LEDBROOK, F/L Kenneth Harold (RAF 66520) - Commended for Valuable Services in the Air - No.41 Service Flying Training School, Weyburn, Saskatchewan - Awarded 1 January 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 113/44 dated 21 January 1944. This officer has completed a considerable number of flying instructional hours and has displayed outstanding skill, enthusiasm and organizing ability. He is meticulous in his work and his ability and leadership contributed largely to the success achieved by his unit, particularly in the early and difficult stages.

BROOK, Sergeant Archibald Robert (R100603) - Mention in Despatches - Station Yarmouth - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 1127/45 dated 6 July 1945. Born in England, 18 September 1904. Enlisted in Toronto, 31 March 1941 as cook. To No.1 Manning Depot, 22 April 1941. To Technical Training School, 17 May 1941. Promoted AC1, 30 June 1941. Appears to have been retained at St. Thomas for some time; promoted LAC, 1 October 1941. Promoted Corporal, 1 July 1942. To No.5 ITS, 25 September 1942. To Goose Bay, 12 June 1943. Promoted Sergeant, 1 March 1944. To Yarmouth, 30 May 1944. To Eastern Air Command Headquarters, 1 October 1945. To Composite Training School, 21 January 1946. Released 26 March 1946. Died in Rama, Simcoe County, 3 October 1967. Certificate sent to Yarmouth, 27 June 1945. // The high standard of morale among airmen on this station may be attributed in a large measure to the efforts of Sergeant Brook. As non-commissioned officer in charge of airmen's mess, he has provided meals that are fully appreciated. His energy and enthusiasm over the Christmas and New Year seasons are particularly commendable, and were an inspiration to his staff. Despite the fact that he performs the duties of a messing officer for the entire station, this non-commissioned officer finds time to supervise the work of his personnel. He does much of the cooking himself, instructs less experienced chefs and potential chefs assistants in their trades. He also helps personally in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness. Sergeant Brook is always cheerful, works long hours and is held in high respect by his subordinates.

BROOKER, F/L Douglas Jack (C1451) - Commended for Valuable Services - No.16 SFTS - Award effective 1 January 1943 as per Canada Gazette dated 9 January 1943 and AFRO 55/43 dated 15 January 1943. Born at Brantford, Ontario, 12 January 1919. Home there. Enlisted at Hamilton, 31 January 1940. To Trenton, 25 March 1940. To Camp Borden (No.1 SFTS), 3 May 1940. To Central Flying School, 7 September 1940. To No.5 SFTS, 19 October 1940. To No.16 SFTS, 8 August 1941. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 June 1942. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 October 1942. To AFHQ, 9 May 1943. To No.1 Composite Training School, 30 September 1943. To No.5 SFTS, 10 April 1944. To War Staff College, Toronto, 16 June 1944. To No.1 Training Command, 1 September 1944. To No.9 SFTS, 11 September 1944. Promoted Wing Commander, 1 October 1944. To No.5 OTU, 27 November 1944. To Moncton, 27 April 1945. To Torbay, 29 April 1945. To No.1 Air Command, 16 September 1945 for service with Central Flying School. To Malton, 2 October 1946. To Station Toronto, 1 February 1947. Retired 5 March 1947. See DHist file 181.009 D.3948 (RG.24 Vol.20641); recommended for AFC, 27 August 1942. Flight Lieutenant Brooker is employed as Officer Commanding, No.2 Squadron. He has completed 1,252 hours on flying instructional duties and despite the arduous and taxing nature of this type of work, his record has not been marred by any accident. His cheerfulness, loyalty and devotion to duty have earned him the respect of all ranks. He is of outstanding ability as a pilot and demonstrates an efficiency in his flying instruction which is outstanding. BROOKER, W/C Douglas Jack (C1451) - Air Force Cross - Central Flying School - Award effective 23 February 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 280/46 dated 15 March 1946. Previously Commended for Valuable Services in the Air. As of award, had flown 2,310 hours (2,000 hours as instructor, 60 hours in previous six months). Award presented 22 June 1949. This officer, during his lengthy flying career, has at all times displayed fine qualities of leadership and character and has made a valuable contribution to flying training. The enthusiasm, loyalty and untiring devotion to duty he has shown under all circumstances have set a splendid example to all his associates and are worthy of high praise. It appears that in 1943 he attended the Empire Central Flying School. The CFI there, W/C A. Watts, wrote of him in September 1943: A good sound officer who has done well on the course. His attitude toward the course has been considerably influenced by Squadron Leader Broadbent, and for this reason I do not consider that he got quite as good value as he might have. He would do very well at Central Flying School or an SFTS, but it is recommended that he not be posted to the same unit as Squadron Leader Broadbent.

BROOKES, F/L Norman Frederic (C11395) - Mention in Despatches - No.6 Group Headquarters - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 388 dated 12 April 1946. Identified in AFRO as "Overseas". McEwen papers (CWM) with list of recommendations with MiD recommendations for 1 February to 31 July 1945 identifies unit. Born 24 June 1909 in Warwick, England. Educated in Seattle (1916-1917), Victoria (1918-1919), Duncan (1921-1922), Ladner (1923-1924) and University School, Victoria (1925-1926). Attended University of British Columbia (1927-1933, mining engineering). On Geological Survey of Canada, summer 1929, surveying 1929-1930, Pioneer Gold Mines (1932), Morning Star Mine, Oliver (1933-1934), Nootka Gold Mine (1934-1935). Employed by Reno Gold Mines (Sheep Creek), 1935 to 1940 when transferred to Central Zeballos Gold Mine. Home in Vancouver; enlisted North Bay 1 May 1942 in Aero Engineer Branch and commissioned that day. Posted on enlistment to No.1 Manning Depot. To Aero Engineer School, Montreal, 22 May 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 1 November 1942. To No.8 SFTS, Moncton, 2 November 1942. To No.2 SFTS, Uplands, 29 December 1942. To No.3 Flying Instructor School, Arnprior, 9 January 1943. To “Y” Depot, 27 March 1943; embarked from Canada, 1 June 1943; disembarked in Britain, 15 June 1943. To Base Linton, 2 July 1943. Attached to Middleton St. George, 5 July to 8 August 1943 and again from 23 August to 14 October 1943. To No.6 Group Headquarters, 30 September 1943. To Station Leeming, 27 November 1943. Attached to Bristol Aircraft, 24 January to 6 February 1945. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 11 April 1944. To No.6 Group Headquarters, 26 March 1945. Attached St. Mawgan, 27 May to 17 June 1945 (probably for despatch of Lancaster aircraft to Canada). Attached to No.20 Movement Unit, 8 July to 27 August 1945. Repatriated 3 December 1945. Retired 18 January 1946. Certificate sent to Vancouver, 20 August 1948. Died in Summerland, British Columbia, 5 August 1997. // Notes: On 12 March 1942, writing from Sudbury, he wrote an interesting and eloquent letter to the RCAF Recruiting Centre in North Bay: // Gentlemen; In support of my application for a commission in the RCAF, I beg to submit the following outline of my reasons for wishing to join the Service. // I was born in England in 1909, received my early education in the public and private schools of British Columbia. In then attended the University of B.C., graduating with a degree of Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A. Sc.) in Mining Engineering in 1933. Since that time I have never been unemployed, having held responsible engineering and executive positions with several mining companies, chiefly in B.C. My earning for the past five years averaged about $ 3,500 per annum and I am at present employed. // For quite some time, however, I have felt that I should offer my services to the country for the duration of the war. My present job does not make full use of my professional training and experience, and it can easily be filled by somebody else. // Here are some of the reasons why I am applying to the Air Force in preference to the other Services: // (a) I have recently learned that the RCAF will take experienced mining engineers for specialized training in aeronautical engineering // (b) The Air Service has always appealed to me because of its progressive nature and its vital importance in Empire defence. // (c) M eyesight requires the help of glasses most of the time; this would be a handicap in the Army, but should not interfere with ground duty in the RCAF. // (d) I have never considered joining the Navy, as I very readily get seasick, and would be of very little use on board ship. // The present serious state of the war situation makes me doubly anxious to get into active service, and I trust that it will not be very long before my application is accepted. // Attended School of Aeronautical Engineering, 23 May to 24 October 1942. Courses in Administration and Organization (written, 84 percent), Theory (written, 87 percent), Aero Engines (written, 70 percent), Airframes (written, 73 percent), oral on all subjects (82 percent) and Trade Test in Practical Fitting (52 percent). “Above average student. Serious and worked very hard throughout the course. Reliable and conscientious. Order of Merit - 7th out of 16.” // Assessed 29 December 1942 - “Not very much experience to date but takes hold well and should make a good engineer officer.” (S/L G. Minard, Chief Technical Officer, No.8 SFTS). // Assessed 13 July 1944 - “This officer at the present is employed in engineering duties in Repair and Inspection and is performing his duties in an extremely capable manner.” (S/L J.E. Garlick, Station Leeming.”

