HANSON, F/L Albert Ludvig (J7982) - Mention in Despatches - No.8 Squadron - Award effective 14 January 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 874/44 dated 21 April 1944. Born in China, January 1921. Home in Vancouver; enlisted there 12 February 1941 and posted to No.2 Manning Depot. To No.3 BGS (guard duty), 9 March 1941. To No.2 ITS, 4 May 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 7 June 1941 and posted that day to No.16 EFTS; to No.15 SFTS, 26 July 1941; graduated and commissioned, 7 October 1941. To \"Y\" Depot, 24 October 1941. To RAF overseas, 3 November 1941. Repatriated 23 November 1944. To Western Air Command, 11 January 1945. To No.6 OTU, 18 January 1945. To No.3 OTU, 6 March 1945. To Patricia Bay, 1 August 1945. To No.6 OTU, 24 September 1945. To Release Centre, 23 November 1945. Released 3 December 1945. Re-engaged as a Chipmunk Instructor with Supplementary Reserve, 1 December 1950, Vancouver, until 1 June 1957. Awarded Queen\'s Coronation Medal, 1952.

HANSON, F/O Carl Eric (J22850) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.460 Squadron - Award effective 5 August 1944 as per London Gazette dated 18 August 1944 and AFRO 2101/44 dated 29 September 1944. Born 26 January 1923 at Hay Lakes, Alberta; home there; newsspaper correspondent for Tofield Mercury. Enlisted in Edmonton 4 February 1942. To No.15 SFTS, 27 March 1942. To No.2 ITS, 9 May 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 4 July 1942; to No.19 EFTS, 1 August 1942; ceased training 26 September 1942 and posted to Trenton; to No.7 BGS, 9 October 1942; graduated 4 December 1942 and posted next day to No.7 AOS; graduated and commissioned 22 January 1943. To “Y” Depot, 5 February 1943. To RAF overseas, 4 March 1943. Disembarked in Britain, 17 March 1943. Attached to Army at Crowborough. To No.18 OTU, 31 May 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 22 July 1943. To No.1667 HCU, 10 August 1943. To No.460 Squadron, 26 October 1943. To No.22 OTU, 14 July 1944 as instructor. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 22 January 1945. Attached to Empire Air Armament School, 17 March to 21 April 1945. To No.62 Base, 24 July 1945. Repatriated, 4 September 1945. Released 11 October 1945. Re-engaged with RCAF Auxiliary, Fighter Control Branch, 23 September 1952 to 29 January 1958 (58667). Served with No.2442 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron controller and security officer. Died in Richmond, British Columbia, 20 June 1984, age 61 (British Columbia Vital Statistics). No citation other than \"completed...many successful operations against the enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty.\" Public Records Office Air 2/9632 has recommendation dated 12 May 1944 when he had flown 18 1/3 sorties (130 hours 20 minutes), 3 November 1943 to 12 May 1944. * denotes 1/3 sortie 3 November 1943 - Dusseldorf 10 November 1943 - Modene 26 November 1943 - Berlin 2 December 1943 - Berlin 3 December 1943 - Leipzig 16 December 1943 - Berlin; crashed on return 27 January 1944 - Berlin 28 January 1944 - Berlin 30 January 1944 - Berlin 19 February 1944 - Leipzig 24 February 1944 - Schweinfurt 25 February 1944 - Augsburg 18 March 1944 - Frankfurt 22 Mar 44 - Frankfurt 26 April 1944 - Essen 27 April 1944 - Friedrichshaven 30 April 1944 - Maintenon* 1 May 1944 - Lyons 12 May 1944 - GARDENING Flying Officer Hanson is a Canadian Bomb Aimer now carrying out his first tour of operations. He has completed 18 1/3 sorties against some of the most heavily defended enemy targets. These include six against berlin and also attacks on Leipzig, Augsburg, Frankfurt and Essen. Throughout this officer\'s tour he has performed his duties with complete coolness and utter disregard of enemy opposition. His cheerful confidence and ability have been a source of comfort to his captain and an inspiration to the other members of his crew. In these days of concentrated attacks he has always maintained an untiring watch for other aircraft and on numerous occasions has managed to advise his pilot and so avoid a collision. His ability as a Bomb Aimer has been proved by his photographic results which have been of the highest order. Flying Officer Hanson\'s skill has been further demonstrated by his judgement in instructing his captain to avoid dense searchlight concentrations in heavily defended areas. I recommend that Flying Officer Hanson receives the Distinguished Flying Cross in due reward for his strength of operational purpose and sense of duty. Notes: Assessed 16 July 1944, having flown 175 hours in previous six months and on the point of leaving No.460 Squadron: “An officer who has carried out his operational duties efficiently, and who has worked well on the ground. He possessed a good manner and pleasant personality.” (W/C J.K. Douglas.). “An officer who has carried out his tour of operations with quiet efficiency. Possesses a pleasant personality and is at all times respectful.” (G/C H.I. Edwards) Assessed 7 July 1945 at No.22 OTU, having flown 411 hours (44 in previous six months); “A keen and conscientious officer, technically sound and suitable for a responsible position.” (W/C T.M. Cooke). Application for Operational Wing dated 5 July 1944 stated he had flown 24 sorties (157 hours ten minutes), 3 November 1943 to 21 June 1944. Upon repatriation signed a form dated 22 August 1945 stating he had flown 150.45 operational, 198.45 non-operational, 24 sorties (and last on 7 June 1944); had spent 134.10 on Wellingtons and 215.20 on Lancasters. Training: At No.2 ITS he placed 29th in a class of 100. However, at No.19 EFTS, Virden, he washed out after nine hours five minutes on Tiger Moths - “Cannot assimilate or retain flying instruction. Lacks coordination and cannot relax. Intelligent student but has no natural ability to fly. Would make a low average pilot at best. Interim tests in Ground School indicate average ability. Is very keen to be an Air Navigator but marks point to his being an Air Bomber.” Course at No.7 BGS was 12 October to 4 December 1942. Flew bombing training in Anson (31.45 day, 6.45 night) while gunnery training (all by day) was 2.10 in Battles and 8.50 in Bolingbrokes. Placed 16th in a class of 30. In bombing described as “Good theoretical knowledge of bombing but only fair in the practical.” In gunnery described as “Excellent practical air work. Good all round gunner.” He had spent six hours in turret manipulation and three hours on practical turret work (harmonization, aiming. Course at No.7 AOS was 7 December 1942 to 22 January 1943. Flew in Ansons (23.20 day, 9.55 night). Placed 11th in a class of 27. Graded in Navigation, air work (73/100), Bombing, air work (93/100), Photography, air work (71/100), Elements of Navigation (37/50), Signals, practical (45/75), Photography general (39/50), Reconnaissance (37/50) and Aircraft Recognition (50/75). In Navigation described as follows: “Air - Displayed excellent ability and steady improvement throughout the course. Navigation accurate and logs neat. Ground - A careful worker who applies himself diligently to overcome his difficulty with new work.” Under Armament described as “Above average bomb aimer.” Generally described as “A likeable, quiet personality, Capable of assuming responsibility.” Course at No.18 OTU was 31 May 1943 to unspecified date; had flown 66.05 (day) and 16.40 (night) prior to course; flew 41.30 (day) and 37.55 (night) on course. Dropped 46 bombs by day and 24 by night. “Although this Bomb Aimer’s results are not outstanding, he is above the average for the course. He has worked well with his pilot, and is a keen, conscientious man.”

