616 entries.
Looking for retired Capt Tony Jones - flew Buffalo with 442 during the 1990's - lost contact when he retired and started flying for AC. Need to show him the photo of my now grown up child that my wife went into labour with while he was couch surfing in North Van on the way back to Comox!
The 437 photo titiled A 437 Squadron Dakota over Europe April 1945 (Photo from Joel Zelikovitz, December 2020)
Shows the crew in front of their plane.
Back row second from right is my father
PJ Parrott F/O I have the same photo and many others. Hope to post them when I get them organized.
Admin Reply by: Dean Black
Dear Brian, we are so very excited to meet you. Thank you for writing. My Uncle was a navigator with 437 Squadron. And, a number of us (Joel, Don and Robert Sproule, Karen Black, and others) have formed a 437 Husky Squadron Association. We would dearly love to have you aboard. Sincerely, Dean Black, director@airforce.ca
I am trying to find out more about my Uncle's involvement with RAF 'Intellegence" during WW2. All I know he was based in Canada for a time and was, I believe, a Sergeant. His name was Arthur Evans or Frederick Evans (he changed his christian name at sometime!). Any help or info would be much appreciated.
While researching my family tree I discovered that my great Uncle Mike Bachinski was the flight engineer on the KB 700.
Admin Reply by: Dean Black
Hi Tammy, What is KB 700?
Trying to find out where I might find information on my uncle "Basil Joseph Hayden" who was with the 417 during WW2. Apparently he was a Spitfire pilot. From the Toronto area. Any ideas on where to look for records would be greatly appreciated. Thx.
Please advise of the email address i should send my request to or a o\phone number that i may use in regards to FO Tarling on his upcoming Birthday Thank You
A friend of mine who is a WW11 Veteran of the RCAF is turning 100 years on March 17, 2021. His name is FO Bernard TARLING Ret.
His address is Comox Valley Seniors Village 202# 4260 Headquarters Road Courtenay BC V9N 7J3. I am hoping with your assistance we can get at least 100 Birthday Cards out to this RCAF Vetera.
Many Thanks Albert Montreuil CD1 Wo Retired Cdn Army
Admin Reply by: Dean Black
Thank you Albert. If you are serious about your request, please e-mail me quickly, at director "at" airforce.ca
Excellent tribute and resource. Pilot Officer M L Strumm's aircraft actually MF139 other three crew POWs
Thank you
How do I submit photos for my Uncle Harold E Truscott and the rest of the crew of 408 Sqn Lancaster LL687 EQ-M who were lost on July 29, 1944 during nighttime ops to Hamburg Germany.
Admin Reply by: Dean Black
Send photos preferably in .jpg or .png format to director@airforce.ca with as much detail as possible. Thank you.
My husband’s Uncle Archibald (aka Archie or Ozzy) Warwick was a WW2 RCAF bomber pilot, J22839 and although he survived the war, he struggled due to PTSD. We have been unable to find any information about his war time experience, his role during the war etc. Looking for any info or help to find info.
Hi all,
I’m looking for a relative, John Anthony Whittingham, said to have served in the RCAF in WW2. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
A. W. (Tony) Whittingham
My dad, was ranked a flyer officer and flew the RCAF overseas as a navigator in Europe. Dad now deceased, shared stories of training, how he flew a recon Mosquito (no weapons except pistols) but never the missions since as he said, he's under oath not to talk about it. I have always been interested in WW2 since school. But now so much stuff on WW2 like photos and videos since my dad's death. Could not find anything at all on my dad's squadron yet I see tons throughout the net on mossy squads and stories etc. There is nothing on canadian war vets website except for my father's brother killed in Cassini as a soldier. Any ideas how i can search deeper or what websites to look into or even clubs?
Thanks, great website and thanks for all Canadian men and women at war who gave us life and freedom.
We have a chest that belonged to J/22813 F/Lt. S.W. Morris, R.C.A.F
Co Pilot of Liberator KG986-F, 203 Sqn RAF. Lost in action 20/3/1945, Oelehleh, Sumatra.
We would like to return the chest to the Morris family. Does anyone have any idea how we might find the family? Morris was from Hammond, British Columbia. Thanks
I found a book "Avigation by Dead Reckoning" written 1928 and owned by John L Senour No. 84070 of the RCAF.
I can't find any info on him. Where should I look? thanks
Looking for help regarding a Canadian Forces service number could anyone tell me if service number 27393 'E' was issued to a member of the RCAF it appears on a Canadian Korean War Medal. Many thanks Clive ex RAF & RAFA Member.
My late Father flew with 429 Squadron RCAF, although he was from N Ireland.
James Faulkner Johnston from Ballygawley.
James was a Flight Sergeant serving with 429 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force.
