RCAF, Wireless Op. Examining the Lorient target token (above)

18. March 4 Y- X3553 – Hamburg

March 26 X- HE743 Duisberg - DNCO –port motor failed

11. April 10^th –W - HE425 – Frankfurt

12. April 14^th – Stuttgart

13. May 29^th Z-DK140 – Wuppertal

14. June 11th – Dusseldorf

June 12th – L - DK186 – Bochum (see next page)

The naming of DK186 - "L" London (From official 427 RCAF Squadron Log)

13/5/43

Two more aircraft tested today. One in particular "L" London has had an emblem painted on the side, depicting a winged lion dropping a bomb. It is quite apropos since we are officially now, the "LION SQUADRON". Normal routine went on through out the day. In the evening an Ensa concert took place on the station and the Cast were entertained in the Officer's Mess. 427 Squadron were very much in evidence, in looking after the female end of the cast.

24/5/43

Some local flying took place in the evening together with the usual ground instruction. In the afternoon the Squadron was formerly adopted by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Film Co. The whole Squadron assembled outside our hangar. Amongst those present were Mr. Echkman, Manager Director of the M.G.M. Film Co. in Great Britain, Mr. MacPherson, Reel Director for M.G.M., Group Captain Slemon from 6 Group Headquarters, Wing Commander Carecallon- Station Commander, Flight Lieutenant Tim Road, Public Relations Bureau for R.C.A.F., Wing Commander Burnside, Officer Commanding No. 427 Squadron. The Adjutant of 427, F/Lt J. Chasnoff opened the Ceremony by introducing Mr. Eckman, who in turn gave a speech of welcome to the Squadron on joining the ranks of M.G.M. as the Lion Squadron. He then presented W/Cmdr Burnside with a bronze Lion - eighteen century design with an inscription commemorating the occasion. At some future date, all members of the Squadron will be presented with Lion Medals, the holder of which will have certain privileges at any M.G.M. theatre. A draw took place as to which pilot gets Lana Turner's name for his aircraft. Seventeen names were drawn for names altogether. Sgt Johnson was the lucky pilot and amid an ovation from the Squadron he promptly chalked her name on his aircraft nearby.

Fox Movietown news and several still photographers plus one or two London News agency-reporters, photo- graphed the whole afternoons proceedings.
The celebration culminated in a party in the Sgt's Mess for the whole Squadron together with the visitors.

insert photo's

Sgt. E.A. “Johnny” Johnson chalking the Lana Turner name on the DK 186 Halifax aircraft.

George Berg’s June 12th flight with 427 Squadron and the Johnson crew was in this aircraft.

He was posted to 434 RCAF Squadron as Bombing Leader on June 15, 1943.

Lana Turner

insert photo L to R: W/O2 G. Crossman RCAF, Navigator; Sgt E. A. Johnson, RAF, pilot; F/Sgt E. Flanagan RCAF, Wireless Op.; F/Sgt G.B. Whyte RCAF, RAG

Kneeling: F/Sgt G. Berg RCAF, Bomb Aimer

insert photo 434 RCAF Squadron

George Berg was posted to 434 RCAF Squadron as Bombing Leader on June 15, 1943.

He had attended No. 47 Bombing Leaders course in April 1942.

Operations:

24. August 30, 1943 - “A” to Munchen-Gladbach with F/O Carter as pilot

25. Sept 22 “S” to Hanover with F/L Linnel as pilot

Oct 2nd LK638 WL-V mining with F/O German as pilot - DNCO

Oct 3rd - LK638 WL-V to Kassel with F/O German as pilot - Missing

insert photo Extract of F/L Berg’s flight log:

The F/O German Crew (27) piloting a Halifax B/Met MK V LK638 WL-V of 434 squadron, crashed in the night of the 3rd October, 1943, while on a raid to Kassel.

The 6 Bomber Command website operations for that night says:

“75 Halifaxes from 419, 427, 428, 429, 431, and 434 squadrons were ordered on an attack at Kassel. The crews were over the target at between 17,000 and 20,500 feet, releasing 136,000 lbs. of high explosives and 261,000 lbs. of incendiaries. According to reports, some important industrial buildings were destroyed.”

“ F/O H. German RCAF and crew, from 434 squadron flying Halifax V LK-638 coded WL-V, failed to return from this operation.

insert photo F.O H.W. German

F/O H.W. German, AFM, RCAF – pilot - killed
- Sgt F.G. Babington, RCAF – navigator - POW
- F/Lt G. Berg, RCAF- bombardier - killed
- Sgt C.W. Dorey, RAF – wireless operator /gunner- POW
- Sgt W. Todd, RCAF – flight engineer - POW
- F/S E.V. Davidson, RCAF - rear gunner - killed
- Sgt R. Eaton – RAF – mid-upper gunner - POW

Three other planes also Failed To Return (FTR) of the 75 planes sent out that night

The Crash

A local German eyewitness account (Courtesy of Dirk Hartman)

After some days he called me back and told me that he had find an Eyewitness about the crash in Garbsen (near Hannover) The Person was Walter Probst and he was the Witness in that Night when Halifax went down. Mr. Probst had send me a letter with his observations that Night and also a Map with the Area which the Plane crashed. I attached the Letter in this Mail:

Translation Eyewitness Report Mr. Walter Probst Garbsen

The Report started with the Information about the Details in the Map from the crash site and Info’s about the German Report about the Claim of a Halifax in Großenheidorn. Mr. Probst confirmed in the first Part the it was this Halifax which crashed in the Lake and that he was Eyewitness of the crash.

Further to the Attachments: (Ziff 1) on the Map was the Main crash place of the Halifax which were laying bigger Parts incld. the Fuselage of LK-638 until 1949 and also where the photo was taken.

(Ziff2) means also a bigger Part like a Piece of the Wing with an engine nacelle.

(Ziff3) was the Point of observe when the Halifax went down….

insert photo An RAF reconnaissance picture from 1944 or 1945 shows the area of the crash site.

The Report:

“Since 1942 we were living in a small weekend cottage very close to the bank of the Lake Steinhuder Meer. Today the street is calling “Seerosenweg”.

In the evening of 03^rd of October 1943 we, my Parents some Neighbours and myself were standing outside and observed what happened at the Night Sky above us. The view that night was very clear so that we can see very well what happened. We had seen the Gunfire from the Bottom, also in the Air from the Night fighters and it was very noisy due to the Anti Aircraft Guns from Wunstorf and Hannover. Suddenly we could see that a Plane was coming from western direction and it was burning. The flames getting bigger and bigger and then the whole fuselage was on Fire. But the Bomber did not make any course corrections or turns nothing, he was still flying in eastern Direction and loose more and more of his Altitude. In this moment we were thinking and realising that he will fall in our settlement. Some of us were running away and other were jumping down with the face to the soil. I hadn’t seen when the Halifax crashed in the Lake but just when I were laying down there was a terrible explosion and Parts from the Plane were spread over a wide Area. Many of them were burning and from time to time another explosion was. Next Morning my friend Dieter and I rowed with a small Boot to the Crashplace where we see an Dead Flyer on the Part of the Fuselage. He was not mutilated or defaced, but I think that members of the German Airforce Recovering Team had found him maybe in the water and placed him there for the first time. Later we were send away by Soldiers due to the Fact that maybe Bombs were not exploded. Years later when I was a young Man, we spend a lot of time with Ice skating on the Lake and than you can see many Parts of the Bomber laying on the Bottom of the Lake. The Water is not really deep there, so one Meter or two but not more and I remember very well for an bigger Aluminium Parts close to the area of Reed near the bank. I cannot say in which time the Parts were taken out of the Steinhuder Meer, but my friend Mr. Schettlinger remember that until 1949 the Parts were laying in the Lake maybe also for longer time. If I’m honest, I had forgotten the Plane crash all the last years …. until your question about it last week for Mr. Hartmann. I think that not many People knows something about the crash near Großenheidorn and there are fewer and fewer from year to year….

…Walter Probst

Update on the crash site

insert photo A post-war picture of the main crash site

Today in the morning, I was in Großenheidorn and have made some Photo of the Area where the Halifax LK638 went down. Mr. Richter which is a Club Member of the Local Sailing Club in Großenheidorn organized an entrance for the Club Area and had also invited two older Persons from the village. Both were eye witnesses of the crash. They had told me the same as Mr.Probst. More Infos they knew about the Years after the crash.

insert photo Current View of the Area

At the beginning of the Fifties most of the Wreckage were recovered by Private scrap metal collectors. But from year to year more and more were found in the Area. Mr. Frank told me that the last bigger Found was an Aluminium Part which has a dimension of 1,5 x1,5 Meter. He thinks it was in the Year of 2003 or 04. At the same time, a Person which was swimming in the Lake had found some ammunition and gave this Info to the water Police. After short time, the Team of the Police in Hannover which recovered old ammunition from WW II had searched the Water Area and found more bullets and two or three weapons of the Halifax. Greetings Dirk 2011

Reports from the surviving crew, from their POW Questionnaires taken upon their release in 1945

F.G Babbington –navigator

How many Ops. Had you done: 1

Narrative: “on taking off we did not notice but crews on ground subsequently shot down and captured report smoke trail from port engine. After 2 hours flying (approx. Hanover) port outer engine suddenly started to rev. Up to maximum revs. Then fall off then rev up again, fire broke out, spread to wing which became red hot. Pilot ordered bale out approx 2100 hrs. Last man to bale out, Sgt Todd blown out of A/C by explosion. Pilot was still in A/C. Pilot and engineer made every effort to get engine under control. Out of front hatch. Cover thrown in front of A/C.”

C.W. Dorey – wireless operator

How many Ops. Had you done: 1

Narrative: Took off from 434 squadron Tholthorpe, new moon, vis. Good at 1900hrs. Near Hanover passed through flak barrage, after which I noticed A/C was vibrating. About to draw crew attention to this fact when port inner engine started racing. Constant speed unit probably damaged. Engine reached 4000 R.P.M., caught fire, unable to feather – fire spreading. Predicted flak opened up on us, as we were near a visible target. Ordered to abandon A/C given on intercom. Heard nav. answer and R/G. Answered myself and baled out of entrance hatch. Flak hitting aircraft. A/C afterwards blew up (information from Sgt Todd – flight engineer) who was blown out of A/C.) A/C exploded before hitting ground. Windowing at time.

R.W Eaton – mid-upper gunner

How many Ops. had you done: nil

Narrative:

Base: Tholthorpe.

Weather and Vis: good –quarter moon.

Take off: Approx. 1900 hrs.

At take off P/O engine smoked badly but was OK as soon as airborne. Met light flak but not hit as known. P.O. engine caught fire and spread along wing to P.I. engine. Feathering engine was tried but unsuccessful. Incident occurred approx. 8 mins. Approaching turning point at Hanover. Ordered to bale out at approx. 2100 hrs. And was unconscious through lack of oxygen until just before hitting deck. Landed on bank of river next to Luftwaffe Drome near Hanover. Engine had smoked like this before, but not caught fire. No details known.

