GUY FS(P) 1059609 - Royal Air Force. From Lambeth, Ontario. Killed In Action Aug.12/42 age 22. #405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus). Target - Mainz, Germany. Please see Hyson A.W. for casualty list and flight detail. FS. Langford served as Langford-Pudney. Flight Sergeant Pilot Langford-Pudney is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Germany.

WILLIAM FS(NB) R100737. From Toronto, Ontario. Killed in Action Mar 1/43 age 21. #51 Squadron (Swift And Sure). Halifax aircraft #BD 223 lost, presumed over target, presumed enemy action. Six RAF members of the crew, Sgts C. Avery, A. Beauchamp, A. Howe, F/O J.B. Duncan, FS J.D. Stenhouse, and P/O R.A. Willmott were also killed. Flight Sergeant Navigator Bomb Aimer Colangelo is buried in the Voorst General Cemetery, Gelderland, Holland.

J.M. R119753. FS. J.M. Lang enlisted in the fall of 1941, was stationed at Trenton, Ontario, Brandon, Manitoba, wireless training at Winnipeg, Manitoba and graduated from Mossbank, Saskatchewan, posted overseas in 1942. Detail from the book - World War II 1939 - 1945.

ANDREW ALEXANDER P/O(WAG) J16053//R91826. From Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. Killed In Action Oct.1/42 age 29. #405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus). Halifax aircraft did not return from a raid against Flensburg, Germany. FS. P. Kucheryk, Sgt. J.J. Pocock, F/O. J.W. Mccann, P/O.s W.H. Duncan, and F.L. Cunningham were also killed. One RAF member of the crew missing believed killed. There were three #405 Sqdn. aircraft lost over the same target on this date. Please see Le Page J.L. and Kitchen J.C. for information regarding the other aircaft and crew. Pilot Officer Wireless Operator Air Gunner Lang is buried in the Kiel War Cemetery, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

JAMES MURRAY REGINALD FS(AG) R119753. From Coulter, Manitoba. Killed In Action Jun.12/43 age 23. #408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom). BROTHER to Francis Henry Lane. Target - Dusseldorf, Germany. Please see Grant A.G. for casualty list and flight detail. Flight Sergeant Air Gunner Lang was buried at Monchen-Gladbach, Germany, exhumed, and reinterred in the War Cemetery at Rheinberg, Germany.

FRANK LAC R157801 - air frame mechanic. From Mayerthorpe, Alberta. Killed Apr.27/43 age 24. #426 Thunderbird Squadron (On Wings Of Fire). LAC. Langdale was killed when he was struck by the port propeller of an aircraft at the Dishforth aerodrome. Leading AirCraftman Langdale is buried in the St. Mary Churchyard, Walsingham, County Durham, England.

JOSEPH ARSENE ADELARD CPL(P) R62772. From Grand'Mere, Quebec. Killed Jul.15/42 age 29. #4 Service Flying Training School, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Cessna Crane aircraft crashed. Please see P/O. W.R. McDonald for flight detail. Corporal Pilot Langevin is buried in St. Paul's Cemetery, Grand'Mere, Quebec.

PATRICK WILSON F/L(WAG) C1631 M.i.D. From Victoria, British Columbia. Killed In Action Mar.25/44 age 25. #16 Operational Training Unit. Wellington aircraft was shot down on July 28, 1942 with one Canadian, one RNZAF and four RAF airmen on board. F/L. Langford was wounded and was taken Prisoner Of War. He was one of forty-seven Allied Officers, including six RCAF, that were shot while trying to escape from Stalag Luft #3 P.O.W. Camp. Please see Wiley G.W. for the list of those Canadians who were shot. Flight Lieutenant Wireless Operator Air Gunner Langford is buried in the Old Garrison Cemetery at Poznan, Poland.

WILLIAM DEVERAUX LAC(P) R93265 - under training. From Chatham, Virginia, U.S.A. Killed Oct.9/41 age 21. #14 Service Flying Training School, Aylmer, Ontario. Harvard aircraft crashed. Please see Elliott J.J. for flight detail. Leading AirCraftman Pilot Langhorne is buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery, Lynchburg, Virginia, U.S.A.

