It is with a heavy heart to announce that my father David Wickes passed away on Sat March 15th, 2025. He was an F-86 Sabre Pilot from 1952 - 1958, Squadron 413, stationed in Penhold Alberta and Zweibrucken Germany. He loved flying the F-86 Sabre, was a long time member of SPAADS and very much enjoyed the reunions. May he rest in peace and soar in the heavens.

Hi - I am trying to locate my biological father who I believe was in the Royal Canadian Air Force in the 1940's (1942 - 1945)? I have a photograph of my late father in unifom, as well as his details on my birth certificate in 1944. His name was John Dooley. Can you help in any way please?

Hello. Doing some research for a friend. Her father, HUDSON, John, (also called Jack) Flight Lieutenant, No.425 Squadron, J15661 Cross RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949 was awarded the DFC and 1 Bar for DFC. In the article about him it mentions several photographs. An example is - No.434 Squadron. Photo PL-44404 (ex UK-21554 dated 25 May 1945) taken after investiture. The daughter feels she does not have this or the other photos mentioned. How does one get or see these photographs. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

My father: Arthur J. W. Dickie served in this Squadron toward the end of WW2: 1944-45. He was a Lieutenant Tail Gunner. Miss him.

Hi, Just finished a book by F/L D.A. Macmillan RCAF. “Only The Stars Know” He makes reference to a kid from a small town in the west who joined the RCAF during WW2. He eventually became a W/C and was killed on a mission. His only reference to a name or a location of this man’s or birthplace was a nickname “Jumbo” Would like to know more about him is possible. Thanks, Jim

I'm very happy the RCAF Association exists, and I thought the membership and visitors would be interested in the YouTube video that was just posted which has relevance to the history of the RCAF as pertinence to pilots today. The video speaks to the background of metal that is used to form new pilot wings for RCAF pilots -- that metal is from a RCAF Halifax bomber that was shot down in World War II. You can find the video by searching "Royal Canadian Air Force Pilot Wings made from metal steeped in history" or at the following link: https://youtu.be/9MEWbaSolHg?si=WhvvfUEKiZd8Alpj Congratulations to all members of the RCAF, both past and present, on the 100th Anniversary of the service! Go Bold!

My late father, John Edward (Jack) Gubbins was a member of the crew of the Halifax "S-Sugar" bomber in RCAF 433 squadron flying out of Skipton On Swale in WW2. He was RAF, along with fellow Englishman Sid Barber. The RCAF crew were Cletus Slade, George Smeaton DFC, Jack James, Alan Lord and Hans Bretch. I have a photograph of all seven men beside their aircraft taken in 1944. If anyone recognises a name and would like me to email a copy of the photograph, please get in touch. Incidentally, the entire crew survived the war and had a number of reunions in the 1980s/90s. I was told that S-Sugar was not so lucky - the first time out with a new crew and she never came back.

Seeking color image,colors for No.13 Photo Survey Sqd, latter No.413 Photo Survey Sqd, please contact me at e mail, thank you 🙂 Johnny Signor WeBeEmblems@aol.com

trying to find information on 428 Squadron lapel pin. Does not have blue band all around. Partial between words.

I am a past president of 900 Golden. You Bear Wing which is now redundant. You have a great web page

I am sorry. This is a list of Canadian men. Gordon Hudson was from New Zealand.

I am looking for photos of the airmen sent to Buchenwald for the www,buchenwaldairmen.com website. From the 433rd, I need photos of Stan Hetherington, John Harvie, Patrick Scullion, Leon Grenon, and George Watmough. Anyone who can assist can reach me through the Contact page of that website.

