EASSON, F/O James Garvin (J12095) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.7 Squadron (Canada) - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 132/45 dated 26 January 1945. Born 18 August 1917 in Toronto. Home in Toronto (North Toronto Collegiate, 1933-1938 and University of Toronto, 1938-1940 in Mechanical Engineering; worked summers, 1935 through 1939 as instructor of sailing, Toronto Yacht Club). ); enlisted there 11 May 1940 and posted to No.1 Manning Depot; to No.1 ITS, 27 May 1940; graduated and promoted LAC, 24 June 1940 and though he had been posted to No.4 EFTS as of 21 June 1940; to No.2 SFTS, 31 August 1940; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 1 December 1940; to No.3 Training Command Headquarters, 11 December 1940; To No.1 ANS, Rivers, 5 January 1941; to No.1 SFTS, Camp Borden, 4 March 1941; to No.6 SFTS, Dunnville, 3 April 1941. Promoted WO2, 1 December 1941. To No.1 ANS, Rivers, 22 May 1942. Commissioned 31 May 1942. To Western Air Command, Victoria, 3 July 1942. To No.6 (BR) Squadron, Alliford Bay, 9 July 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 30 November 1942. To No,.3 OTU, Patricia Bay, 7 August 1943. To No.7 (BR) Squadron, Prince Rupert, 31 October 1943. Moved with that unit to Alliford Bay, 24 April 1944. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 31 May 1944. To No.5 OTU, Boundary Bay, 20 January 1945. To Station Moncton, 6 March 1945. To No.11 (BR) Squadron, Dartmouth, 8 March 1945. To Transport Conversion Squadron, Pennfield Ridge, 13 April 1945. To No.164 (Transport) Squadron, Moncton, 23 June 1945. To Release Centre4 January 1946. Released 19 January 1946. Rejoined RCAF in Toronto with rank of Flight Lieutenant, 9 April 1948 in Construction Engineering Branch (27925). To Training Command Headquarters, Trenton, 16 May 1948. To AFHQ (Air Member for Technical Services/Construction Engineering), 14 March 1950. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 January 1952. To Canadian Joint Staff, London, 12 January 1952; to No.30 Air Material Base, Langar, 16 October 1952. To AFHQ, 2 February 1953. To No.1 Air Division, Metz, 13 April 1953. To AFHQ, 10 May 1954. Promoted Wing Commander, 1 January 1957. Killed in crash of a Mitchell near Manotick, 1 March 1957. Aircraft was returning from Churchill. RCAF photo PL-2271 show him receiving wings from Billy Bishop. As of recommendation he had flown 2,227 hours, of which 806 were operational (132 sorties). Governor General's Records (RG.7 Group 26, Vol.58, file 190-I, dossier 6 has citation. This officer, since completing a successful non-operational tour as a flying instructor, has completed an operational tour in which he has proven himself to be an equally capable and energetic pilot on operations. His keenness and devotion to duty have been a splendid example to all ranks in his squadron. He has consistently displayed determination to complete his missions under the most adverse conditions. The skill and manner in which he has carried out his duties are most praiseworthy. Recommendation raised on 1 November 1944 by S/L Thomas Benson, and read as follows: This officer has completed a tour of operations with over 800 hours of operational flying, his monthly totals frequently exceeding 125 hours, in addition to a long non-operational tour as an instructor. His keenness and devotion to duty have been a splendid example to all ranks in his squadron. He has consistently displayed praiseworthy determination to complete his missions under the most adverse conditions. This was approved the same day by the station commander at Alliford Bay (W/C John W, McNee). Subsequently countersigned (date uncertain) by A/V/M F.V. Heakes