On the night of 22nd / 23rd October 1943 he was aboard Halifax JD332 which had taken off from R.A.F. Leeming on a mission to Kassel however the aircraft was attacked and shot down near Tietelsen to the north of Kassel.
Of the crew of seven there were three survivors including James Johnston who was captured and taken to Stalag 4B at Muhlberg.
A number of Airmen had planned a Mass Escape and intended to burn the hut which held all the P.O.W. Records and Photographs. This was so that the Germans would not have pictures of them when they escaped however James wanted to be sure and so the night previous he stole his own file!!
James was able to escape the Camp and after evading capture he eventually joined with a mounted unit, possibly Cossacks, and was finally able to return to the U.K.
#ww2ni #Johnston #Ballygawley #RCAF #RAF #Leeming #Kassel #Tietelsen #Muhlberg
Looking for information on my father, Bruce Richard Kesteven RCAF CAN R219733 He was stationed in Grt Britain during the war II
Hi , in your date section you are missing 1 Squadron / 401 that stood up 20 Nov 1918. You are also missing 3 Squadron and 115 Squadron . These where all part of 1 Squadron . 401 Squadron just celebrated its 100th Anniversary .
Also the first pilot in the RCAF to see combat was S/L McNabb flying with 111 RAF Squadron before taking 1 Squadron up. There was only 1 Canadian RCAF squadron in the Battle of Britain .
Hello Richard Harper. My mother Ann had a war time romance with Bill Hayter. She was living with her parents in Oshawa Ontario where Bill was training to become a pilot in 1941. My grandparents were aware that many of the training pilots were from England and missing home so invited them to their house for meals and to their cottage up north. My mom became very close to Bill in the summer of '41and when he was sent overseas they corresponded until he returned in '46. I have photos of him receiving his wings and of his graduating class. He sent many photos in '42-'43 of his base at Ballah North Africa. One is of his tent with my mother's picture hanging over the entrance. There are also photos of Alexandria in '43-'44. Bill returned to Canada in '46 and they resumed their relationship for a time. Both had changed over the 5 years they were separated, and they parted ways in '47. At the end of the war, he inherited a property in rural France. He moved there from Toronto in the late 40's and planned to farm truffles. I believe the farm was somewhere in Bourgogne. A friend of Mom's visited him at his farm in the 50's or 60's. He married a local girl and had children - one of whom he may have called Ann. I remember Mom telling me of Bill's crash, rescue and escape - a remarkable story that has stayed with me to this day. My mother is still alive at almost 97 but has sadly has dementia. Her album is full of photos of eager young pilots just starting out in life. So many did not come home. Good luck with your search. I hope this helps in some small way.
Some of my happiest memories are of my time spent at RCAF Station Rockcliff in Ottawa. I particularly remember W/C. A.J. Mackenzie DFC,. my boss ,whom I will never forget. As a young F/O I didn’t fully appreciate my experience there. I certainly do now. I am eternally grateful to the men and women who served our great country and the mentoring they provided me.
Hi...my father Walter Reid Mason was with the 407. I would like to find out exactly where he served while he was in England. He passed away in 1996 and I never did have a lot of information from him . I do have his war service badge # 508182,and LAC CANR170407. I know he was discharged Feb 21, 1946.
Any information you might have would be wonderful. Thanks so much
Looking for more information, history and photos on 416 Sqn RCAF when at RAF Peterhead. The airfield is close to where I live and we are aiming to open a Heritage Museum in July 2021, (fingers crossed) on the former RAF airfield. Many thanks, RAF Peterhead Heritage Society
Yes i thank you for this all and pray for lost .. my great grandfather and Catholics say Fatima 1984 prayer was done by St JPII So no more WW and less Commies. Lest we forget all
Hello, my grandfather Everett L. Gilbert I'm 1942(est) was in Canadian arm forces. Goose Bay. 405(M) SQDN Greenwood , N.S. looking for stories, information history. He is deeply missed and I am so proud to be his granddaughter.
My Uncle- Everard Harvey Pilot Officer, 432 Squadron, killed in action December 18 1944 over Belgium. I’ve enjoyed this site, thank you. Any other info on Uncle Ev would be appreciated.
Searching for any information on Harry V. Taylor (RAF) who served with 423 squadron at Oban, Scotland and at Castle Archdale in Ireland. He was pals with Al. Sarli.
