On a summer's morning in 1944 - probably July - my brother and I witnessed the last few minutes of a four-engine bomber. Then, he was five, I was six. He and our mother watched the aircraft circuiting our house, trailing fire from its starboard, outer engine. Descending, then out of their sight, it narrowly missed the bus on which I was travelling to school. Seconds later it crashed, disastrously. The crash site, which we visited that evening, was in the fields of East Farm, Black Callerton, Northumberland, England. The fire had been so fierce that only small sections of the nose, tailplane and outer wings remained. The rest was ash. The plane was probably a Lancaster, on a training flight from a base in Yorkshire.. The RCAF crew of seven were all killed. Extensive searching here has been fruitless. With a view to a memorial, can anyone provide proper details of the crew and aircraft? Sorry to be so vague, but the only information definitely not open to doubt is the location of the crash site Thank you.

Just wanted to inform the RCAF Family of the passing of CWO (Ret) Jean-Jacques Lahaie (Avionics Technician 1956 to retirement in 1991) at the age of 83. On retirement Jean continued to serve his country and community with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (out of Kamloops BC), the Shuswap Volunteer Search and Rescue (out of Salmon Arm, BC) and the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue - Station 106 Shuswap (out of Sicamous, BC). He was also a Royal Canadian Legion Branch 99 member. He passed on 7 Feb 2023 in Salmon Arm after a long bout of Dementia. A celebration of his life will take place on 25 Feb 2023 at 11am in Salmon Arm at the Bowers Funeral Home.

Visiting your site, my father was a member of the 423 squadron No.3 P.R.C.

Dear Madam, dear Sir, First of all, I wish you a Merry Christmas / Happy Yule. My name is Mehdi Schneyders, I am a coloured Belgian – South African Indian and I live in Wavre ( Belgium ). Working as a cartoonist – illustrator, I am also a true R.A.F. and Commonwealth air forces’ enthusiast and, for this reason, I have been involved in the International Museum of Chièvres Air Base for the last five years, as well as in the Living History Group « Les Ailes de Chièvres », which is linked to the museum. Along with Mister Patrick Masson ( Belgian, « Belga Reconstitution » ), another member and a true enthusiast as well, we are looking for information, documents and photographs on fifty – eight Allied airmen buried in the Chièvres Communal Cemetery. Among them, there is Canadian chap born in Regina, Sgt James Blain Anderson ( Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, R.C.A.F., R/54021 ). I read the entry about him, a couple of months ago, and I have noticed a couple of mistakes, unfortunately. Here is the corrected version : ANDERSON, JAMES BLAIN SGT(W.A.G.) R/54021. From Regina, Saskatchewan. Killed in Action Aug 25/41 age 22. No. 35 Squadron (Uno Anirno Agimus). Halifax aircraft L9572 lost during a "Trip" over enemy - held territory. Six R.A.F./R.A.F.V.R. members of the crew : Sgts W.N. Collins, J. Fuller, A.A.S. Heggie, T.P. MacHale, P/Os J. McGregor- Cheers, and V.M. Markham were also killed. There were two pilots on board for this operation. Sergeant Anderson (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner ) is buried in the Communal Cemetery, Chièvres, Hainaut, Belgium. Last but not the least, here a link that might be of great interest for you : https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/history-research/58-british-allied-airmen-buried-chia-vres-communal-cemetery-belgium-822183/#post2274462 I hope this will be helpful. I wish you a Happy New Year, and all the best for 2023. May all your dreams come true during this brandnew year. Best regards.

I am looking for information on my grand Uncle Michael Walter Bachinski who was the flight navigator on the KB-700. Thank you kindly.

My Dad, F.O. Norman Gillen, flew with the 429 in WW11, Navigator, Halifax Bomber, 32 missions. I have all his navigational charts for each flight he and crew made. He passed away 10 yrs ago, the last of his crew..They were brave men back then, something todays youth has no idea about..

My uncle, Donal Kevin Joseph Hector was KIA on March 11, 1945 over Essen Germany serving in 431 Squadron. I have many letters he wrote while training in Canada and when serving overseas, based in the UK (near Leeds). He was on the same plane as Commander Davenport. I would like to know how many missions he flew? I do have a full copy of his service records.