W. O. Todd – flight engineer

How many Ops. had you done: 1

Narrative: Tholthorpe. White smoke observed from exhaust off port inner on take off reported to pilot, presumably internal glycol leak, caused as engine temperature reached normal. Had a bit of trouble climbing to height, over front, altitude 22,000’ reached. Everything normal – 15 mins. From target I went back to change petrol tanks. Plugged into intercom. Proceeded to routine of tank change, revs. Hard to increase, thought if possible more power put on by pilot due to fighter or flak or weather. Went forward, port inner on fire. Revs. 4000 – 45000. Feathering attempted no good. Fire spreading to wing, flak bursting near kite, flak rattling though kite. Astra dome off. Pilot commences to bale out. I stepped back, put on chute took two steps to rear forced to floor, unable to get over the front spar, next thing I knew I was in air, pulled ripcord. Descended by one riser, landed easily about two miles from burning A/C. On meeting other members of crew was informed that order to bale out had been given and acknowledged by all but me. My intercom. Though plugged in was U/S because small part of Bakelite edge holding plug in had been knocked off during flight no intercom. With pilot from when I first plugged in rest position. Plug slightly out because of movement during tank change. Flak on C.S.U. added to glycol shortage causing increased revs., fire.

My Summary:

For George Berg this was his 26^th Ops.

Given the circumstances and time from the event to the questionnaire, contradictions in the above reports are understandable.

These accounts would suggest the cause of the fire and explosion was mechanical and not due to flak or fighters.

We will never know the last few minutes as to how some survived and the others did not.

Lack of experience on part of the crew is another factor in the crash. The pilot was on his second Ops, with the first one DNCO. The other crew were on their first or second Ops.

434 Squadron had heavy losses which were higher than “normal” from its initiation in June 1943. Other reports refer to 434 squadron senior leadership flaws.

Letter's

Letters from a “friend” in England

Excerpt October 14, 1943:

“one of George’s friends rang me up last week. He said the two previous nights that George and crew had tried to take off. There had been engine troubles and the night they did manage to get off there was still trouble, but they were so mad to be done out-of another trip they decided to go anyway.”

Excerpt November 3, 1943:

“in George’s last letter dated October 1, 1943 he told me he had a bad cold.”

Excerpt February 18, 1944:

‘If only George had stayed with the boys (Johnson crew, 427 Sqn.) and finished his first tour, but at the time it seemed like a wonderful break (to be bombing Leader at 434 Sqn.)”

“heard from George Dion last week that he’d heard the Pilot had been reported killed but no news of George.”

Letter from his good friend - George Dion,

George Berg was to have been the best man at George Dion’s wedding on Nov 6, 1943

Excerpts October 6, 1943:

“I can’t feel that he’s really gone – his kind will always turn up”

“I feel sure that we’ll hear before long that they’ve got him locked up with Louie and Bill...”

“he always said it was just a case of playing the percentages and if it happened to him, he’d want us to shrug and swear a bit at his bad luck, as he did for the other boys.”

“He’s the best friend we’ll ever have.”

George as quoted in the newspaper - May 1943:

“The only place we haven’t been is Berlin, and from all accounts we are not too anxious to go there. Cologne too is a nasty place to visit while there are quieter places than Hamburg. Coming back from there we were chased by a Messerschmitt 110 but we escaped before he could do us any damage. At one time, too, we got a beating up with flak and a piece of shrapnel came through the glass of the front turret just above me as I was crouching over my bombing sights”

George’s own letters

Excerpts

February 27, 1943

“I am on leave right now and on my birthday also which was spent in London as normal. Been very busy taking in shows, usually two a day – a very good way to pass the time’

“ am getting rather fat so after the war is over I guess I will have to do some real hard labour – guess my farm will take care of that.”

“this flying is all sitting down”.

September 23, 1943

“you asked me what I am doing all the time. Practically the same as ever only not as often”

“I’ll drift in someday without any warning – I still remember the address"

“P.S. I’ll have to start visiting the dentist again – a job I hate –thank goodness it’s free – feels like I should be paid to go to them”

October 1, 1943

“Just imagine another winter coming along – last Xmas I remember writing that I would be home for the next one. Probably be writing the same thing this year but this time it should be true. Seems like ages since I was last home”

“George Dion is getting married on Nov 6^th & I am supposed to be best man. Don’t think I will be able to make it though.”

“writing this in bed as I turned in early tonight to shake off my cold – nothing to do but sleep anyway unless we happen to be working”

“maybe I can go to China when this side of the war is finished”

“Marlin Carson was over to see me this week. Came over on his bicycle from the next station. One of my old crew mates also dropped around and a guy that used to go to Varsity in “Stoon”

was also over – Bert Holtby- don’t think you knew him. Also had a letter from Louie Greenberg who is over here now – a lieutenant in the army.”

All for now

Love

George

The News

insert 2 photos

Resting Place: Limmer Cemetery, Hanover, Germany

insert photos grave markers

Correction

“sharing a joint grave with F/O German as individual identification could not be made. F/Sgt Davidson was laid to rest separately.” RCAF February 4^th, 1947

“Exhumation report shows single grave contains the remains of F/O German, supported by identity disk J.10730 H.W. German, F/Os braid, RAF battledress tunic and RCAF pilot’s wings.

Exhumation from joint grave shows “remains of two bodies”. Assumed that the remains are of F/Lt. Berg and F/Sgt Davidson.

The erected crosses have been amended.” RCAF May 13^th, 1948

Operational Wings

”This is to certify that flight Lieutenant G.T. Berg has been posthumously awarded the Operational Wings of the Royal Canadian Air Force in recognition of gallant service in action against the enemy”

Dated this Twentieth day of May, 1947

Robert Leckie

Air Marshall

Chief of Air staff

Operational wings were an award to personnel who had completed a tour of operations against the enemy or had been killed after having made one or more sorties against the enemy. George was on his 26^th mission. Earlier in the war 25 sorties had been a complete tour of operations but this was raised later to 30 sorties. George’s original crew all completed their first tour and survived “several pilots” and the war.

Memorial

insert photo

The Names Live On http://www.woodlandaerialphoto.com/theirnamesliveon.htm

“During the Second World War, over 91,000 men and women from Saskatchewan enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces, and served in the army, air force and navy. In active service for their country, over 3800 servicemen from Saskatchewan lost their lives. During the 1950's and 1960's the province of Saskatchewan, named geographic features in memory of these individuals, who made the supreme sacrifice.

The 3800 northern lakes, islands and bays named after the men who gave their lives in the war are a perpetual sign of our indebtedness to those who gave their lives in defense of democratic ideals.”

Thus we now have: Berg Lake insert photo

Other Pictures

April 1942: No. 47 Bombing Leaders Course

insert 2 photos

From George’s RCAF files

First enlistment: RCAF Pilot Officer Sept 9, 1939 – 28^th October 1939 – Discharged – failed flying test

insert photo

George at 19, Weldon, Saskatchewan

Stoppage of pay to make good sum of $6.75 damage to aircraft – May 13, 1941

Family:

Mother: Jalma Olsen, born Elbow Lake Minnesota

Father: William Halvor Berg, born Gol, Norway

Brother: V.L. Berg, born Weldon, Saskatchewan, 1914

Sister: Harriet Jesse Berg, born North Dakota, USA

insert photo George’s Graduation - Age 23, in 1939

George’s parent’s residence during war years – Valparaiso, Saskatchewan

Date of Birth: February 24, 1916

Religion: United Church

insert photo

George (right) with Joe Torgalson in 1938.

Joe was with 149 Sqn RAF and died July 1940 while on a mission to Bremen to bomb naval installations, as a pilot in a Wellington.

Sports: Golf, Bowling, Skating

Night Vision Test B’Mth: Below Average – Feb 24, 1942

On-Going Memorial:

insert photos

Janet Beddoe teaches French Immersion to Grades 3 and 4 at a school in Oakville, ON and has told George’s story in class each November. The students are then assigned the task of drawing and writing George’s story as part of their Remembrance Day. Until this year we did not actually know what happened that night.

References: and great appreciation!

Key Resources:

Dirk Hartman of Hülsede, Lower Saxony, Germany supplied all the German accounts and local pictures – a good friend. Dirk has made it his mission to research Allied aircraft crash sites in Germany and his work with Halifax V LK-638 coded WL-V is his 68^th such project.

A special thanks as Dirk’s posting on 434 Squadron website as it lead me to most of the information on George T. Berg’s last Ops both from Dirk’s efforts; but equally from Al Soderstrom who runs the 434 Sqn website.

References: and great appreciation!

Key Resources:

Al Soderstrom’s http://www.rcaf434squadron.com/

Richard Koval’s http://www.6grouprcaf.com/

Doug Chisholm’s http://www.woodlandaerialphoto.com/aboutus.htm

George T. Berg’s flight log and RCAF records

Self Published Books

F/LT Geoffrey B. Whyte, DFC My Last Op

Brent M. Hamre’s Just One of the Many – The Story of Flying Officer Chetwin Hamre Popplewell

Web Sites

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/dickieb/harry/correspondence/june23-1943nfb.html

http://airforce.ca/uploads/airforce/2009/07/ALPHA-WH.html

https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/copies/secure/005010-5100-e.php

http://www.dunrobincastle.com/Nose_Art/Londons_Revenge.htm

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1499438/Group-Captain-Dudley-Burnside.html

http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=21568

Map References:

http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=Lake+Steinhuder+Meer&rls=com.microsoft:en-ca:IE-SearchBox&oe=&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&sa=N&tab=wl

http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=berg+lake+saskatchewan&rls=com.microsoft:en-ca:IE-SearchBox&oe=&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&sa=N&tab=wl

YouTube Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDtE1QdwbPY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tY8OMDWqreo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcHAGcCd6UA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGCi3U_mvgc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=l-HVkV5nBpw

Good Books:

Lifting the Silence – Sydney Percival Smith with David Scott Smith, Dundurn Press (¹)

No Prouder Place – Canadians and the Bomber Command Experience 1939-1945 – David L. Bashow, Vanwell Publishing Limited

Amazing Airmen – Canadian Flyers in The Second World War – Ian Darling, Dundurn Press

Extraordinary Things, A Novel –Diana M. DeLuca, Director Halifax Aircraft Families Association – iUniverse Inc

Errors and Omissions

Mine

P/O O'Gorman suited up, Crew 28

P/O H.W. O'Gorman of crew 28

At each crew member’s position in the aircraft is an oxygen connection into which he plugs his oxygen mask and taps the supply. Also provided are small portable units containing about 10 minutes supply and permitting the airmen to move about the aircraft and carry out various duties without having to do without the vital supply.

Here is Halifax navigator, F/Sgt. H.W. O’Gorman , 21 Baker St. , Sudbury , Ont., moving about his aircraft with the portable “baby” bottle attached to his parachute harness. The small bottle can be seen hanging in front on his left hand side.