BROOKS, F/L Alan Francis (C13577) - Mention in Despatches - Linton-on-Ouse - Award effective 1 January 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 337/45 dated 23 February 1945. Unit in AFRO given as "No.6 Group" but DHist file 181.009 D.1658 (RG.24 Vol.20605) identifies unit more closely. Name also rendered as “Allan Francis Brooks”. Born 20 August 1917. Home in Hampstead, Quebec; enlisted Montreal 19 May 1938 as Armourer Assistant. With No.115 (Fighter) Squadron as of 19 May 1938. Promoted AC1, 19 May 1939. To Trenton, 13 February 1940. Promoted LAC, 4 May 1940. Promoted Corporal, 12 August 1940. To No.9 SFTS, 28 December 1940. Promoted Sergeant, 15 February 1941. To No.8 AOS, 21 February 1942. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 1 March 1942. Commissioned 4 September 1942. To eastern Air Command, 2 October 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 4 March 1943. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 October 1943. To “Y” Depot, 13 March 1944. Taken on strength of No.3 PRC, Bournemoth, 20 March 1944. Repatriated 23 August 1945. Retired 17 October 1945. When recommended (August 1944) he had spent 71 months in Canada, four months in UK. Recommendation as follows: This officer has shown himself an outstanding Armament Officer. In the training and supervision of his staff, along with the organization of his section, he has displayed exceptional qualities of devotion, ability and leadership. Since the invasion of Normandy, when maximum efforts were called, this officer extended his efforts to his physical maximum. By his ability, cheerfulness and loyalty he has made a most commendable contribution to our operational efforts. He is strongly recommended for mention in despatches. RCAF Press Release No. 547 dated 4 August 1945 by F/O J.C. Birt read as follows: WITH REAR HEADQUARTERS, CANADIAN BOMBER GROUP IN BRITAIN: - Armament men of the Canadian Bomber Group stations in Britain are completing their biggest disposal job of the war, and as a result thousands of tons of bombs, once labelled “For Hitler”, are now on their way “To Hirohito”. In May, when VE-day arrived, bomb dumps of the seven Canadian operational bomber stations were stacked to capacity with roughly 20,000 tons of heavy explosives and incendiary bombs. To return the stations to peacetime conditions, the group had to transport or dispose of 14,000 tons and according to F/L Alan Brooks of Montreal (25 Finchley Road, Hampstead) Quebec, Group Armament Officer, the work has almost been completed. “When the war ended, the 20,000 tons on hand were enough for two months’ operations, or roughly for five 1,000-bomber raids, which could have blown several German cities sky high,” F/L Brooks said, “We had a big stock because, although the operations slowed down at the end for lack of targets, the Lancs could get rid of the bombs twice as fast as we could haul them in, and we had to be ready in case large amounts were needed”. “On the bomb dumps were 2,500 tons of incendiaries which had been opened ready to be loaded into aircraft. These were not worth the effort of the slow and complicated process of re-packing, because newer and more powerful types are available for use against Japan. Instead, they have been jettisoned in the North Sea and now lie fathoms deep in Davy Jones’ locker,” Brooks explained. Disposal of the incendiaries was assigned to the aircraft of the Lion (427) Bison (429) Tiger (424) and Porcupine (433) squadrons. They flew 80 sorties a day – two trips each for 40 planes – and the aircrews were briefed as under operational conditions. Each plane carried the comfortable load of 7,000 pounds per trip. The incendiaries were released in a jettison area far out in the North Sea by agreement with the British Admiralty and Ministry of Fisheries. The incendiaries just drop into the sea and won’t float, but sink at once to the bottom. Many deteriorate so quickly in the water that they are useless in a few hours. The rest will be absolutely no good within a month. There’s no danger that any of them could drift to land.” The bulk of the surplus explosives included 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 pound bombs which could be prepared for shipment to Japan or elsewhere. Civilians of the aeronautical Inspection Directorate were attached to each station immediately after VE-day and carried out an inspection of all the stores to be returned. “Each bomb had to be checked to be sure it had no fuse or detonator attached. F/L Brooks said, “and each truck in the transport move had to be certified safe for travelling along the English roads.” “We moved out a shipment of bombs one day and the next they were trans-shipped to the Pacific,” F/L Brooks pointed out. “The armorers left behind to do the job were hardened veterans from the bombing offensive days, when they often worked 24 hours at a stretch under bad weather conditions. On this disposal assignment they worked 10 hours a day and deserve a lot of credit.” “There was nothing easy about this for the men on the dumps”, he continued. “The staffs had been reduced by postings; trucks had been sent to East Asia Command; other equipment had been packed. But the men knew the sooner they got their job done, the sooner they would be available for repatriation and head for home.” F/L R.F. Hanna of Edmonton (11148 – 85th Avenue) coordinated the work at Leeming and Skipton stations which finished first because aircraft were available there . Ground crews were flown up to assist F/L S.A. Moore of Niagara Falls (Stamford Centre), Ontario, at the “ghost stations” of Middleton St George and Croft, where the disposal has just been completed. Similar assistance is being given F/L L.C. Cassady of Paris, Ontario, who is in charge of the work at Linton, Thelthorpe and East Moor, where only a small amount remains to complete the job on schedule by August 15. All surplus pyrotechnics, such as photo flashes used in reconnaissance, and signal cartridges, as well as hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition were included in the disposal.