Hello, I am looking for any information about a British Royal Flying Corps Officer named Jasper Wallace Cruikshank who served as a Park Commander and then Commandant from July 1917 to January 1918. Any help would be appreciated! Yours, Luke Mercaldo

Looking for information that My Uncle Bill was a POW in during WWII. He was 263476 Gray, W.G. FS R147966. From Leney, Saskatchewan. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks

Recent discoveries yet to be autheticated and looking for expertise: My husband’s, Uncle Harold Clinton Quinn was a flight Sergeant enlisting Feb 1942. He was a mid-upper gunner with the 432 B RCAF Sqdr. He flew in a Halifax B. MK V11 NP 695 9 Code QO-K aka Klueless Kitty) bombing Osnabruck Dec 6 1944. Involved in a crash landing, he did not sustain any injury but was captured and sent to Left 7 in Bankau with 4 other Canadians. He was transferred to Stalag 3A in Luckenwalde Feb 2 1945 where he remained until the camp was liberated by the Russian Army May 5 1945. Apparently he tried to escape once but was unsuccessful. I hope there were no repercussions to that bold attempt!! The Team took off from East Moor at 16:13 for an operation against Osnabruck in Niedersachsen Germany, Port outer engine failed but mission proceeded with a successful bombing then wind milling propeller came off damaging the inner engine and tore a large hole in the fuselage knocking out navigation. Pilot attempted to turn towards Arnhem but crashed at Suttorf, Nordwalde, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany? Killed: WO1 James George William Chalmers RCAF R/89826 KIA Reichswald Forest War Cemetery grave 24. A. 17. F/O George Herbert Spiers RCAF J/27831 pilot KIA Reichswald Forest War Cemetery grave 24. A. 16. POWs with Harold (R/150272): 1) Sgt Julian Gerald Jonas RAF 1851378 POW camp Stalag 3A. From Montreal originally and returned there. 2) P/O Clarence William Soles RCAF J/89784, Munster Aerodrome, Transit Camp Oberusel Frankfurt, Stalag Luft 1. From Guelph originally, maybe Kamloops/Valemont Died in 1985 3) F/O Clarence Wilfrid Wilkinson RCAF J/26210, Munster Aerodrome, Dulag Luft Oberusel, Transit camp Weltzton? Stalag Luft 1 Died in 1988. Home was Waterford, Ontario 4) F/Sgt, Warrant Officer 2nd class, Patrick Alec Callaghan RCAF R/174480 POW camp Stalag 3A

It is my honor to be a Trust Fund Trustee for this amazing RCAFA organization for a 2nd term. I value my time being posted to the CFE, Baden Air Base West Germany during the historic occasion of the Berlin Wall was torn down.

In the early morning of Thursday May 9, 2024, it will 80 years since four-engine Canadian Halifax MKIII bomber LW583 QO-L crashed in Wevelgem, Belgium. In the crash that Tuesday morning in 1944, three crew members were killed while two others were taken POW and two escaped. The No. 432 Squadron RCAF Halifax bomber was badly hit over Wevelgem by the Messerschmitt BF110 night fighter of Hauptmann Adolf Breves, Stab IV/NJG 1. Flight Engineer Sgt. Philip Mellor (RAF) was killed in the aircraft by the Schräge Musik guns of the German Bf110. Pilot Flight Officer Tommy Martin attempted to keep his aircraft flying to allow his crew to jump and parachute to their rescue. Flight Officer Panzer, Bomb Aimer D'Andrea and Sergeants McCarntney, Cantlon and Cannings were able to jump. Four of them landed safely, Mc Cartney and Cantlon were taken POW , Panzer and D’Andrea were able to escape via the Leie (Lys) river. Cannings' parachute failed and fell to his death on the roof of a shed of a nearby farm. Pilot Martin was unable to leave the aircraft and died in the crash. Martin, Cannings and Mellor, are buried in the Commenwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC) plot at the Wevelgem municipal cemetery. On November 10, 2002, a memorial for the fallen crew was inaugurated at the Paul Bekaert farm, Menenstraat 475, Wevelgem (Belgium). This happened in the presence of the widow and children of crew member Philip Mellor. The historical society Wibilinga and Flanders Aviation Society (FAS), do not want to let this 80th anniversary pass by! On Saturdaymorning 10.30Hrs., May 4th, we will hold a commemoration at the monument to remember the sacrifice of this No. 432 RCAF squadron crew. The ceremony will be attended by the British relatives, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Philip Mellor.