I Thank you all
William E Hayter
He left Halifax in Dec 1941 as one of 70 air cadets bound for the AIr MInistry in London. In 1October 1943, aged about 21, he was pilot of a Beaufighter X( in 47 Squadron) in an attack on German shipping at Naxos, Greece. My father was the navigator. They were shot down, crash landed in the sea and escaped using the dinghy. My father (Thomas Harper) was more injured so Bill found help in a farmer who hid them until the LRDG rescued them from the German controlled island and thence to Cairo for recuperation. Their story has just been published in UK and I want to find any of Bill's family to whom I can send a copy of the story I contributed. I know he returned to Canada after the war, leaving Liverpool on ss Scythia on 26 Oct 1946, He wrote a letter to the Greek farmer around 1949 from his then address at 115 Oakwood Avenue, Toronto and was working in the Massey Harris company.
I am unable to confirm any details of his war service, marriage, children, death, etc in Canada using Ancestry and other sites.
Can any of you help please?
Thak you
Richard Harper
MY FATHER SGT NEIL MCARROL FLIGHT ENGINEER, ON KB966, WAS WITH 103 RCAF GREENWOOD. KILLED IN AIR CRASH RETURNING TO GREENWOD.
Missing a large number of names between, EADE to EYRE and FORTEY to FYE. on web page Appox. 500 missing names.
Page 219 to 239 are okay in the blue book
Call me if you have any questions
Bob D'Aoust 519-886-242
Dear Sirs - I take great pride in looking after a number of RCAF graves here in Huntingdonshire, England. In particular, the four RCAF aircrew buried in Old St Swithun Churchyard, Old Weston, in former Huntingdonshire. A few years back, I even managed to get the niece of one of the airmen, who lives in Guelph, ON, over to share the November 11th Remembrance Day with us. Imagine my surprise, then, to discover that here uncle, R69761Flight Sergeant Donald Cole Lindsey, a WOP/AG in a Hampden of 16 OTU has no separate entry in your list of casualties. Surely this is an omission or oversight on your part? He DOES get a mention along with Sgt Dobie in HIS entry, but surely he deserves his entry?
Regards
Terry A de C Foley
Major INT CORPS [Ret'd]
Hello, I am looking for information on a man by the name of Douglas Browne, who served with the airforce and lived in Vancouver BC in the late 1960's & early 1970"s. Any information would be appreciated.
Thank you, Nicole
Hello
My father, William H. Stockdale Sgt. R200378 was a rear gunner for the 432 Squadron on the Handley Page. RCAF 15.01.1943 to 26.04.1946. 38 Sorties. He had a great crew and I wish I could reach out to them or their families for any more info. I have some great photos from those war days. Thank you.
As a student at St. Leo's Academy in Westmount , Quebec I must have walked passed the H.Q of the 401 squadron over a1000 times. All school students in the Westmount schools raised enough funds to pay a new Spitfire or Hurricane and it was trucked in ,put together and placed in the center of Westmount Park. All school students had the privilege to line up and be lifted on to the wing and allowed to sit in the opened cockpit one at a time. We couldn't believe how the fighter plane landed on the football field in the center of the park. Often the 401 Pipes and Drums band paraded along Sherbrooke Street to the Westmount Cenotaph for Remembrance Day services led by Officer Dan Donnelly. He was later the father of the Donnelly family who now run 3 auto dealerships in Ottawa. Frank Rooney. Town of Mount Royal Qc.
Hello - My father, Sgt. Ronald Leonard Jones, served in the Air Force during WWII. He enlisted on 26 June 1942 until 9 May 1946. After the war he reenlisted 11 May 1948 to 7 July 1966. I would love to find out any information on my dad during the War Years, where he was posted and served and it what capacity. All I know is he met my mother, Olive Green, in Wigan England and they married and he brought her back to Canada. Dad died on May 21, 1972 and Mom died 1 1/2 years ago at 93. If you can assist me on where to search for this information I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.. Bernice Giroux
My father Maurice Cohen served in Bomber Command from Feb1943 to his discharge in July 1947 . He joined 420 RCAF in September 1943 and stayed with them until September 1944 flying 35 sorties. On the night of 6/7th June 1944 he flew with F/LT Trickett in a Mark 3 Halifax Q Queenie (PTQ ). He would like to contact any members of that crew to tell he has just recieved the Legion De Honour from the French Government and that they are also entitled to receive the same honour. He flew 2 more missions with F/LT Trickett as his under gunner before returning to his own crew. He would like to hear from anyone who served with 420 RCAF during that time.
L's are still not available on the list of RCAF Casualties – Second World War.
I am researching a particular person on our war memorial in Peasenhall, Suffolk, UK. Richard William Stiff was a Flight Sergeant in 423 Sqdn Royal Airforce Volunteer Reserve who died on 13 November 1943. I am aware that the squadron flew Short Sunderlands from Northern Ireland patrolling the Atlantic primarily searching out German U Boats. Although I have a basic history of the squadron I am trying to establish more detail around the death of Richard. He has no grave and is remembered on the Runnymede memorial which likely means that he was lost in flight.