BROOKS, F/L Hubert (J94368) - Military Cross - No.419 Squadron - Awarded as per London Gazette of 8 October 1946. Born in Alberta, 29 December 1921, home in Montreal. Enlisted in Montreal, 14 August 1940; commissioned 1944. Trained at No.1 AOS (graduated 25 May 1941), No.1 BGS (graduated 5 July 1941) and No.1 ANS (graduated 18 August 1941). Shot down and taken prisoner, 9 April 1942. Award presented by Governor General at Government House, 14 November 1950. Photo PL-50468 shows him with his mother and his wife after investiture. Served in the post-war RCAF and was added to the RCAF Flyers hockey team to compete in the 1948 Olympics. With a 6-0-1 record, the Flyers defeated the Swiss team 3-0 to win the Olympic gold medal. Two days later, Brooks married his Danish sweetheart, Birthe Grontved in St. Moritz, Austria with Barbara Anne Scott (Olympic gold medal skater) as the maid of honour and Dr. Sandy Watson, coach of the flyers as best man Died in Ottawa, 1 February 1984. On 8th April 1942, Flight Lieutenant Brooks was navigator/bomb aimer of a Wellington aircraft, detailed to attack Hamburg. Prior to reaching the target, the aircraft caught fire and had to be abandoned. Flight Lieutenant Brooks landed near Oldenburg. Despite an injury to his knee, he disposed of his parachute and attempted to evade capture. Eventually his injuries caused so much pain that he was compelled to seek assistance and in doing so, was handed over to the German authorities. He was taken to a prisoner of war camp at Lamsdork on 16th April 1942, and remained there till 10th May 1943. During this time, Flight Lieutenant Brooks made two unsuccessful attempts to escape and finally in May 1943, he succeeded in getting away to join Polish partisans with whom he remained until liberated by Russian forces in January 1945. The first escape entailed cutting the barbed wire on the hut window and also the wire of a double fence, brilliantly lighted and patrolled by guards. Flight Lieutenant Brooks and a companion succeeded in doing this and were travelling towards Gracow, moving by night and existing on food saved from Red Cross parcels, when they were recaptured owing to information given by pro-German Poles. After a long interrogation, Flight Lieutenant Brooks was placed in solitary confinement for fourteen days and, when this was over, had to go to hospital as his feet had been badly blistered. On 10th September 1942, Flight Lieutenant Brooks made his second bid for freedom, escaping this time with five other prisoners from the top story of a building despite the armed guard on the ground floor. He walked to Lunenburg and successfully concealed himself on a train to Vienna where he was again arrested. While en route to another prisoner of war camp, Flight Lieutenant Brooks was confined in a dug-out for eight days and was severely beaten by a German non-commissioned officer for trying to escape. On arrival at the camp, he was put in solitary confinement for fourteen days. Finally in November 1942, Flight Lieutenant Brooks was sent to work at a sawmill at Tost. While there he planned an escape but details became known to the Germans and he was warned that he would be shot if any attempt was made. Undeterred, this officer revised his plans. He made several useful contacts with Poles outside the camp and obtained civilian clothing and maps. On 10th May 1943, he and a sergeant cut through the window bars and escaped. They successfully evaded all efforts to capture them and reached Czectochowa where they remained hidden till January 1945. Throughout the whole period, Flight Lieutenant Brooks showed great determination. He was not dismayed, or deterred from attempting to escape by punishments or hardships and even when he knew he was a marked man, he continued to make further plans and efforts to escape. At the time of his investiture a shorter text: This officer was shot down while on bomber operations in April 1942. After safely parachuting and evading capture, painful injuries compelled him to seek assistance which resulted in his falling into the hands of the German authorities. Subsequent to his capture he twice unsuccessfully attempted to escape, resulting in recapture and consequent severe punishment and solitary confinement on both occasions. After other abortive attempts at escape, and being told he would be shot, he finally successfully eluded his captors and evaded all efforts to effect his recapture. From May 1943 to January 1945 he fought with the underground fores in the cause of the Allies. Throughout the whole period, despite the many dismaying adversities he encountered, Flight Lieutenant Brooks displayed endurance, determination and courage of the highest qualities. BROOKS, P/O Hubert (J94368) - Mention in Despatches - No.419 Squadron - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 388 dated 12 April 1946. NOTE: On 27 April 1945 at St.Hubert he applied for operational wings. AFHQ examined the request and declined to grant them. The DHist card carried notation, \"Has undoubtedly done commendable work in the line of duty but unfortunately he has insufficient number of air operations against the enemy.\" Clipping in file notes he had lived eight years in Ottawa (to age of 12) before going to Montreal. Described by his sister Doris as \"too full of the devil for the Nazis to hold.\" DHist cards also indicate that he was awarded the Polish Cross of Valour and Polish Silver Cross of Merit with Swords (authority given as C-J94368 DPC dated 15 October 1947). There is no AFRO, Canada Gazette or London Gazette entry to confirm this, and Government House Chancellery Division has no record of the awards. Did the Poles bestowe them and Canadian authorities decline or forget to acknowledge these honours ? The answer, found in his documents, is a fascinating study of political and diplomatic protocol blended with common sense. The following documents speak for themselves: 1. Undated document signed by P.1961, F/O W. Schoffer, RAF: I certify that P/O Brooks has been known to me since 3rd September 1944, through reports from his Unit, and personally known to me since 22nd November 1944, when he came directly under my command. Brooks was promoted to the rank of acting Pilot Officer in the Polish Home Army in 1943, from which time he was put in command of a Platoon in the distract of Krakow. Throughout the time he served as an officer with the Polish Home Army he showed great courage and outstanding ability as a leader. Brooks was responsible for selecting suitable landing grounds in the Nony Sacz, Myslenice and Bochnia areas for aircraft sent from Italy to Poland. He was also responsible for the security and welfare of seventeen British and American soldiers and airmen who were under the protection of the Polish Home Army. Brooks took part in many ambushes and attacks on the Germans. Polish Headquarters in London are in possession of my full report regarding Brooks. 2. Documents issued by Polish General Staff, London, 28 March 1945 includes the following: Certificate issued to P/O H. Brooks by the Commanding Officer of the Nowy Sacz District, 20th January 1945. \"I hereby certify that P/O H. Brooks took an active part in fighting the Germans on Polish territory, being attached to a Partisan Unit of the Polish Home Army. The above mentioned officer has distinguished himself, showing outstanding courage and has proved himself to be an excellent soldier. P/O Brooks has been awarded the Cross of Valour. This has not yet been presented to him owing to prevailing difficulties in the Field.\" (signed) Borowy, Major 3. Letter, 3 February 1947, S/L J.M. Enstone (Chief Liaison Officer, RCAF Overseas Headquarters) to DND re Brooks with many appendices as follows: APPENDIX \"A\" EXTRACT FROM LETTER DATED 10TH DECEMBER 1946 The Provisional Polish Government in Warsaw have recently protested about the issue of Polish decorations except under their authority. Group Captain Bohuszewicz, who signed the certificate produced in support of the application for permission to accept the awards for Flight Lieutenant Brooks, does not function under the authority of the Warsaw Government. In the circumstances it should be explained to the Canadian authorities that if an officer of the Royal Air Force were in question, we should not be able to take official cognizance of the awards, seeing that they were not referred to His Majesty\'s Government and agreed to by them before recognition was withdrawn from the former Polish Government on the 6th July 1945. APPENDIX \"B\" Letter, 28 January 1947, Major W. Klonkowski (officer in charge of Award and Decoration Section, Polish General Staff, London, to S/L J.M. Enstone, Acting Chief Liaison Officer, RCAF Overseas Headquarters: I would like to inform you that F/L H. Brooks was awarded, on January the 20th, 1945, the Polish Cross of Valour, and on January the 25th, 1945, the Silver Cross of Merit with Swords. The above awards were made by the Commander of the Polish Underground Army in Poland during F/L H. Brooks\' service there between May 1943 and 26th January 1945. When F/L H. Brooks returned to England and proved his awards by special certificates given to him by the Commander of the Underground Army, they were confirmed by the President of the Republic of Poland in Exile. The Cross of Valour was presented to F/L H. Brooks on December the 6th 1945, and the Cross of Merit with Swords on June the 6th 1946. I enclose a certificate authorising F/L H. Brooks to wear the Silver Cross of Merit with Swords. APPENDIX \"C\" Document issued by Polish General Staff, London, 6 December 1945: C E R T I F I C A T E It is certified that F/Lt. Hubert Brooks, born 29.12,1921, Alberta, Canada - has been awarded the CROSS OF VALOUR on the 20st [sic] January 1945, by the Commander of the Polish Home Army for his generous courage and bravery during his service in the Polish Underground Army from May 1943 to 26st January 1945. Stamped with crest signed W. Bohuszewicz Group Captain APPENDIX \"D\" Identity card dated 6 December 1945 and issued by Polish General Staff, noting that P/O Hubert H. Brooks is entitled to wear the Cross of Valour; further noted: \"Award published in the \"Gazette of the Personal\" [sic], No.2 dated 8 March 1946 and signed by Group Captain W/ Bohuszewicz. APPENDIX \"E\" Translation of a Polish document dated 20 January 1945. CERTIFICATE I certify that the bearer of this certificate P/O Hubert Brooks took part in engagements against the Germans on the Polish territory among the groups of the Polish Home Army / A.K./,- The above mentioned officer distinguished himself with courage and bravery and has been awarded the Cross of Valour. The decoration has not been presented because the award should be confirmed by the Government in London. (signed) Borowy, Major APPENDIX \"F\" Document dated London, 4th June 1946, from \"General Staff\" CERTIFICATE It is certified herewith, that the Commander of the Polish Home Army by order of the 20th January 1945 has conferred the SILVER CROSS OF MERIT WITH SWORDS on F/Lt Hubert Brooks for bravery during his service in the Polish Home Army in Poland from May 1943 to 26 January 1945. Stamped with crest signed W. Bohuszewicz Group Captain APPENDIX \"G\" Document issued in London, January 1947 by \"Polish General Staff\" C e r t i f i c a t e It is hereby certified that F/L H. BROOKS was awarded the Silver Cross of Merit with Swords during his service in the Polish Underground Army in Poland from May 1943 to the 26st January 1945, and is entitled to wear the above named decoration. SZTAB GLOWNY signed by W. Klonkowski, Major stamp of crest Officer in Charge of the Award and Decoration Section POLISH GENERAL STAFF 4. Memo, 19 February 1947, W/C W.A. Dicks (RCAF Records Officer) to Air Member for Personnel: Honours and Awards - Foreign Decorations J94368 F/O H. Brooks MC 1. Hereunder is correspondence received from CLO concerning Polish recognition for the a/n officer for services rendered the Polish underground forces subsequent to his escape from POW camps, Germany. 2. F/L Brooks was awarded and invested with the Polish Cross of Valour and the Polish Silver Cross of Merit by persons who, it appears, do not presently function under the Warsaw Government. From Appendix \"A\" (correspondence hereunder) it seems that the Warsaw Government has been strongly protesting regarding the issue of Polish decorations except under their authority. 3. It is pointed out that: (i) The Polish authorities did not enlist the acceptance of these awards from the RCAF. (ii) F/L Brooks received the MC for services rendered prior to and subsequent to his escape as a POW and RCAF policy dictates that a foreign gallantry award will not be accepted where the gallantry in question has been recognized by the award of a British decoration. 4. In view of the possible political embarrassment involved, it is recommended that the RCAF does not take any official cognizance of the Polish awards in question, and if you concur the CLO will be requested to inform the Central Honours Committee accordingly. 5. Memo, 1 March 1947, W/C W.A. Dicks (RCAF Records Officer) to CLO, RCAF Overseas Headquarters, London: Honours and Awards - Foreign Decorations J94368 F/O H. Brooks MC 1. In reply to your referenced correspondence, it is advised that the RCAF will not take official cognizance of the Polish awards with which the a/n officer was invested. 2. It is requested that the Central Honours Committee be advised accordingly. 6. FILE NOTE dated 17 September 1947, signed by F/L E.R. Heggtveit, EA to AMP (Campbell) - apparently not directed to anyone in particular. Honours and Awards - Foreign Decorations J94368 F/O H. Brooks MC 1. F/L Brooks was awarded the Polish Silver Cross of Merit with Swords for the services which he rendered the Polish Home Army in Poland from May 1943 to 26 January 1945. Additionally, F/L Brooks was awarded the Polish Cross of Valour on 20 January 1946 by the Commander of the Polish Home Army for the services F/L Brooks rendered the Polish underground from May 1943 to 26 January 1945. These awards were never officially offered the RCAF for acceptance. The Polish Cross of Valour was presented to F/L Brooks on 6 December 1945, and the Cross of Merit with Swords on 6 June 1946. 