and sent on to AFHQ Notes: Involved in accident, Dunnville, Yale 3427, 18 September 1940, with LAC J.L. Shanahan (RNZAF 402526); wing struck sentry box while taxying. Assessed as “Carelessness”. Upon his arrival at No.6 (BR) Squadron he made a favourable impression, especially as Squadron Navigation Officer. However, on 30 December 1942, F/L V.A. Margetts wrote, “This officer is not temperamentally suited as a Bomber Reconnaissance pilot on flying boats. Could be more usefully employed on single-engine landplanes as he is a qualified instructor on single engine types.” This opinion was supported by W/C H.J. Winney. This is virtually the only semi-adverse report on his file. On 13 April 1944, S/L . Dobson of No.7 (BR) Squadron wrote, “This officer has had a lot of flying experience both in training and operational commands. He is a fully qualified Canso pilot. He has developed a high spirit of esprit de corps in his crew.” The next day, W/C L.H. Brooks (Station Prince Rupert) wrote, “Excellent pilot and loyal, dependable officer. Worthy and capable of holding Flight Lieutenant rank.” Course at No.3 OTU, 12 July to 1 October 1943 (although the start date overlaps his sorties as listed in application for Operational Wing. Involved flying Stranraer aircraft - three hours ten minutes dual by day, 26.16 as first pilot by day, 30.15 as second pilot by day (6.15 on instruments or cloud flying) plus 6.15 dual by night, 6.15 as first pilot by night and six hours as second pilot by night. Also 26 hours in Link. Bombing Results as follows - no night bombing but dropped 42 bombs on fixed target by day (average error, 20 yards) and 32 bombs by day on moving target (described as “above average” Gunnery training was 400 rounds on ground, 300 rounds air to ground and 700 rounds air-to-air. Ground courses in Ship Recognition, Practical Airmanship, Meteorology, Navigation, Photography, Signals. Described as follows - “Shown a keen and intelligent interest throughout the course. Good average ability and very willing to learn.” Applying for Operational Wing, 15 October 1944, he listed the following sorties, all described as “Anti-Submarine Patrols”: No.6 (BR) Squadron 16 July 1942 - Stranraer - 6.30 19 July 1942 - Stranraer - 6.20 20 July 1942 - Stranraer - 6.00 21 July 1942 - Stranraer - 5.30 23 July 1942 - Stranraer - 5.00 24 July 1942 - Stranraer - 3.45 25 July 1942 - Stranraer - 6.05 26 July 1942 - Stranraer - 1.05 28 July 1942 - Stranraer - 6.30 31 July 1942 - Stranraer - 2.20 1 August 1942 - Stranraer - 3.40 6 August 1942 - Stranraer - 3.10 7 August 1942 - Stranraer - 5.10 18 August 1942 - Stranraer - 1.30 31 August 1942 - Stranraer - 1.35 5 September 1942 - Stranraer - 3.15 21 October 1942 - Stranraer - 1.05 13 November 1942 - Stranraer - 5.25 15 November 1942 - Stranraer - 2.50 20 November 1942 - Stranraer - 1.45 24 November 1942 - Stranraer - 5.20 10 December 1942 - Stranraer - 4.35 15 December 1942 - Stranraer - 5.15 17 December 1942 - Stranraer - 5.20 27 December 1942 - Stranraer - 3.30 2 January 1943 - Stranraer - 5.50 8 February 1943 - Stranraer - 2.20 24 February 1943 - Stranraer - 4.20 7 March 1943 - Stranraer - 5.00 16 March 1943 - Stranraer - 5.20 20 March 1943 - Stranraer - 4.30 2 April 1943 - Stranraer - 6.45 9 April 1943 - Stranraer - 6.00 13 April 1943 - Stranraer - 6.00 6 May 1943 - Stranraer - 6.20 17 May 1943 - Stranraer - 5.40 23 May 1943 - Stranraer - 5.20 27 May 1943 - Stranraer - 6.00 2 June 1943 - Stranraer - 1.00 8 June 1943 - Stranraer - 4.10 10 June 1943 - Canso - 10.45 24 June 1943 - Stranraer - 6.00 28 June 1943 - Stranraer - 4.45 2 July 1943 - Stranraer - 4.30 3 July 1943 - Stranraer - 5.10 6 July 1943 - Stranraer - 6.15 8 July 