I am not sure if he was seconded to the Canadian contingent or whether the RAF were also part of the squadron. It is rare but I do have a photograph of Richard as a gunner but uncertain if this was in a Sunderland or another aircraft.
Anything you may have on Richard or on the 13 November 1943 would be very useful.
FURTHER TO MY ENTRY OF 22 SEPT, THERE ARE ALSO NO LISTS OF SERVICEMEN AFTER WHEELER IN THE W SECTION.
I am reviewing over 10000 names those servicemen who were Canadian or were RCAF who died in Bomber Command. This is to update the existing memorial wall for the Bomber Command museum in Nanton AB as some names are missing. I have found your web site very useful. I note that there are no names listed for E and L. Also when I click on the list of Canadians in the RAF (there are 4 groupings of names) I get a message "unable to connect. Can you help in this matter? TX.
Admin Reply by: Dean Black
Thank you. The "Ls" should now be available. We will be uploading the "Es" very soon. Please also note the addendum/corrigendum pages.
Greetings Canada! Some WW2 history for you: After a lot of research, I have found interesting facts about a Mosquito raid with 163 sqn RAF March 13th 1945 on Berlin. One of the aircraft KB476 taking part of the raid barely made it back on the proverbial wing and a prayer. Australian Pilot RAAF and CANADIAN Navigator RCAF What they also did and probably never knew was giving Joseph Goebbels a bloody nose that night. I have made a video about this story and published it on my youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qFaoqik9Lc&t=4s
While clearing my parent's house I came across an old copper kettle belonging to my grandparents and inside were two newspaper cuttings of P O John Higham and his crew in the Maple Leaf Gardens Toronto to tell their stories of a successful bombing raid on Saarbrucken
Photo includes Flight Sergeant, Don Morrison. Flight Sergent KarlSvenson Flight Sergent S C Lee Pilot Officer John HighamWing Commander Walsh and ground crew Flight Sergent Art Loach
John Higham's father Caleb was my grandfather's brother who emigrated to Canada from Banbury Oxfordshire , as a child of 7/8 I remember John Higham's mother coming to stay with us travelling on the Queen Mary liner
I am trying like many others keeping the memory alive, of an uncle I never met McMurtry Allan Fairbairn R250838 who perished on December 12, 1944, # 1664 HCU in a Halifax bomber. For all RCAF members who fought for Canada and democracy, may their collective memories live on.
Hello, hope all is well, recently my mom gave me a ring that she thought was her fathers that used to be in the rnwmp and the rcmp. After some research i realized that it belonged to her brother that used to be in the rcaf and was killed post war in a flight accident. I was wondering if anyone knew where i could get any information on him. His name was ross rayment and im sorry but i dont have his bitlrthday. Any information would be great. Thks.
My father Gordon Glaholt from Calgary and trained in England, was a Lancaster Pilot during World War 2. My family would like to thank the RCAFAssocation for creating this website.
426 Sqn Halifax MZ598 OW-J
Claim by Lt Georg Greiner 11/NJG1 - 24km NNE of Courtrai: 500m at 03:57.
Greetings. I served in the RCAF
from 1961 to 1964, and have worked on Warriors' Day at the CNE in Toronto for about ten years. I left as a Leading Air Woman, but my heart has never left the RCAF. I would give anything to be back in uniform and serve in some capacity.
I am a former RCAF Airman. Searching for a fellow member John Gemmell whom I served with at RCAF STN DOWNSVIEW in Toronto during the early 1960's.
Was in 400 Fighter Sqdn. (Aux.) in the 1950s. Worked in the Control Tower at Downsview airport every second weekend as an ACA.
Are Aux. people allowed to have membership in the RCAF Assoc.?
Admin Reply by: Dean Black
Yes of course - we are open to membership to all Canadians, regardless of military service. You only have to be interested in Canada's air force history, and you are then welcome to join us.
Hoping someone can help me with information on a young Canadian airman who would have been my 2nd Cousin. His name was Victor Gamble. His Mother was an Alice E Page, his Father was Edward. Both from England but emigrated to Canada, Victoria, BC.
All I know is that he was “shot down over Japan” During ww2. Have hunted but to no avail. Anything would be great. I have several pics of him and his family as well as their new house on Bay St. Many thanks Lynne
I’m conducting research on F/L Coleman Douglas Perkins, DFC, who served with the RCAF in the Second World War while assigned to the RAF’s Bomber Command as wireless operator. He remustered later as pilot. I note that there were four photos taken during his “investiture with medal” Oct. 12, 1943 at Buckingham Palace (PL-19710) and two others (PL-19712, PL-19714) taken following investiture Nov. 5, 1943, again at Buckingham Palace. PL-21641 is apparently a portrait. My question: Is it possible to obtain copies of these four items? If so, how and where? I’d be pleased if anyone could help me.