2. In reviewing this case, Air Ministry state that, because of the recent protests of the Provisional Polish Government in Warsaw regarding the issue of Polish decorations except under their authority, had these circumstances pertained to an RAF officer the RAF could not under the circumstances take official cognizance of the awards. This recommendation was made to D/AMP on 19 February 1947 and D/AMP concurred that the RCAF should nit take official cognizance of the awards in question. 3. AMP wishes that the decision to deny F/L Brooks authorization to wear the Polish decorations with which he was invested be reconsidered on D/AMP\'s return from leave. 4. If D/AMP concurs, AMP has suggested that inasmuch as the awards in question pertain to gallantry, we will have the CLO accept these awards on behalf of the RCAF and accordingly promulgate in Supplement to AFROs and F/L Brooks will be given authorization to wear the ribbons in question. 7. Memo dated 15 October 1947: A/V/M Hugh Campbell (AMP) to AMAP (Morfee): Honours and Awards - Foreign Decorations J94368 F/O H. Brooks MC 1. The m/n officer who was recently taken on strength of this HQ, and posted to your Division for duty, was awarded the Polish Silver Cross of Merit with Swords and the Polish Cross of Valour for meritorious services rendered the Polish underground forces subsequent to having escaped from German custody as a prisoner of war. 2. It will be observed from the folios in this file that official RCAF recognition of these awards was withheld from this officer, even though the awards were confirmed by the President of the Republic of Poland and F/O Brooks had been invested with the actual insignia. This course of action was taken because of the complicated political picture in the country concerned and the attitude adopted towards this subject by the British authorities due to the unstable nature of the government in question. 3. It will be noted at flagged folio \"A\", however, this HQ has taken cognizance of these awards by virtue of having F/O Brooks\' records annotated accordingly, although no promulgation action in either the Canada Gazette or AFROs was taken. On reviewing the whole case, it has been decided that our previous ruling in this case should now be interpreted as granting permission for this officer to wear the ribbons of these awards on Service uniform in addition to the recording action taken, but as in the first instance, no promulgation action will be undertaken at the present time. 4. In view of the above, may F/O Brooks be informed that permission to wear the ribbons of the Polish decorations in question is granted. Public Record Office WO 208/3326 has his MI.9 report based on interview of 19 April 1945. He had been captured near Leer (9 April 1942), finally escaped at Tost (10 May 1943), left Odessa on 7 March 1945 and arrived in Britain on 19 March 1945. Other members of his crew had been P/O Creighton (RCAF, pilot, last heard of in Stalgag Luft III), Flight Sergeant W.R. McWilliam (second pilot, POW, last heard of on march near Gorlitz), Flight Sergeant Paton (wireless operator, RCAF, last heard of on march near Gorlitz), Flight Sergeant W. C. Parker (front gunner, RCAF, last heard of on march near Gorlitz) and Flight Sergeant E.R. Howard (rear gunner, RCAF, killed in crash). The aircraft was Wellington X3467. 1. CAPTURE: We took off in a Wellington aircraft from Mildenhall about 2100 hours on 8 April 1942 to bomb Hamburg. On approaching the target the starboard engine caught fire and all efforts to extinguish the fire failed. The bombs were jettisoned and shortly afterwards the port engine also burst into flames. We were then ordered to bale out. I landed in a field close to a farm house about two miles north of Oldenburg (Germany, 1:250,000, Sheet X 54, R 3205) and injured my knee on landing (about 010 hours 9 April 1942. I tore my parachute canopy into strips and hid the harness, etc. I then started walking in a north-westerly direction and at about 0800 hours arrived on the outskirts of Leer (Q 8115). Due to my injured knee I was unable to walk any further so approached a house where I asked for help. The occupant called the police and shortly afterwards I was escorted to the local police station by a civil policeman and a soldier. In the afternoon I was taken in a police car to Police Headquarters in Oldenburg. Here I met the remainder of my crew with the exception of P/O Howard whom the Germans stated was killed in the crash of the aircraft. We were then taken to a German Air Force airfield on the outskirts of Oldenburg. Here we were searched and had our personal belongings - watches, lighter, etc - confiscated. We were questioned by a German Air Force Hauptmann who threatened and shouted at us for about an hour. We were then placed in the Detention Barracks where we remained until about 1500 hours on 10 April when we were taken to the railway station. Accompanied by two officers and three guards we went by train to Dulag Luft, arriving in the afternoon of 11 April. We were each put into a separate cell, stripped to the skin, and after about half an hour had our clothes returned to us. They found our special fly buttons and collar studs but I managed to retain a compass which I kept in my mouth. We were then taken to the interrogation centre and given the bogus Red Cross form. The interrogator told us that mess bills and a 1250 had been found in Howard\'s clothing, from which he had estabished our squadron\'s number and our base. He appearded to be most interested in Group Captain Evans-Evans, our base commander. We maintained that we had never heard of him. We remained at Dulag Luft for two more days, then went to Lamsdorf, P/O Creighton going to Sagan. We arrived in Lamsdorf about the 16 April, after a rail journey which took three days. 2. CAMPS IN WHICH IMPRISONED: Dulag Luft (Wetzlar), 11 April 1942 (for a few days) Stalag VIIIB (Lamsdorf), 16 April 1942 to 10 May 1943. Working Camps attached to Stalag Luft VIIIB Bobrek (on Polish frontier), June 1942 Zweitean (Sudetenland), September 1942 Tost, 10 November 1942 to 10 May 1943. 3. ATTEMPTED ESCAPES: (a) First Attempted Escape: On about 28 May, after learning something about the camp routine etc., I changed my identity with a Private in the New Zealand Army. Under this assumed name I went out of the camp with a Pole named Joseph Krawiec on a working party. We were sent to Bobrek about three kilometres from the Polish frontier and went to work in a coal mine. On the night of 8 June a heavy storm was raging and I decided that it would be a good opportunity to get out. The camp in which we were billeted was surrounded by two barbed wire fences with flood lights at each of the four corners. The windows of our huts were also covered with barbed wire. There was only one gate with an armed guard on the gate and another guard who patrolled the perimeter between the two fences. Private Cross, an Irishman in my room, elected to make the attempt with me and we had been saving up biscuits, chocolate, butter and cheese from Red Cross parcels. I had managed to steal a pair of pliers from the coal pit. Shortly before midnight we got our kit of food, etc. ready and cut the barbed wire on the window with the pliers. At midnight the night shift returned to camp from the mine and it was the custom of the guard patrolling the perimeter to go to the gate to assist the gate guard in checking the POWs into the camp. While he was doing this we got out of the window, cut our way through the wire of the first fence at a point as far from the gate as possible and in shadow. We jumped over the second fence and ran down the embankment of the railway which ran past the camp. We followed the line for a short distance in a south-easterly direction, then made our way across country to the main highway leading to Krakow. We made our way along the roads by night, sleeping during the day. We rationed our supply of food to six biscuits and butter or cheese and one small piece of chocolate per 24 hours. Travelling thus we arrived at Krakow (Germany 1:250,000, Sheet Q 51, Z 24) about 16 June. I went to a house for food where unfortunately the Polish occupants were pre-German. They got the police and we were taken to the station, where we remained in a cell until the following morning. From here we went to Gestapo headquarters where we were questioned and then sent to a POW camp which was just being started on the outskirts of the city and contained about 200 Russians. We were here for three days and I made several attempts to get out via lavatory windows without success. We were then sent back to Lamsdorf where we got 14 days solitary confinement on bread and water as a punishment. After being released from solitary confinement I was returned to the working party compound, but as I had blistered my feet badly while at liberty I had to report sick and was in the camp hospital for a month and a half. While in the hospital I met Wing Commander Bader. He had been out on a working party with six other airmen all posing as Privates and had made an unsuccessful attempt to escape. (b) Second Attempted Escape: I remained in camp for about three weeks after discharge from the hospital, then got out on another working party. This time ten of us went to Zwitean in the Sudetenland to reinforce a party working there on the railway. We arrived on 8 September and were billeted in a two-storey house with the guards on the ground floor. On 10 September I managed to steal a hacksaw and while the boys sang and made a row I cut the bars on the window. Our trousers and boots were taken from us each evening and locked in a small room leading off our sleeping quarters. We got the hinges of the door of this room, got our trousers and boots and went out of the window on a rope made out of blankets Six of us escaped, leaving in pairs. I went with Corporal Joseph Sidi, a Jew. We walked to Lunenburg, about 30 miles south of Brun (Germany 1:250,000, Sheet N 49, U 41). Here we went to the marshalling yards and got on a coal train bound for Vienna. On the outskirts of Vienna we left the train and spent the day hiding in the woods. We then decided to go to Italy and returned to the marshalling yards at about 2130 hours. After spending about half an hour looking for a suitable train we found one loaded with lumber bound for Trieste. We shifted the lumber in one of the cars, making a hideout just big enough for the two of us to squeeze into. About midnight a yard engine shunted us about the yards making up a train. After the train was made up it was shunted to an illuminated part of the yard and inspected. The inspector apparently had his suspicions aroused by the timber we had shifted as he shifted it back and found us. We were arrested by railway police and taken to their cells. From here we went to the local police headquarters and then to a French POW camp about 80 kilometres south of Vienna at a place called Mannerstadt. This camp contained a large number of French, Poles and Serbians. We were confined in a sort of dugout with a barred door for eight days. I tried to get out of here but was caught loosening the bars by a guard. He summoned an NCO who beat us for attempting to escape. We were then sent back to Lamsdorf and served another 14 days solitary confinement. 4. FINAL ESCAPE: Shortly after being released from prison I got on another working party. This time on 10 November 1942 I was sent to Tost (Sheet Q 51, Y 29) to work in a saw mill. I was accompanied by Sergeant Duncan [MI.9 report SPG (G) 2951], 51st Highland Division, and we planned to escape from the working party together. On our arrival we were warned by a Feldwebel that he knew that Sergeant Duncan, myself and five others were planning to escape and if we attempted it we would be shot. As a result of this we were specially watched. Obviously information was leaking out and by 15 December we had established without doubt that two British POWs were giving the Germans all the information that they could get. We beat them up and told them that if they did not report sick we would take more stringent measures. They reported sick and returned to Lamsdorf. About 10 January 1943 there was some trouble with the Mill boss and most of the POWs went on strike, with the result that 14 were sent back to Lamsdorf and were replaced by 14 Canadians captured at Dieppe. Sergeant Duncan was put in charge of us and I got myself a job as a lorry driver. I left the mill daily, delivering lumber to places in the vicinity. This enabled me to get a good idea of the geography of the district and make a few contacts with the Poles. I managed this by putting dirt in the carburettor and each time the engine stalled, which was quite frequently, I told the guard that I would get help from the Polish civilians to start the lorry again. About this time I was again warned not to attempt an escape and we became suspicious of another British POW whom we believed was acting as an informant, but we were never able to catch him. As a result of my numerous breakdowns with the lorry I had managed to get and conceal two large maps of Europe and four 1/4-inch maps of the Tost district. We had also accumulated a good supply of Red Cross biscuits, chocolate, etc., a hacksaw blade and some spare clothes which we stole from the camp stores. On 10 May with this gear made up into two bundles, Sergeant Duncan and I sawed the bars off the window of our room and got away. We travelled by night, slept by day, walking along the highway. We went to Langendorf (Sheet P 51, H 83), from here to Lubliniec, from here to Herby (Sheet Q 51, T 83) and from there to Czestochowa (T 63), Poland. In Czestochowa we contacted a member of the Polish underground on about 15 May 1943 at an address given me by a Polish airman at Lamsdorf. From this date onwards I remained with the Polish underground until the arrival of Russian troops. I embarked at Odessa aboard the SS Moreton Bay on 7 March 1945 and arrived in the United Kingdom on 19 March.