Hello. I am seeking information about a rather handsome Canadian who served in RAF during WW2. His name is Bruce King and he was with Coastal Command in Fraserburgh towards the end of the war 1945. I have several photos of him (my late mum's photos) in Fraserburgh, Scotland. I would love to find out how he fared after the war and there may be other photos of him which may also have my mum in them. My mum was in the WAAFS and her name was Betty Common. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I am trying to help my cousin trace information regarding her father-in-law's service with the RCAF in the UK in WW2. His name was Alfred Tasker Tomlinson, C/6892. An Internet article mentions his brief time at Pennfield Ridge, N.B. in the summer of 1942 when, as an F.O. he was Asst. Equipment Officer No.2 OTU. It is assumed that her transferred to England after that i.e. about August 1942. Any help finding service records much appreciated - all that is known is that he became a Flt.Lt. Thank you

I would like to be on a mailing list for wartime members of the 437 Squadron.

Can you let us know more about the October 2022 Convention in Hamilton, cost, registration etc?

Hello: I'm looking for my service records from 1963. I was a bandsman stationed at Ottawa, Naden and Comox. #96134

Response to Douglas McWhirter They Shall Grow Not Old published in Brandon mb Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum. They have a great website. airmuseum.ca if memory serves. My name was Dale Plante when I used to visit some years ago, I am sitting with my copy on my lap My uncle Allan Edward Kurtzhals 434 sq NR118 WL-U Halifax May 8 tomorrow Lest We Forget From his ever thankful niece Dale

My Dad served there and I have several photos of his stay.

Hello Dean! What a lovely way to remember my Dad! He truly thought the world of you. Your reference to the talks you had with him and the information he shared truly warm my heart. He was in many ways a man of mystery who rarely spoke about his time in the war. When he moved to Halifax I had been contacted by a local reporter (in relation to another matter), but during our conversation I told him about my Dad and he ran a story in the local newspaper. It resulted in him meeting the airforce group in Halifax which resulted in him making lifetime bonds with many. His time with you as Honorary Colonel was an absolute honour and you managed to unlock his mind and memories. I am also so happy that you got to visit Dad in Australia. He was very happy there. Rona took excellent care of him when he got sick and every day until the he passed. He had the very best of care. Sadly, she passed a few years later, never really recovering from his loss.

I am writing about 186 Squadron, RAF Bomber Command. One of its pilots was Ralph Patrick Madden (Can/J88080). Your details on the excellent site do not match with the squadron operational records book. The ORB shows he completed 30 operation finishing on January 13th 1945. Your entry shows him still operating in April 1945. Can you please check your source.

Because of a WWII-RCAF-Flight Sergeant* (pilot?) I don’t know Because of the respect my father ** and his grandfather (Ernest Veys) had for the RCAF & RAF Because of love for a country I don’t know: Canada Because of love for my family I don’t know * Joseph Veys (Date of Death: 28 May 1943) Flight Sergeant Royal Canadian Air Force ** His mother (Veys) passed away when my dad was born in 1934. Joseph Veys was her brother I presume. My father (Ernest † 2003) his second name was Joseph. So I think the RCAF-member was probably his godfather. Stay all as healthy as possible Stay all as peaceful as possible Let’s create a world with a bright future for the upcoming generations As the fallen soldiers did for us in 1914-1918 and 1940-1945. Sincere, respectful greatings from J. Goethals

My name is Adrian van Zantvoort and since the early 90's I researching wartime aircraft crashes in the S.E. part of The Netherlands. If some one have a request for help please let me know.