FREDERICK ANTHON AC1 R148569 - air frame mechanic. From Oshawa, Ontario. Died Dec.12/42 age 23. One of sixteen airmen killed in the Knights of Columbus Hostel fire in St. John's, Newfoundland. Please see Sturgeon A.G. for casualty list. AirCraftman First Class Langley is buried in the Gander Cemetery, Gander, Newfoundland.

RUSSELL NORRIS FS(P) R62755. From Stanstead, Quebec. Killed Feb.12/42 age 24. #28 Squadron (Quicquid Agas Age). FS. Langley was killed when Miles Master aircraft # V 8850 crashed and burned at Upminster, Essex. Flight Sergeant Pilot Langley is buried in the Cemetery at Hornchurch, Essex, England.

JOSEPH ALBERT ROGER WO1(BA) R108482. From Lachine, Quebec. Killed In Action Sep.6/43. #424 Tiger Squadron (Castigandos Castigamus). Target - Tattipaglia, Italy. Please see Sills J.L. for casualty list and flight detail. Warrant Officer Class 1 Bomb Aimer Langlois is buried in the Salerno War Cemetery, Montecorvino Pugliano, Italy.

JOHN D'ARCY P/O(P) J85717//R156160. From Toronto, Ontario. Killed Apr.11/44 age 22. #1661 Conversion Unit. Stirling aircraft crashed. Please see F/O. G.A. Charlesworth for casualty list and flight detail. Pilot Officer Pilot Langlois is buried in the Stonefall Cemetery, Wetherby Road, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England.

DAVID FRANCIS F/O(P) C2492. From Lebanon, Oregon, U.S.A. Killed Sep.22/41 age 39. Experimental Station, Suffield, Alberta. F/O. Langmack and S/L. K.L. Ashfold (RAF) were both killed when their Lysander aircraft # 417 crashed during a forced landing. Flying Officer Pilot Langmack is buried in the Willamette Memorial Park, Albany, Oregon, U.S.A.

WILLIAM ARTHUR P/O(AG) J90933//R215423. From Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. Killed In Action Aug.27/44 age 22. #115 Squadron (Despite The Elements), Witchford, England. Lancaster aircraft # HK 560 failed to return from night operations over Kiel, Germany. P/O.s F.E. Morton, H.C. Braun, Sgt.s J.G. Bradford (RAF), P.J. Leighton (RAF), A. Sevior (RAF), and FS. L.E. Newnam (RAF) were also killed. Pilot Officer Air Gunner Langrill has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

JOSEPH LEO GERARD WO2(WAG) R73758. From Ste. Ursule, Quebec. Killed Jan 13/43 age 21. #1 Operational Training Unit. WO Belanger and FS F.C. Zurbrigg were killed when Hudson aircraft #T 9322 crashed. The pilot overshot the landing at the aerodrome at Silloth. Warrant Officer Class II Wireless Operator Air Gunner Belanger is buried in the Causeway Head Cemetery, Silloth, Home Low, Cumberland, Scotland.

JOHN LEON SGT(AG) R96685. From St. Ursule, Quebec. Killed Apr 11/43. age 23. #26 Operational Training Unit Sgt Belanger was killed when his Wellington aircraft crashed 500 yards east of the aerodrome at Little Harwood, England. Sergeant Air Gunner Belanger is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Woking, Surrey, England.

FRANK JAMES WO2(WAG) R91319. From Toronto, Ontario. Killed in Action Jan 31/43 age 21. #101 Squadron (Mens Agitat Molem). Lancaster aircraft lost. Please see Hutchinson G.J. for casualty list and flight detail. Warrant Officer Class II Wireless Operator Air Gunner Belanger is buried in the New Eastern Cemetery, Amsterdam, North Holland.