BROOKS, FS (now P/O) Roy Lyons (R194199/J87697) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.77 Squadron - Award effective 2 October 1944 as per London Gazette dated 13 October 1944 and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born 24 January 1912. Home in Goodwater, Saskatchewan; enlisted Montreal, 28 September 1942 and posted to No.1 Manning Depot. To No.15 SFTS (guard), 23 November 1942. To No.4 Manning Depot, 6 March 1943. Promoted LAC and posted to No.9 BGS, 17 April 1943. Graduated and promoted Sergeant, 28 May 1943. To \"Y\" Depot, 11 June 1943; to RAF overseas, 15 June 1943. Further trained at No.20 OTU and No.1652 Conversion Unit. Commissioned 3 July 1944. Promoted Flying Officer, 3 January 1945. Repatriated 2 August 1945. Retired 21 September 1945. Award sent by registered mail. This airman, as mid-upper gunner, has flown on many operational sorties. These have included six attacks on heavily defended German targets and ten minelaying missions in enemy waters. Flight Sergeant Brooks has been in combat with attacking enemy fighters three times. On one occasion one enemy aircraft was destroyed. He has constantly shown great keenness throughout his operational career and a devotion to duty of a high order. Public Record Office Air 2/9026 has recommendation drafted 18 July 1944 when he had flown 33 sorties (173 hours 31 minutes operationally); text reproduced in Ian Tavender, The Distinguished Flying Medal Register: Second World War (London, Savannah, 2000). This mid-upper gunner has just completed an operational tour comprising 33 sorties, six of which were against heavily defended German targets and ten min-laying missions in enemy waters, the others being attacks on French targets. Flight Sergeant Brooks carried out his duties in a most commendable manner, having been called upon on three occasions to enter into combat with attacking enemy fighters. On the night of 20th December 1943, his aircraft was attacked by a Me.110 and hits were successfully registered on the fighter. Again, on 21st January 1944, a Ju.88 was encountered but successfully evaded. Finally, on 10th April 1944, total destruction of a twin-engined enemy aircraft was claimed. The results of these incidents say much for the efficiency and courage of this mid-upper gunner and the part he played in combination with his pilot and rear gunner. This Non-Commissioned Officer has always shown the greatest keenness in his work, both in the air and on the ground. In recognition of his unfailing devotion to duty, I strongly recommend that he be granted the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal. Public Record Office Air 50/194 has the following Combat Reports: 20/21 December 1943: Pilot was Sergeant Pearce; rear gunner was Sergeant I.D. Hancocks, later awarded DFM): On the night of 20/21 December 1943, Halifax \"P\", LK728 of No.77 Squadron was detailed to attack Frankfurt. Whilst at a height of 18,000 feet, position 5040N 0606E., with an I.A.S. of 158 m.p.h., at 1857 hours, an Me.110 was sighted on the port quarter up, at a range of 500 yards. Rear gunner gave instructions for a diving turn to port, and he and the mid-upper gunner opened fire with approximately 300 rounds with the fighter closing to 350 yards and breaking away to starboard. No warning was given by Monica. Weather was good with 5/10 clouds. Visibility was good. The fighter was claimed as damaged. 21/22 January 1944: same crew as above: On the night of 21/22 January 1944, Halifax \"K\" (LK731) of No.77 Squadron was detailed to attack Magdeburg. At 2302 hours, position target area, height 18,000 feet, heading 240?M, and at an I.A.S. of 170 m.p.h., a Ju.88 attacked the bomber from the port bow. The enemy aircraft was first seen by the Mid-Upper Gunner at 300 yards as it opened fire. The enemy aircraft broke away on the port beam and was not seen again. Due to the speed and surprise of the attack no combat maneouvre was taken by the Halifax and the fire of the enemy aircraft was not returned. Visibility at the time was poor with 6/10 cloud. To the above, the Squadron Gunnery Leader wrote: Due to the visibility the Air Gunners\' search appears to have been limited. 10/11 April 1944: Rear gunner was Sergeant I.D. Hancocks. Aircraft was W/77 (LL126), target Tergnier. Special equipment (Aural Monica) not used. Time was 0013, height 11,000 feet, heading 298 Magnetic; position 49.46 North 01.37 East. Visibility was good above, poor below, full moon. Three fighter flares seen astern, five minutes before attack. First visual was by pilot, at 500 yards, port bow down. Enemy aircraft carried a light in the nose. Aircraft took evasive action during attack, losing 1,000 feet. Flight engineer and mid-upper gunner kept watch while rear gunner (Hancocks) fired about 112 rounds. The pilot first saw the enemy aircraft on the port bow below at approximately 1,500 feet flying on a reciprocal course, but before he could state the exact position the Halifax was subjected to heavy flak, immediate combat maneouvres being taken. The Rear Gunner then saw enemy aircraft on port beam, range approximately 700 feet, slightly below. He instructed the pilot to prepare to turn port and as he gave these instructions the enemy aircraft turned into attack from the port quarter, range 400 yards. As the enemy aircraft turned it opened fire, the Rear Gunner returning the fire immediately with a long burst. The enemy aircraft was seen to blow up in mid-air at approximately 200 yards. The Mid-Upper Gunner [Brooks] meanwhile was not able to bring his guns to bear owing to the obstruction of the tail plane, but he saw the enemy aircraft explode and fall in flames and burn on the ground. The Air Bomber who was lying in the nose confirms the destruction of the enemy aircraft which he saw on fire and burning on the ground. At the time of the attack there was no searchlight activity but roughly five minutes before the attack, three fighter flares were dropped dead astern.