4 Nov. 1943 – Courtesy CFJIC - PL 22427

Sgt. J.H. Keane of Crew 28

Sgt. J.H. Keane crew 28

4 Nov. 1943 – Courtesy CFJIC - PL 22428

Sgt. Leslie Stone, crew 32

Sgt. Leslie Stone, crew 32

Leslie was a member of crew 32 piloted by F/S L.T. Olmstead, thier aircraft "FTR" from a mission to Munich on 6/7 Sept. 1943, all were killed.

Leslie and his sister Lillian

Lillian ran an off license during the second world war, and thier father fought at Mons in the 1st World war.

Photo courtesy Morris Stanley (nephew) via Linda Ibrom

P/O Walter Winning, crew 35

P/O Walter Winning, crew 35

Piloted by P/O Walter Winning Crew 35 was flying in a Halifax V, serial # LK-990, coded WL-X. They FTR from a mission to Leverkusen on the night of 19/20 Nov. 1943. P/O Winning died of injuries, the rest of the crew became P.O.W.

Walter was from New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, an only child as his father had died earlier. Walter's mother upon hearing of his death inquired with her Member of Parliament to look into his fate, as the other crew members were still alive. She would find out that Walter had died in the POW camp hospital.

Prior to going Overseas Walter became engaged to Doris Harris

Doris eventually married in the 1950's, her daughter Diane Rodgers has researched P/O Winning and his crew, please see crew 35.

Special thanks to Diane for submitting photos and information.

F/Sgt. E. V. Matthews, crew 35

F/Sgt. Edward V. Matthews, crew 35

Crew 35 was flying in a Halifax V, serial # LK-990, coded WL-X, piloted by P/O Walter Winning FTR from a mission to Leverkusen on the night of 19/20 Nov. 1943. The pilot died of injuries, the rest of the crew became P.O.W.

Following the end of the war Edward returned to Wales as a Gamekeeper where he worked for amongst others the Duke of Westminster for in excess of 50 years. The above photo was from a press release about his Life and service.

Photo curtousy Wayne Hughes, Grandson.

Squadron Leader Lloyd Linnell - Crew 36

Squadron leader Lloyd Linnell - Crew 36

Photo courtesy Bob Linnell

F/O H. P. Farr, Crew 37

F/O H.P. Farr along with the rest of crew 37 piloted by F/Sgt. A.F. Fry "FTR" on the 22/23 Oct. 1943 on a mission to Kassel, Germany. All were killed.

Courtesy Oakville Museum (Ontario)

P/O William Rowbotham, crew 41

P/O William Rowbotham, crew 41

Pilot K.C. Smith and crew flying in a Halifax V, (LK-693) on a raid to Ludwigshaffen Mannheim on November 18, 1943, they FTR. The pilot did not survive, the rest of the crew became P.O.W.'s.

F/Sgt. Robert P. Reynolds, crew 42

F/Sgt. Robert P. Reynolds, crew 42

Flight Sergeant Robert Peter Reynolds was born August 28,1917 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

He was the son of Peter Percy and Nora Reynolds. Robert was survived by his older sister Katherine, and two brothers, Frank and Raymond, both whom served with the Canadian military. All of his siblings are now deceased.

Bob graduated from D'Arcy McGee High School in Montreal where he was a well-known athlete, later attending a Montreal Technical School. His father was the building Superintendent at the Canadian Pacific Railway's Windsor Station in Montreal, which facilitated travel by rail for the family to their country home north of Montreal at Lac Mercier near Mont Tremblant. Here Bob would join with friends and family, also enjoying winter and summer sports.

In search of adventure, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in July 1941, and earned his pilot's wings at Yorkton Saskatchewan November 3, 1942. He went overseas in December 1942.

On the night of 22 Sept. 1943 F/Sgt. Reynolds flew as "2nd Dickey" with crew 11 piloted by P/O H. Green on Halifax LK-909, WL-G, they FTR from a mission to Hanover, Germany.

Initially he was listed as MIA and then confirmed as lost. His death had a truly devastating impact on the family.

Photo courtesy Robert (nephew) & Michael (great nephew) McGovern

Further crew 42 History

After the death of thier pilot the remainder of the crew was reassigned.

#42
Sgt A.H. Hammond – unknown
Sgt D.M. Cooper - unknown

Sgt. R.T. Cox flew with Mould crew # 60. On 20/21 Jan 1944 this crew FTR flying LL-179, (WL-K) on a mission to Berlin. Sgt. Cox was taken P.O.W. - camp 357

Sgt V.H. McKeown flew with Devaney crew # 31. On 29th Jan. 1944 flying in Halifax LK-916, (WL-P) on a mission to Berlin they FTR, all were killed.

Sgt J.W.R. Demers flew with the Flewelling crew # 23. On the 29th Jan 1944 flying in Halifax EB-256, (WL-S) on a mission to Berlin they encountered flak, Sgt. McKeown recieved fatal injuries. The crew did return to base.

Sgt. R.F. Lee flew with the Allan Crew #34. On the 5th of Oct. 1943 in Halifax DK-250, (WL-W) they failed to return from a mission to Frankfurt, Germany. All were killed.

Sgt. Reuben F. Lee, crew 42 / 34

Sgt. Reuben F. Lee, crew 42 / 34

Sgt. R.F. Lee was reassigned to crew 34 from the Reynold crew # 42. He was a Flight Engineer, and flew his only mission on the night of 4/5th Oct 1943 to Frankfurt Germany. They FTR, all were killed.

Photo courtesy Rosemary Russell, niece of Sgt. Lee

Flying Officer Frank Huntley, crew 43

F/O Frank Huntley, crew 43

Awaiting interrogation after returning from a raid on Maulan-Les-Moureau in France is Flying Officer Frank Huntley, (966 Ossington ave.,) Toronto, navigator of a Bluenose squadron heavy bomber in the RCAF Bomber Group Overseas. Huntley has completed 12 operational flights, found his latest one of the easiest so far.

Courtesy CFJIC, PL – 265913, March 1944

F/Sgt. Michael N. Vitch, crew 44 (3 Photo's)

F/Sgt. Michael N. Vitch, bomb-aimer for crew 44

Uncle Mike and his dog

Uncle Mike at the beach

Michael Vitch with chute

Crew 44 was piloted by F/Sgt. R.H. Smith, Mike and the rest of the crew FTR from a raid to Hanover Germany on 27/28 Sept. 1943.

(See "Crash Sites" #44)

Photo courtesy Allan (nephew of Michael) via Andrew Vitch

Sgt. Ross Lunn Crew 49

Sgt. Ross Lunn, Crew 49

Sgt. Ross Lunn was the Bomb Aimer for the Gardner crew, they completed 38 missions from Oct 1943 to Sept 1944.

Photo courtesy Louise Lunn

Sgt. V.G. Baker - Crew 50

Sgt. V. G. Baker was the Flight Engineer for the F/O J.T. Clinkskill crew, they “FTR.” on 20/21 Jan. 1944 from an Op to Berlin, all were killed.

Sgt. Baker’s grave is located in the Berlin (Charlottenberg) 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

There is a photo of Sgt. Baker’s grave in a book titled "Berlin Then and Now" by Tony le Tissier. Any information concerning this author/crew please contact this website.

Photo courtesy Sue Cranmer (Niece of Sgt. Baker).

F/Sgt W. McQueen, pilot - crew 52

F/Sgt W. McQueen, crew 52

F/O D.F. McAllistar, crew 52

F/O D.F. McAllistar, crew 52

F/Sgt. C.T. Beech

F/Sgt. C.T. Beech, crew 52

Sgt Michael Habiluk, crew 52

Sgt Michael Habiluk, crew 52

P/O Philip Alan Kingston, crew 52

P/O Philip Alan Kingston (J#85533) age 20, Son of Joseph & Lillian Kingston of Regina Saskatchewan.

Alan on binder with horses at the Neudeck (relative's) farm.

Alan (left) with a friend Simpson Lynn of Strasbourg, Sask. pose in front of Alan's Mom & Dad's house on Ottawa Street in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Alan flanked by his older brothers, Fred (left) and Jack (right).

Alan's brother-in-law - Douglas Thomas Munroe of "The Loyal Edmonton Regiment" was killed on August 28th 1944 in Italy, he is buried in Montecchio Cemetery.

On the far right is Alan's oldest brother - Joseph "Bert" Albert Kingston (Darren Kingston's Grandfather). Although all four brothers enlisted, "Bert" never went over seas. This picture was taken in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan with two fellow soldiers (unknown).

"Alan" posing at the wedding of Douglas & Carrie Munroe.

The McQueen crew had completed the required 30 missions entitling them to a “leave” back home, however with many crews if one member had missed a mission or two due to sickness or injury then he was required to fly with another crew to complete the 30.

It was noted that P/O Kingston and his crewmates also belonged to the “Goldfish Club”, months earlier they had ditched in the North Sea and were rescued by the Navy.

It is quite possible that they had formed a tight friendship amongst themselves and have taken a vow; should any of them miss a mission then they would continue to fly as a crew until everyone had the 30 required.

P/O Philip A. Kingston

On their 31st mission 16/17 June 1944, flying in a Halifax III, LK-792 "WL-N" to Sterkrade Germany, they “FTR” all were killed.

Alan's initial grave marker in Nijmegen Canadian Cemetery, now named Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, in The Netherlands.

I would like to thank Darrin Kingston for providing the photos and captions of F/Sgt Philip "Alan" Kingston and family. Darrin is currently researching his uncle's crew.

Sgt. G. Woodruff, Crew 53 (Bio)

Sgt. “Gerry” J.G. Woodruff was the Wop-AG for crew 53 piloted by F/O R. Savage, on 22 Nov. 1943 they “FTR” from a mission to Berlin. Four members of the crew including Sgt. Woodruff became POW’s, three others were killed.

Gerry Woodruff was born on 23 Jan 1923 in Preston, Lancashire U.K, after the war he would be employed at Courtalds Ltd. Eventually promoted to Production Manager, in 1948 he married Margaret Judge. Gerry would work at Preston & Grimsby until retiring in 1986. He currently lives in Preston Lancashire with Margaret; Gerry is in good health and is keenly interested in the Liver Pool Football Club.

Courtesy Peter Woodruff (son)

Sgt. Ed Pridham, crew 54

Sgt. Ed Pridham was the MU-AG for crew 54, they flew to Frankfurt Germany on 20/21 Dec. 1943 in a Halifax V (LK-686 / WL-L) piloted by P/O W.R. Ferrier. They FTR, all were killed.

Photo courtesy Don Johnson & family

F/O D. Evans, Crew 56

F/O David C. Evans, pilot of crew 56 crashed returning from a mission to Heligoland on 18/19 March 1944, all were killed.

Photo courtesy Mr Johnson via Rich Allenby (also see links - F/O D. Evans, crew 56)

P/O Robert Ballentine, Crew 56

P/O Robert E. Ballentine was the R-AG for crew 56, thier a/c crashed returning from a mission to Heligoland on 18/19 March 1944, all were killed.