Hello. I was wondering if anybody had any history on the building of Dog Creek Airport, BC. My uncle Gerald Gordon, from NS, was turned down to join the military during the war because he had a serious hernia problem. He then worked at building the Dog Creek airport, but was killed in an accident at age 18, while training another lad on how to operate some type of heavy equipment they used to build the runways. Is there any information about this anywhere? I'd love to learn of it, and record it in the Gordon family history. He was the only one of his 5 brothers that couldn't serve, but to my Mum and Grandmother, he was a patriot nonetheless. Thanks, Wayne R.
Served from 1957-1958 on transfer from 435 in Namao. Went to Naples in late 1956. Anybody out there who wants to reminisce, drop me a line.
Thank-you so much for making this site available and for providing details about so many who served during WW II with the RAF.
I was delighted to find details about my father’s sorties as these were not available in his personnel file obtained through the LAC.
Could you please provide source details about the sorties and could you please provide proper citation for your site.
Thank-you so much for sharing.
For the Fl/Lt John McAndrew Brodie: KIA at 14th of February, 1944., Baska Voda, former Yugoslavia, nowdays Croatia.
We live near the village of Ereac in Brittany France. In the village cemetery lie buried three young Canadian airmen of 424 squadron. We visit the graves regularly and would be very interested in any information about the mission that so tragically took these youngsters lives.
Admin Reply by: Dean Black
Dear Graham, please send me the names of the three airmen and I will send you details of the incident/action that led to their losses. E-mail director@airforce.ca
Looking for information on Canadians who served with the British Flying Services in WW1 Your site has a section titled Great War - Canadians in British Flying Services with lists(e,g, View names A to B here) to click on. When I do so, a message not found comes up.
Admin Reply by: Dean Black
Thank you for your question/comment. Those "lists" have been integrated into an on-line database, records and fields for which can be accessed by using the link "Search Awards" at the bottom of the drop-down menu you can use by hovering your mouse over the "Heritage" tab. Please keep in mind, the term "Awards" refers to "Gallantry Awards" aka medals and noteworthy honours. In other words, the database only addresses those who won gallantry awards, not everyone that participated in the (Great or otherwise) war.
My father was a pilot instructor during wwii in sask. and Alberta. Is there a fb page where we can seek information or submit photos? I already asked for his record from veterans affairs. Thank you
Good day, I created a commemorative plaque (English & French) about Squadron 447 La Macaza Bomarc Station 1962-1972. The project was funded by Veterans Affairs. The plaques were unveiled in July 2018. Would you be interested to get the versions in PDF ? Thanks
My father Orne Ross Carruthers was a Rear Gunner in WWII with the 432 Squadron, I have memorial web sites for the 432 Squadron on Facebook and angelfire.com/ca/gcarruth/Ops.html to keep the memories alive.
Eldred Gore BARROW survived the sinking of HMS Courageous on 17 September 1939.
He contracted Malaria and died at Daru, Sierra Leone, on 29 September 1940, aged 25. He is buried at Freetown(King Tom) Cemetery:
https://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2625911/barrow,-eldred-gore/
I have a photo of F/O G Ward and F/SGT. W.L. Minshull , RCAF, with a group of Approximately 60 men, no other ranks shown.
It was printed in Regina, Sask, WW2 vintage, greatcoats on, wedge caps. They are standing in front of a brick armoury, I think.
All their names are typed at the bottom of the 11 x14 photo.
I bought a box of old photos, on auction. This was included.- happy to find it a home.
Admin Reply by: Dean Black
Please consider mailing it to RCAF Association, PO Box 2460 Stn D, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5W6 and we will help. Dean Black, LCol (Retired)
A website that may be of interest for those who had service member in RCAF Squadrons 438,439 and 440 ( Cnd 2nd Tactile Airforce )during WW2 may be found at www.thetyphoonproject.org. This site contains biographies, notes, and photos relating to over 200 members who served in the above Typhoon squadrons. A great research site and of historical significance.
Two other sites that may be of interest to anyone interested in Hawker Typhoons are
Typhoon Legacy JP843: a British Columbia effort to reconstruct a Hawker Typhoon with a Napier Sabre engine that will be airworthy.
A similar project is underway in Great Britain: Typhoon Project RB396 -a restoration to flight of the worlds only combat veteran Hawker Typhoon Mk16 RB396.
