Mike Laffin at a tennis match

Playing in a tennis tournament, he took the time out to enlist in the RCAF

Mike was born on 12th January 1918 in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, one of six children; Mary, Richard, Donald, Mike, Douglas and John.

During his high school years Mike enjoyed many sports; tennis, basketball, hockey, bowling, badminton, he also participated in sulky racing at age 15, spending his time at "outlaw tracks" in the New Waterford area. He graduated in 1936 from Mount Carmal High School. Upon graduation, Mike found employment at the local Dominion Coal Company, eventually in charge of a Colliery warehouse. Prior to the war he was elected to the board of director’s at the local hospital.

Donald, Douglas and Mike

Three Laffin Brothers served during WW II, Donald, Douglas and Mike

Mike is one of six children: Mary, Richard, Donald, Mike, Douglas and John. Three of the boys - Donald, Mike and Doug - served overseas.

Mike in flying suit, BCATP

Mike in his flying suit as he trained to be a pilot.

He enlisted with the RCAF in 1941 with the aspiration of becoming a fighter pilot; graduating from flight school as a pilot in October 1942 he was posted overseas to England.

Many pilots, including Mike, dreamed of taking to the air in fighter aircraft, however the demand was for bomber pilots. The death toll was high for bomber crews, as they were not expected to survive more then a few operational flights.

Being conscientious, Mike was reluctant to train as a skipper on a bomber as he did not want to the run the risk of putting a crew in peril. Over the course of a year many pilots from his class would concede their "ferry flight" duties to enroll in flight training for Bomber Command.

Mike and Clarence

Mike and Clarence at Croft, 1944.

In late October 1943 Mike made the decision to pilot the bomber aircraft, and was promptly assigned to an Operational Training Unit. For the next 6 months Mike and his crew would train in preparation to fly heavy bombers, he would also learn that a number of his classmates from flight school had perished.

On the 21st of March 1944, Mike and his crew were officially assigned to 434 squadron. Initially Mike flew a number of missions as "2nd Dickey" with an experienced pilot and crew, then on the 26/27th March, the Laffin crew flew their first “Op” striking rail yards at Courtrai, Belgium.

On the 16th of June 1944, ten sorties shy of their required 30 Op’s, which entitled them to leave back in Canada, Mike and his crew “FTR” from the Ruhr Valley Germany. The Laffin crew was shot down over The Netherlands, Mike parachuted safely but a few nights later he would be turned in by a small group of Dutch citizens whom were fearful of the Nazi’s.

Map of Death March

The March from Poland to western Germany

Spending the next 7 months in Luft 7 (Bankau, Poland) POW camp; he would learn to speak German, thus an interpreter for his fellow POW’s and a group leader in his bunkhouse.

In January 1945 the Russians were closing in from the eastern front invading Poland, on the 17th the Nazi’s evacuated p.o.w.’s from numerous camps forcing them to march west over 200 kms. Arriving in Germany they continued south and west around Berlin, in early February the prisoners arrived at Luckenwalde POW camp. Near the end of April, the Germans deserted the POW’s in the middle of the night, as Russians were within a few Km’s of the camp. Soviet tanks arrived by driving over the fences, thus taking custody of allied prisoners. Victory in Europe was declared in early May and the Soviets released all the POW’s, Mike would cross the River Elbe to waiting allied forces.

Mike's father and Mike junior

The two Mike's, are they twins? Wearing the same size-types-colors of clothes, Mike senior 80, and Mike junior 40, 1958 New Waterford, Nova Scotia.

Arriving in Canada, Mike married his long time sweetheart Doris whom was a nursing sister with the Canadian Army serving in Italy and England, eventually parents; two daughters- Maureen and Linda.

POW’s were entitled to a college education on the Veteran’s Bill; Mike went to St. Francis Xavier then to McGill University receiving a degree in dentistry. Mike turned down offers to set up practice in Quebec and B.C. as he had made himself a promise while in the POW camp. If he made it back alive, he would make his life count therefore he set up practice in New Waterford as the only dentist in the coal mine community.

With a goal to improve the quality of life for the citizens of New Waterford, Mike became known as a man of action and a community leader. He was asked to do more and agreed to run for a seat in the Nova Scotia Legislature, once again fighting for the people he served, this time for 18 years till retirement in 1992.

Sulky racing

Mike and one of his horses...

Being involved in sports is a passion for Mike; He took up professional Sulky racing, becoming an owner/trainer/driver for many years. Along with the other sporting activities he enjoyed hockey, however at 84 years of age Mike hung up his skates to improve his golf game.

Mike & Doris Laffin - 50th

Celebrating thier 50th wedding anniversary on the 27th July 1998

Living in New Waterford with Doris, Mike is 89 years and still young at heart, playing golf, following community events, and contributions to youth groups. For Remembrance Day ceremonies he has spoke at legions, elementary schools, high schools, in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, and a synagogue - anywhere he was asked. Close to home or far away.

Alan and Mike in New Waterford, June 2004

Mike and I pose in his backyard, in the background to the right is "Veterans Memorial Field" named in 2006, He refused to have the soccer field/tennis courts named after him, there is a high school behind the field which he also refused have named in his honour years earlier. 

In closing it has been very gratifying to know Mr. Mike Laffin, I had the opportunity to visit him in June 2004 in New Waterford. He is a man with many stories that intrigued me for a week and unfortunately my visit ended all too soon. I have followed up with phone calls and letters and he is always willing to share his memories from the past and thoughts on current affairs. 

A visit to the Cenotaph in New Waterford

Mike and I visit the Cenotaph in New Waterford, June 2004.

He is proud to have served his country and citizens of New Waterford, and Nova Scotia, likewise they probably wish today’s politicians would visit Mike. He would be able teach them what a dedicated politician can accomplish, rather than living elected officials boasting how many buildings and highways are named after them. 

We will never forget these couragous individuals who returned home and made a difference no matter how big or small, likewise may we never forget the War Dead who never had a chance, but have given us opportunities...

Mike’s family is very proud of him and I am honoured to know him.