Photo courtesy Rich Allenby (also see links - F/O D. Evans, crew 56)

F/O D. Thicke, Crew 56

F/O Douglas A. Thicke, “2nd Dickey” of crew 56, this a/c crashed returning from a mission to Heligoland on 18/19 March 1944, all were killed.

Photo courtesy Margaret Nystrom/Mr. Leslie Green/Mrs. Dale Plante via Rich Allenby. (also see links - F/O D. Evans, crew 56)

P/O G. Hutt, Crew 56

P/O Geoffrey Hutt (RAFVR) was the Flight Engineer for Crew 56, this a/c crashed returning from a mission to Heligoland on 18/19 March 1944, all were killed.

Photo courtesy Trish light (Niece) via Rich Allenby (also see links - F/O D. Evans, crew 56)

F/O Edson Armour and son Ralph, Crew 56 (2 Photo's)

F/O Edson Armour, Navigator - crew 56

Edson, Ralph and Winnifred Armour

Crew 56 piloted by D.C. Evans crashed returning from a mission to Heligoland on 18/19 March 1944, all were killed.

Photo courtesy Mr. Ralph Armour (son) via Rich Allenby (see below links - F/O D. Evans, crew 56)

Sgt. 'Wally' Cotton, Crew 56

Sgt. Walter Cotton was the W-Op/AG for crew 56, this a/c crashed returning from a mission to Heligoland on 18/19 March 1944, all were killed.

Photo courtesy the Cotton Family/Dr.Andrew via Rich Allenby (also see links - F/O D. Evans, crew 56)

Sgt. Stanley Groucott - Crew 57

Sgt. Stanley Joseph Groucott was 21 years old, he was the F/E (RAFVR) for Pilot W/O2 R.H. Stanley, the crew "FTR." from an "Op" to Berlin 28/29 January 1944, all were killed.

Courtesy Anthony Groucott via Linda Ibrom.

Sgt. David L. Silverman, crew 57

Sgt. David L. Silverman, crew 57

The above photo shows David at age 15, four years later at age nineteen he was the mid-upper airgunner for the Stanley crew. David and the rest of crew "FTR" from their third mission; a raid to Berlin on the 28/29 Jan. 1944, all were killed.

A Visit to Berlin War Cemetery

Sgt. David Silverman's younger brother Paul made a journey to the Berlin War Cemetery in the spring of 2008, here is a short narration with photos submitted by Jack Creeber (son-in-law).

Original grave markers prior to Imperial War Graves Commission permanent headstones and consolidation of aircrew, two remaining airmen would be moved to this location.

It was 64 years since Paul lost his brother and the fact he had never seen his David’s resting place caused him a great deal of pain. A large gap existed in Paul’s heart because he never really knew what had happened to his brother on that fateful night or who he was with when the plane went down.

David was killed in action during a raid over Berlin on the 29 January 1944 and his brother Paul had never seen his grave and now into his mid 80’s a visit to Berlin’s war cemetery was uppermost in his mind before it was too late.

Paul had always thought that David should be brought home to rest and that in someway this would repay a debt to his brother, well that was until he visited Berlin. The cemetery was so serene and beautiful, with the grounds kept in an immaculate condition and free of any vandalism.

Seeing the grave and knowing he is lying side by side with the other members of Crew 57, Paul is now adamant that David is in the right place and should never be moved.

This visit was extremely emotional for Paul and at times very difficult but one he so pleased to have made. The void in Paul’s heart no longer exists because of the visit to the Berlin together with finding out so much from the web site dedicated to 434 Squadron, Paul is just eager to learn even more about his brother and the crew he flew with.

Berlin War Cemetery

You enter the cemetery by walking up a grass path on a slight incline bounded on either side with rhododendron bushes.

The path then turns at right angles bringing a large stone porch / entrance way into view for the first time.

The monument contains small rooms at either end with one holding a wall safe within which two books sit, one is a directory listing the names of person buried there and the location of the grave and the other is a book where you are able to record your own comments.

From entrance porch your eyes are drawn up along the middle of the cemetery towards a large monolith upon which is engraved the words...

‘THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE’

and beyond that stands a large stone cross with another monument of stone arch and pillars to compliment the one in which you are standing.

Once into the cemetery and you are immediately hit by the number of white headstones and a feeling of the pointless death of so many young men which is really reinforced when you start to note the ages of the vast majority, like David Silverman who was just 19.

The peace of the cemetery also hits you and you find yourself talking in whispered tones as not to wake the sleeping, only to be woken at times by the sound of numerous wonderful bird songs filling the air.

Each headstone of the seven airmen lies back to back with another in the middle of a meticulous dug and maintained flowerbed and each headstone has its own flower or shrub which is never neglected and more powerful still not one weed was present.

Pilot. F/Sgt. Russell Stanley RCAF

F/E. Sgt. Stanley Groucott RAFVR

Nav. F/O Richard Crompton RCAF

B/A. Sgt. Donald Rose RCAF

W/Op. AG. Sgt. Jack Olliffe RAFVR

AG. Sgt. David Silverman RAFVR

AG. Sgt. Joseph Leduc RCAF

Paul standing to the right of his brother, Sgt. David Silverman's headstone

I would like to thank Jack Creeber and Paul Silverman for sharing these photos and personal memories of the journey to The Berlin War Cemetery.

Sgt. Jack Olliffe, crew 57

Sgt. Jack Oliffe, crew 57

Jack is 2nd from right posing with three of his colleague's

3 of Jacks friends

Photos curtousy Amanda Freeman, Jack Olliffe's Great Niece.

F/O R. 'Bob' W. Davis of crew 59

F/O Bob Davis - crew 59

Returned Safely A "Bluenose" squadron Navigator of RCAF Bomber Group 6, Flying Officer Bob Davis of Verdun, Quebec, takes off a flying kit prior to being interrogated. He has just returned from guiding a Halifax to rail yards at Ghent, and back.

17 April 44 - Courtesy CFJIC - PL 28689

Sgt. Porter, crew 60

Sgt. E.J.C. Porter, Crew 60

Sgt. E. Porter was the Flight Engineer for crew 60, piloted by F/S G.C. Mould. This fellow and the rest of his crewmates FTR from a raid to Berlin on 20/21 Jan. 1944. Three became POW's 4 were killed including Sgt. Porter.

The following is a letter written home by Sgt. Porter

page 1

page 2

page 3

I would like to thank Dave Watson for sharing images.

P/O J.W. 'Bill' Donnelly, Crew 63

P/O "Bill" J.W. Donnelly in his Bunk. The wristwatch shown on Donelly was returned to the family some years after the war Via the Red Cross. The watch is still owned by the family.

Crew 63 piloted by F/O C. Murray FTR" from a raid to Leipzig on 19/20 Feb. 1944 all were killed.

(Courtesy of Leslie Greene via Trish Cooke, niece of J.W Donnelly)

Sgt. Archie Pearce, crew 63

Sgt. Archie Pearce, (R-AG) crew 63

Photo courtesy Linda Dove

Sgt. James Dove, crew 63 (5 Photo's & Bio)

Sgt. James Dove, crew 63

James was born on the 19th March 1918 to Charles and Kate Dove, in Colsterworth Lincolnshire, and one of five children; Ethel, James, Charles, Joan, and Morris (oldest to Youngest).

Sgt. Joan Dove, WRAF

In Britian during the early war years and prior to enlistment James worked as an engineer for Frodingham Ironstone Mining Company. His younger sister Joan served with the WRAF in North Luffingham Rutland, and brother Charles volunteered with the RAFVR; a rear-air gunner with 148 squadron based in the Mediterranean.

In 1943 James volunteered for the RAFVR working as a member of the ground crew servicing aircraft at Tolthorpe aerodrome, also tying the knot with Lily Scott in July 1943. It was during this time he also trained as a flight engineer in preparation to become a member of an aircrew.

Sgt. Charles Dove, 148 Squadron

Unfortunately on the 8th Sept. 1943 his brother Charles and the rest of the crew were killed during operations; a previously damaged undercarriage collapsed upon their landing at an airfield in Fayid Egypt. They were buried at Phaleron War Cemetery, Greece.

Left is Sgt. James Dove with Lily (bride) and Charles on right

Once James finished his training he was assigned to 434 squadron as a flight engineer. On the 20th of Feb. 1944 crew 63 "failed to return" from a raid to Leipzig Germany, all were killed.

Harogate Yorkshire, L to R - Doug Hayter, Archie Pearce, Charlie Murray and James Dove

Sadly a “return to sender” letter arrived back at Lily’s home, James never had the opportunity to find out he would be a father.

I would like to thank Linda Dove (Grandaughter of Sgt. Jim Dove) and her father for sharing thier photos and written material.

W/O Chuck Wilson, crew 68

W/O Chuck Wilson, crew 68

Warrant Officer Chuck Wilson, (10922-66 ave.,) Edmonton, who navigates a Bluenose Squadron heavy bomber for RCAF Overseas, tells the Interrogation Officer about it afterwards. It was Chuck’s fifth raid.

3 March 1944

Courtesy CFJIC, PL – 26592

F/Sgt. P.J. Foley, crew 68

F/Sgt. P.J. Foley, crew 68

Flight Sgt. James Foley was the Bomb Aimer with the Hawley crew, flying a full tour with 434 squadron, approximately 32 missions. The crew was involved in one combat with the Luftwaffe on 19th Feb. 1944.

James and two friends - unknown

F/Sgt. John S.M. Smith, DFC. - Crew 74 (Bio)

F/Sgt. John S.M. Smith (DFC 14 Nov. 1944) Navigator for crew 74

John was born in Neemuch, India on November 7, 1917. His parents were Canadian missionaries for the United Church. He was schooled in Neemuch and in the Himalayas until coming to Canada at age 12 to complete his education.

John remained in Canada when his parents returned to serve again in India, living with his grandmother, other relatives, or at the boarding school for the children of Canadian missionaries.

When John graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1941 he was hired as a personnel officer by the Canadian Carborundum Company in Niagara Falls. He then enlisted in the Canadian army and subsequently applied to the Royal Canadian Air Force. He became a navigator and served in England and Scotland in 434 Squadron. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1944 and at war’s end he returned to Canada and worked as an RCAF Liaison Officer in Niagara Falls assisting returning veterans in the transition to civilian work.

Immediately upon returning from overseas, John had met Lois Dickens, from Toronto, his future wife, while he was briefly working at Manning Depot before being assigned the Liaison Officer duties. They met at a Masonic Temple dance in late September 1945. In fact, John had previously met Lois’s brother Brian, another Air Force veteran, at Manning Depot before meeting Lois at the dance.

John left the service and returned to work for Canadian Carborundum Company in Niagara Falls, but during his absence, the company had hired another personnel officer, and upon John’s return they retained both. Not happy with this arrangement and wanting to get to Toronto, in 1946 he resigned and was hired as a personnel officer at Square D Electrical Company in Weston, an area of Toronto.