WOODHEAD, F/L Herbert Hanson (C15868) - Mention in Despatches - Croft (AFRO gives unit only as "Overseas") - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1478/45 dated 21 September 1945. Born 14 March 1906. Home in Victoria; enlisted in Winnipeg, 1 December 1939 with No.112 (Army Cooperation) Squadron as Wireless Electrical Mechanic. Promoted to AC1, 1 March 1940 . Promoted LAC, 1 June 1940. To No.2 (Fighter) Squadron, 11 December 1940. Promoted Sergeant, 1 July 1942. Reclassified as Wireless Mechanic, 1 August 1942. Commissioned 28 April 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 28 October 1943. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 2 April 1944. Repatriated 8 August 1945. To No.3 Repair Depot, 17 August 1945. To Release Centre, 6 October 1945. Released 16 October 1945. Died in Victoria, 24 July 1979 as per British Columbia Vital Statistics. RCAF photo PL-31974 (ex UK-14203 dated 24 August 1944) is captioned as follows: “Top Signals men of RCAF Bomber Group on the problems of this highly important branch which guides thousands of Canadians on their night and day sorties against Nazi targets. Shown at the Canadian Group’s headquarters ‘somewhere in England’ from left to right are - FRONT ROW, S/L E.M. Hook (Nottingham, England), S/L K.B. Carters (Endby Bedale, Yorkshire), W/C J.P. Melvin (Bomber Command HQ Staff), W/C N.B. Eaton (Oakville, Ontario), S/L R.B.B. Hoodspith (Belleville, Ontario), S/L D.G. Miller (Iroquois, Ontario), S/L L.D.H. Izzard. DFM (Kirkby Overblow, Yorkshire); SECOND ROW, F/L H.H, Woodhead (Winnipeg), S/L E.P. Seon (Toronto), F/L C.D. Arstad (Malton, Ontario), S/L R.T. Martin (York, England), THIRD ROW, S/L A.L. Musselman (Bomber Command staff), F/L B.F. Nilson (Kenora, Ontario), F/L E.S. Brown (Toronto), FOURTH ROW, F/L S.F. Harfield (Vancouver), F/L W.A. Fuller (Victoria), F/L Jim Colley (Montreal), F/L W.E. Duncan (Ottawa), F/L Harry Hitchen (Belleville), F/L C.O. Shank (Markham, Ontario), F/L B.H. Beck (Toronto), F/L J.R. Lacey (Liverpool, England), F/L O.H. Clearwater (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) and F/L N.S. Craig (Vancouver). RCAF photo PL-45407 (ex UK-22923 dated 1 August 1945) shows spectators at a tennis tournement, Linton-on-Ouse - F/L H.H. Woodhead (left, Staion Signals Officer at Linton) and LAC T. Edward McCush (Norwood, Manitoba, clerk at Linton but formerly Western Canada Singles Champion). No citation in AFRO or biographical file. DHist file 181.009 D.4364 (RG.24 Vol.20648) has recommendation for an MBE dated 1 February 1945. // In his capacity as Station Signals Officer, Flight Lieutenant Woodhead has displayed the highest sense of loyalty in the discharge of his duties. His ability to operate his section efficiently has contributed in no small way to the success of operations from this unit. His cheerfulness and willingness under trying conditions and long hours of work have been an example to all those working under him. // WOODHEAD, F/L Herbert Hanson (C15868) - Mention in Despatches - Croft - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 388/46 dated 12 April 1946. AFRO gives unit only as "Overseas"; unit found in McEwen Papers list of recommendations for MiD. No citation. Certificate sent 10 August 1948.

