B-52 Mitchell

Search Awards

 
Search within:
Search Type:
CURTIS, Graham Waters Captain, SEE DESCRIPTION, SEE DESCRIPTION Bronze Medal for Military Valour (Italy) British Flying Services WWI
Description (click to view)
CURTIS, Captain Graham Waters - Bronze Medal for Military Valour (Italy) - awarded as per London Gazette dated 2 November 1918. Home in Westmount, Quebec (industrial agent); appointed 2nd Lieutenant (on probation) in Canada, 21 November 19916; sailed from Halifax, 14 November 1916 (this information is contradictory); to No.84 Squadron, 20 March 1917; to No.62 Squadron, 14 June 1917; to No.39 Squadron, 31 May 1918; to Headquarters, 21st Wing, 4 June 1918; to 14th Wing, No.139 Squadron, 6 July 1918. No citation other than 'in recognition of distinguished services rendered.'
CURTIS, Wilfred Austin Flight Sub-Lieutenant, No.10 (Naval) Squadron, SEE DESCRIPTION Distinguished Service Cross British Flying Services WWI
Description (click to view)
CURTIS, Flight Sub-Lieutenant Wilfred Austin - Distinguished Service Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 19 December 1917. Born 21 August 1893; home in Toronto; trained at Curtiss School in Toronto, 1916; ACA tests on 11 August 1916; appointed Probationary Flight Sub-Lieutenant in RNAS in Ottawa, 11 August 1916. To England, 24 August 1916. At Crystal Palace, 17 September 1916; at Cranwell, 14 October 1916; confirmed in rank of Flight Sub-Lieutenant, 16 May 1917 (seniority from 11 August 1916). Injured in crash, 11 November 1916. At Dover with No.12 (N) Squadron, attached to RFC, 6 June 1917; with No.6 (N) Squadron, 25 June to 28 August 1917; with No.10 (N) Squadron, 28 August 1917 to 30 January 1918 when posted to England for Medical Board. Appointed Acting Flight Lieutenant, 28 October 1917; confirmed as Flight Lieutenant, 1 January 1918 (seniority from 31 December 1917). Appointed Flight Commander, 30 January 1918. Embarked for Canada, sick leave, 26 February 1918. Appointed Captain, RAF, 1 April 1918. To Headquarters, RAF, Toronto, from sick leave, 2 May 1918. Attached to School of Special Flying, 16 May 1918. To Headquarters, RAF, Canada, on ceasing to be attached to School of Special Flying. Relinquished commission on account of ill-health contracted on active service and permitted to retain rank, 11 June 1919. CAF service at Camp Borden, 13 September to 18 October 1920 when posted to leave without pay, subject to further training when called upon. To be Lieutenant, Toronto Scottish, 4 June 1925. Later Chief of Air Staff, RCAF (1947-1953); awarded CBE, 5 June 1943; awarded CB, 15 June 1946; created Officer, Order of Canada, 15 July 1967. See Air Command data base for Second World War awards. Died 7 August 1977; see Winter 1977 issue of Journal of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society for obituary and brief biography. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has on many occasions destroyed and driven down out of control enemy machines. On the 21st October, 1917, in a combined attack with two other pilots, he sent down an enemy machine in flames, and twenty minutes later he followed another enemy scout from 10,000 to 2,000 feet, and sent it down in a vertical dive which ended in a crash. Public Record Office file Air 1/1032/204/5/1434, “Honours and Awards - Immediate Awards, 1 October 1917 - 10 March 1918" has recommendation drafted 11 November 1917, provided courtesy of Frank Olynyk (CD images 5726, 5727, 6883 and 6884). On 4th November Flight Sub-Lieutenant W.A. Curtis attacked a brown Albatross north of Dixmude firing 150 rounds into it at 50 yards range. Tracers were seen to go right into this machine, which went into a very steep dive, side-slipping and apparently quite out of control. This is confirmed by Flight Sub-Lieutenants Emery and Stratton. October 27th:- In a general engagement North East of Dixmude, pilot attacked one of six Albatross Scouts and drove it down in a steep dive. This machine was attacked below by Flight Sub-Lieutenant Stratton, and as a result of these attacks went down out of control. Observed by Belgian posts. October 21st:- With his flight, pilot attacked one of three two-seater enemy aircraft which were crossing the lines near Dixmude. As a result of combined attack by pilot, together with Flight Sub-Lieutenants Emery and Nelson, the enemy aircraft went down in flames and crashed on the ground, the debris falling within our lines. October 21st:- Twenty minutes later, pilot followed one enemy aircraft scout from 10,000 feet to 2,000 feet North East of Dixmude, firing into him. Enemy aircraft went down in a vertical dive and crashed on the ground. This was observed by Flight Sub-Lieutenant Emery and later confirmed by Belgian observation. October 15th:- Near Zarren, pilot, with his flight, attacked three two-seater enemy aircraft and fired 200 rounds into one at close range. Enemy aircraft went down in a vertical dive, then turned on its back and fell out of control. This result was observed by Flight Sub-Lieutenant Stratton. September 27th:- North East of Westroosebere, pilot attacked one of six enemy aircraft scouts, getting within 30 yards and firing 125 rounds into machine which went down out of control and was observed by Flight Sub-Lieutenant Carroll to crash on the ground. CURTIS, Flight Lieutenant Wilfred Austin - Bar to Distinguished Service Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 16 March 1918. For continuous skill and courage as a fighting pilot. On the 23rd January 1918, whilst on offensive patrol, he followed three two-seater enemy machines and an enemy scout through the clouds. The enemy were then joined by five other scouts. He dived and fired into an enemy two-seater from about 40 feet behind. The enemy machine fell over on its side and started to spin, and was observed by another pilot to break up in the air while spinning down. Since the award of the Distinguished Service Cross this officer has destroyed several enemy machines and driven down others absolutely out of control. Logbook: Held in Library and Archives Canada, MG.31 G.9, Vol.1. Commences 16 October 1916, 0940, Maurice Farman 8931, F/S/L Watkins, instructor, 14 minutes as 500 feet - “Round the aerodrome - First trip on Maurice Farman.” A second flight at 1608 hours, 27 minutes, 400 feet - “Round the aerodrome - Had control most of time, made half a dozen landings.” Did not fly again until 24 October 1916, 1334 hours, 34 minutes, 400 feet; still with Watkins - “Round the aerodrome - Took front sear for first time.” At 1515 off again, 33 minutes, 300 feet - “Round the aerodrome - Making landings, slight fog came up.” Flew 25 October 1916, 1549 hours, 29 minutes, 400 feet - “Round the aerodrome - making landings, came down on account of rain.” Total of 137 minutes dual. Flew 26 October 1916, 0945, Maurice Farman 8922, 25 minutes, 2,300 feet. “First solo - It was a little bumpy near the ground)” Same day, 1538 hours, another solo, MF 8934, 23 minutes, 2,600 feet, solo - “Wind steady, foggy at 1,000 feet.” First flight on a Curtiss (8864), 8 November 1916, 20 minutes dual. Numerous dual flights, and does not solo on type until 10 November 1916. Flying at Curtiss School, Toronto: He did not keep a log of his time at the Curtiss School, but he did retain chits recording his flights with Harry J. Webster and Bertrand (Bert) Acosta. The first was dated May 24, 1916 (14 minutes), and most were for very short hops. Only three exceeded 25 minutes. All the same, they totalled 582 minutes - an extraordinary time by the standards of the day. A flight of three minutes (August 9, 1916) suggests some problem; it was followed immediately by one of 24 minutes. The most intensive flying was at the very end of the course - three flights on August 10 and three more on August 11, ranging from six to 17 minutes. The aircraft was a JN-3. 24 May 1916 - 14 minutes 25 May 1916 - 15 minutes - 29 28 May 1916 - 13 minutes - 42 29 May 1916 - 16 minutes -58 1 June 1916 - 21 minutes - 79 5 June 1916 - 20 minutes -99 8 June 1916 - 18 minutes -117 16 June 1916 - 15 minutes - 132 17 June 1916 - 28 minutes 160 21 June 1916 - 10 minutes 170 21 June 1916 - 19 minutes 199 22 June 1916 - 22 minutes 221 ? June 1916 - 10 minutes 231 26 June 1916 - 10 minutes 241 28 June 1916 - 23 minutes 264 5 July 1916 - 27 minutes 291 6 July 1916 - 14 minutes 305 9 July 1916 - 19 minutes 324 10 July 1916 - 15 minutes 339 14 July 1916 - 24 minutes 363 25 July 1916 - 24 minutes 387 28 July 1916 - 31 minutes 418 29 July 1916 - 13 minutes 432 1 August 1916 - 9 minutes 441 1 August 1916 - 16 minutes 457 3 August 1916 - 11 minutes 468 4 August 1916 - 21 minutes 489 9 August 1916 - 3 minutes 492 9 August 1916 - 24 minutes 516 10 August 1916 - 13 minutes 529 10 August 1916 - 9 minutes 538 10 August 1916 - 6 minutes 544 11 August 1916 - 6 minutes 550 11 August 1916 - 17 minutes 567 11 August 1916 - 15 minutes 582