1943 - Stranraer - 5.20 15 July 1943 - Canso - 10.05 20 July 1943 - Canso - 6.30 No.7 (BR) Squadron 11 December 1943 - Canso - 7.15 15 December 1943 - Canso - 3.00 20 December 1943 - Canso - 5.00 28 December 1943 - Canso - 4.00 2 January 1944 - Canso - 2.30 5 January 1944 - Canso - 6.15 8 January 1944 - Canso - 4.45 12 January 1944 - Canso - 7.15 22 January 1944 - Canso - 1.20 24 January 1944 - Canso - 4.50 25 January 1944 - Canso - 2.00 30 January 1944 - Canso - 3.00 31 January 1944 - Canso - 8.00 4 February 1944 - Canso - 4.45 8 February 1944 - Canso - 10.00 19 February 1944 - Canso - 11.05 22 February 1944 - Canso - 9.00 25 February 1944 - Canso - 10.05 22 March 1944 - Canso - 10.05 26 March 1944 - Canso - 10.15 4 April 1944 - Canso - 4.50 8 April 1944 - Canso - 11.30 23 April 1944 - Canso - 10.10 26 April 1944 - Canso - 12.50 30 April 1944 - Canso - 7.30 2 May 1944 - Canso - 5.15 5 May 1944 - Canso - 13.40 10 May 1944 - Catalina - 11.15 13 May 1944 - Catalina - 10.00 15 May 1944 - Catalina - 8.05 18 May 1944 - Catalina - 8.20 24 May 1944 - Canso - 11.25 28 May 1944 - Canso - 13.10 1 June 1944- Canso - 13.15 5 June 1944 - Catalina - 11.00 15 June 1944 - Canso - 5.40 16 June 1944 - Catalina - 10.05 23 June 1944 - Catalina - 20.40 29 June 1944 - Catalina - 9.00 3 July 1944 - Canso - 11.00 7 July 1944 - Canso - 12.00 11 July 1944 - Canso - 12.30 15 July 1944 - Canso - 11.40 19 July 1944 - Canso - 13.00 27 July 1944 - Canso - 10.20 26 August 1944 - Catalina - 12.25 30 August 1944 - Catalina - 10.20 1 September 1944 - Catalina - 5.25 3 September 1944 - Canso - 10.00 5 September 1944 - Canso - 10.00 7 September 1944 - Catalina - 10.10 9 September 1944 - Canso - 10.00 11 September 1944 - Canso - 10 10 12 September 1944 - Canso - 3.10 15 September 1944 - Catalina - 9.35 17 September 1944 - Canso - 11.05 19 September 1944 - Canso - 10.05 23 September 1944 - Catalina - 9.30 25 September 1944 - Canso - 10.20 27 September 1944 - Canso - 11.15 1 October 1944 - Canso - 4.15 3 October 1944 - Canso - 11.10 7 October 1944 - Canso - 11.15 13 October 1944 - Catalina - 7.00 Total: 113 sorties and 806 hours ten minutes. On 27 October 1945, Air Marshal Robert Leckie (Chief of the Air Staff) wrote the following letter to Air Officer Commanding, No.9 Transport Group, Rockcliffe: Mercy Flight - Cape Dorset - Baffin Island October 2nd to October 6th, 1945 1. The report covering the mercy flight to Cape Dorset-Baffin Island, which commenced October 2nd and was completed on October 6th, 1945, contains special reference to the able direction and guidance given by the Captain and Navigator of the aircraft, Squadron Leader D.S. Florence, DFC, CNO, No.8 Transport Group, the excellent pilotage of first pilot Flight Lieutenant J. Scott of No.164 Squadron, who was assisted by the following aircrew members: 2nd Pilot Flight Lieutenant J.G. Easson, DFC WAG F/O N.M. Roberts Crewman LAC Lloyd Raymond 2. The efficiency of the crew contributed greatly to the successful conclusion of this important flight over Canada’s Arctic regions, during a period of non too favourable weather conditions. 3. In the light of the foregoing, please compliment the crew for their excellent work in this connection. 4. A note to this effect has been entered in the officers’ documents. His postwar career as a engineering officer and staff officer was the subject of numerous positive assessments. On 22 August 1949, at Training Command Headquarters, S/L F.H. Nichols wrote, “This officer has a marked aptitudes for assimilating the essential requirements of problems assigned to him, some being quite diverse to his normal duties. His interest and efforts to improve in knowledge of his work is commendable. It is considered that he has an excellent potential in Construction Engineer work. He is a man of high character.”

