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. Harry Ridley, crew 5

Sgt. Harry Ridley, Crew 5

Courtesy Oakville Museum (Ontario)

Sgt. Sylvester Konar - Air Gunner, crew 8 (3 Photos & Bio)

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. Ernest Coward, Crew 11

On 22/23^rd of September 1943, Halifax V LK909 IP-G took off from Tholthorpe to bomb Hanover. No trace was found of the Halifax and all the crew are buried in Hanover War Cemetery

Photo courtesy Rosemary Coward (daughter in law), Research Linda Ibrom

P/O Harry Hansell - Crew 15 (Bio)

P/O Harry Hansell 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. 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" in the links

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

Bomb-aimer 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

Pilot 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's.

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. Unfortunately I had to edit for length, well worth a read!

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

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 (2 photo's)

Sgt. Leslie Stone 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

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)

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 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

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. 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.

Photo courtesy Dave Watson

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. 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. Johnny C.B. Foster, crew 81

Sgt. Johnny C.B. Foster, crew 81

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

W/O1 Mike Laffin in 1939, Crew 88 (3 Photo's & Bio)

W/O1 Mike Laffin 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 "The 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"

Mike Laffin at dedication

The caption 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/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 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...

P/O Norm James, Flight Engineer, Crew 107

P/O Norm James, Flight Engineer, crew 107

Visible port side flak damage, Oct 23/24 1944.

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

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

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

P/O Cliff T. Alger, crew 125

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

Photo courtesy Chris Charland

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

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 Cranston.

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 W/Op - Crew 151 (4 Photos)

F/O Joe Latremouille W/Op - crew 151.

***

On the right is Joe Latremouille and friends.

Courtesy Fred Carter

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

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

info coming

F/O Joseph D. Ball, crew 159

F/O Joseph D. Ball, Crew 159

F/Sgt. R.V. Taylor, crew 160

F/Sgt. Roy V. Taylor, Crew 160

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 Hank J. Schumacher, crew 166

F/O 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