STONEMAN, Edwin Curtis Robinson Captain, SEE DESCRIPTION, SEE DESCRIPTION Italian Silver Medal for Military Valour British Flying Services WWI
Description (click to view)
STONEMAN, Captain Edwin Curtis Robinson - Italian Silver Medal for Military Valour - awarded as per London Gazette dated 2 November 1918. Born in Ontario, 24 April 1891; home in Toronto (graduate of University of Toronto; engineer with Bell Telephone). Attended Curtiss School in Toronto; obtained Royal Aero Club Certificate No.3827 dated 28 October 1916; appointed Probationary Flight Officer, RNAS, Ottawa, 28 October 1916. At Crystal Palace, 1916; at Vendome, 11 January 1917; at Cranwell, 29 March 1917; at Dover, 28 May 1917; to No.11 (N) Squadron, Dunkirk, 6 June 1917; at Cranwell, 24 September 1917; at Calshot (under seaplane instruction), 10 November 1917; to 6th Wing, 27 December 1917; to No.224 Squadron, 7 March 1918; with Adriatic Group, 18 June 1918; with No.66 Wing, 18 December 1918. University of Toronto Roll of Service says that he had been sent to Italy in January 1918 (this seems incorrect as to date) and had served on Albanian, Montenegrin and Austrian frontiers; one of his awards was for bombing Kuche bridge in Albania, September 1917. No citation other than 'in recognition of distinguished services rendered'. STONEMAN, Captain Edwin Curtis Robinson - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 1 January 1919. No citation other than 'in recognition of distinguished service'.
BROOKING, Charlie Curtis Corporal, No.62 Base Servicing Echelon, R71202 Mention in Despatches RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
Description (click to view)
BROOKING, Corporal Charlie Curtis (R71202) - Mention in Despatches - No.62 Base Servicing Echelon - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1647/45 dated 26 October 1945. AFRO gives unit only as \"Overseas\"; DHist file 181.009 D.1725 (PAC RG.24 Vol 20607) has list of MiDs this date with unit. No citation in AFRO. DHist file 181.009 D.1722 (PAC RG.24 Vol.20606) has recommendation dated 3 February 1945. Aero Engine Mechanic. Born 10 September 1913 in Trehearne, Manitoba; home there (farm hand). Enlisted in Winnipeg 19 September 1940 and posted to No.2 Manning Depot. To Technical Training School, 15 November 1940. Promoted AC1, 22 March 1941. To No.3 BGS, 26 March 1941. Promoted LAC, 1 July 1941. To \"Y\" Depot, 9 March 1942; to RAF overseas, 30 April 1942. To No.408 Squadron, 13 June 1942. Promoted Corporal, 1 July 1942. To No.62 Base, 20 November 1943. Subsequently a member of No,9432 Servicing Echelon. Repatriated 22 July 1945. Retired 24 September 1945. Recalled to service, 13 February 1946. To Northwest Air Command, 12 March 1946. To No.6 Communication Flight, 14 March 1946. Reverted to LAC, 1 October 1946. Killed at Whitehorse, 15 January 1947 in crash of Beechcraft 1394. Recommendation confirmed he had served 19 months in Canada, 33 months overseas. Corporal Brooking is second in charge of the Base Power Plant Shop. His organizing ability and all-round devotion to duty have made this shop one of the best of its type in Bomber Command. More recently, Corporal Brooking has been expending his efforts in improving the organization of other shops in the Base Major Servicing Section and he has been doing very well in this direction. A report dated 10 July 1945 described his courses overseas as a two week course on Bristol Hercules engines and two weeks on a Merlin engine course. \"In charge of base engine shop for 2 1/2 years. Last six months in charge of spark plug section, tire shop, prop shop, hydraulic section, small component section, etc.\"
CURTIS, Joseph Robert Flight Lieutenant, No.435 Squadron, J16520 Air Force Cross RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
Description (click to view)
CURTIS, F/L Joseph Robert (J16520) - Air Force Cross - No.435 Squadron (identified in AFRO only as \"Overseas\") - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 155/46 dated 15 February 1946. Born 2 July 1920 at Michechi, Alberta. Home in Ponoka, Alberta (clerk and commercial trucker). Enlisted in Calgary, 10 January 1941 and posted to No.2 Manning Depot, Brandon. To No.4 SFTS, Saskatoon (guard), 21 February 1941. To No.2 ITS, Regina, 30 March 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 2 May 1941; taken on strength of No.18 EFTS, Boundary Bay, 3 May 1941; graduated 2 July 1941 and posted next day to No. 15 SFTS, Claresholm; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 13 September 1941. To No.31 GRS, Charlottetown, 20 September 1941; to \"Y\" Depot, 11 December 1941; taken on strength of No.3 PRC, Bournemouth, 26 December 1941. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 13 March 1942. To No.3 (P) AFU, 16 March 1942; to No.6 OTU, 21 April 1942. To Far East, 25 July 1942, flying out a Hudson of No.353 Squadron. To No.194 Squadron, 2 December 1942. Commissioned, 1 January 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 1 July 1943. To No.177 Wing, 24 December 1943. To No.194 Squadron again, 8 January 1944. To Station Headquarters, Chaklala, 23 May 1944. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 January 1945. Repatriated to Britain, 7 January 1945, flying Liberator KH169 to Britain. Attached to Transport Command Headquarters, date uncertain; to No.525 Squadron, 15 April1945 until 28 July 1945 when posted to an \"R.R. School\"; to No,423 Squadron, 1 August 1945; to No.435 Squadron, 3 September 1945. To No.436 Squadron as check pilot, 28 February 1946. On strength of RCAF Overseas Headquarters, 22 June 1946 for special duties from Bassingbourne as VIP pilot (Dakota KN665). . Reverted to Flying Officer, 1 October 1946. Attached to Station Bassingbourn until 3 July 1948. To MCHQ, Ottawa, 6 July 1948. To AFHQ, Ottawa, 1 February 1949. To Initial Flying School, Centralia, 11 March 1950. To Air Navigation School, Summerside, 13 May 1950. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 June 1950. To No.6 Repair Depot, Trenton, 6 April 1952. To CEPE Detachment, Ancienne Lorette, 4 August 1952. , Killed on flying operations in Canada, 15 October 1954. No citation in AFRO or biographical file. DHist file 181.009 D.1768 (RG.24 Vol.20610) has recommendation dated 27 October 1945 when he had flown 2,505 hours, 1,500 on transport duties, 300 in previous six months. Deputy Flight Commander. Citation is poorly drafted. Award presented 1 April 1949. This officer has been in Transport Command for the past two years on various work. Commencing firstly with supply dropping and flying passengers and freight to the forward areas [of] India and Burma during the Battle of Burma. After extremely good work during the above campaign, he spent many months at an OTU in India engaged in the untiring work of training new crews to fit into the airborne role of transport work. Early in 1945, Flight Lieutenant Curtis returned to a squadron in the United Kingdom, where he flew transport aircraft carrying valuable loads of passengers and freight to destinations ranging as far as India. With his valuable experience he was considered an exceptional Captain, and often was called upon to fly the most important personages and freight through the worst of weather. He has played a star role in this unit in training the new crews. He is strongly recommended for the Air Force Cross. Public Record Office Air 