GLAZEBROOK, F/L Edwin Herbert (J5329) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.229 Squadron - Award effective 22 October 1942 as per London Gazette dated 3 November 1942 and AFRO 1962/42 dated 4 December 1942. Born in Outremont, Quebec, 18 August 1918. Educated at Alfred Joyce School, Montreal, 1924-1931 and Strathcona Academy, 1931-1935. Took Accounting and Business courses at Sir George Williams College, 1935-1936. Also took correspondence banking courses from Shaw Schools, Toronto. Employed as an office worker for T. Eaton Company for two months (1934); teller for Royal Bank of Canada in Montreal, 1935-1940. Enlisted in Montreal, 7 October 1940 and posted that date to No.2 Manning Depot, Brandon. To Vancouver, 24 October 1940. To No.2 ITS, 28 November 1940; graduated and promoted LAC, 2 January 1941; posted that date to No.12 EFTS; Goderich, graduated 24 February 1941 when posted to No.1A Manning Depot, Picton; to No.1 SFTS, Camp Borden, 5 March 1941; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 16 May 1941. Commissioned with effect from 17 May 1941 as per Appointments, Promotions and Retirements dated 28 May 1941 and Canada Gazette of 21 June 1941. To Embarkation Depot, 17 May 1941; to RAF overseas, 19 June 1941. To No.58 OTU, 14 July 1941. To No.130 Squadron, 25 August 1941, serving there until at least 13 April 1942 (see assessment below). Promoted Flying Officer, 17 May 1942; Served in Malta, arriving there via carrier HMS Eagle on 18 May 1942. To No.603 Squadron, 18 May 1942. To No.229 Squadron, 5 August 1942. Victories as mentioned in Chris Shores, Malta: The Spitfire Year were: 6 June 1942, one Ju.88 damaged; 1 July 1942, one MC.202 damaged; 2 July 1942, one Bf.109 destroyed (BR, 365, shared with another pilot); 8 July 1942, two Ju.88s damaged; 25 July 1942, one MC.202 destroyed; 11 October 1942, one MC.202 destroyed plus one Ju.88 probably destroyed plus one Ju.88 damaged (three separate sorties); 12 October 1942, one Ju.88 destroyed; 14 October 1942, one Ju.88 damaged (shared with another pilot); 15 October 1942, one Ju.88 damaged. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 30 August 1942. Killed in flying accident, (Liberator crash at Gibraltar), 31 October 1942. This officer has participated in many sorties over Sicily. In the heavy fighting over Malta he has taken part in many interceptions and his flight has destroyed twelve enemy aircraft. By his skilful and courageous leadership Flight Lieutenant Glazebrook played a large part in the successes obtained. He has destroyed three enemy aircraft. Training: Interviewed for RCAF on 1 August 1940 by F/O Maurice Janin (later Mentioned in Despatches) who described him as “Very good type, near and clean and very smart for height, intelligent and quick, organized, polite, courteous, good lad, should be well liked.” The reference to height is unusual - Glazebrook was five feet six inches tall and weighed 130 pounds. Course at No.2 ITS was from 29 November to 23 December 1940. Courses and marks as follows: Mathematics (75/100), Armament, P and O (81/100), Visual Link Trainer (B), Drill (63/100), Law and Discipline (84/100). Placed 30th in a class of 201. Described as follows: “Very good type and material. Mature - self confident. Above classroom average.” Course at No.12 EFTS was from 4 January to 21 February 1941. Att flying on Finch I and Finch II aircraft - 25 hours dual, 25 hours 15 minutes solo, and fine hours in Link Trainer. Described by instructor as “A pilot suitable for either single or twin-engined aircraft. His aerobatics are fair. Instrument flying and general flying above average.” Ground school courses and marks as follows: Airmanship (176/200), Airframes (147/200), Aero Engines (166/200), Signals, Practical (47½//50), Theory o f Flight (80/100)), Air Navigation (176/200), Armament, Oral (160/200). Qualities as an Officer (175/200). Placed first in a class of 31. Deemed suitable for commissioned rank. Described as follows: “An above average student both in flying and Ground Work. Studious and conscientious. Recommended for commission.” Course at No.1 SFTS was 5 March to 16 May 1941. Flew Yale and Harvard aircraft; 45 hours 50 minutes day dual, 37 hours 15 minutes day solo, five hours 55 minutes night dual, four hours 20 minutes night solo. These included 20 hours on instruments. Also logged 15 hours in Link and 140 minutes as a passenger. General flying assesses as “Above average”, Formation flying as “Average”, Navigational Ability as “Average”. And Instrument Flying as “Above Average”. Described by Squadron Commander (S/L G.V. Priestly ?) as “Progress very satisfactory to a high average; pupil alert and very quick to learn.” He was actually recommended for “General Reconnaissance” work. Ground courses and marks as follows: Airmanship and Maintenance (150/200), Armament-W (77/100), Armament (91/100), Navigation and Meteorology (166/200), Signals-W (91/100), Signals-P (50/50). Chief Ground Instructor wrote, “Very satisfactory - obtained first place in class of 52 pupils. Good effort made all through.” The list of graduates recommended for commissions following No.1 SFTS is headed by Glazebrook, followed by Sergeant C.S. White (killed in flying accident, United Kingdom, 26 September 1941), H.L. Myers, J.L.H. Eliott, C.A. King, R.A. Laing (killed in action, 12 January 1942), A.C. White (killed in action, 29 April 1942), G.G. Retallack (killed in action, 2 July 1942), L.H. Warriner (awarded AFC for Ferry Command services), S. Jamieson (killed in flying accident in Ceylon, 1 July 1942), A.T.A. Young, R.F. Minnick (killed in flying accident, No.58 OTU, 1 August 1941), H.A. Nicholson , J.R. Freeland (killed in action, 29 September 1941), F.J. Sherlock (awarded DFC), C.G.R. Saunders (killed in flying accident, 26 October 1941), A.R. Moulden, G.S. Robb (not commissioned, killed in action 14 July 1942), P.T.W. Walker (not commissioned, killed in action 22 October 1941), A.H.J. Fawcett (killed in flying accident, 16 September 1942), A.A. MacLeod (apparently not commissioned, killed in flying accident in Canada, 26 July 1943), J.A. Parker (not commissioned, killed in flying accident at No.55 OTU, 28 August 1941), F.R. Richardson (killed in action, 6 January 1942), S.H. Frankel and J.L. Roach (not commissioned, killed in action 11 August 1942). Course at No.58 OTU lasted 14 July to 25 August 1941. Flew on Masters (two hours 50 minutes dual, six hours 25 minutes solo) and Spitfires (36 hours ten minutes). This included three hours on instruments and 12 hours formation flying; also logged six hours 50 minutes in Link. Flying Aptitude was listed under several headings - Natural Aptitude (Average), Skill in Landing (Average), Airmanship (Average), Aerobatics and Dog Fight (Above Average), Cockpit Drill (Average), Instrument Flying (Average), Formation Flying (Above Average) and Air Firing (not assessed), Map Reading (Average). Under “Distinctive Qualities” the following Categories were Listed: 1. Persistence (Does he keep on trying or is he easily discourage ?) - Above Average 2. Sense of Responsibility (Has he common sense or is he over-confident ?) - Average 3. Endurance (Does he put up a consistently satisfactory performance under conditions of strain ?) - Above Average. 4. Leadership (Has he taken the lead in any activities ? Would he make a good captain of aircraft or Flight leader ?) - Above Average 5. Method (Does he work systematically to a plan ?) - Above Average. 6. Deliberation (Does he act decisively for reasons or on impulse ?) - Average 7. Initiative (Does he want ro try things on his own ?) Above Average. 8. Dash (Is he quick and decisive in action ?) - Average 9. Distribution of Attention (Does he find it difficult to do more than one thing at a time ?) - Average 10. Self Control (Does he get flustered ?) - Average 11. General Assessment of .suitability as Operational Pilot - Above Average His overall assessment at No.58 OTU was as follows: “Pilot Officer Glazebrook is keen and conscientious and his ability as a fighter pilot is above the average run of pupils.” Assessment: An assessment of him for No.130 Squadron for the period 25 August 1941 to 13 April 1942 described him as “A very bright and keen young pilot who should do well in a fighter squadron.”