Info required on Warrant Officer (WO/AG) W J M Brady RCAF # R117650 who survived the ditching of a 458 Sqn RAAF Wellington in the Mediterranean on 2 Nov 1943. The Capt & 2nd pilot were killed. The navigator was my high school headmaster. I am writing a brief story about the incident. Thanks. Ian
My father was a flight navigator with the R.C.A.F. who crash landed in Scotland on April 21 1944. The crew were training on a practice mission flying an Avro anson early in the AM. The plane had mechanical failure resulting in a wheels up landing in a field .
Would like to know if anybody could shed more light on this event. I have a little more details. The pilot was named Birks
Thanks
My dad, Jack Thomas" was an RCAF Instrument Technician posted to Gransden Lodge air base in 1944. In relation to the crew of Lancaster ND352, shot down near Auneau on 11.06.1944, I found this entry in my father's diary: "June 11 – Attacked railroad centre in Paris – lost “T” – Stronach and crew. His navigator was from Peterborough was here sitting on my bed Thursday night eating toast with us. He was a good officer."
I am trying to get any and all info on a F/Sgt A.E. MacPherson who joined the RCAF
His number is given as R/205509.
I am told that MacPherson did his training in ST Catherine’s in Ontario
Thank you for your time. Jim McLeman
Jimmcleman@aol.com 403 269-6550
On this VE Day, I’d be very grateful for any information on my mother’s brother, Keith Mancini from Grenada who I was told joined the Canadian Air Force and served in The 2nd WW. He returned with what was then called ‘shell shock’ and suffered the rest of his life.
Any information would be very grateful.
Diana WRIGHT
Keith’s niece.
I’m trying to locate any information on an RCAF flight sergeant by the name of A. Moran.
He was held in Lamsdorf pow camp in Poland during WW2.
My father in law Geoff Bryden was held in the same camp after being captured with the 51st Highland Division at St Valery en Caux. In his notes which I am attempting to record , he mentions that he swapped identities with Moran in order that he could escape. Pilots being the priority for the escape committees . Apparently they were caught cycling up a one way street and returned to the camp but despite searching I can find no more detail on his capture or whereabouts thereafter. It’s likely that he was involved in the long march west in 1945.
Be grateful if anyone has any info .
Thanks
Bob
Hello. My father was in the same SARO England 2 flying boat shot down 40 miles off Casablanca in the Atlantic on 14 September 1940 piloted by F/Lt Bruce MacCallum (37723) and Edwin Charles Minchinton (40555). Both RCAF pilots died but my father and one, maybe two, other crew members survived. My dad was a POW until 1942, and after recovery in hospital was shipped to Canada to learn to fly. His first act on arriving in Canada was to seek out the families of the two pilots and give them the awful news of their sons. I'm trying to trace the Minchinton and MacCallum families to share my story. I'm presently writing up my father's war memoirs (he died in 2005) and would welcome any information they may have to add to mine.
My uncle, Kenneth Thomas, was with the 29th Radar group in Goose Bay from December 1943 to February 1945. I have recently discovered many photographs he took during that time. They include some personnel and many of the local Indian people. I have a partial list of personnel in the photos. If anyone had a relative serving there at that time please contact me. Also, would any organization like copies of the photos?
My brother just told me that he donated our father's log books to an association that was putting together a travelling exhibit about 8 years ago. I had no idea he had done that and I would now like to consult them. Can you tell me if this was an initiative of the RCAFA? My father's name was John D. Fuller and he flew from 43-45 but only made it to an HCU before the war ended.
Admin Reply by: Dean Black
Thank you for your note. We hold no log books. When they are donated through the RCAF Association we forward them on to the National Air Force Museum of Canada in Trenton, Ontario. If can share some more information with me ( director at airforce.ca ) about where your father served, (location of HCU) I might be able to help. Dean Black
For completeness, be it recorded that F/S Wintermute RCAF is also buried at Blacon cemetery, Chester, England. He's placed next to my uncle, F/S Lesley Southwood, RAAF, also killed in action.
Wellington Memorial Foundation, is there some similar group in the Maastricht area. Looking for information on a Halifax JN954 of 419 Squadron lost in that area.
I was wondering if 971 Wing in Colorado Springs was still active. One of the 419 Moose Squadron veterans was part of the Wing. And was looking to contact him. My father served with 419, as ground crew on VR-E which was the Halifax Mr. Sweanor was Bomb Aimer on when it was brought down,
My Grandfather Geert Kramer did resistance work in the Netherlands and also helping Canadian pilots and helping Canadian ground troops with their advance from East-Netherlands to the North of the Netherlands.
At November 1944 at the place Rekken, my grandfather has contact with F/O W.A. Rupert (J.27691), R.C.A.F., 617 Sqn Bomber Command, R.A.F.
Mister Rupert was born 3 Feb 1924, and passed away in 2012.
Can somebody help me to come in contact with the family of Mr. Rupert? We are very curious if this story and especially the contact with my grandfather is known or will be remembered.