2/9144, courtesy of Steve Brew, has citation drafted when he had flown 2,505 hours, 1,500 on current duties, 300 in previous six months. This officer has served in Transport Command for the past two years. He has been engaged on various duties, commencing with supply dropping and conveying passengers and freight to the forward areas in India and Burma during the Battle of Burma. After extremely good work during the above campaign, Flight Lieutenant Curtis spent many months at an OTU in India, training new crews to fit into the airborne role of transport flying. Early in 1945, this officer returned to a squadron based in the United Kingdom, from where he flew transport aircraft carrying passengers and freight to destinations ranging as far as India. An exceptional captain, Flight Lieutenant Curtis was often was called upon to operate through the worst of weather, conveying important passengers and freight. Iin training new crews within the unit, this officer has played a conspicuous role. Notes: He was injured while a passenger in Hudson FK411, No.194 Squadron, which crashed at Palem, 16 April 1943. Pilot was Aus 416016 Sergeant A.E. Britten-Hughes (RAAF, killed); also killed was 1265761 Sergeant A. Brown. Also injured were 136726 P/O F.J. Andrew, 141858 P/O E.L. Herring, and Aus 405582 Sergeant F. Gloster. Possible engine failure. Aircraft had just taken off and undercarriage nearly retracted when machine banked into wind, lost height and crashed, bursting into flames. A card on file states that his first tour (incomplete) was on Hudsons with No.194 Squadron, February to April 1943, 33 sorties, 150 hours. Non-operational tour was with AHQ Communication Squadron August 1942 to February 1943 (300 hours), No.194 Squadron (April 1943 to February 1944, 600 hours) and TSTU as instructor (June 1944 to January 1945, 350 hours), followed by a second tour with No.194 Squadron, February to June 1944 (67 sorties, 250 hours). Assessment from Chaklala dated 20 August 1944 stated he had flown 1,550 hours, 450 in previous six months. \"A very keen and capable officer with flying capabilities above the average. Did very good transport and supply work whilst with the squadron. Proved himself a capable leader in a time of crisis. When over the Arakan with full load his port engine was rendered unserviceable by enemy action. He jettisoned a small proportion of his load, climbed back over the mountains and returned safely to base.\" (W/C H.C. Chisholm). Assessed 15 January 1945: \"Within the limits of his age and experience he has always shown himself a keen and efficient officer and pilot.\" (W/C G.P. Donaldson, TSTU). Assessed 1 January 1948: \"This officer is most outspoken in his determination to operate the VIP aircraft efficiently and obtain maximum results from his crew. He tends to be somewhat critical and hasty in his judgement of replacement crew but I doubt if he discusses shortcomings with them as thoroughly as he might. He is inclined to be moody and possibly short tempered at times. On the other hand he has operated the Dakota very successfully, maintaining nearly 100 % schedules to the complete satisfaction of his VIP passengers. His crew show good discipline on the ground. I believe he is respected but not particularly popular with his crew. In general I consider him a very good Captain of aircraft. His wife is English, very young and somewhat spoiled by well-to-do parents and does not wish to live in Canada, having received a somewhat bad impression during a short stay here. I have advised F/O Curtis not to allow her to unduly influence his career in the Service. He shows normal interest in the welfare of his aircrew and ground crew. I have seen no indications of an interest in current events or in Service affairs outside of his own particular duties. His social conduct is quite satisfactory in the Mess and he is quite well thought of by Embassy staffs and his VIP passengers. His career has been concentrated entirely on flying, particularly on transport work. He has held no administrative or staff positions. He is anxious to obtain a Long Service commission and I am prepared to recommend him on his ability as a pilot. His earlier reports indicated a lack of desire or ability to study, although he possessed Senior Matriculation. He should therefore be given an opportunity for a Long Service Commission.\" (A/V/M R.E. McBurney, London). Operations in Burma: The following notes were provided via the website \"RAF Commands\" detailing operations with No.194 Squadron and particularly the incident when his aircraft was damaged. At 7.05 am on the 9th (April,1944), we took off for Palel, the all-weather strip which the Japs were keen to capture. We flew via Silchar with a load of bombs. At Palel we were to assist in the evacuation of a Hurricane squadron. We loaded up C-Charlie with 22 personnel and equipment while the Hurricanes were out bombing and strafing the enemy in the surrounding hills. We proceeded on a normal take-off when at the point of becoming airborne we encountered a terrifying gusty cross wind which suddenly blew across the valley. As one wing dipped dangerously, our pilot, Joe Curtis, with great presence of mind, thumped the throttles back, injuring his wrist. He abandoned the take-off and with great skill managed to level the Dak as we bounced heavily back onto the runway. The oleo legs collapsed - I think we hit a ditch - and I opened the door leading from the wireless cabin and called to the passengers to disembark calmly. This they did in an orderly way. We all sat on the ground, pretty dazed, the squadron groundcrews and ourselves. My crew were greatly upset at the state of beloved C-Charlie which was a write-off. A Dakota that had served us so wonderfully well on most of our operation trips into Burma. It was like losing a home, for we had worked many hours aboard her, and had so many 40 winks beneath her wings between ops. We suddenly felt insecure and lost\". [Recounted by, Flying Officer D.O.Williams, No.194 Squadron] The aircraft is identified as C/194, c/n.9678, American serial 42-23816; delivered 11 June 1943.and given RAF serial FD911 on 27 June 1943; delivered to No.194 Squadron, 11 August 1943; written off 9 April 1944 at Palel, India, F/O J. Curtis and crew safe. See Norman Franks, The Air Battle of Imphal (London, Kimber, 1985). There is a brief mention of this incident in Shores\' Air War for Burma, p.203 (no crew details or aircraft serial mentioned). See also Norman Franks, Spitfires Over the Arakan (London, Kimber, 1988), .188. Further to this, the following notes are provided: On the 16th (February 1944), 31 Squadron flew five sorties during the afternoon while 194 Squadron made eleven day and nine night drops. The following day, 31 flew four night and two day sorties, 194 making four day and 10 night flights. Often ths Daks faced fierce ground fire and on the 17th, Flying Officer Joe Curtis\'s aircraft was slightly damaged in the port engine and had to return on one motor. Curtis, and his crew - Jerry Walsh, navigator; Doug Williams and Jimmy Howe, WOP/AGs, were on their third or fourth supply runs and could actually hear the ground fire above the roar of the Dak\'s engines. Then black smoke was streaming past the loading door as the port engine was hit. They were very low, trees just flashing by beneath them and a crash landing seemed inevitable. A Half-loaded Dak, low down and on one engine, needed all the flying skill of Joe Curtis to keep from hitting the jungle greenery, but he managed it, much to his crew\'s intense relief. While Jerry Walsh gave his pilot a course for base, Williams and Howe jettisoned the rest of the cargo out the door. A Hurricane pilot flying cover above the drop zone, reported the Dakota going down smoking and ?believed crashed?. But Curtis got his machine home two hours later, landing safely at Agartala. Particulars of Death: Killed at Navan, Ontario, 15 October 1954 in crash of CF-100 No.18117, pilot 27117 F/L Joseph Robert Curtis, AFC, CD with 29547 F/O Joseph Lucien Pierre Walter Berrigan (also a pilot). Aircraft was transiting from Uplands to Ancienne Lorette. .