HOGG, F/L James Easson (J21119) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.439 Squadron - Award effective 13 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 23 January 1945 and AFRO 471/45 dated 16 March 1945. Born 18 August 1916, South Shields, County Durham. Family moved to Canada when he was three. Home in Ottawa; educated Percy Street School and Glebe Collegiate. Worked for Canadian Car and Foundry. Formerly in the Royal Canadian Engineers (3 Field Company, Non-Permanent Militia), 20 August 1933 to 4 April 1939. Enlisted in RCAF, 5 April 1939 as groundcrew (coppersmith); reclassified as Metal Worker, 1 July 1939. Initially trained at Trenton; promoted AC1, 5 October 1939; to Ottawa, 15 October 1939; to No.11 (BR) Squadron, 28 October 1939; promoted LAC, 29 February 1940 (seniority from 1 July 1939); to No.4 Repair Depot, Dartmouth, 11 April 1940; to No.11 (BR) Squadron, 17 June 1940; promoted Corporal, 1 July 1940; promoted Sergeant, 1 November 1940; promoted Flight Sergeant, 1 October 1941. Remustered for aircrew and posted on 1 March 1942 to No.3 ITS, Victoriaville, reverting to AC2. Struck off strength of that unit, 5 June 1942 and posted to No.17 EFTS, Stanley, Nova Scotia; graduated 31 July 1942 and posted next day to No.2 SFTS, Uplands; (graduated and commissioned on 20 November 1942 at top of the class. Retained in Canada with No.123 Squadron, Debert. To \"Y\" Depot, Halifax, 30 August 1943. Embarked from New York 12 October 1943; disembarked in Britain, 19 October 1943. To Station Digby and No.439 Squadron, 31 December 1943. Declared tour expired, 28 November 1944. To No.57 OTU, 16 December 1944. To No.56 OTU, 21 December 1944. To No.83 GSU, 17 January 1945; to No.438 Squadron, 23 January 1945. Killed in flying accident, 23 March 1945 (Typhoon MP138; aircraft dived into sea during dive bombing practice; flying times given as 709 hours on all types, 178 hours on Typhoons). Photo PL-33186 shows him with members of the Canadian Army show and a 1,000-lb bomb - entertainers Virginia Stensell, Muriel Stuart, Lynda Tuero and Vera Cartwright. Brother, Sergeant W.G. Hogg served with RCE. Recommended when he had flown 92 sorties (93 operational hours). This officer, who is a flight commander, has participated in a large number of operational sorties and under his able leadership the squadron has attained many successes. On one occasion he led his section in an attack on a large railway bridge over the Rhine. Undeterred by intense anti-aircraft fire from the enemy\'s defences, he pressed home a determined attack and the bridge was destroyed. More recently Flight Lieutenant Hogg led the squadron in attacks against enemy communications in Germany and Northern Holland, often in the face of heavy opposition. Public Record Office Air 2/9043 has recommendation drafted approximately 25 October 1944 when he had flown 92 sorties (93 operational hours). Sortie list and submission as follows: 27 March 1944 - Fighter sweep, Cherbourg peninsula (1.10) 31 March 1944 - Fighter sweep, Cherbourg area (1.10) 30 April 1944 - Shipping patrol (1.30) 3 May 1944 - Roadstead, destroyer (1.05) 6 May 1944 - Defensive patrol (1.00) 7 May 1944 - Ramrod (1.25) 9 May 1944 - Ramrod, bridge at Long (1.10) 20 May 1944 - Ramrod, Noball (1.30) 22 May 1944 - Anti-flak on special target, Cap de la Hague (45 minutes) 22 May 1944 - Anti-flak on special target, Cap d? Antifer (1.10) 1 June 1944 - Channel patrol (1.20) 2 June 1944 - Ramrod, Wurtzburger, Anneville, Cherbourg (45 minutes) 5 June 1944 - Ramrod, Wurtzburger, Fort George, Guernsay (1.00) 6 June 1944 - Ramrod, German battery, Graye-sur-Mer (1.15) 7 June 1944 - Army support, armed recce southwest of Caen (1.20, ?good show?) 7 June 1944 - Fighter cover for armed recce, Bayeux-Caen (1.20) 8 June 1944 - Ramrod, army support, St. Concert (1.15, ?three tanks bombed and flamed?) 