We are looking for Leroy Morden's service number who was a pilot in WWII. He served for the RCAF in the far east. His DOB: Oct 6,1921. We don't have any other information on him but the Legion would like this info for their records. Hope you can help us on this. Linda Morden-Fader

HAPPY BIRTHDAY R.C.A.F.

My great-grandfather, Norman William Helwig was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in WW1. Unfortunately the medal was sold many years ago. I would like to try to track it down and purchase back, however have no idea how or where to start this process, or if it is even possible. Any advice anyone could give would be greatly appreciated.

Congratulations, RCAF for 100 Years on April 1! In memory of my father, LAC Paul Aggerholm, posted Overseas with Coastal Command 1942-1945. Born April 1, 1918

437 Squadron has listed a. J W Lyon P/O (N) . I think he maybe my father. Is there a way I could find out this information. He was born in Welland 28 May 1913

I have two 40th Anniversary 1942-1982 Presentation envelopes for 421 Fighter Squadron, issued October 10, 1982 #408 and #409/500 They are signed but cannot make out what the name is , possibly Langord or Langford? Will be listing online for sale, hopefully someone will like them.

Congratulations to The RCAF on their upcoming 100th anniversary and to the RCAF(A) for their support to our Veterans, members and Associstes. Together we all help to build the new RCAF fit the next millennium.

Am trying to find information about my father who was a navigator on the De Haviland Mosquito during WWII. Also looking for descendants of his 2 co-pilots, Porky Edwards and Benjamin Plummer.

At approximately 02:20 hours on 26 August 1944, while returning to base Halifax bomber MZ311 of No 78 Sqn crashed into Cleeve Hill near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (approximately 170 miles south of home base). All seven of the crew, of whom five were RCAF, perished. In December 2022, a small monument to the crash was put in place, and unveiled by Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller – the President of the Cheltenham Branch of the RAFA. On 26 August 2024 – the 80th anniversary of the crash – there will be a formal dedication of the monument . The dedication will be by Air Vice Marshal The Venerable Ron Hesketh – a member of the Cheltenham Branch of the RAFA and a former Chaplain-in-Chief to the RAF. Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller will lead the event. See the following link for more information https://branch.rafa.org.uk/cheltenham/crash-of-halifax-bomber-on-cleeve-hill-in-1944/

R/105324 James D Barbour My mother's brother was killed in February 1942. For some reason I cannot find him in this Registry which seems sort of odd to me. He is buried in SCOPWICK CHURCH BURIAL GROUND Lincolnshire, United Kingdom Lincolnshire, United Kingdom Grave Reference: Row 4. Grave 34. Royal Canadian Air Force Division: 411 Sqdn. I am the son of My mother Eleanor Barbour whose Parents were Norman and Rita Barbour I would like to know more about what happened to James D Barbour have a picture of him flying in his spitfire but My Mother and Father did not really tell how and what happened in his demise. I know he flew on several missions. He also is not recorded at all in this registry. although there are two Barbour's referred too. Can anyone help me with this research.

Jean Michel Dozier from Wambrechis - France wrote asking for information on Flying Officer Donald Alexander Lennie RCAF J.24617. Donald was my father's cousin. His story was told in a Newspaper article that is included in an blogpost https://resistancefrancaise.blogspot.com/2018/03/allied-airmen-picked-up-by-la-brigade.html

Morning some time ago I was demolishing a hotel in southern England where I came across a note with some photos, saying Canadian pilot killed on a raid in the river Loire France I have a photos . It would be nice to put a name to the photo kind regards

Pilot Officer Robert Grant Harlow is 100 years old today and living with his wife Sally on Mayne Island BC He is my step-father...awarded the DFC, Bob flew 36 missions his favorite plane..the LANCASTER with the old radial engines HAPPY 100 Bob...well done.Nov 19 2023

Hello, I don't see my grandfather's name on the list for squadron 437, yet I know he was part of it from photos he took during the war and the framed copy of the squadron crest we have. His name was William Henry Blackmore. I believe he was an officer.