CURTIS, Robert Douglas Warrant Officer, No.97 Squadron, R92557 Distinguished Flying Cross RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
Description (click to view)
CURTIS, WO Robert Douglas (R92557) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.97 Squadron - Award effective 19 June 1944 as per London Gazette dated 27 June 1944 and AFRO 1861/44 dated 25 August 1944. Born 8 June 1922 in Salmon River, British Columbia; home in Trail, British Columbia; enlisted Calgary 13 February 1941 and posted to No.2 Manning Depot. To No.4 Training Command, 28 March 1941; to No.36 SFTS for guard duty, 28 March 1941; to No.2 ITS, 3 May 1941; graduated and promoted LAC on 7 June 1941; posted that date to No.18 EFTS; to No.15 SFTS, 16 July 1941; ceased training 3 October 1941. To “H”, 19 January 1942. Posted to No.3 BGS, 20 June 1942 (graduated 31 July 1942 and promoted Sergeant). Served in Western Air Command for a time before posting overseas. Commissioned 22 July 1944 (J88867). Promoted Flying Officer, 22 January 1945. Award presented 27 November 1948. In RCAF Auxiliary, No.5 Air Division as an Education Officer, 10 September 1952 to 15 November 1962 (home in Trail). No citation other than "completed...many successful operations against the enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." See his article “A Very Black Thursday”, Airforce Magazine, Volume 21, No.4 (Winter 1998). Public Records Office Air 2/8780 has recommendation dated 18 March 1944 when he had flown 38 sorties (197 hours), including thirteen with an unidentified unit prior to joining No.97 Squadron. Sortie list identical to that of P/O James B. Findlay (although for some reason Findlay's form states he had flown more operational hours) // Pre-No.97 Squadron // 21 Jue 1943 - Krefeld (4.45) // 24 Jue 1943 - Elberfeld (5.40) // 28 Jue 1943 - Cologne (5.00) // 3 July 1943 - Cologne (5.45) // 8 July 1943 - Cologne (3.50) // 27 July 1943 - Hamburg (5.05) // 29 July 1943 - Hamburg (5.05) // 30 July 1943 - Remscheid (4.30) // 2 August 1943 - Hamburg (4.45) // 9 August 1943 - Mannheim (5.50) // 12 August 1943 - Milan (8.00) // 17 August 1943 - Peenemunde (6.50) // 23 August 1943 - Berlin (7.10) // No.97 Squadron // 22 September 1943 - Oldenburg (4.35) // 23 September 1943 - Mannheim (6.00) // 1 October 1943 - Hagen (4.30) // 2 October 1943 - Munich (7.50) // 4 October 1943 - Frankfurt (5.20) // 9 October 1943 - Hanover (4.55) // 18 October 1943 - Hanover (4.50) // 20 October 1943 - Leipzig (6.45) // 22 October 1943 - Kassel (5.35) // 10 November 1943 - Modane (6.35) // 11 November 1943 - Cannes (7.40) // 17 November 1943 - Mannheim (5.35) // 22 November 1943 - Berlin (5.45) // 27 November 1943 - Berlin (6.30) // 10 December 1943 - Berlin (6.40) // 20 December 1943 - Frankfurt (4.20) // 23 December 1943 - Berlin (6.30) // 14 January 1944 - Brunswick (5.00) // 21 January 1944 - Magdeburg (6.20) // 27 January 1944 - Berlin (6.45) // 15 February 1944 - Berlin (6.45) // 19 February 1944 - Leipzig (6.10) // 20 February 1944 - Stuttgart (5.55) // 27 February 1944 - Schweinfurt (6.55) // 15 March 1944 - Stuttgart (6.40) // Warrant Officer Curtis has completed 38 successful sorties against enemy targets, 25 of them in the Pathfinder Force, of which 24 have been marker sorties. // He is the mid-upper gunner of a crew which have many very successful sorties to their credit, and who have been attacked several times by enemy aircraft but have always successfully pressed home their attacks, frequently in the face of the heaviest opposition. // There is no doubt that Warrant Officer Curtis's vigilance and coolness under fire have, on more than one occasion, been the means of enabling his crew to reach the peak of efficiency which they have now attained.
CURTIS, Russell Edward Sergeant, No.104 Squadron/No.428 Squadron, R66257 Distinguished Flying Medal - Distinguished Service Order RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
Description (click to view)
CURTIS, Sergeant Russell Edward (R66257, later J24086) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.104 Squadron - Award effective 1 December 1942 as per London Gazette dated 4 December 1942 and AFRO 2069/42 dated 18 December 1942. American in RCAF. Born in Pennsylvania, 20 May 1921; home in Albion, Pennsylvania. Attended a “civilian military training camp” for four years. Farm hand and florist, 1937 to 1939. Employed in 1940 by Skelly’s Flying Service, Greenville, Pennsylvania as mechanic, pilot, obtaining private pilots license. . Enlisted in Niagara Falls, Ontario, 7 October 1940. To No.1 Manning Depot, 7 October 1940. To No.1 BGS, 8 November 1940 for non-flying duties. To No.1 ITS, 15 January 1941 (graduated 20 February 1941); to No.10 EFTS on 21 February 1941 (graduated 22 April 1941), to No.1 Manning Depot, 22 April 1941; to No.8 SFTS, 2 May 1941 (graduated 27 July 1941 and promoted Sergeant). Warned for embarkation, 28 July 1941. To RAF overseas, 15 August 1941. Taken on strength of No.3 PRC, Bournemouth, 8 September 1941. To No.21 OTU, 23 September 1941. To No.15 OTU, 4 January 1942. To Middle East, 18 January 1942. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 1 February 1942. Taken on strength of No.104 Squadron, Middle East, 14 February 1942. Promoted WO2, 1 August 1942. To No.23 Personnel Transit Centre, 15 October 1942. Repatriated to Canada, 21 December 1942, disembarking 31 December 1942. Commissioned 20 February 1943. To No.1 Flying Instructor School, 5 March 1943. To No.5 SFTS, 10 June 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 20 August 1943. To No.12 (Communications) Squadron, 31 October 1943 as ferry pilot. To No.165 (Transport) Squadron, 8 December 1943. To “Y” Depot, Halifax, 31 March 1944. Taken on strength of No.3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth, 24 April 1944 (actually the date he embarked from Halifax). Disembarked in Britain, 7 May 1944. To No.61 Base, 25 May 1944. Attached to Dalton Battle School, 25 May to 1 June 1944. Attached to No.1666 Conversion Unit, 1-29 June 1944. To No.428 Squadron, 29 June 1944. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 29 July 1944. To No.64 Base, 28 September 1944. Repatriated 28 December 1944. Released 23 April 1945. As of 1949 he was with Spartan School of Aeronautics, in Oklahoma. DFC and DFM presented in Chicago, 28 November 1947. Died January 1990 as per Airforce Magazine of July-August-September 1990. Medals and logbook displayed in RCAF Memorial Museum, Trenton, Ontario. Shown in photographs PL-34736 and PL-14749. // Sergeant Curtis is a most determined pilot who, throughout his operational career, has always succeeded in his attacks which have sometimes been made in the face of severe ground opposition. Once, following an attack on the marshalling yards at Messina, his aircraft was hit and severely damaged. With great skill he flew it back to base, executing a masterly landing without injury to his crew. Three weeks later the engine of his aircraft failed when over the target area but by superb airmanship he managed to maintain height for two hours in bad weather conditions, before making a successful crash landing without injuring his crew. This airman's operational record was of the very highest standard and his technical ability outstanding. // NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9606 has recommendation dated 3 November 1942 which is rather more detailed than that published: // This Non-Commissioned Officer has completed 29 operational sorties and has always shown the greatest determination at bombing the target. Without exception on all trips that he has completed he has bombed in the target area, in many cases against severe ground opposition. On three of his trips he has saved his crew through piloting of the highest order. Once after attacking Messina with a 4,000-pound bomb and hitting the marshalling yards, causing very large explosions and fires, his aircraft was hit and one of the fuel lines severed. This became evident shortly after leaving the target and one engine stopped. He managed to isolate the damaged system and returned over Malta where both engines cut through lack of fuel. He was unable to make a landing on the aerodrome and successfully executed a perfect landing in the water just off shore without injury to the crew. // Three weeks later while attacking Tmini aerodrome the engine failed over the target. He maintained height for two hours in conditions of low cloud and bad visibility, found a flarepath and made a successful landing without damage to the aircraft or injury to the crew. // Yet again, returning from a raid, one