Feb 12, 2022: Replying to Gary Hill, looking for Canadian Airman R179732. I am his granddaughter. My mother passed and in going through more her things recently, found my grandfather's metals and tags. Today I randomly thought I would do an internet search and your request came up. If it's not too late, please feel free to reach out via email. Kindly, Susie

I am trying to find info on my grandpa. Royal Canadian Air Force AG Donald Joseph Duncan

The three Caribou from 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron left Trenton on 2 February, while one Boeing from 437 Transport Squadron and three Hercules from 426 Transport Training and 436 Transport Squadrons delivered personnel and equipment between 8 and 12 February to Rhodesia in Southern Africa in support of the Commonwealth Monitoring Force which was formed to oversee the ceasefire between nationalists and Rhodesian forces and the subsequent elections. I am researching this period in history from an aviation perspective and would like to make contact with vets who were on Op Oxide, please. for some background refer to www.historyjournal.co.uk Thank you

I have a pillow sham, that my late mother had since World War II it is in very good shape, her fiancé at the time was a pilot who unfortunately died when his plane exploded on the runway during take-off. Would anyone like this item, available to ship.

Message for LAURENT FOURNIER... Hi Larry, regarding your message about Bob Boorman and Bill Bryant (my father) and the Mosquito flying under the Eiffel Tower, please email me at davebryantuk(at symbol)icloud.com so that I can reply with more information. Thanks! David

Hello from France. I research family of F/O David Alexander LENNIE (J24617) fallen in France 10/05/1944 - Arrested in a maquis 22/05/1944. After Cahors prison, he was sent to Saint-Michel prison in Toulouse. Perhaps he left his memories on this difficult period of his life? I work during the period June-July-August 1944 in this Toulouse prison which were terrible for many Resistance fighters. With many thanks I also saw a message asking for information on Sqn Ldr Lorne Maxwell CAMERON (Spitfire MJ131) which fell on 3/07/1944 near Falaise in Normandy and which went through SEES. He was taken prisoner on 07/31/1944 near BORDEAUX and it is possible that he was sent to Saint-Michel prison in Toulouse. Very best - Jean Michel

A flying logbook has come into my possession and I would like to forward it to the owner if still living or to any descendants. 1462219 LAC (later F/Off) Homer S, RCAF. The log covers initial flying training (1942) and lastly Lancaster pilot UK - last entry Feb 21 1946 Dunkeswell. It is possible he remained in England after the war, maybe the South West.

Hello I am trying to find a copy of the Air Force Review of June 1943. According to a note that I have, my father PO Mel Tushingham, was on the front cover. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

I am looking for a Canadian Pilot who had come down over Italy and who crossed over the Alps into Switzerland on 29 April 1944. His service number is J26704 and his surname could be Parama. Any information would be gratefully received.

I am looking for any information you might have on Beverly Gordon Kitchen, killed in a crash in England in 1944.

Je suis membre AFACA (616000) et vétéran FAC (88026). Âgé de 75 ans, j'envisage un retour aux études en ligne dans le but d'obtenir un baccalauréat en administration des affaires. Un vieux rêve enfoui, un besoin de briser l'isolement, d'acquérir de nouvelles connaissances et faire de nouveaux contacts. Retiré du marché depuis 20 ans pour cause de choc post-traumatique, j'ai besoin de 3 lettres de recommandation de professionnels oeuvrant dans le même domaine pour obtenir reconnaissance des acquis. Un coup de pouce serait grandement apprécié. CV complet disponible sur demande. Saurez-vous m'aider?

Very disappointed to see that everything is in english only. Claude Vadeboncoeur CD

My Father was a Flying Officer, WW11,Navigator, J36122, Norman Gillen, Leeming, Yorkshire, England, RCAF..Halifax Bomber..He and his crew made 32 flights against the enemy..I have in my possession all his navigational charts and paper work for all those flights...Plus the WW11 Bronze plaque of the Bisson Squadron..If you are interested in seeing these items please contact me. Norris Gillen @norrisgillen@outlook.com

i cannot find a service picture.we would love to have one to honer his sacrifice with a memorial flag.