I found your website in doing research on the Netherlands American Cemetery. As a WWII researcher, it was great to have your organization as a resource. Specializing in custom WWII excursions, it is important to have access to as much information as possible. While the National Archival Records Administration is a great resource, being able to utilize the RCAF Association will allow the opportunity reach out the families of more veterans. Thank you!

Hello, I'm a disabled Vet from SAC living in Normandy a few kilometers from the crash site of Robert Dunlop Davison in Lingou. He was a 401sq Canadian pilot, fallen 28/06/44, I'm looking to reproduce his Spitfire in a model, anybody has a photo? Anybody knows the aircraft markings? I can be reached at jpicabea@gmail.com. Cheers and thanks!

My mom, Barbara Evelyn Taylor, was in the RCAF during WWI stationed in Britain and worked as a plotter during the Battle of Britain. I am hoping I can be directed to some division that might have more information about her service.

I wish to inform the RCAFA that the Battle of Britain Historical Society (BoBHS) is still in existence and I'm currently the Historian for the BOBHS having been in post since 2015 following my retirement from the Military our current person in charge is Mr John Pulfer and are Vice President is Wing Commander John Chappell 601 RAuxAF based at RAF Northolt. The BoBHS is overseeing the Battle of Britain Monument in London and ensuring that is maintained and lit up at night ensuring the honour of The Few is assured . our website is currently battleofbritain1940.net and will be updated shortly. we are proactively seeking new members and would welcome such from Canada . We produce a magazine twice yearly. The BobHS was the fundamental driving force behind the London Monument to which 117 were Canadian and 242 Squadron were synonymous .

For Rick Allen though not of the specific types of bands that you are looking for,, I have a number of pictures of the Baden Rube band if you want them.

I am appealing to any veterans on this site that may be able to help me to find a relative. My cousin, Miss Theresa H Cornish (Tessie), DOB May 1936, moved to Canada from Norwich, Norfolk, UK sometime in the 1950s/early 1960s to join the Canadian Air force, unfortunately I am do not know what position she was recruited for, this could be classified information which is why I am having great difficulty finding her. She might have married and may also have passed away as she would be 87 now if alive. I have had no contact with her since she moved to Canada, but would love to find her or her family to know of her life. I do know her mother moved to Canada to live with her in her later life (her mother that is). Her Mothers name was Theresa M Cornish. Her parents: Father James A Cornish, Mother Theresa Cornish nee Baldwin. She was an only child. I am not sure if she married and had children or remained single. I am hopeful that somebody may have known her or her mother or possibly other family member. Thank you for taking the time to read this request.

Hi - You should probably know that the Union flag outside the Association at 230 North Murray St< Trenton, ON, is upside down! I did drop into the building to let them know, about a month ago, but it's still flying the wrong way up. Can someone please get it fixed? Remember how angry Canada felt when the USA flew our flag upside down at the World Series? Well, this is just as rude, especially when it's already been brought to their attention. I look forward to driving past the correct flag, not a distress signal! Thanks

My father served with the 437 squadron overseas from Oct 44-June 46. He took lots of pictures. If you're interested let me know I can email some to you. His name was Gerald Hennessy and he was a aircraft mechanic. Thanks