engine caught fire over the Delta which he extinguished and as he was losing height fast, set course for the nearest aerodrome. He was unable to complete a circuit ad had to land across the flarepath. This landing he executed with great skill and brought the machine to rest again without damage or injury to his crew. // This Non-Commissioned Officer's operational record so far is of the very highest standard and his ability to handle aircraft under adverse conditions gives an example of the ability he displays when under enemy fire. // CURTIS, F/L Russell Edward, DFM (J24086) - Distinguished Service Order - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 3 November 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1/45 dated 5 January 1945. Cited with F/O D.A. McGillivray (RCAF, awarded DSO), F/L Hugh F. Smith (RCAF, awarded DFC), F/O Robert G. Marshall (RCAF, awarded DFC), F/O Charles F. Wattie (RCAF, awarded DFC), and Sergeant J.D. Rose (RAF, awarded DFM). Medals and logbook displayed in RCAF Memorial Museum, Trenton, Ontario. // DHist file 181.009 D.1634 (RG.24 Volume 20604) has original recommendation by W/C A.C. Hull dated 15 September 1944 when he had flown 50 sorties (301 hours 40 minutes) as follows: // On the 12th August [sic, September], on the penultimate trip of his second tour, while attacking Dortmund, Flight Lieutenant Curtis’s aircraft was struck heavily by predicted flak while on the bombing run. Flight Lieutenant Curtis received dangerous head wounds and his rear gunner was killed. Despite the severity of his wounds he pressed on to the target, bombed successfully, and took his bombing photographs before turning off the target. Only then did he ask for assistance in piloting the aircraft. He then collapsed and was placed in the rest position. On arrival at hospita; it was found that Flight Lieutenant Curtis had received a compound fracture of the skull, necessitating immediate operation. For gallantry far beyond the ordinary, I recommend the immediate award of the DSO. // The sortie list covering both tours was as follows: // First Tour // 15 March 1942 - Benghazi (7.20) // 23 March 1942 - Salamis (9.30) // 30 March 1942 - Benghazi (7.10) // 11 April 1942 - Crete (7.40) // 20 April 1942 - Benghazi (7.05) // 23 April 1942 - Benghazi (8.00) // 7 May 1942 - convoy (7.15) // 9 May 1942 - Benghazi (7.25) // 13 May 1942 - Benghazi (6.25) // 26 May 1942 - Messina (3.20) // 28 May 1942 - Messina (3.15) // 29 May 1942 - Catania (4.40) // 31 May 1942 - Messina (4.05) // 3 June 1942 - Catania (2.50) // 5 June 1942 - Naples (6.15) // 6 June 1942 - Messina (2.35) // 8 June 1942 - Taranto (5.50) // 9 June 1942 - Taranto (5.45) // 22 June 1942 - Tinimi (5.35) // 27 June 1942 - Western Desert (5.40) // 30 June 1942 - Crete (8.45) // 2 July 1942 - Western Desert (5.10) // 3 July 1942 - Western Desert (5.50) // 6 July 1942 - Tobruk (4.55) // 7 July 1942 - Tobruk (7.15) // 8 July 1942 - Tobruk (6.40) // 14 July 1942 - Tobruk (7.35) // 5 September 1942 - Tobruk (7.45) // 9 September 1942 - Tobruk (7.10) // Second Tour // 5 July 1944 - Gardening (6.35) // 18 July 1944 - Wesseling (6.15) // 20 July 1944 - L’Hey (3.45, day) // 23 July 1944 - Kiel (5.35) // 24 July 1944 - Stuttgart (9.20) // 25 July 1944 - Stuttgart (9..10) // 28 July 1944 - Hamburg (5.20) // 3 August 1944 - Bois de Casson (4.55, day) // 4 August 1944 - Bois de Casson (4.30, day) // 5 August 1944 - St. Leu (5.30, day) // 7 August 1944 - Mer de Magna (4.50) // 9 August 1944 - Coulonvillers (4.25, day) // 10 August 1944 - La Pallice (6.55) // 12 August 1944 - Brunswick (6.20) // 14 August 1944 - Falaise (4.55, day) // 15 August 1944 - Soesterberg (3.55, day) // 25 August 1944 - Russellheim (9.00) // 27 August 1944 - Mimoyceques (3.55, day) // 29 August 1944 - Stettin (10.00) // 6 September 1944 - Emden (4.05) // 12 September 1944 - Dortmund // Notes: // On his first tour he reported 33 sorties (250 hours five minutes) with No.104 Squadron. Application for Bar to Operation Badge (22 September 1944) stated he had flown 21 sorties on second tour (124 hours 35 minutes) from 5 July to 12 September 1944. // On 8 May 1944 he stated that he would like to go to medium bombers, “Marauders if possible” and wanted J19504 P/O R.G. Marshall to be in his crew. It should be noted that Marshall was in his Lancaster crew on 12 September 1944. // Severely wounded, 12 September 1944 when hit by flak during a daylight raid on Dortmund. The rear gunner was killed (F/O J.J. Flood, Toronto, 21 sorties) and the bomb aimer flew the bomber home, making a successful landing at Woodbridge. Lancaster KB793, flak damage to fuselage and tail unit; port tyre burst on landing, aircraft swung and port undercarriage collapsed; port mainplane and propellers damaged; engines shock loaded. The left side of his skull was injured (compound fracture); lost power of speech when coming over the English Channel. Although he spoke of having his “brains hanging out”, he was not so dramatically injured, although surgery performed that day at Ipswich and Suffolk General Hospital. He recovered his speech the same night (15 hours after being wounded, 12 hours after operation). There had been much loss of blood and motor powers before operation. However, subsequent examinations confirmed skull damage and a plate was inserted on 23 February 1945. // Assessments: During his course at No.1 Flying Instructor School (21 April to 24 May 1943) he showed up well. “Throughout the course this man applied himself exceptionally well and has shown keen interest at all times. In my opinion he will prove an excellent instructor.” (F/O J.G. Stewart, 19 June 1943). // “This officer has completed an operational tour of duties as a bomber pilot. A hard working pilot who has very little interest in instructing. It iis recommended that he be retained in the service and promoted to the rank of Acting Flying Officer. Itt is suggested that he might be more suitable employed in some other capacity. “ (F/L A.T. Wilson, No.5 SFTS, Brantford, 12 August 1943). // RCAF Press Release No.8005 dated 28 December 1944 from F/O George Sinclair, transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates, reads: // WITH RCAF IN BRITAIN: -- F/L R.E. Curtis, DSO, DFM, of Albion, PA., USA, did a full tour of bombing operations in the Mediterranean theatre. Then he did a second tour over Germany and won the Air Force’s second highest award for gallantry in an exploit that nearly cost him his life. Just released from hospital, he is passing through a RCAF Repatriation Depot on his way home for leave, and then, he hopes, for posting to the Pacific theatre, for Curtis hasn’t seen enough action yet. // During the bitter period of the Battle of Alamein and after, F/L Curtis and the Canadian crew of his Wellington were unloading bombs on Benghazi and other famed hot spots from bases in the desert and Malta. Several times he was badly shot up, and once, when his fuel tanks had been holed by shrapnel at Messina, he was forced to crash his bomber into California Bay, just short of his base in Malta. F/L Curtis won the Distinguished Flying Medal for that tour of operations. // When the Allies invaded Normandy, F/L Curtis again volunteered for action, this time piloting a Lancaster with the Canadian Bomber group in England, attacking many tactical targets in daylight as well as flying in the mass night attacks on German cities. // The flight which won F/L Curtis the Distinguished Service Order was the first daylight attack by the RCAF and RAF on the Rhur Valley. Next to Berlin, Germany’s most heavily defended area. It was to be Curtis’ last operation and the target was Dortmund. “We were just turning in on our bombing run,” F/L Curtis said, “when the kite shuddered and I found blood streaming down my face. We had picked up three direct hits. The rear gunner was killed, I was wounded in the head, the port rudder and the elevator trim were gone, and the aircraft looked like a sieve – but we still had four engines so we went on in to the target.” // In spite of his wound and the black puffs of flak bursts,which surrounded the Lancaster, Curtis brought the aircraft under control and made a successful bombing run. A few minutes later, he collapsed and the aircraft was brought back to a safe crash landing by the bomb-aimer. “None of us were even scratched on any of our other trips”, F/L Curtis says, “but once we had a drafty trip home from Stuttgart when a piece of shrapnel smashed our windshield.” // The 23-year-old pilot says he wants to stay with the RCAF and would like to unload a few bombs on Tokyo before he leaves the service.