My father was a top gunner on a Lancaster bomber in ww2 I think stationed in England . How can I find out what his squadron was? He passed 15 years ago. Would love to know some of the history of his squadron. Thank you

Bleiheim Crashet et Maassluis, Netherlands On 28 August 1941 the Bristol Blenheim Mk. IV V6436 of the 21 Squadron Bomber Command RAF took off, in the early evening, from the Watton Base in Norfolk in England with the mission the Waalhaven in Rotterdam in Rotterdam  The crew, with 17 more aircraft, had the order to attack the ships and installations lying there. After completing his mission, the Blenheim flew back to its bases in England. Unfortunately, he never got there. Around Rotterdam was a large ring of anti-aircraft guns. Also on the, in the outer harbor of Maasluis on the 'Kriegsmarine' frigate lying there, the guns started to roar. The plane was pierced with grenades and immediately caught fire. The crew didn't stand a chance. At 20:10 the evening of the 28th of August, the plane drilled with a thunderous blow into the pasture of farmer Chardon directly behind the Govert van Wijnkade. All three crew members were killed. The crew consisted of: Pilot P/O Frank Kerr Orme 25 years old from rockclife, Ontario Canada Observer P/O Stanley Frederik Maude Gunnis, 23, from Aloa, ClackmannanshireUK Radio/gunner P/O Albert Henry Collins 34 from shepperd's bush (London) UK  

I am researching a Air crash that happened on 29th April 1945. when a Wellington Bomber crashed into Moccas Park near Dorstone Herefordshire . On board was five British crew and one Australian RAAF, I am researching the Australian crew member he was Pilot Officer Geoffrey George Minchin Smith 426848 he was attached to RCAF in 1942 where he was awarded his wings . I am looking for any information .Thank you for any help, it is very much appreciated

Searching for RCAF A. HARRIS 207164... My niece found trunk/kit box addressed to Cpl Harris at Lachine, Que, not sure the year. Anybody have info? thx!

Bonjour. In December 1963, the CCGS Sir Humphrey Gilbert and 404 Squadron were involved in a major SAR operation south of Burgeo, Nfld, not far away from St Pierre et Miquelon islands. The French cargo ship Douala had sunk in a large storm. Two lifeboats were spotted by RCAF SAR aircraft and CCGS SHG was sent to rescue the survivors. 404’s Argus aircrafts were able to localize both lifeboats the day after the sinking in stormy conditions. CCGS Sir Humfrey Gilbert was directed toward the position and she was able to rescue few survivors from the Douala. But some were never recovered. Anyone knows some retired crew members from the Argus aircraft who still have some memories of this SAR operation? Some French family’s members are trying to locate crew members from both the Coast guard vessel and the RCAF aircraft involved for a meeting with the last survivors from the Douala. If you know any RCAF’S members still alive, I can be reached by email hubertd6651@yahoo.fr Hubert Desgagnés, retired Coast Guard SAR Officer, OIC MRSC Québec 418 626 3715 Bonjour. En décembre 1963, le NGCC Sir Humphrey Gilbert et l’escadrille 404 ont été impliqués dans une opération majeure de recherche et sauvetage au large de Burgeo, Terre-Neuve, lors que le cargo français DOUALA s’est retrouvé en détresse dans une tempète. Le navire a coulé et une partie de l’équipage a tenté d’évacuer le navire, non sans grandes difficultés. Un jour après le naufrage, un avion Argus de la RCAF de Greenwood a localisé les embarcations de sauvetage et le NGCC Sir Humphrey Gilbert a été dirigé vers celles-ci. Une partie des survivants ont été rescapés, mais des marins manquaient à l’appel et n’ont jamais été retrouvés. Des membres des familles des marins du DOUALA souhaitent rencontrer si possible, des survivants des équipages de la Garde côtière et des Forces armées canadiennes qui étaient impliqués dans cette opération SAR. Si vous connaissez des retraités des FAC qui sont toujours vivants, s’il vous plait m’en informer pour que je puisse faire suivre leurs coordonnées. Mon adresse couriel est : hubertd6651@yahoo.fr

Bonjour from France. Could anyone kindly direct me to where I could obtain additional information on a Canadian Spitfire pilot shot down July 4, 1944 about 4 miles north of Trun in Normandy, France? French Resistance records give his name, rank and unit as Squadron Leader Lorne Maxwell CAMERON of 401 Squadron, 126 Airfield. I'm very interested in the story of how he made his way over the Pyrenees to safety in Spain, and in contacting any surviving family members (or, of course, Mr. Cameron himself). Thank you and best regards.