I'm Cornelis Reijntjes, grandson of Geert Kramer and I'm investigating my grandfather's war past.
I recently found an obituary for F/O John Patrick Mahoney, J35766 who is on the list of RCAF Prisoners of War. His death on 30 January 1983 in Winnipeg, MN is in the Legion Magazine Last Post and the obituary was published in the Winnipeg Free Press on February 1 and 2 1983.
On January 30, 1983 at the Grace Hospital, Mr. John Mahoney, aged 59 years, late of 865 Sinclair St. Mr. Mahoney was a member of the General Monash Legion. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February at 11:00 am at Kerr’s Funeral Chapel, 120 Adelaide St. Rev W. N. Higham will officiate with interment to follow in the Military Section of Brookside Cemetery.
Hope we're keep in touch.
J C Hadley R/97845 gunner in the RCAF in WWII was shot down over Germany and died on 25th June 1942. Trying to find which battle this was and where he might ever have been based in England during this war. Assistance would be much appreciated.
Admin Reply by: Dean Black
The target was Bremen, and the aircraft was lost without a trace.
HADLEY, JAMES CALDWELL FS(AG) R97845. From Kenmore, Ohio, U.S.A. Killed in Action Jun 25/42 age 26. #22 Operational Training Unit. Wellington aircraft missing. Please see Torkelson D.L. for casualty list and flight detail. Flight Sergeant Air Gunner Hadley has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.
TORKELSON, DONALD LEROY WO2(P) R80180. From Bengough, Saskatchewan. Killed in Action Jun 25/42 age 21. #22 Operational Training Unit. Wellington aircraft #X 9980 was armed with 1 x 500 lb. general purpose bomb and 48 x 30 lb. incendiary bombs when it went missing over enemy territory, presumed enemy action. FSs W.H. Gardner, A. Yankowski, J.C. Hadley, and D.A. Millard were also killed. Warrant Officer Class II Pilot Torkelson has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.
I am looking for information concerning my grandfather who served in the RCAF during WWII.
His name was JOHN Duncan MacMULLIN.
I know very little, other than he was from Nova Scotia and in England for some of the war (around 1942/3).
I would be most grateful for any information of input.
Thank you.
To Whomsoever it May Concern,
It is noted in the section listing death in service of post-war RCAF / CAF pilots that the Canadair Tutor is designated the CT-144 on your pages. It is my belief that the official designation should be CT-114.
For your consideration.
Regards
Steve
Hello all, Just wanted to submit a request for information gathering techniques for the LAC site in reference of my dad. Would like to get his full military records for his
service with the RCAF 42'-46. Very confusing for me to navigate their site. I have photos of him training and on station at Blakehill Farm U.k w/ 437 Sqn.
My dad is deceased, I am his youngest son. Still have his service and pay book
would love to have any assistance. Thanks
I have an album which belonged to my late wife's uncle Thomas Whittaker who was a member of RCAF. It contains all kinds of photos from the 1940's as well as a couple of menus from dinners - graduation Dinner course 69 No12 service Flying Training school at Brandon Manitoba.I anyone would like more details please contact me by email
I found a pilots log book headed for the trash at my unit. It is of a RCAF pilot who must have trained there during WWII. R.C.Shanks is the pilots name. before I give this to a friends child as a gift, I was wondering if it would have historical value to your association?
The book is a complete chronology of his training and missions. Please let me know- Thank You.
My father William C Hill RCAF No R179632 Borm 1920 Died 1991 Prince Albert Island.
I am trying to find his military details which seem to be difficult as he survived WW2.
I am looking for family members of William Darrell Clint Black, DFC, of 625 Squadron stationed in the UK during WWII. I understand he passed away in 1989 but I am hoping to connect with one of his children. Thank you.
I am looking for details of my father who flew in WW2 as a navigator in RCAF
William Christopher Hill R179732
I believe born in 1920 and I believe he died in 1991 in Prince Edward Island but I cannot find any of his military details.
I was wondering if some could help me with the loss chart of RCAF Halifax LK959 which crashed on the 22th of October 1943 in Achtmaal (Ostaaijen)? The Halifax of 427 Sqdn RCAF took part on a raid on Kassel.
My father, William Oness was one of ten men killed March 28, 1985 at CFB Edmonton. Today of all days I’m so thankful for him and all others who have served and continue to do so. My young nephew Joseph Fuchs carries on. To my husband, RCMP Supt. James McNamara Retired and all first responders, I honour you.