CURTIS, Wilfred Austin Air Vice Marshall, RCAF Overseas Headquarters, C317 Commander, Order of the British Empire - Companion, Order of the Bath RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
Description (click to view)
CURTIS, A/V/M Wilfred Austin, DSC (C317) - Commander, Order of the British Empire - RCAF Overseas Headquarters - Award effective 28 May 1943 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1459/43 dated 30 July 1943. Born in Havelock, Ontario, 21 August 1893; home in Toronto; trained at Curtiss School in Toronto, 1916; appointed Probationary Flight Sub-Lieutenant in RNAS in Ottawa, 11 August 1916. At Crystal Palace, 17 September 1916; at Cranwell, 14 October 1916; with No.12 (N) Squadron, 6-25 June 1917; with No.6 (N) Squadron, 25 June to 28 August 1917; with No.10 (N) Squadron, 28 August 1917 to 26 February 1918. First World War fighter ace. Postwar Militia Officer with the Toronto Scottish before joining RCAF Auxiliary and helping to organize No.110 Squadron. Promoted Wing Commander, 1939. Worked in Administration Branch selecting aerodrome sites in Canada. Appointed Director, Postings and Record, RCAF Headquarters, 1940; to command No.2 Service Flying Training School, Uplands, 1942. Returned to AFHQ as Director of Air Force Manning. Participated in ferrying of Liberator AL519 from Montreal to Goose Bay, 17 November 1941 and Goose Bay to Britain, 22 November 1941. Later Chief of Air Staff (1947-1953). Awarded Queen's Coronation Medal, 23 October 1953. Appointed Officer, Order of Canada, 15 July 1967. Died 7 August 1977. See Winter 1977 issue of Journal of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society for obituary and brief biography. Photos PL-2785 and PL-2787 taken when G/C W.A. Curtis handed over command to G/C F.S. McGill. // RCAF photo PL-2786 taken at No.2 SFTS when G/C W.A. Curtiss handed over command to G/C F.S. McGill; F/O A.M. Haig included in group. RCAF photo PL-2950 show G/C Curtis presenting wings to John Gillespie Magee, 16 June 1941. PL-7412 taken early in war. RE-19664 taken with Sopwith Camel. RE19664-3A taken 1918. Photo RE-10667 shows him in CAF uniform, 1923. RCAF photo PL-15899 (ex UK-3928 dated 18 May 1943) shows A/V/M W.A. Curtis, Deputy Air Officer Commanding in Chief Overseas, talking to P/O George Keith, Taber, Alberta at a forward airfield in Tunisia; at right is W/C G.R. Gilroy, DSO, DFC, Edinburgh, leading a Spitfire wing. RCAF photo PL-19063 (ex UK-4199 dated 31 May 1943) taken when King George and Queen Elizabeth visited “an RCAF station in the English Midlands”, the Queen chatting with W/C Paul Davoud (left), A/V/M W.A. Curtis and W/C George Elms. Photo PL-35865A is a wartime portrait. PL-110424 is portrait, February 1952. Recommended for CBE in April 1943 by Air Marshal Harold Edwards. It appears he had been recommended earlier, but the suggestion had not reached Priority List for honours. The following citation was found in Governor General's Records, RG.7 Group 26, File 190-I (1943 dossier). // Air Vice-Marshal Curtis, DSC, has rendered untiring and devoted service since the commencement of present hostilities. In the Auxiliary Active Air Force, prior to the present war, this officer's display of energy, leadership and integrity, combined with a pleasing personality, was an inspiration to all those with whom he came in contact. Since September 1939, Air Vice-Marshal Curtis has consecutively filled with distinction, high executive positions in No.1 Training Command Headquarters, Air Force Headquarters and RCAF Headquarters Overseas. This officer's diligence, devotion to duty, keenness and conscientiousness in his every effort, his loyalty and industriousness to complete the tasks at hand, have combined to make him an invaluable officer. // NOTE: the undated 1942 recommendation for a CBE (not issued) is interesting and could be compared to final: // Air Vice Marshal Curtis has brought to the Service a fund of knowledge and experience based on last war service, a successful business career and a most satisfactory record in the Auxiliary Air Force. Since the beginning of the war he has an excellent record as Headquarters Staff Officer and also as a Station Commander. Since his arrival in the United Kingdom he has been called upon to aid in dealing with problems arising out of the interpretation of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, problems dealing with training generally and the multitude of questions which occur when two Services with different procedures and systems endeavour to co-operate towards a common goal. These problems have been met with tact and diplomacy and his handling of RCAF-RAF Liaison has been to no small degree responsible for the happy relations which exist. By his zeal and enthusiasm he infects all RCAF personnel and his services are eminently outstanding. // CURTIS, A/V/M Wilfred Austin, CBE, DSC, ED (C317) - Companion, Order of the Bath - AFHQ - Award effective 13 June 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 660/46 dated 5 July 1946. Recommended 26 March 1946 by Air Marshal Leckie: // Air Vice-Marshal Curtis served with the Auxiliary Air Force for a number of years before the war. Through his voluntary efforts he thus obtained valuable experience in Air Force matters and thus at the start of hostilities was immediately entrusted with important responsibilities. He served in various senior staff positions including that of Deputy Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Overseas, and he has been a member of the Air Force Council since 1943. He represents the Royal Canadian Air Force on the United States-Canada Permanent Joint Board on Defence. His outstanding devotion to duty, tactful manner, skill and persistence have enabled him to render most valuable contribution to the efficient administration of the Royal Canadian Air Force. // CURTIS, A/V/M Wilfred Austin, CB, CBE, DSC, ED (C317) - US Legion of Merit (Degree of Commander) - Air Force Headquarters - Award effective 18 June 1946 as per Canada Gazette dated 13 July 1946 and AFRO 726/46 dated 26 July 1946. Colonel R.E.S. Williams, Military Attache, to AFHQ, 31 May 1946, gives citation: // Air Vice Marshal Wilford [sic] A. Curtis, Royal Canadian Air Force, distinguished himself as a member of the Permanent Joint Board on Defence, Canada-United States, from April 1944 to March 1946. He ably assisted in expediting the solution of problems pertaining to the placing of American troops and installations within the Dominion of Canada. His characteristic cooperation and devotion to duty materially furthered the collaboration of the two countries in ensuring the security of the North American continent during World War II. // CURTIS, A/V/M Wilfred Austin (C317) - Chevalier of the Legion of Honour (France) - AFHQ - AFRO 485/47 dated 12 September 1947. // CURTIS, A/V/M Wilfred Austin (C317) - Croix de Guerre avec Palm (France) - AFHQ - AFRO 485/47 dated 12 September 1947. External Affairs file “French Awards to Canadian Armed Forces - Particular Cases” (Library and Archives Canada, RG.25, Box 4140) has the following citation: // Air Vice-Marshal Curtis served with distinction as Deputy Air Officer-Commanding-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Air Force Overseas during the early years of the organization of the Royal Canadian Air Force Striking Force in England, which assisted so ably in the liberation of France. // CURTIS, A/M Wilfred Austin (C317) - Military Order of Italy, Degree of Commander - Awarded as per AFRO 798/51.