John married Lois in December 1947. He continued with Square D until re-enlisting into the RCAF in 1952 and being posted to Summerside, Prince Edward Island. Lois remained with her brother and his wife in Ottawa until six weeks before their first child, Kim was due, then moved to Summerside where he was born. 14 months later, daughter Heather was born.

The family was then posted to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1956, where John served until leaving the Air Force in 1958. The family moved to Kelowna, B.C. and subsequently to Victoria in 1961.

John eventually had a career with the federal government in Customs and Excise Canada, becoming Deputy Ships Registrar. He served in this capacity until his retirement in 1982.

John passed away on May 10, 1996 in Victoria and was survived by his wife of 48 years, his son and daughter and their families.

Courtesy D. Kim Smith (Son) & Debi (Daughter-in-Law) via Linda Ibrom

Unknown Airman possibly crew 74

This is an unknown airman from a group of photos with a crew 74 collection submitted by Deb Smith, Two crew members have been identified; her father is F/Sgt J.S.M. Smith, and F/Sgt. K.A. MacDonald (Pilot).

Unidentified

Sgt. J.R. Bray

Sgt. C.B. Eady

Sgt. E.N. Natsuk

F/Sgt. F.B. Terrio

Sgt. L.J. Garding

Photos courtesy Debi Smith via Linda Ibrom

Sgt. James Addison, crew 75

Sgt. James Addison, crew 75

James Addison was born on the 26th Nov. 1920 in Dunblane, Perthshire, he had three brothers and a sister. Attended Dunblane Public School.

Jim as a young man

Later working as a manager with a national shoe shop retailer- "William Timpsons" at various locations; Dunblane, Inverness, Stirling, Dundee and Aberdeen.

James and his mother

James was called-up and joined the RAF and posted to Darlington, England and began his training as a Flight Engineer with the RCAF as they were short for men in this trade

In training

Servicing "Westland Wallace Aircraft" (Airframes).

Drogue Towing Squadron for R.A.F. Regiment. Castletown - Isle of Man.

Initial Training - Squad 9, 5 Squadron, 3 Wing.

12 Recruitment Centre, Bournmouth. June 1941

He went on to fly 434 missions with 434 squadron. Initial missions involved mine dropping in the north of Holland and off the Danish coast. Thereafter involved in bombing strategic targets in Germany and Atlantic Wall targets ahead of the D-Day invasion.

On the left is brother Tom, whom served with the British Army

At the end of the war he was demobbed and went back to civilian work as the manager of a shoe shop. Eventually he met his wife to be, Maisie, in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He has one daughter, Marjorie, and 2 grandchildren, Janine and Caroline. Jim's favorate pastimes included; Boy Scouts, gardening, golf, and soccer.

Photos courtesy Sgt. Jim Addison, Flight Engineer for the Frith crew - 75. With special thanks to David Suttie.

F/O E.D. Wickens - crew 80

F/O Edward Donald Wickens, crew 80

Mr. Wickens was born in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan. Despite the scarcity of jobs during the depression, he took employment with the Bank of Montreal, where he worked for two years prior to enlisting. Although not initially eager to do so, Mr. Wickens decided to join his friends who had preceded him into the service. Unlike many of his friends, however, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force with the intention of becoming a navigator, and completed his training in Portage La Prairie. Once overseas, Mr. Wickens became a member of 434 Blue-Nose squadron and took part in 37 bombing and mine laying missions over Northern Europe. He and the rest of his aircrew were decorated after surviving two air attacks in which their aircraft was disabled. After leaving the service, Mr. Wickens returned to the Bank of Montreal.

Flight Officer Wickens - 1995

Mr. Wickens has eleven transcripts/video available at Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC) web site “Heroes Remember”.

Photos & information courtesy Jeff Prodahl (grandson), & VAC.

Sgt. Johnny C.B. Foster, crew 81

Sgt. Johnny C.B. Foster, crew 81

P/O C.V. Dymond, Crew 84

P/O C.V. Dymond, crew 84

On the night of 12/13 June 1944 the Tandy crew flew a mission to Arras France in a Halifax III, MZ-293, "WL-S". They FTR, all were killed.

Photo courtesy Shawn Macneil (Great nephew)

Sgt. G. `Jimmy' T. Dunlop, crew 85

Sgt. G. "Jimmy" T. Dunlop, crew 85

On the 10/11 June 1944, crew 85, piloted by P/O A. J. Doran would participate on a raid to the rail yards at Versailles, France. They "FTR", all were killed.

9 May 1944, Courtesy CFJIC, PL - 29692

Sgt. Jack Bolton, crew 87

Sgt. Jack Bolton, crew 87

Mike Laffin, crew 88

W/O2 Mike Laffin crew 88

Mike is one of 6 children, he enjoyed playing hockey, tennis, and baseball. During a break in a tennis tournament in 1939 he went to the local recruiting office and enlisted in the RCAF.

Many years later he would enter politics and was the only Conservative candidate to be elected MLA in Cape Breton then serve 18 years. He retired in the late 1980's but is still very active in his community of New Waterford, also very modest; Despite repeated attempts of local and provincial Governments to name any landmark in his honor, his reply "...over my dead body" or "...not while I'm alive".

Mike was the pilot of crew 88 and his Halifax was shot down on 16/17 June 1944, P/O C.V. Soderstrom was the only airman not survive from this aircraft, Mike would become a P.O.W. 2 days later.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality wanted to name the New Waterford soccer field and tennis courts "Dr. Mike Laffin Turf Field" in honor of Mike, he refused and would only agree to dedicate the field if it was named "Veterans Memorial Field"

The plaque reads "MAYOR JOHN MORGAN AND COUNCILLORS OF THE CAPE BRETON REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY PROUDLY NAME THIS FACILITY VETERANS MEMORIAL FIELD DURING THIS “THE YEAR OF THE VETERAN”AND IN RECOGNITION OF ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO BRAVELY SERVED IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THIS NATION THIS MONUMENT WAS UNVEILED BY DR. MIKE LAFFIN ON BEHALF OF ALL VETERANS NOVEMBER 2005"

Pilot Wings Replaced - 11th Nov. 2006

"In the above photo (L to R ) is Guest Speaker Major John Gillis, POW Veteran Mike Laffin & Veteran Tom White who presented replacement Wings to Mike Laffin whose wings went missing"

Caption from the "Community Press" New waterford N.S. 17th Nov. 2006

Photo courtesy Linda Laffin

Sgt. Edward J. Druett, crew 88

Sgt. Edward "Jack" Druett, crew 88

Jack was the F/E for the Laffin crew, also one of fourteen Bluenose airmen to evade capture after being shot down.

Photo courtesy Mike Laffin

P/O C.V. Soderstrom, Crew 88 (2 Photos & Bio)

P/O Clarence Soderstrom was the oldest of six children, he enjoyed camping and fishing on the lakes in southern Manitoba. The summer prior to enlistment he was a Forest Ranger at Fort Francis, Ontario.

Six children and thier mother

L to R

Rose, Curt, Agnes (mother), Clarence

Lorn, Joan and Tim

Winnipeg, 1943

On 17th June 1944 returning from a raid on Sterkrade Germany his aircraft was shot down, he was the only crew member not to survive the crash.

Detailed biography

Photo courtesy Clint L'Heureux via Alan Soderstrom

Sgt. Cliff Wentworth, Crew 88 (Bio)

Sgt. W. C. Wentworth was born in 1922 in Okotoks Alberta, one of three children born to Clifford and Delphine Wentworth. Cliff joined the RCAF in 1942 and in the fall of 1943 he became a member of the Laffin crew. On June 17th 1944 this crew was shot down on the return route from Sterkrade Germany, “Cliff” managed to evade capture (one of fourteen Bluenose airmen to evade capture after being shot down) and in his 3 months of eluding the Nazi’s he managed to visit his grandmother and Uncle in Holland, in Sept 1944 he arrived back in England.

In 1945 Cliff returned to Okotoks and married his sweet heart Margaret Runnalls, they resided in Alberta, and raised two children. Along with farming, Cliff had a few other careers but eventually he retired and they took up traveling around the country in a motor home for a number of years. Sadly Cliff passed away in August 2006.

Photo courtesy Okotoks Museum

F/O Jim Martin, Crew 88 (3 Photos)

F/O Jim Martin - Crew 88

Navigator

Jim in a post war pose, late 1940's.

and his new car

Courtesy web master's Aunt Rose via Clint L`Heureux

F/Sgt. Ken Donaldson, Crew 88

F/Sgt. Ken Donaldson, W/OP - Crew 88

F/O John Arscott, crew 91

F/O John Arscott, crew 91

John was the bomb-aimer for the Maffre crew, flying in Halifax LL243 “WL-U” piloted by F/O Maffre to bomb the railway yards at Montzen on 27/28^th April 1944.

Night fighter pilot Obit George Fengler, I. /NJG 1. shot down this A/C - crashing at approximately 0140h near Wittem, (Limburg), 18km ESE of Maastricht, four aircrew did not survive.

F/O Stacey evaded with the help of the Belgian patriots. F/O Arscott was assisted by the Dutch to evade the Germans. Sergeant Fuller was taken to P.O.W. camps L6/357.

The story of F/O Stacey is in the book,” Amazing Airmen” by Ian Darling.

Photo courtesy Christine and Peter Arscott via Linda Ibrom

F/S Peter Ager Crew 92

F/Sgt. Peter Ager was a member of crew 92, on the June 16th 1944 the aircraft piloted by F/Sgt. F.J. Haldenby would participate on a raid to Sterkrade, Germany. On route to the target a Luftwaffe night-fighter attacked their Halifax three times.

P/O W.A. Good, P/O A.E.C. Boehmer, and F/Sgt. P.D.V. Ager took direct cannon fire from the Ju-88 and were killed. Four crew members were able to bail out; F/Sgt. E.J. Downing, Sgt. J.H. Dougherty, and F/Sgt. Haldenby would be taken POW, and evading capture Sgt. T. Inverarity.

Courtesy Nick Ager (Nephew)

Abi Boehmer, Crew 92

Abi Boehmer - Crew 92

Curtousy Nick Ager

Bill Good, Crew 92

Bill Good - Crew 92

Curtousy Nick Ager

P/O Frederick Sawyer, crew 94

P/O Frederick Sawyer, crew 94

P/O Frederick C.A. Sawyer was piloting Halifax LW-437 to Hamburg Germany on the night of 28/29th July 1944. They FTR, all were killed.

P/O Frederick Sawyer's Wedding

To the far left P/O J.D. Wallace

P/O J.D. Wallace, crew 94

P/O John D. Wallace, Crew 94

John Douglas Wallace was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on October 24th 1922 and was the only child of Robert and Annie Wallace. He immigrated to Canada in 1928 with his mother (his father had travelled a couple of months earlier) and they settled in Port Arthur, Ontario where his father worked for the Canadian National Railway. John was a keen sportsman; enjoying rugby, basketball, hockey and skeet shooting.