BROOK, F/L Robert (RAF 174668) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 12 February 1946 (but with effect from 15 September 1944). Killed in action 16 September 1944. Air Ministry Bulletin 20890/AL.1116 refers but with no career details. Acting Flight Lieutenant Brook, as navigator has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty. NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/9053 has correspondence indicating that his father was Mr. Henry Jeszuryn, residing at No.47, rue de Recollets, Valenciennes, France. At the time of his death he had not head from them since the German occupation of southern France, but they were indeed still alive and residing there as of 11 February 1946.

FULLBROOK, William Albert, Warrant Officer, CD - No.440 Squadron - Medal of Bravery - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 8 August 1983. With Corporal Bruce Alexander Koronko. From St.Albert, Alberta. // On 7 September 1981, two members of Edmonton's 440 Squadron, Sergeant William Sunny Fullbrook and Corporal Bruce Koronko, at the risk of their own lives rescued three men from the wreckage of an airplane. A trio of surveyors were discovered at the site of the crash near Baker Lake, Northwest Territories. In spite of high winds which exceeded the limits of their equipment, low cloud, and rocky terrain likely to cause personal injury, Sergeant Fullbrook and Corporal Koronko elected to proceed with the rescue and parachuted from about 300 metres. They reached the three men, all unable to move due to serious back injuries, dispensed first aid and erected a shelter while awaiting the arrival of an helicopter. When told that the helicopter could only accommodate two stretchers, Sergeant Fullbrook and Corporal Koronko hoisted two of the critically injured aboard and remained behind with the third. More than nine hours later a second helicopter arrived and carried them away. But for their voluntary jump at the scene, at least two of the crash victims would not have survived. // Note: Associated with this award was a Medal of Bravery, 24 September 1984, to James Walter Watson (Bridgetown, Nova Scotia) with the following citation: // On 7 September 1981, James Malcolm Watson participated in the rescue of three men following a plane crash near Baker Lake, Northwest Territories. Two members of 440 Transport and Rescue Squadron from Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Sgt. William Fullbrook and Cpl. Bruce Koronko, parachuted onto the site of the crash and administered first-aid to the three men while awaiting the arrival of a helicopter. Dispatched to the scene almost at the end of his day shift as a commercial helicopter pilot, Mr. Watson took on board the two most seriously injured, who were rushed to hospital on landing. Tired, inexperienced in night flying or rescue techniques and using a helicopter unequipped for night flying, he chose to ignore the perils to his own life and went back to the scene of the accident, knowing that the remaining survivor might well succumb to exposure. Reading the instrument panel with a flashlight and guided by three flares fired from the ground, he landed his helicopter in high winds on the precarious, rocky surface. He then air-lifted the survivor and the two military paramedics back to Baker Lake. (Sgt. Fullbrook and Cpl. Koronko also received the Medal of Bravery for their part in the rescue).