I am trying to find out the service record of Margaret Jessie BARRIE . Enlisted 24/05/43 she has passed away here in New Zealand and I am attempting to obtain details of her war service as she has passed away and the details of her service is required for her headstone.

My grandfather was Air Commodore R. C. Gordon ("Bus"). He joined the RCAF in its infancy and I have a scrap book of photographs from Camp Borden, where he learned to fly. He flew up north for geographic missions and then commanded a bomber base in the UK during WW2. He was also the air attaché in Washington, D. C. after the war. I love reading about his exploits in the RCAF so if anyone has a story, please contact me.

Hi, regarding P/O John Charles Carriere, from Quebec, who served in the Battle of Britain, some post-Battle info on his later career (via AIR27/966 series Operational Record Books for 140 Sqn held at the UK National Archives - and, like all other ORBs - consultable on-line for free): In September 1941, 140 Squadron was formed as a photo reconnaissance unit based at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire with six Spitfires and six Blenheims, tasked with photographing German bases and fortifications in Occupied Europe, particularly on the Atlantic coast. "JC" had already joined it on August 1st 1941 at RAF Hendon after taking a specialist training course at RAF Duxford, when the Squadron was still called 1416 Flight. That first month with his new unit saw the tempo being set - 10 missions, albeit over the UK, carrying out mapping and defence areas photography for the Army. His first operational mission was on September 27th 1941 when he took a Spitfire to St Valery, on the French coast north of Dieppe, bringing back ''satisfactory'' photographs. A further seven missions were flown that month. Over the next 15 months while he was with 140 Squadron, he flew an average of two missions per week, including a January 1942 night sortie in a Blenehim - rocked by violent electrical storms - over the Channel Islands using air burst ''flashbomb'' illumination to get pictures of the German-occupied island of Sark. On November 6th 1942, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and was then posted as an instructor away from the Sqn. He survived the war, leaving as a Flight-Lieutenant (and a married man) in November 1945.

Dear Sir, After reading of history of your time in our village during the 2nd World War. May I say this to all " Thank you for our freedom we enjoy today" and " Thank you for your service" I myself was in HM Forces for 22 years .Yours sincerely Neil Scarbro

On this (US) Father;s Day I am thinking of my Father, P/O Arthur B. Carveth, RCAF 1939-46. Dad was at CATP Trenton as a Sergeant. After his commission his final wartime posting was as Squadron Adjutant of 415 stationed at East Moor. I have some memorabilia and would be happy to share. cbcarveth50@aol.com

I am looking for guidance. I am researching C.A.O M.Stickwood he served , but family is unable to track him at ALL ! Regimental Service # B-43424 records are highly redacted ( not sure why ) He has passed and his Grandsons are trying to find ANYONE who may have known him.

The list of post war casualties does not include 2 CFFTS, Canadian Forces Flying Training School (the Big Two). Capt Rob Pardell died in a Tutor crash, Moose Jaw, 1999 I believe, and a few others.

Hi, I know more than a few things about Fl/Lt John McAndrew Brodie. Please correct the date of death, it should be: 14th of February, 1944. Baska Voda, former Yugoslavia. His aircraft was Spitfire F Mk. VIII, JF344, 32 squadron RAF ( RCAF).

thank you, im need information from my grand daughter Sergio Smith Gaete who served in the RCAF between 1939 - 1945, he came from Chile and his father born Canadian he served in bombardiers to denmark , and went to Egypt, England, normandy

Responding to Geoff Smith from Oakville Ontario. My late father had the pleasure of serving with S.W. Morris in the 203rd RAF Squadron, and I have done some research on his life. I'd love to get in touch!

The listing G.R. Gilmaster contains a typo and it should read D. R. Gilmaster, my father. I have quite an amount of my father's personal items from World War II. Thank you.

my grandpa Peter F. ELKO was in WW2 and was a POW. I wish I knew more about what happened to him while there but he passed years ago now. If anyone happened to know him please let me know as I'd like to appreciate the history of my ancestors better.