John Wallace and his Grandparents

Whilst attending Port Arthur Collegiate he enlisted with the RCAF in April 1942. Following training in Canada he was sent overseas, arriving in England in the summer of 1943. Shortley thereafter promoted to Pilot Officer in July, then in January 1944 commissioned to Flying Officer. Later posted to 82 OTU, then transferred to 434 Squadron in the spring of 1944.

F/O John Wallace

On the night of 28/29th July 1944, crew 94 piloted by P/O F.C.A. Sawyer flew in Halifax LW-437 to Hamburg Germany. F/O John Wallace and the rest of his crew FTR, all were killed.

Photo and biography courtesy Richard Elliot cousin of John Wallace

P/O T.H. Gooden, crew 97

P/O Thomas H. Gooden, R-AG - Crew 97

more info coming...

F/O Keith W. Magrath, crew 100

F/O Keith W. Magrath, crew 100

Keith Wayne Magrath was born February 17, 1922 in Chatham Ontario. The family of 2 girls and 6 boys grew up and were educated in the city of Windsor. Four of the boys, Keith, Douglas, Murray and Ron subsequently entered the military and saw action in WW11. Flying Officer Douglas Magrath of the 431 Squadron was killed on a mission in February of 1944. Keith served as a Flying Officer with 434 Squadron; J25836 was his regimental number.

F.O. K.W. Magrath married Violet Read Dec. 4th, 1944 while on leave

They had 2 children, Sandra and Sharon. Keith took up employment with Ford Motor Company and became heavily involved with the Boy Scouts of Canada as a Scout Master having been an Eagle Scout in his childhood. He also continued his work in the United Church of Canada. When Keith died April 10th 2000, it was too sudden and such a loss for his many friends and family.

P/O Norman James crew 107

P/O Norman James crew 107

Norman James (“Norm”) was born in Spring 1923. His father was a police officer and being in his late 30’s was spared from serving in WW1 due to age and occupation. His mother had originally married in 1916 but her husband was killed at the front shortly after. It was to be six years later that she met Norm’s father and remarried.

With WW2 was looming Norm’s parents steered him to a career in the Civil Service. However being a “hands on” person, Norm had other ideas and joined the GPO as a telephone exchange engineer and where he enlisted with the GPO Home Guard.

During the early years of WW2, Norm and his family narrowly escaped injury when their house was bombed, he was asleep under the stairs at the time. Three houses in a terraced row were taken out near the docks at Fulham where they lived. They relocated to the suburbs, but were once again bombed out!

Flight Engineer P/O Norm James, 434 Squadron Croft. I.T.W. Torquay. Sept 1943

Norm volunteered as aircrew rather than wait to be called into the Army. He trained with the RAF and was then seconded into the RCAF as they were short of F/E’s, where he was assigned 434 Squadron. Although his regular “kite”, Halifax G for Ghost, did not survive the 31 ops, the regular crew of Norm’s flight did, and all went on to survive long lives. The full crew were not to reunite until the late 1970’s and again in the 1980's at a Squadron reunion in Canada.

Allied Airforces Annual Reunion 22 October 1983, Royal York Hotel, Toronto Ontario, Canada

"Bill" W.A. Thompson (Nav); Murdoch Harvie D.F.C. (Pilot); Norm James (F/E); Fred A. Hitchman (MU-AG);

Gordon W. Galloway (W/Op) "Bob" R.E. Weale (B/A); Paul Tobey (Ground Crew) Percy W. Dallner (R/AG);

Following his tour Norm was posted to India, travelling by sea, to serve on transport aircraft supplying the northern borders, bolstering against the potential invasion from the north. At the end of the war he was offered a commission which he declined, opting instead to enlist in the London Metropolitan Police who were recruiting amongst the overseas forces.

Norman (circa 1947) coloured in b/w, atop of Trenchard House, the section house (unmarried quarters) to West End Central police station covering the W1 area of London, Picadilly, Soho etc.

Joining the Police secured an early repatriation plus the guarantee of a job. Norm married in 1954 and raised two children. Serving 30 years in the Police, after which he transferred to the police civilian staff until finally retiring aged 65. Norm’s final flight to the stars was 24 Dec 2010.

F/O R.E. Weale, crew 107

F/O R. "Bob" E. Weale, crew 107

F/Sgt. L.G. McGirr, crew 111

F/Sgt. L.G. McGirr, crew 111

F/O George G. Perkins, crew 113

F/O George G. Perkins, crew 113

F/O Perkins and crew were flying in a Halifax III, LW-436, coded WL-Y, FTR from a mission to Vois De Cassan (V1 Rocket Site) on the 4th Aug 1944, four were killed and three others evaded capture.

P/O W.E. Thompson, crew 120

P/O W.E. Thompson, crew 120

My father P/O William E. Thompson was born on the 12th Oct. 1923. As a young man he was employed with Canadian Airways, obtaining his private pilot license at Connie Johansson Field prior to enlisting in the R.C.A.F. he spent many hours flying out of Stevenson Field, which later to became Winnipeg International Airport.

William Thompson (center) with two friends - unknown,

Gunnery School, MacDonald Manitoba, 1943

Once in the RCAF Mr. Thompson was trained in the British Commonwealth Air Training Program (BCATP) as a tail gunner and upon completion went overseas, like many thousands of young men from Canada, United States, and Commonwealth Countries.

William Thompson with his girlfriend Betty Lillian Martin, 1940. They would be married on 6 Oct. 1945 in Winnipeg.

William's father - Percy, Aunt - Nellie Thompson, brother – Don, and his mother - Elizabeth. Don was with the University of Manitoba (metallurgy research) during the war years for the Government.

After the war, Dad was honourably discharged as were thousands, a few years after the war in the late 1940’s he re-enlisted in the RCAF and was on standby for Korea. He continued to serve until his retirement at Bogotville, PQ in 1966.

Sitting on a present for Old Adolf; F/O C.K. Chapman (Left) and P/O W.E. Thompson, Croft

Theses two airmen continued to be very good friends after the war, Mr. Chapman passed away in 2008.

My father was then employed with Bristol Aero Space, for a period of about 20 years. At the turn of the century his health deteriorated and he passed away on September 27, 2000.

P/O William Thompson, rear-airgunner

William Elmer Thompson served his country during peace and war; he is truly missed by all his family and friends.

RCAF Memorial plaque at CFB Winnipeg / 2005 WW II Vets, P/O W.E. Thompson

A gracious thanks to Glen Thompson (son) for providing photo and written material, there are a number of color photos pertaining to this crew in other galleries.

Wing Commander A. Blackburn, crew 124

Wing Commander A. Blackburn, crew 124

These photo's pose a few questions from reliable sources...

W/C Blackburn was never a F/Lt while with 431/434 squadron, so was this photo taken earlier? perhaps with 433 squadron?

The fellow on the left was was queried to be possibly F/Lt. G. Reynold's of 434, however he did not recieve his DFC till 1945, any answers?

Photo's courtesy Rob Grantham

F/O H. Rubin crew 124

F/O H. Rubin crew 124

P/O Cliff Alger, crew 125

P/O Cliff T. Alger, Pilot for crew 125.

Photo courtesy Chris Charland

F/Lt. Donald Z.T. Wood, crew 126

F/Lt. Donald Z.T. Wood, Crew 126

F/Lt. Wood was the pilot for crew #126, on a mission to Duisberg 14/15 Oct 1944 thier Halifax III coded MZ-920 (WL-C) was attacked by a nightfighter. Two aircrew survived, five others including F/Lt. Wood perished in the crash.

Photo courtesy Erik Poulsen (nephew)

F/Lt. Aaron Kiehlbauch, crew 128

F/Lt. Aaron Kiehlbauch, crew 128

On the 16/17th January 1945 F/Lt Kiehlbauch and crew were flying in Lancaster KB850, coded WL-X, they FTR from a raid to the synthetic oil plants at Zeitz. They crashed in the vicinity of Pfaffenhausen, Germany all were killed.

***

Aaron Kiehlbauch

No. 2 Flying Instructer's School

Pilot Aaron Kiehlbauch after recieving his wings

Medals awarded

L to R starting at top;

Paper indicates a bar recieved to the CVSM.

1939–45 Star, France and Germany Star, War Medal 1939 - 1945,

Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, Defence Medal

Pilot Wings

F/O R.J. Henry - Pilot of crew 129

F/O "Bob" R.J. Henry (Pilot) - Crew 129

Courtesy F/O Frank Welsh

Sgt. A.W. Thomson, crew - 129

MU/AG Sgt. "Bill" A.W. Thomson from crew 129 sits on an engine nascelle. "Note the muddy terrain in the background which we laughingly called an airfield".

Photo and quote courtesy F/O Frank Welsh

P/O Cyril Ferris, crew 136

P/O Cyril Ferris, crew 136

Just finished his first tour with RCAF Bomber Group’s Bluenose Squadron, P/O Cyril Ferris, DFC, poses unhappily in the rain for the photographer. Veteran of more than one “Shaky do” this rugged young flier comes from Sask.

3 Apr. 1945, PL – 43497

F/Sgt. K.J. Golinsky Crew 139

F/Sgt. Karl J. Golinsky - Crew 139

Courtesy Ron "Dutch" Hulland also from crew 139

Sgt. Ron Hulland, crew 139 (5 Photos & Bio)

Sgt. Ron Hulland, Flight Engineer - crew 139

Ron Hulland was born on the 3rd April 1925, in Holloway London, over the span of 14 years the Hulland family moved to Morden then Sutton, both were located in Surrey.

Ron Hulland, early dingy training.

Upon leaving high school he found employment at Estate Department of W.H. Smith & Son, Booksellers and Newsagents etc…

Ron volunteered for RAFVR (aircrew) in 1942, and in 1943 was called up to begin training as a flight engineer (January 1944 to August 1944) at RAF Athans. He began HCU training at RCAF Topcliffe as there were not enough Canadians in the 6 Group Bomber Command trained to be flight engineers.

Ron training as a Flight Engineer.

F/Lt. Jack “Warry” Rothenbush approached Mr. Hulland and asked him to join their crew, completing their H.C.U. training on Halifax II and V’s till the end of October 1944. The Rothenbush crew was assigned to 434 squadron at Croft and became operational on the 4th Nov. 1944 flying Halifax III’s. In December the squadron converted to the Canadian built Lancaster X’s.

As the war ended in May, the Canadian squadrons began flying home to Dartmouth Nova Scotia in June 1945. Ron was left behind, and was posted to Catterick then onto Flying Control at RAF Welford, eventually being de-mobbed November 1945.

In April 1945 Ron met Peggy his future wife to be, they married in September 1948. Ron returned to his old job in the Estate Department of Smith’s at wars end. In 1955 Smith‘s opened a subsidiary company which he was Sales Manager, dealing in a Shopfitting system which was of American origin. He spent 2 weeks in Toronto where the system was in use at Eaton’s to name just one large retailer, to be acquainted with the system.