CURTIS, William Arthur Pilot Officer, No.433 Squadron, J86474 Distinguished Flying Cross RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
Description (click to view)
CURTIS, P/O William Arthur (J86474) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.433 Squadron - Award effective 2 October 1944 as per London Gazette dated 17 October 1944 and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born 17 April 1922, Neepawa, Manitoba (obituary notice); home in Melfort, Saskatchewan; enlisted Saskatoon, 18 September 1941. Trained at No.7 ITS (graduated 1 August 1942) and No.9 AOS (graduated 30 December 1942). Commissioned 1944. Released 3 October 1945. Attended University of Saskatchewan on DVA credits and obtained a degree if Pharmacology. Re-engaged in RCAF, 5 April 1950 to 19 November 1971 as a pharmacist, rising to Squadron Leader and serving at Goose Bay, Baden-Soellingen, Central Medical Equipment Depot (Petawawa), National Defence Centre and on the staff of the National Defence Medical Centre. Died in Ottawa, 16 May 2010. Award presented 22 April 1950. Photo PL-54806 shows him being helped out of a Vampire by Corporal Aylmer, No.400 Squadron. PL-108136 shows him climbing out of a Sabre, March 1957. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.2609 (RG.24 Vol.20632) has recommendation dated 23 July 1944 when he had completed 28½ sorties (159 hours 40 minutes), 2 January 1944 to 19 July 1944. // This officer, the navigator of the crew captained by Pilot Officer Monahan, has since January 1944 completed 28½ sorties over enemy territory, including such long distance targets at Stuttgart, Schweinfurt and Nuremburg, calling for a high degree of navigational ability. // His outstanding ability and strong sense of duty have been a constant source of encouragement to his fellow navigators, and his cheerful confidence has inspired a high standard of morale in his crew. // Pilot Officer Curtis has at all times displayed exceptional fearlessness in the face of intensive enemy opposition and has cooly carried out his work efficiently... // The sortie list was as follows: // 2 January 1944 - Gardening (3.20) // 19 February 1944 - Leipzig (4.05, early return) // 20 February 1944 - Stuttgart (7.15) // 24 February 1944 - Schweinfurt (7.40) // 7 March 1944 - Le Mans (5.20) // 13 March 1944 - Le Mans (5.05) // 18 March 1944 - Frankfurt (6.05) // 24 March 1944 - Berlin (5.55, early return) // 30 March 1944 - Nuremberg (7.35) // 18 April 1944 - Noisy de Sec (5.20) // 20 April 1944 - Lens (4.35) // 22 April 1944 - Dusseldorf (5.30) // 24 April 1944 - Karlsruhe (6.35) // 26 April 1944 - Essen (5.10) // 30 April 1944 - Lorient (5.05) // 1 May 1944 - St. Nazaire (5.35) // 3 May 1944 - St. Nazaire (5.30) // 9 May 1944 - St. Valerie en Caux (4.20) // 10 May 1944 - Ghent (4.10) // 15 May 1944 - Kattegat (5.30) // 31 May 1944 - Au Fevre (5.05\) // 3 June 1944 - Ijmuiden (2.30) // 5 June 1944 - Houlgate (5.10) // 6 June 1944 - Conde sur Noireau (5.40) // 14 June 1944 - Cambrai (4.25) // 15 June 1944 - Boulogne (4.05) // 16 June 1944 - Sautrecourt (4.10) // 28 June 1944 - Lorient (5.00) // 6 July 1944 - Sautrecourt (3.55) // 18 July 1944 - Wesseling (5.55) // 19 July 1944 - Gardening Heligoland (4.05)
McALPINE, Charles Curtis Sergeant, Overseas, R94605/J85128 Mention in Despatches RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
Description (click to view)
McALPINE, Sergeant (now P/O) Charles Curtis (R94605/J85128) - Mention in Despatches - Overseas - Award effective 8 June 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1729/44 dated 11 August 1944. Born 20 February 1913. Home in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; enlisted Regina, 3 March 1941. Granted Leave Without Pay until 15 March 1941 when posted to No.2 Manning Depot. To No.36 SFTS (guard duty), 2 May 1941; to No.2 ITS, 9 June 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 21 July 1941 when posted to No.3 AOS; graduated 12 October 1941 when posted to No.5 BGS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 21 November 1941; to No.1 ANS, 22 November 1941; graduated 22 December 1941 and posted next day to “Y” Depot. To RAF overseas, 7 January 1942. Commissioned 3 March 1943. Repatriated May 1944. To No.2 BGS, 10 June 1944; to Mountain View, 19 July 1944; promoted Flying Officer, 3 September 1944; to No.1 BGS, 22 September 1944. To Release Centre, 10 March 1945; retired 12 March 1945. Postwar refinery worker. Died in Richmond, British Columbia, 14 October 1992. No citation in AFRO.
SHERWOOD, Melvyn Curtis Flying Officer, No.424 Squadron, J23409 Distinguished Flying Cross RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
Description (click to view)
SHERWOOD, F/O Melvyn Curtis (J23409) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.424 Squadron - Award effective 13 June 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1660/44 dated 4 August 1944. Born 4 August 1918 in Glenwood, Alberta; home in Calgary. Attending university before the war. Enlisted in Calgary, 22 September 1941. To No.3 Manning Dept, 30 December 1941; to No.4 ITS, 28 March 1942; promoted LAC, 22 May 1942 but not posted to No.5 EFTS until 1 July 1942; to No.3 SFTS. , 10 October 1942. Graduated and commissioned 5 February 1943. To “Y” Depot, 19 February 1943; to RAF overseas, 28 February 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 5 August 1943. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 5 February 1945. Repatriated 13 August 1945. Remained in RCAF, retaining rank of Flight Lieutenant as of 1 October 1946 (15660). Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 July 1953. Retired in 1964. Worked as a corporate Lear Jet pilot for ten years. He then owned and operated Sherwood Irrigation Company. Died in Calgary, 5 April 2003. Cited with F/O G.L. Spackman (which see). RCAF photo PL-32535 (ex UK-13701 dated 26 August 1944) shows him. // These officers were pilot and air bomber of an aircraft detailed to attack the railway junction at Aulnoye one night in April 1944. Just as the bombs were released over the target the aircraft was struck by shrapnel. The wings and the bomb doors were pierced by fragments of flying metal, the mid-upper turret was put out of action and its occupant was wounded. Displaying great promptitude, Flying Officer Spackman went to the assistance of his comrade and rendered efficient first aid. A fire had started just behind the bulkhead of the petrol tanks near to the flames. Flying Officer Sherwood ordered all the engines to be fed from this tank, thus to reduce the contents as soon as possible and minimize the danger. Eventually Flying Officer Sherwood reached this country and made a safe landing. This officer displayed great courage and determination in hazardous circumstances. Flying Officer Spackman also proved himself to be a gallant and cool member of aircraft crew throughout the homeward flight. He never spared himself in his endeavours to be of assistance to his captain. // RCAF Press Release No. 5355 dated 29 May 1944 from F/L H.W. Eggleston, transcribed by Huguette Oates, reads: // WITH THE RCAF BOMBER GROUP OVERSEAS: -- Two lads who formed a friendship at a bomber conversion unit in England and were crewed up together to fly Halifax bombers have just been awarded immediate DFC’s. They are F/O M.C. “Mel” Sherwood (711 Third Avenue West, Calgary, Alberta and F/O G.L. “Grant” Spackman (Raymond, Alberta), pilot and bomb-aimer respectively, of the “Tiger” squadron. Curiously enough, both hail from southern Alberta and are members of the Mormon sect in that district. F/O Sherwood is 25 years of age, F/O Spackman, 22. // The Albertans received their distinguished awards for an outstanding show of fortitude and determination one night during an attack on the railway marshalling yards at Aulnoye, France. Flying in the “Hally” bomber “J for Johnny”, they had just dropped their bombs on the target when the “kite” was caught in flak from the enemy’s ack-ack guns. The terrific blast started a fire in the port wing, rendered the mid-upper turret useless, and a piece of flak wounded the mid-upper gunner in the leg. // With the fire still burning in the wing as the pilot steered the aircraft for home, F/O Spackman returned to the centre of the aircraft and rendered first aid to the wounded gunner. At the same time, the flight engineer drained the two petrol tanks leading to the port outer engine by shutting off the balance of the tanks to avoid a further conflagration. The fire continued to burn in the wing for 53 minutes, time which elapsed for the aircraft to travel from the target area to an emergency ‘drome on the coast of England. // The great teamwork of the pilot and bomb-aimer continued when the aircraft was still taxiing down the runway. Before F/O Sherwood could bring it to a halt, F/O Spackman had climbed out on the wing with a fire extinguisher in an attempt to douse the fire. He was still using it when the fire fighters came on the scene. The feat of these two airmen was all the more creditable when it is considered that they could have bailed out or “ditched” into the sea. But bearing in mind that they had a wounded gunner aboard, they preferred to stick it out in order that the gunner would have every chance. // Slightly built, F/O Sherwood, who only weighs in the neighbourhood of 150 pounds, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. N. Sherwood of Calgary. He is single. Before he joined the RCAF in Calgary in September 1941, he was a student engineer at the University of Montana. He took his training in Edmonton and High River, winning his wings and commission in his home city February 5, 1943. Posted overseas immediately, he underwent the usual training in England before joining his present squadron. To date he has 18 sorties to his credit on enemy targets, including such cities as Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Essen and Hanover, etc. // Before he donned the air force blue, the youthful skipper was prominent in basketball and lacrosse circles in Lethbridge, Alberta. A younger brother, Forrest, who joined up with him, but was later grounded for medical reasons, is serving as an armourer at Lethbridge, Alberta. // Son of Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Spackman of Raymond, Alberta, F/O Spackman is a husky lad compared to his skipper. He was farming for his father when he heard the call to the colours in February, 1942, when he joined up at Calgary, Alberta. He took his training at Regina and Lethbridge, Alberta, and won his wings and commission at Edmonton. He came overseas immediately after graduation, went through the usual training, and then joined his present squadron. He has made 17 sorties on enemy targets along with his skipper. F/O Spackman is a graduate of the Olds Agricultural College. He has an elder brother, Robert, serving with the Canadian Army in England. // Neither of the newly-decorated airmen drink or smoke but admit that they are awfully fond of dancing.