EDWARD F/O(WAG) J22612. From loco, British Columbia. Killed in Action Feb 8/44 age 28. #415 Swordfish Squadron (Ad Metan-i). The crew of Wellington aircraft #HZ 649 were on an anti- shipping patrol over the North Sea and were 26 miles off the English Coast when they reported both engines cuffing out. S/L M.W. Gibson, P/Os A.R. Armitage, R. MacGillivray, J.L. Champoux, R. Urban, and one of the crew, not Canadian, were also killed. Rescue craft searched the area but were unable to find anything. Flying Officer Wireless Operator Air Gunner Hanson has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

JAMES ROBERT F/L(WAG) J15599 D.F.C. From Montreal, Quebec. Killed in Action May 23/44 age 26. #408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom). Lancaster aircraft #LL 723 was shot down four and three quarters miles south-west of Dulman, Germany during a night trip to Dortmund, Germany. W/C. D.S. Jacobs D.F.C., F/L T.R. McDougall D.F.C. & Bar, F/Os J.B. Dallyn, L.E. Morgan, and ES. J.P. Young were also killed. One of the crew, not Canadian, missing believed killed. There were two #408 Sqdn. aircraft lost this night. RAF personel killed included; Sgts A.S. Campbell, H.A. Nightingale, P/O M. Henderson, F/Os P.M. Hughes, and W.G. Philpot. Please see Sherrill T.R. for detail regarding the other aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Wireless Operator Air Gunner Hanson has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England. Addendum: There were nine airmen in this aircraft. As well as the six Canadians previously identified the three members of the RAF are F/Os P.M. Hughes, W.G. Philpott, and P/O M. Henderson. Detail provided by David E. Thompson, Middlesborough, England. - Distinguished Flying Cross - No. 408 Squadron (deceased) - Award effective 10 May 1944 as per London Gazette dated 23 May and AFRO 1380/44 dated 30 June 1944. Born in England, 1918; educated in Montreal. Enlisted in Montreal, 15 April 1940. Wife in Montreal. Trained at No.4 BGS (graduated 23 October 1940) and No.1 WS (graduated 24 November 1940). Commissioned 1942. No citation other than ..."completed...many successful operations against the enemy in which the has displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." Killed in action 22/23 May 1944 (Lancaster LL723); name on Runnymede Memorial. Detail provided by H. Halliday, Orleans, Ontario.

J.R. J15599. There were nine airmen in this aircraft. As well as the six Canadians previously identified the three members of the RAF are F/O.s P.M. Hughes, W.G. Philpott, and P/O. M. Henderson. Detail provided by David E. Thompson, Middlesborough, England.