During 1959 Ron had a bout of ill health and had to give up driving, therefore he went back to his previous job in the Estate Department mainly dealing with the maintenance of their property,

In 1963 Smith’s decided to close their branch at Totnes Devon which he had purchased from them, thus he became a Bookseller and Newsagent. During Ron’s time at Totnes he was; a Town Councillor, Chairman of the Council of Trade, and a Rotarian. In the early 70’s he sold his business and stayed on as Managing Director, then retiring in 1980.

The Rothenbush crew in Winnipeg, 1984.

F/O Bill Bell, F/L Jack "Warry" Rothenbush, P/O Harry Saul, F/Sgt. Ron "Dutch" Hulland, P/O Karl Golinsky, F/O Bill Green. Photographer - P/O Neil Taschuk

Ron has traveled to Canada three times and met his crewmates for wonderful reunions in Mississauga, Winnipeg and Vancouver. He mentioned to me “sadly we are down to four now, and none of us enjoying the best of health”. He has also visited many parts of the U.K and Europe.

Ron and Peggy have of two children, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. On the18th September 2008 they will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.

Ron "Dutch" Hulland

Thank's to Ron "Dutch" Hulland for providing numerous photos of the Rothenbush crew and written material, also see the other photo's of crew 139.

P/O Neil Taschuk, crew 139

P/O Neil Taschuk, W-Op - Crew 139

Courtesy Dutch Hulland

P/O Allan E. Kurtzhals, crew 140

Pilot Officer Allan E. Kurtzhals was the Bomb-Aimer for crew 140, he and five other crewmates were killed during a raid to Duisberg on the 17/18 Dec. 1944.

See Parrot crew - 140 in "Air Crew" Courtesy Dale Plante (Neice)

P/O Bert Brown, crew 140

P/O Bert Brown, crew 140

P/O Brown was the only survivor from the Parrot crew, this photo was taken later when he was Fire Chief of the Wetaskiwan Fire Dept. in Alberta Canada, 1977.

Bert Brown enjoyed hockey and is second from right sitting, date of photo unknown. Note the fellow sitting on far left with shiner.

Photo's courtesy Leslie Green

P/O A. Divittkoff, Crew 140

P/O A. Divittkoff was the Midupper-Airgunner for crew 140, he and five other crew mates were killed on a raid to Duisberg on 17/18 Dec. 1944. The pilot was F/Lt. J. Parrott.

see crew 140 in "Air Crew" Courtesy Leslie Green

F/O Harry Pearce, crew 140

F/O Harry Pearce was the navigator for crew 140, he and five other crewmates were killed during a raid to Duisberg on the 17/18 Dec. 1944.

See Parrot crew - 140 in "Air Crew"

Courtesy Leslie Green

P/O Leslie Janzen, Crew 140

P/O Leslie Janzen was the Flight Engineer for Crew 140, he and five other crewmates were killed during a raid to Duisberg on the 17/18 Dec. 1944.

See Parrot crew - 140 in "Air Crew" Courtesy Leslie Green

Sgt. Rudy St. Germain (R/AG), crew 141

Sgt. Rudy St. Germain (R/AG), crew 141

P/O Rodolphe “Rudy” A. J. St. Germain was born in Buckingham, Quebec in 1920, the second of four children and the oldest boy. While he was still an infant the family moved to Timmins, Ontario: no doubt lured by the booming goldfields. Family problems forced him out of school early to help support his family. So in 1937, at the age of 17, Rudy started work at the Hollinger Gold Mine in Timmins as a surface boy. Over the next four years he worked in the timber yard and the mill, leaving to serve in the war.

In 1941 Rudy underwent training at North Bay, Ontario, enlisted in the RCAF and was stationed at Dauphin, Manitoba. There he met LAW Chrissie (Christina) Anderson, RCAF-WD, from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

They were married in Winnipeg in February of 1944. Two months later Rudy was sent to England, where he served with 434 Squadron, in the Halifax and Lancaster, as a rear gunner and later as mid-upper gunner. He flew upwards of 25 missions with the Terry Coghlan crew (141) and rose to the rank of Pilot Officer. It seems he also served with the Jenkins crew (150) near the end of the war. Certainly he returned to Canada in June of 1945 on “Lady Orchid” with Ron Jenkins’ crew, spending time in the Azores as they waited for aircraft repairs. Despite the wait, they still made most of the trip home on only three engines!

After the war they returned to Timmins, and Rudy was back at Hollinger, as a tailings pipeman and mill clerk. In 1947 he moved to the Ventilation Dept as Assistant Ventilation Engineer. By 1951 he had transferred to the Survey Department, Then became a time study trainee in the Production Engineering Division. This earned him a position as an underground Standards and Methods Engineer.

Fishing, camping and hunting were his favorite pastimes but he also found a passion in Mines Rescue training. From 1951 to 1962 he spent long hours training, instructing and competing in regional and provincial championships as a member of the Porcupine District Mines Rescue Team. Rudy captained the team for several years, and they won many competitions.

In 1963 the mine announced its upcoming closure (although it reopened years later). Rudy was hired by the Federal Government and began work with the Unemployment Insurance Commission in Ottawa, traveling often across Canada. In his travels Rudy did connect with Ron Jenkins in Calgary on at least one occasion. Sent to Denver, Colorado to study the new world of computers, this became his new area of work with UIC. In 1967 Rudy led the team in the installation of UIC’s first computerized centre in Montreal, with other centres following quickly. His pictures of banks of massive computers filling a “sterile” room were a source of pride for him - and I wonder what he would think of our home computers of today.

Rudy’s failing health forced an early retirement. By then, he had risen to the position of Systems Analyst, quite an accomplishment for a man who had not completed the 9^th grade. He passed away in Ottawa in 1984 with his wife at his side, leaving to history the personal demons that had dogged him since the war.

Grandsons Rob and Dan Evans explore a Lancaster at the Calgary Airport in 1992

Rudy was pre-deceased by a son and is survived by a son and a daughter, three grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

“Rudy” A.J. St. Germain was 63 years old.

He was my father. ………… Suzanne St. Germain

F/O Geoff Marlow, crew 142

F/O Geoff Marlow, crew 142

At the end of the war, West Vancouver's Geoff Marlow flew his own plane back to Canada.

As an air force pilot during the war, Marlow flew Lancaster bombers from England to targets in Germany during his 18-month operations tour. After Germany's forces fell, Canada was regrouping to join the war in the Pacific against Japan, so the planes had to be brought back home, notes Marlow. The long flight wasn't his first trip across the Atlantic since enlisting at the age of 18. Before the war began, Marlow's parents had sent him to school in England to study mining engineering. When he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, he was sent back to Canada for half of his two-year pilot training program. He made the trip on a converted liner with about 6,000 troops and some prisoners, and he recounts the day he came face to face with a German submarine. The ship was three days into its voyage to Halifax when Marlow ventured out onto the deck to watch the horizon because it was the one thing on the ship that didn't move, he notes with a laugh.

As the day faded to dusk, Marlow's solitude was interrupted by a periscope that popped up about 400 yards away. Before he could react, the liner's helmsman had already spotted the hiding sub and the troop ship suddenly heeled 90 degrees to avoid its firing line.

"We presented our rear end to the sub," notes Marlow. He explains that the back of the ship presented a smaller target, and the advantage of the liner was its cruising speed, which could reach 22 to 28 knots compared to the sub's 15 knots. The liner spent all night weaving back and forth to avoid any other German subs, which always travelled in packs, says Marlow.

By the time it crossed the ocean, the ship was so far off course it docked in New York instead of Halifax, which Marlow explains was an unexpected treat.

At the end of the training, Marlow was one of only 30 per cent of the original group to pass the course.

Flight training continued back in England, and Marlow says it was a different experience flying in London after his training in Alberta. The wide-open Alberta prairie was marked by two easy-to-follow railroad lines, and pilots couldn't get lost because they simply followed the line or could fly low enough to read the grain elevators for direction. But the busy infrastructure of Britain presented a much bigger challenge. During his service, Marlow flew 30 missions with the 434 Bluenose Squadron, which was the length of a tour of operations in a bomber cockpit before a pilot was reassigned to other jobs in the squadron. Every morning, the pilots checked the battle order posted at 11 a.m. to find out if they would fly that night. At 5 p.m., they would receive the details of their mission at a secret briefing.

Marlow pulls out a map and traces some of the routes he took to Germany during his bombing missions. The map, still marked with specific flight times, speeds and routes, is one he tucked into his boot for reference on a mission. The bombers carried seven men, without a co-pilot, so the pilot couldn't leave his seat even to go to the bathroom during a long flight. Marlow notes that pilots faced many dangers aside from the German military. Up to 800 planes flying in close formation on some missions resulted in mid-air collisions, and the Lancasters were complicated machines to operate, says Marlow, so there were many deaths related to engine failure and other mechanical mishaps. He explains that due to the dangerous nature of the job, 25 per cent of the total number of the Canadian military losses were from bomber command. However, he notes that the contribution of Canadian bomber pilots is not always recognized because of the reality of their missions, in which German civilians were among the casualties of destroyed targets, which included factories producing ammunitions and other items for the German army. However, he explains that the air support was important to the Canadian war effort and should be remembered.

For his exemplary service with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War, Marlow was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. When asked why he received the medal, he answers: "For surviving. You've got to survive to get it."

Photo and article is curtousy of The North Shore News, Vancouver, B.C. Published Nov. 10 - 2006.

Sgt G.A. Heisler, crew 144

Sgt G.A. Heisler, crew 144

F/O Ronald H. Jenkins, crew 150

F/O Ronald H. Jenkins, crew 150

see main page "Lady Orchid"

Sgt Bruce T. Baird, crew 150

Sgt Bruce T. Baird, crew 150

see main page "Lady Orchid"

Photo courtesy

F/Lt. John Fern, crew 151

F/Lt. "Johnny" Fern (pilot of crew 151) and his brother, Edward - 1943

John and Edward outside thier house at Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan. John had just finished his first tour and was home for a 60 day leave, and Edward had just joined the militia.

Courtesy Fred Fern (son of Edward)

F/Lt. John Fern with his little sister Cynthia (age approx. 6 ½) taken in the Summer/Fall of 1944 on “Leave” in Canada, prior to his last tour.

Courtesy Cynthia Fern-Morrow

F/O Ben Marceau - Crew 151

F/O Ben Marceau the (R-AG) for crew 151 sits on the bank outside Dishforth waiting for the bus.

Courtesy Linda Ibrom/Harry Jones

F/L George Rowe - Crew 151 (2 Photo's & Bio)

F/L Alfred "George" Rowe was born in Toronto 24th March 1920 to parents Alfred and Agnes Rowe, and one of 3 children. “George” enjoyed hockey, rugby and baseball, once out of high school he took vocational night classes in typing, also working on a 3 year associates course. He was employed by the Bank of Nova Scotia as a Junior Clerk/Ledger Keeper.