RE: Your entry for BRITTAIN, Douglas Graham DFC Pilot Officer, No.431 Squadron, J87845 Douglas Graham BRITTAIN DFC enlisted in the RAF with service number 4015009 (in sequence allocated from May 1947, Ex-Dominion aircrew to regular aircrew - Canada). After crewing up at No.230 OCU Lindholme, he joined No.617 Squadron RAF on 7th Nov 1947 (according to No.617 Operational Records Book at National Archives) as a Gunner II (Sergeant-equivalent). He was attached to No.9 Squadron RAF for Exercise Sunray at Shallufa, Egypt from 2nd April 1948. On the return flight, his aircraft, RF474 WS-C of 9 Sqdn crashed at Verquières, South of France on 30th April 1948. All 11 crew and passengers were killed. The No.617 & No.9 ORBs record: "A message was received at approximately 22:00 hours that Lincoln aircraft No. RF474 had crashed at Verquières, Southern France, with F/O Lukins and Crew of No.617 Squadron attached to No.9 squadron for Operation Sunray, with a total loss of life of the following: F/O Bernard Lincoln Lukins (No.617 Squadron) NII Dennis Godfrey Turner (No.617 Squadron) NII Joseph Alfred Wise (No.617 Squadron) EI Ernest James Gillman (Headquarters Flying Wing) GII Raymond Sleigh (No.617 Squadron); GII Douglas Graham Brittain DFC (No.617 Squadron), F/Sgt Frederick William Townsend (No.9 Squadron) Sgt Harry Sword (No.9 Squadron), Aircraftman Alfred Thomas Gilby (No.9 Squadron), Aircraftman John Hepplewhite (No.9 Squadron). Squadron Stand Down with the exception of a Burial Party under the command of Squadron Leader P.G. Brodie who proceeded by Dakota aircraft to Istres, Southern France for a Military Funeral on 2nd May 1948". He is buried alongside the other casualties of the crash at Mazargue CWGC Cemetery, Marseille, France, in 3D48 ie Division III, Grave D48.

In your listing of lost airmen, you appear to have the Canadian & American members of MZ-514 but no listing for Ronald Blair Corkill (my wife’s uncle). He was the Flight Engineer, on his maiden flight, on MZ-514 & sadly lost his life along with the rest of the crew. Although he was RAF enlisted he was flying with RCAF, so it would be fitting to get him some recognition.

i would like locate a friend from the RCAF 109 flight in Grostonquin during the 1960s. Name Lorn Bermel and wife Reta.

I am looking for information on Alan Cornwall, grandfather of a personal friend. He was a recruit of “1” Flight , course 9s, no6 I.T.S., RCAF, Toronto, Jan 19, 1944. All that is known at this time is that he served as a Navigator. Squadron unknown.

I am hoping to find some information on my grandfather, Kenneth Ross McIntosh, who was a Flight Sergeant with RCAF 420 Squadron based in London, ON. Thank you kindly for any information or suggestions you might be able to provide.

103 Squadron Lancaster III ND624 PM-F Aachen Railway Yards Took off from RAF Elsham Wolds at 23:56. Claim by Oblt Josef Kraft 7/NJG6 - Sistig 10km South of Gemund (PN 3): 5,500m at 02:24. (Nachtjagd Combat Archives 1944 Part 3 - Theo Boiten) Crashed at Sistig 5 km SSE of Schleiden. The crew were initially buried in a mass grave 305-311 in Sistig Cemetery. Reinterred 24 July 1947. Crew Pilot: J/87587 Plt Off Donald Elgin Tate RCAF - Rheinberg War Cemetery Plot 10 Row D Grave 25. Flight Engineer: 1821083 Sgt William McCulloch - Rheinberg War Cemetery Plot 14 Row E Grave 24 Navigator: 1320247 Flt Sgt Joseph Williams - Rheinberg War Cemetery Plot 14 Row E Grave 25. Bomb Aimer: Flt Sgt Edward 1491264 Hilary Calvert - Rheinberg War Cemetery Plot 14 Row E Grave 23. Wireless Operator: 1316138 Sgt David John Jones - Rheinberg War Cemetery Plot 14 Row E Grave 22. Mid Upper Gunner: 1567476 Sgt Robert Holmes - Rheinberg War Cemetery Plot 14 Row E Grave 20 Rear Gunner: 1591092 Sgt William David Kirton - Rheinberg War Cemetery Plot 14 Row E Grave 21.