I am in possession of a letter written, Feb 19, 1944 -"somewhere in Italy" from a pilot by the name of Jess, to his Mother, Dad and all. By the letter he had been shot down and was in the hospital but a POW. I would appreciate any information so the family could have this letter
It would be nice if you added your kitshop to your webpage there are things ( hats/shirts) I would like to buy for my husband and father, both retired RCAF and would buy through your webpage if available instead redcanoe will get my money this Christmas again!
I am searching for Alex Chambers former navigator and then intelligence officer in the RCAF. I would appreciate any help.
Hello. A cousin of mine has recently come across a bundle of letters and pictures from a Peter C. Taylor. One of the pictures is of him wearing a RCAF uniform. We 'd like to get the letters and pictures to his family, so any information available would be appreciated.
Does anyone know anything about William Hamilton who served in either Fingal or Jarvis during WW2 He lived in Toronto and his wife’s name was Mildred. Rank WO2. I’m looking for some information.
I recall the first days of the RCAF at Lahr, Germany, having been part of the first contingents.
In 1966, after Canada received notice from the French government to vacate Marville, we, groundcrew, loaded all our effects on a Herc. Next, we launched launched the all the 104s, on a planned mission; I was (and retired) a Photo Tech).
About 30 minutes later, we landed at Lahr and prepared to recover the 104s on the flight line “marguerite,” which had the only “American-style”washrooms’ the other ones were in the mess hall (previously used by US troops, the base was then nuclear); several trades having arrived with us on the Herc, including cooks.
Our photo section was then located downtown in a rented factory and we had 2 hours for lunch. With full permission; we had to consume moderately, I may now tell, how I appreciated that wonderful “ Lahrer Weiss” with a leisurely meal; , their wine is not exported. The choice of course, was to be transported by bus to a Canadian mess hall.meal and back.
About a week after arrival, one of the 104s had a belly landing, but there was still only one fire truck; which was, as I recall, a dry chem “Ansul” truck, for “general purpose” fires and, fortunately, there was no fire or life lost.
The aircraft was very quickly by a surrounded by the French military guard, still on site (at 8 per room in their barracks, we had taken theirs over) and this is when I saw the difference between the regular French troops and the conscripts; the Regulars were superbly efficient (and were there as courtesy, Canadian investigators had full access)
Day-b-day, more Canadian personnel arrived (along with their family) and operations resumed as they had, back in France.
Within a month or so of arrival, we, photo techs worked out of a couple of vans on the flight line; one made into a lab, the other used by photo interpreters.
We had several competitions, with the Birits and the Americans, both flying and photographic recce, and the Canadians usually won the prize. Canadians were also tasked by NATO for some sensitive reconnaissance (photo recce) missions, because we had a solid reputation.
The comradeship continued between our pilots and the Americans, who also had to leave their bases in France and they continued flying together, mostly socially.
At some point, our pilots were invited to fly alongside the West German airforce at Leck in Northern Germany (since closed) and we, selected ground-crew, got transported there by German Dornier light aircraft. It was mostly a social affair, which lasted the weekend, as their guests and they received us royally.
Repat day for me, came during 1967, just in time to attend Expo 67 in Montreal.
I retired in 1983, after 30 years of service, sorry to see that the Canadian Army had now taken the base over, from the RCAF.
Hamilton, William WO2 RCAF. Lived Haileybury Drive Toronto in the 1960s. Wife's name Mildred. Does anyone know of him? I am looking for background information. Hope you can help.
Actually I am posting the death of my Father.
Master Warrant Officer
Daniel Frederick Boutilier ( Boots) joined the airforce in 1943 and retired in 1977 at the age of 50. After serving for35years. his favorite base was 4wing Baden Soellingen between 1960 and 1964
born may9 1925 died july31 2019
at the age of 94
Stand down
If this could be sent into the last posting I would appreciate that
I would like to join or enlist as my father did in Winnipeg. I was only in the air cadets
Gary
Looking for information on my father Sgt Cecil Guerard. Served approx. 1947-1967 and stationed in Gimli (x2), Bagotville, Baden-Sollingen and Trenton. Radar tech. I was born in Baden and am planning a trip back there to find where I was born but don't have much information. Dad passed away in 1977.
Good afternoon,
Is the Commerative watch shown on this site still available, I would to inquire on whether I can purchase one for a retired Canadian Air Force who is turning 60, it would be a birthday gift
thank you for your time
I am researching a crew member who flew to war in 1943 with my father. He was a Canadian F/O CD Gordon. he was part of a crew that also included P/O Art Dunphy RCAF and three other RAF Sergeants, one of which is my father, Andrew C Barron. F/O Gordon flew in Halifax bombers for 148 Squadron (special duties) based in mostly Brindisi, Italy and providing support to the partisans in the Balkans, Poland and Italy in 1944. I would appreciate any help regarding trying to find out more about CD Gordon for a project I am doing about this particular part of the war.Thank you.