George enlisted in Toronto 3rd May 1941, awarded “Air-Observers” badge on 31 Jan. 1942, two months later in March he married Pearl Cranstoun.

Pearl and George Rowe

Pearl Rowe in her "going away outfit", this photo was taken shortley after thier wedding on the 7th March 1942.

George and Pearl went for a brief honeymoon as he would be required back in England by the end of March.

Over the next three and a half years he would serve on 3 RCAF squadrons.

425 Squadron 19 Aug. 1942 – 30 April 1943

432 Squadron 1 May 1943 – 24 July 1944.

Promoted to Flight Lieutenant-1st Jan. 1944 and during this time he would complete his required 30 “Op’s” (awarded DFC) also completing an Instructional tour. On special leave “George” returned to Canada July 25th- Sept. 25,

George went back to England in the fall and was taken on strength with 434 Squadron on 31 Dec. 1944. He and five other members of the crew were were killed on the 11th March 1945 on an “Op” to Essen, Germany.

Additional photos of George and his crewmates in "Individual" and "Crew" galleries (crew - 151)

Courtesy Linda Ibrom

F/O Gibson 'Scotty' Scott - Crew 151

F/O Gibson "Scotty" Scott, (R/AG) outside one of many "Nissen Huts", the primary living quarters for the majority of aircrews.

Courtesy Linda Ibrom/Harry Jones

F/O Joe Latremouille, Crew 151

F/O Joe Latremouille, Crew 151

On the right is Joe Latremouille and friends

F/O Garnet M.B. Barlow, crew 154

F/O Garnet M.B. Barlow, crew 154

F/O Garnet M.B. Barlow was the navigator for Magrath crew 154, they FTR from a mission to Chemnitz on the 14/15 Feb. 1945. Sgt G.A. McLarty survived and became a P.O.W. the rest were killed.

F/O Joseph D. Ball, crew 159

F/O Joseph D. Ball, Crew 159

Lancaster KB-835 piloted by F/O J.B.Stewart FTR from a mission to Hagen on 15/16 March 1945, F/O Ball and five of his crew mates were killed. P/O J.H. Ayotte evaded capture.

Left to Right

Joe, sisters - Lorna, Rene, and brother Bob.

Joe, his father Art, Bob, and "Nappy"

***

NIGHT BOMBING - by Joseph Dixon Ball

We go out to our Aircraft

And pull out all the pins,

Then struggle up inside somehow

A scraping both our shins.

Our safety belts are fastened

As we settle in our chair

And roar off down the Runway

Zooming high up in the Air.

We look and find our target light

Then in the hatch to check our sight.

The target comes toward us

A going fast as hell

My bomb hatch lights go on the blink

So I can’t see so well.

"Dummy Run" I holler out.

The pilot he gets sore.

And hollers through the Intercom

To find out what’s the score.

We drop all our bombs

Then head for the drome

That dear little outpost

We have to call home.

Our bombs have been plotted

for miles around

Tis really a wonder

that some reach the ground

We grab a meal ticket

And buzz off to eat

The boys are so tired

They just drag their feet.

Back to the barracks and climb into bed

To drop off to sleep/

Just as though they were dead.

We get up for lunch

To start off our day

So you see our Air Bombers

Work hard for their pay.

Hasselt (Kruisveld) Communal Cemetery, Belgium

Courtesy Catherine Ball - Niece

F/S R.J. Spratt, crew 160

info coming

F/Sgt Roy Taylor, crew 160

F/Sgt Roy Taylor, crew 160

Roy was a Mid-Upper Air-Gunner for the Dawson crew, the following article appeared in Cumberland Times, Maryland. U.S.A.

67 years later, Canadian air force gunner receives combat medals

Michael A. Sawyers Cumberland Times-News

— LAVALE — Sixty-seven years after shooting down a Messerschmitt over Hamburg, Germany, LaVale resident Roy Taylor has received combat medals from the Royal Canadian air force, for which he was a gunner on the bomber Piccadilly Princess.

“There were only three or four Me 262 Messerschmitts ever shot down by the air force, so I guess it was a big deal in some ways,” Taylor said Thursday, seated in his home on Park Avenue and poring over old photos, clippings and memories. The speedy German aircraft, the world’s first jet-powered fighter plane, could hit 560 mph. The Piccadilly Princess maxed out at 275 mph.

Taylor points out that the incident is officially listed as a probable kill rather than an actual kill, but only because the crew of the four-engine Lancaster bomber was too busy surviving to watch the enemy airplane hit the ground and confirm its destruction.

Taylor’s view of the war in 1943 came from the top of the bomber where he was a gunner firing .303 caliber ammunition from two barrels situated between the cockpit and the tail.

“All of our bombing missions had been at night, but this was the first of what turned out to be four daylight missions,” explained Taylor, who was 18 at the time. He flew 28 bombing runs in all, firing at enemy planes during almost all of them.

“I could see this Messerschmitt coming straight at us,” Taylor recalled, explaining that he began firing and also instructed the pilot to use a corkscrew flying technique to avoid being hit.

“I could see the bullets hitting the Messerschmitt,” Taylor said. “Then all of a sudden it just went straight down.”

Taylor gets credit for the kill in the book “The Messerschmitt Combat Diary, Me 262” by John Foreman and S.E. Harvey.

Roy and Devota Taylor have been married for 60 years. It was their granddaughter, Ashley Owen of Richmond, Va., who made all the calls, reaching the right people and resulting in the medals being sent.

Recently, Taylor received the France and Germany Star with clasp, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and War Medal 1939-1945.

Taylor was born in England. Because he was still a British subject, the U.S. Air Force rejected his attempts to enlist. At that point, the Cumberland resident, who had moved here because his father, Renwick Taylor, became the general merchandise manager at Rosenbaum’s, a downtown clothing store, went north of the border, seeking out the Royal Canadian air force.

Roy and Devota, she being a Cumberland native, moved 21 times since they were married in 1949 as he worked in retail management jobs at various locations, the most recent being at a mall he managed in Mobile, Ala. He retired 15 years ago and the couple returned to Allegany County.

In a Cumberland Evening Times article written by J. Suter Kegg on July 29, 1947, Taylor’s prowess as a softball pitcher for the Astor Cabbies is recognized as are his war feats which, at that time, were just a few years into the past.

The Taylors have a son, Roy Taylor Jr., in Raleigh, N.C., and a daughter, Devota Ann Johnson, in Detroit.

F/O Ken McMillan, crew 161

Flight Officer Ken McMillan, crew 161

F/O Ernie Wilkinson, crew 161

F/O Ernie A. Wilkinson, (RAF) the F/E for crew 161, with his wife in 1984.

This is the only known photo of F/O Wilkinson, I moved it from the Veteran category.

Photo courtesy Ken McMillan

F/O Garth Dundas, crew 161

Flight Offficer Garth Dundas (DFC) crew 161, and crew are about to fly "V - Victory" back to Canada.

Courtesy F/O Ken McMillan

F/O H. Wild, crew 163

F/O H. Wild crew 163

F/O Henry J. Schumacher, crew 166

F/O Henry "Hank" J. Schumacher, crew 166

F/O H.L. Hooper, crew 168

F/O H.L. Hooper, Pilot of crew 168

F/O Herbert Leslie Hooper, was born February 19, 1919 in Ontario, Canada. To the best of his family's recollection, he was a pilot a Lancaster Bomber, originating in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and based in England during the war.

Nose-art on the plane, was a caricature of Wimpy, from the Popeye comics. Burgers were painted on the plane, to signify the safe return from a mission.

The Hooper crew also flew missions in Lancaster bombers; "Li'l Abner" and "The Hairy Chop" (Nose-Art section) of 434 Squadron (also see "Strike & Op's" Hooper crew 168 - Leipzig).

After the war, Herb was as an engineer with Hydro Quebec, assisting in construction of their hydroelectric dams in the northern regions of the province. During this time, he met and married Yvette Melvina Geruard, from Montreal. They had two sons; John and Roger. Upon moving to New Brunswick in the 1960's, Herb worked as an engineer on the Mactaquac Dam project.

Crew mate F/O W.L. Rootham's wedding, Herb is the best man (3rd from right)

He was also involved in the development of the underwater pipeline, at Campobello Island. Due to a shoulder injury, he was forced to retire at the age of 55.

Herb Hooper in Quebec after the war.

Herb and Yvette enjoyed a wide variety of sports together; avid golfers, curlers, and Herb had a fond passion for fishing. Mr. Hooper passed away 19 April 1982 at the age of 63.

Photos and biography courtesy of Roger Hooper (son) via Margaret Phillips.

Sgt. Jack F. Humphrey, crew 168

Sgt. Jack F. Humphrey, crew 168

Jack was the wireless operator for F/O Hooper's crew.

Photo courtesy Mike McLean, grandson

Sgt. Eric Smith, crew 176

Sgt. Eric Smith, Crew 176

P/O Paul Lafreniere, spare aircrew

P/O Paul Lafreniere served with 431, 432 and 434 squadrons

L’Officier-pilote Paul Lafreniere, qui est sure le pointe de terminer son premier tour d’operations au groupe de bombardement Canadian en Angleterre, est un bombardier-pointeur qui a vole avec plusiers escadrilles, don’t celle des Bluenose a bord de bombardiers Halifax et Lancaster. Aucours d’une mission nocturne sur Duisburg, a 1’ete de 1944 le jeune Lafreniere et son equipage ont ete attaques par un ME-210 que les mitrailleurs du bord ont reussi a descendre. Cette nouvelle a ete confirmee dans le temps par le minisere de l’Air, et la pilote de Lafrenuire, le sous-lieutenant d’aviation pitzek de Winnipeg fut decore pour cet exploit de la DFC. On remarque sur cette photo, 1’officier-pilote Lafreniere au moment ou il est intervious par 1’officer des relations exerieures a l’escadrille Bluenose.

16 Mar. 1945, Courtesy CFJIC, PL – 43063

F/O Jack Marier, spare aircrew

F/O Jack Marier, Navigator, unassigned aircrew

Navigation leader of Bluenose Squadron. Flying Officer Jack Marier, of Toronto, Ont. Used to work in the testing department up on Kodak Heights. Now his place of work is a tiny table inside a Halifax of the RCAF Bomber Group overseas. He has taken part in five Berlin raids and many others.

16 May 1944

Courtesy CFJIC, PL – 29681

Warren F. Keefe

W. F. Keefe (A/G)

"Warren served with the 434 Bluenose Squadron of the RCAF. After one bombing mission, they were flying home somewhere over Germany during a blackout. No landmarks were visible and there was no moon. The pilot asked the navigator where we were. The navigator replied in a shaken voice, “I don’t know.” During the silence that followed, each member of the crew felt their stomach drop with apprehension. There was only enough fuel to get home. In a moment, the pilot very calmly asked the navigator to retrace their last movements. He did so, and was then able to re-establish his bearing and get them back to England. The average age of the crew was 23"

Courtesy Red Deer Advocate (Red Deer, Alberta)