10 June 1944 - Ramrod, headquarters, Tourville (1.15) 12 June 1944 - Ramrod, tank concentration, Caen (1.15) 13 June 1944 - Ramrod, strong point north of Caen (1.20) 14 June 1944 - Fighter cover for Ramrod, Caen (1.20) 15 June 1944 - Ramrod, bridge, Amaye-sur-Orne (1.25) 16 June 1944 - Ramrod, ammo and petrol dump, Juviny (1.15, ?good successful?) 17 June 1944 - Ramrod, fighter cover, Cabourg (1.15) 17 June 1944 - Ramrod, bridge, Cabourg (1.15) 20 June 1944 - Ramrod, Noball south of St. Omer (1.25) 20 June 1944 - Ramrod, Npball south of St. Omer (1.00) 20 June 1944 - Ramrod, Noball south of St. Omer (1.20) 24 June 1944 - Fighter cover south of Lisieux (1.50) 28 June 1944 - Ramrod, railroad bridge, Foret de Grimbosq (25 minutes) 28 June 1944 - Ramrod, bridge, Thury-Harcourt (35 minutes) 4 July 1944 - Ramrod, strong point, St. Germain la Blanche (20 minutes ?good results?) 7 July 1944 - Ramrod, German headquarters, Domfront (45 minutes) 8 July 1944 - Ramrod, chateau headquarters, Louvigny (20 minutes) 8 July 1944 - Ramrod, road junction, Hoguette (35 minutes) 10 July 1944 - Ramrod, German headquarters, Feuguerolles-sur-Orne (25 minutes) 13 July 1944 - Ramrod, motor transport, Troarn (25 minutes) 19 July 1944 - Ramrod, village, La Hogue (30 minutes) 25 July 1944 - Ramrod, strong point, Conteville (45 minutes) 29 July 1944 - Ramrod, Mine area, St. Martin de Fontenay (40 minutes ?good bombing?) 31 July 1944 - Ramrod, La Parquet (1.30) 2 August 1944 - Ramrod, woods, Chichebouille (40 minutes) 2 August 1944 - Ramrod, village, Pontecoulant (40 minutes) 3 August 1944 - Ramrod, woods, Donnay (40 minutes) 7 August 1944 - Ramrod, village, Chenendotte (55 minutes) 9 August 1944 - Ramrod, Bois de St. Clair (55 minutes) 11 August 1944 - Ramrod, woods, Quesnay (50 minutes) 11 August 1944 - Ramrod, woods, Vendeuvre (35 minutes) 12 August 1944 - Ramrod, bridge, Taillebois (45 minutes ?led section?) 13 August 1944 - Ramrod, bridge, St. Marc d?Ouilly (40 minutes, ?led section?) 15 August 1944 - armed reconnaissance, MET, Athis (55 minutes) 16 August 1944 - Ramrod, woods, Garnetot (1.00) 18 August 1944 - armed recce, , MET, Lisieux (1.05, ?three smokers?) 18 August 1944 - armed recce, MET, Orbec (50 minutes, ?flamers and smokers, led section?) 18 August 1944 - armed recce, MET, Orbec (1.00, ?flamers and smokers, led section?) 19 August 1944 - armed recce, MET, Orbec-Bernay (1.15, ?flamers and smokers, led section?) 20 August 1944 - armed recce, MET, Lisieux (45 minutes) 20 August 1944 - armed recce, MET, Bernay (1.00 ?led squadron?) 25 August 1944 - Ramrod, MET, Foret de Lyon (1.10) 27 August 1944 - Ramrod, MET, Mailleraye sur Seine (55 minutes) 27 August 1944 - Ramrod, MET, Maillerate sur Seine (40 minutes, ?led squadron - good?) 13 September 1944 - RR, ships, Rotterdam Canal (55 minutes, ?two ships smoking?) 16 September 1944 - armed recce, barges, Eindhoven (1.15, ?led squadron?) 17 September 1944 - Ramrod, flak positions, Nijmegen (1.05, ?led squadron?) 17 September 1944 - armed recce, roads and MET, Eindhoven (1.05, ?led flight?) 18 September 1944 - armed recce, Breda (1.05) 20 September 1944 - Ramrod to Rhine at Nijmegen (50 minutes) 24 September 1944 - armed recce, Arnhem (1.15, ?led squadron, good?) 26 September 1944 - Ramrod, LLRR, embankment west of Arnhem (1.15) 26 September 1944 - fighter patrol, Nijmegen (1.35) 27 September 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Geldern (1.15) 27 September 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Zanten (1.05, ?cut lines?) 