GILBERTSON, S/L Forbes Sangster (J21299) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.414 Squadron - Awarded as of 27 April 1945 as per London Gazette dated 8 May 1945 and AFRO 966/45 dated 8 June 1945. Born in Montreal, 8 March 1921; home in Toronto (service station attendant). Enlisted in Toronto, 18 April 1941 as Radio Mechanic. To No.1 Manning Depot, 18 May 1941. To University of Western Ontario, 13 June 1941. Remustered for aircrew, 6 October 1941 and posted to No.1 Manning Depot. To No.1 ITS, 23 November 1941; promoted LAC, 22 January 1942; to No.3 EFTS, 22 January 1942; to No.14 SFTS, 11 April 1942; graduated and commissioned 31 July 1942. To No.1 GRS, 28 August 1942. “Y” Depot, 14 November 1942. To RAF overseas, 21 November 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 31 January 1943. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 31 July 1944. Promoted Squadron Leader, 9 April 1945. Repatriated 19 May 1945. Retired 22 June 1945. Died in Halton Hills, Ontario, 1979. // During the last nine months Squadron Leader Gilbertson has completed numerous tactical reconnaissance photographic and artillery reconnaissances. He has throughout achieved outstanding success despite adverse weather and strong opposition from the enemy defences. This officer's operational ability together with his fine fighting spirit has set a magnificent example which has been reflected in the efficiency of the flight which he commands. // RCAF press release 5785 drafted 7 April 1945 describes the work of RCAF tactical reconnaissance pilots and includes the following: // Returning from a photographic reconnaissance mission, F/L F.S. Gilbertson (790 Eglinton Avenue, Toronto), watched Allied heavy bombers plastering Viersen, southeast of Venlo and decided to take some photographs for bomb damage assessment purposes. Whilst circling the still smoking target he was hot by light flak. He asked his number to see what had happened, and was told that his rudder had been blown off. The elevators were jammed too, but he brought the aircraft and the valuable photographs back to base.