STANLEY FREDERICK P/O(P) 107452 - Royal Air Force. From Regina, Saskatchewan. Killed in Action Apr 21/42 age 25. #126 Squadron (Foremost In Attack). P/O Brooker flew a #601 Sqdn. Spitfire aircraft off the U.S.S. Carrier Wasp on Apr 20 and was shot down the next day off Malta. P/O Brooker bailed out but was shot by the pilot of an enemy ME-109 fighter aircraft. Pilot Officer Pilot Brooker has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Malta War Memorial, Malta.

THOMAS ROBERT LAC R108021 - fitter. From Montreal, Quebec. Killed in Action Jun 1/43 age 32. #420 Snowy Owl Squadron (Pugnamus Finitunri). Wellington aircraft missing. Please see Sodero A. for casualty list and flight detail. Leading AirCraftman Brookes has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

ALFRED P/O(AG) J19860//R89617. From Outremont, Quebec. Killed in Action Jan 27/44 age 35. #426 Thunderbird Squadron (On Wings of Fire). Lancaster aircraft #DS 775 was shot down by flak during a night trip to Berlin, Germany L F/L A.T. Martens (RAF), Sgts R.S. Chesters (RAF), W. Lawson (RAF), W.L. Pritchard (RAF), and P/O D.L. Huband (RAF), were also killed. One Canadian, WO Houston, was taken Prisoner of War. Pilot Officer Air Gunner Brooks is buried in the Berlin War Cemetery, Charlottenburg, Germany.

ERNEST ROSS P/O(P) C11768. From Belleville, Ontario. Killed Jul 7/42 age 28. #13 Operational Training Squadron, Patricia Bay, British Columbia. Hudson aircraft #765 crashed. Please see MacLachlan R.B. for casualty list and flight detail. Pilot Officer Pilot Brooks is buried in the Mountain View Cemetery at Vancouver, British Columbia.

GLEN WESLEY P/O(AG) d88793. From Newcastle, Ontario. Killed in Action Oct 7/44 age 21. #426 Thunderbird Squadron (On Wings of Fire). Halifax aircraft #NP 789 was shot down by flak during a night operation to Dortmund, Germany. P/O J.T. Short was also killed. One of the crew, not Canadian, missing believed killed. Three Canadians, F/L Scott, F/O Ames, and P/O Mack were taken Prisoners of War, one other Canadian, F/O Livingstone, was either an Evader or was taken Prisoner of War. Pilot Officer Air Gunner Brooks is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Germany.

JERRY EATON SGT(P) R50700. From Victoria, British Columbia. Killed Nov 15/43 age 22. #11 Elementary Flying Training School, Cap .de la Madeleine, Quebec. Sgt Brooks and P/O L.S. Smoker were killed when Cornell aircraft #1 5263 crashed two miles north of St. Louis de Champlain at St. Loire, Quebec. Sergeant Pilot Brooks is buried in the Royal Oak Burial Park, Victoria, British Columbia.

KEITH BISHOP F/O(BA) J26706. From Edmonton, Alberta. Killed in Action Nov 4/44 age 22. #78 Squadron (Nemo Non Paratus). Target - Borkum, Germany. Please see Love E.A. for casualty list and flight detail. Flying Officer Bomb Aimer Brooks has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

LUCIEN DAVID FS(P) R74800. From Powell River, British Columbia. Killed in Action Apr 25/42 age 21. #229 Squadron (Be Bold). FS Brooks was killed when his Hurricane aircraft #BN 164 was shot down at St. Pauls Bay, Malta. Flight Sergeant Pilot Brooks is buried in the Capuccini Naval Cemetery, Malta.

RON DOUGLAS P/O(WAG) J86539//R105597. From Eltham, London, England. Killed in Action Jun 16/44 age 31. #294 Squadron. Wellington aircraft #MP 641 lost during operations. Pilot Officer Wireless Operator Air Gunner Brooks is buried in the Nicosia War Cemetery, Nicosia, Cyprus.

WILFRED JAMES SGT(P) 1390573- Royal Air Force. From Burnaby, British Columbia. Killed in Action Jun 13/43 age 22. #129 Squadron (I Will Defend The Right). Spitfire aircraft failed to return from operations. Sergeant Pilot Brooks has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.