28 September 1944 - fighter patrol, Nijmegen (1.35 ?cut lines?) 29 September 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Harde (1.05 ?cut lines?) 30 September 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Berkel (1.15, ?led squadron, cut lines?) 1 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Geldern (1.05, ?led squadron, one locomotive, cut line?) 2 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway bridge, Rhenin (55 minutes, ?cut lines, bridge down?) 2 October 1944 - Ramrod, railroad, Geldern (50 minutes) 4 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Verden (1.00) 4 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Xanten (1.15, ?led squadron, cut lines?) 5 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Dieren (1.05 ?led squadron, cut lines?) 6 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway junction, Geldern (1.00, ?led squadron, direct hits?) 6 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Elten (50 minutes, ?led squadron, cut lines?) 7 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Geldern (45 minutes) 12 October 1944 - Ramrod, village, village, Amerika (45 minutes) 13 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Geldern (40 minutes, ?led squadron, cut lines?) 13 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Utrecht (1.00, ?led squadron, cut lines?) 14 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Aalten (55 minutes, ?led squadron, cut lines?) 15 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Utrecht (55 minutes, ?led squadron, cut lines?) 17 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Almelo (1.30, ?led squadron, cut lines?) 18 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway, Almelo (1.35, ?led squadron, cut lines?) 20 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway and trains, Realte (1.10, ?blew engine?) 21 October 1944 - Ramrod, railway and trains, Rijssen (1.20, ?blew engine?) This officer, who is a Flight Commander, has participated in over 90 operational sorties, and by his dogged determination, skill and devotion to duty, has been instrumental in successfully leading the squadron in dive-bombing and strafing attacks against bridges, troop concentrations, enemy Headquarters, trains, barges, flak positions, etc. On one occasion, whilst leading his section, the squadron was detailed to destroy a larhe railway bride over the Rhine River, near Rhenim. Undeterred by intense flak, the bridge was destroyed. On his last 15 sorties, has successfully led the squadron in breaking railway lines in Germany and Northern Holland, very often in the face of extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire. This officer has at all times pressed home his attack with the utmost determination and I strongly recommend that his conduct fully merits the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. On 28 October 1944, W/C F.G. Grant wrote of this: A first-class leader and fighter-bomber pilot who has led his flight on many outstandingly successful shows. Strongly recommend award of DFC. On 4 November 1944, G/C P.Y. Davoud wrote: A forceful, determined leader who is a good disciplinarian in the air and on the ground. Well qualified to command a fighter-bomber squadron, after a rest. I consider that he deserves an award of the DFC. On 16 November 1944 an Air Vice-Marshal (signature illegible) added his remarks: I agree with the citation on this officer and recommend him for the non-immediate award of the DFC. This was endorsed on 14 December 1944 by Air Marshal A. Coningham. Date of final approval not shown.