McDIARMID, Maxwell Curtis Squadron Leader and Wing Comma, No.3 Service Flying Training School, C809 Air Force Cross RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
Description (click to view)
McDIARMID, S/L (now W/C) Maxwell Curtis (C809) - Air Force Cross - No.3 Service Flying Training School - Awarded as per London Gazette dated 1 January 1945 and AFRO 89/45 dated 19 January 1945. Born 23 January 1914 in Melville, Saskatchewan (RCAF Press Release 4907 reporting award). Educated there. Employed by Saskatchewan Provincial Government. Enlisted 24 August 1937 when appointed Provisional Pilot Officer (Non-Permanent), with No.120 Squadron. Confirmed in rank, 24 August 1938; attended camps at Dundurn (1938) and Calgary (1939); qualified for Pilot’s Flying Badge, 23 April 1939; promoted Flying Officer, 9 May 1939. Flight Lieutenant as of 1 November 1940. At No.35 SFTS as of 19 January 1941. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 June 1942. To AFHQ, 6 August 1943. To No.3 SFTS, 23 January 1944. Promoted Wing Commander, 1 August 1944. To No.7 Release Centre, 24 February 1945. Retired 1 March 1945. Died 10 March 1976 at Nakusp, British Columbia as per British Columbia Vital Statistics. Had completed 1,513 flying hours to date, 949 hours as instructor, 22 hours in previous six months. This officer is a skilled instructor and an excellent leader. For over four years he has carried out various flying instructional duties in an exemplary manner and has maintained this excellent record as chief instructor at this flying school. He is a most progressive and energetic officer who has shown a great deal of initiative as chief instructor. His contribution to the training plan has been outstanding.
CURTIS, Clayton Sergeant, No.408 Squadron, 1000250 Distinguished Flying Medal Commonwealth Air Forces WWII
Description (click to view)
CURTIS, Sergeant Clayton (RAF 1000250) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.408 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 13 March 1942. Born at Rock Ferry, 1921; home in Borough, Birkinhead (local government officer); enlisted May 1940. No citation published in London Gazette other than "for gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations" (Air Ministry Bulletin 6484). Flight, 26 March 1942 published the following citation: As Wireless Operator/Air Gunner this airman has participated in raids against heavily defended industrial centres and dockyard installations. These attacks were pressed home with great determination. Recently Sergeant Curtis attacked a tanker near Emden, and in spite of heavy opposition, scored a direct hit from a height of only 20 feet. This airman has performed excellent work and he has played a good part in the successes obtained. NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9263 has a recommended citation as placed before Air Minister Honours and Awards Committee; he had flown 26 sorties (160 operational hours); the citation seems more for a pilot or bomb aimer than a gunner: This airman commenced his operational tour in August 1941. As wireless operator/air gunner he has participated in raids against highly defended industrial centres and dockyard installations. These attacks were pressed home with great determination. Recently, Sergeant Curtis attacked a tanker near Emden and, in spite of heavy opposition, scored a direct hit from a height of only 20 feet. This airman has performed excellent work and he has played a good part in the successes obtained.
CURTIS, Derek John Corporal , SEE DESCRIPTION, SEE DESCRIPTION Meritorious Service Medal CF Postwar Aviation Services
Description (click to view)
CURTIS, Derek John, Corporal - Meritorious Service Medal - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 14 January 1993. From Edmonton, Alberta. Co-recipients: Sergeant A.R.B, Best, Corporal R.J. Brown, Corporal D.P. Darbyson, Sergeant G.M. Dominie, Master Corporal J.B.A. Houle, Corporal B. House, Corporal J.G.E. Larouche, Corporal J.M. Lessard, Corporal T.S. MacDiarmid, Corporal K.I. McKellar, Master Corporal R.J. Mondeville, Corporal R.J. O'Reilly, Corporal J.A.J. Roy, Master Corporal J.L.J.M. Tremblay and Master Corporal R.D. Walker. // On 1 November 1991, these sixteen Search and Rescue Technicians demonstrated outstanding professional skills, determination and courage in the face of considerable risk. Following the crash of a Hercules aircraft near Canadian Forces Station Alert in the Northwest Territories, they successfully parachuted in dangerous blizzard conditions. Darkness and severe weather obscured the ground and forced them to parachute into unknown surface conditions, using an untried night procedure. They were able to locate the survivors, carry out triage and provide emergency medical treatment, thus saving many lives.
CURTIS
Description (click to view)
JAMES EDWARD LAC R131242 - Rdf mechanic. From Hamilton, Ontario. Killed Feb 26/43. #76 Signals Wing, Castel Mawr, Wales. LAC Curtis was killed when an Army truck and a RAF truck collided on Mill St., Aberystwth, Wales. Leading AirCraftman Curtis is buried in the Aberystwth Cemetery, Cardinganshire, Wales.
CURTIS
Description (click to view)
KENNETH GEORGE FS(AG) R90186. From Pembroke, Ontario. Killed in Action Jan 21/43 age 20. #103 Squadron (Noli Me Tangere). Lancaster aircraft #W 4340 failed to return from operations, presumed over target, presumed enemy action. F/O T. Lundberg was also killed. Five of the crew, not Canadians, missing believed killed. Flight Sergeant Air Gunner Curtis has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.
CURTIS
Description (click to view)
WENDELL STUART F/O(P) J39818//R118487. From Stanstead, Quebec. Killed in Action Nov 7/44 age 21. #442 Caribou Squadron. P/O Curtis was the pilot of Spitfire aircraft #NH 556 and was bombing a railway junction at Hauxbeck, Germany when he was hit by flak. The aircraft went straight into the ground one and one half mile south of the target, no parachute was seen. Flying Officer Pilot Curtis was buried in the Nottuln Cemetery, Germany, exhumed, and reinterred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Germany.
CURTIS
Description (click to view)
WILLIAM JOHN F/O(P) J22337. From Vancouver, British Columbia. Killed Jul 18/44 age 35. #165 Canadian Squadron, Sea Island, British Columbia. Dakota aircraft crashed. Please see Stroud W.D. for casualty list and flight detail. Flying Officer Pilot Curtis is buried in the Mountain View Cemetery, Vancouver, British Columbia.
CURTIS
Description (click to view)
J.E. R131242. Correct spelling of the Cemetery is Aberystwyth, not Aberystwth. Detail provided by A.E. Barnard, Burlington, On.