I just want to thank the pilots that flew the flyover on Remembrance Day this year 2022 in Kamloops. I know this is 3 months later, but I love the jets as they fly over. I always take my grandkids to the end of the runway to feel the experience of the power of the jets. This year was AMAZING. The first pilot took off and gave us a wave, ( which I understood as my dad was a pilot and the tipping of the wings was to say hello) They did not know that he he was saying hello. Which thought was great. But the last pilot buzzed us. The sound, the rush of the air that beat down and the smell of jet fuel was amazing. One of my grandsons said “the only thing better than this Papa would be, is to be in the jets” I hope that you can pass on to the pilots that this is memory that only me and my grandsons share. Please tell them thank you so much for the show. Looking forward to 2023!! Thank you again for your amazing performance!!

I am looking to contact any former members of any of the Base-Station Drum&Trumpet or Drum&Bugle Bands in Canada or Europe. Im doing research on these types of Bands in the Canadian Military. Im looking for photos and some information on the Bands themselves. Any assistance is most appreciated.

with regards to FO Robert English buried in the Florence War Cemetery (I visited his grave a few days ago). It appears he was the last Canadian killed in Italy. Additional info on the cause of death (not found in his pers file) "There may have been inquiries as soon as the war ended, but they are not in Robert’s service record. However, among his papers is the summary of an investigation the Royal Air Force conducted in 1948. When looking through military records there is always the prospect that something unexpected will be uncovered and that is the case with Robert’s service file. The RAF report is heartbreaking. The inquiry concluded that Robert English and a second pilot both survived their aircraft being shot down and were taken prisoner. They were put into a local jail, but the report does not say by whom. Three days later, the two were taken out of the jail and shot “while trying to escape.” There can be little doubt that the last part was a fabrication. Most likely the two men, along with an Italian officer, were simply murdered. The investigation quoted local residents as saying the prisoners were shot by Italian guards, possibly one of the fascist holdout groups, but it is also possible that retreating German troops or the SS were responsible. There is no evidence anyone was ever arrested for the crime and, after all these years, other details remain a mystery and more will probably never be known.".... research done by Larry D Rose. http://espritdecorps.ca/perspectives-1/robert-english-a-fighter-pilots-own-story-and-an-enduring-mystery?fbclid=IwAR21b4osL4qtFrCvYjDuB20LVQDzOzs4bLvyOXehep4Yat56hAkyMztZ9yg

This is my second post here. I'd just thought I would share one of my Dad's things. He flew with 429 in WW11, Halifax bomber. Here is his crew from a flight on November 27th 1944. Aircraft, V MZ865. Captain, F/L D.C Henrickson,J.10516.Nav, F/O, N.E.J. Gillen,J.36122.Bomber, F/O L.R. Watson, J.29375. Eng, P/O, E. Beech,187085, W/O, P/O R.G. Wall, 184764. A/G, F/O W.R. Ogilvie, J.39033. R/G, F/S J.J McHugh, R69448. This crew made 32 successful flights together.

Two of your guys were working in Prestwick Airport Scotland and went for lunch where they came across myself and 5 children all young aged 7 to 9 years old. My youngest 7 went over to them (2 of them in McDonalds) and said thank you for your service. Your boys spent the next 5 minutes answering many questions the children had about the military and especially Ukraine as they see it on Tv. Your guys were wonderful and were a credit to Canada and the Airforce and i would just like them to know how much of an influence and inspiration their talk with them had today. They literally cannot stop talking about them. Thank you so much Jim Dillett 18 Mansfield Road Prestwick Scotland jamesdillett999@gmail.com It was at 1.30 pm today thanks