BELANGER, F/L Maurice John (J10432) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.113 Squadron (Canada) - Award effective 1 January 1943 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 55/43 dated 15 January 1943. Born in Ottawa, 25 June 1919. Educated in British Columbia; worked as a steward for one season on White Pass and Yukon Company Railway and one year as a Hudson Bay Company clerk, earning money for university. Also in Vancouver Sea Cadets, 1935-1938. Enlisted in Vancouver, 15 June 1940. To No.1 ITS, 24 June 1940; graduated and promoted LAC, 19 July 1940 when posted to No.8 EFTS; may have graduated 15 September 1940 but not posted to No.4 SFTS until 12 October 1940; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 20 December 1940. Attended No.1 ANS, 5 January to 3 March 1941. Instructed in navigation at No.3 SFTS (4 March to 18 May 1941) and No.11 SFTS (19 May 1941 to 8 May 1942). Commissioned 1 March 1942. To No.1 ANS (9 May to 9 June 1942). Had now compiled about 1,000 hours flying. Reported to No.113 Squadron on 27 June 1942 (123 sorties; left 12 May 1943). Active in training crews for No.113 (BR) Squadron. In period 25 September to 29 September 1942 he attacked submarines three times in the Gulf of St.Lawrence including one at night without flares. On staff of Station Sydney, May-November 1943. Posted overseas, arrived UK 31 January 1944. To No.21 (P) AFU (21 March to 25 April 1944), No.82 OTU (25 April to 16 July 1944), No.1659 HCU (16 July to 24 August 1944). Served in No.425 Squadron, 24 August 1944 to 1 February 1945 (20 sorties). Repatriated 15 February 1945; released 23 April 1945. Later worked for TCA. Died in Ladner, British Columbia, 31 March 2012. For added details on his work in Eastern Air Command, see W.A. Douglas, Birth of a National Air Force (Volume II of official RCAF history) and issues of Roundel, early 1965. RCAF photo PL-1538 shows LAC M.J. Belanger (Vancouver), LAC E.W.L, Campbell (Drumheller) and LAC A.C. Coles (Vancouver). Card says DFC and Bar sent by registered mail, 17 March 1947 but photo PL-16011 shows him with parents after investiture. // This officer has completed a total of 1,200 hours flying. His devotion to duty has set an example and has been a source of inspiration to the members of his squadron. In addition to demonstrating his ability as squadron navigator and pilot he has carried out three attacks against U-Boats, inflicting damage on one, probably sinking a second and possibly sinking a third. Two of these attacks took place within a period of eighteen hours, during which time he was on continuous duty. During one attack, which was carried out at night, he displayed tenacity of purpose, courage and skill when taking advantage of occasional moonlight he pressed home a good attack at extremely low level. // NOTE: In at least one case (and perhaps all) the object of his attacks was U-517. Report of his first attack on a U-Boat gives date as 25 September 1942, time 0153 GMT, location 49̊37" North 64̊ 48" West. Hudson aircraft 624 of No.113 Squadron. Others in crew were P/O J.H. Houser (navigator, later Mentioned in Despatches and awarded DFC), Flight Sergeant D.C. Bullock (WAG, later Mentioned in Despatches and awarded DFC) and Corporal F.N. LeMarre (Radio Mechanic). // Description of Attack: // The Hudson aircraft, cruising at 2,000 feet, sighted a submarine off the starboard bow at a distance of one mile. The position is 35 miles east of the locality of our [Eastern Air Command] Thirtieth attack on the previous day, and it is quite possible that the same submarine was attacked. // The visibility in the moon path was 10 miles. The cloud cover was 7/10 at 3,500 feet and there was a light general haze. The wind direction was 350̊ True with a speed of about 17 knots. // The aircraft launched an immediate attack by manoeuvring to get the dark object sighted into the moon path and at the same time lose altitude. As soon as the U-Boat was recognized, a direct attack was made, although the identification was not positive until the separation distance was only 500 yards. Four 25-lb depth charges, fused for 25 feet, were released as a 40-foot spaced stick, from a height of 40 feet, at an angle of about 30̊ to the U-boat’s port beam, while the submarine was still surfaced. A quick turn to port was completed and the conning tower machine gunned as the aircraft completed the turn. // Assessment of Attack // The crew report that the depth charges exploded on each side and within 10 feet of the U-Boat’s hull, just ahead of the conning tower. No evidence of damage was seen following the attack, and within five minutes the moon disappeared behind heavy clouds. The aircraft stayed in the vicinity for 35 minutes. Due to this lack of evidence the assessment for this attack is “no damage”. However the submarine must have received a terrific shock. // The execution of this attack was excellent. Although this was the first attack made by this crew, it was carried out with decision and skill. // Report of his second attack on a U-Boat gives date as 25 September 1942, time 1959 GMT, location 47̊34" North 62̊ 36" West. Hudson aircraft 624 of No.113 Squadron. Others in crew were P/O J.H. Houser (navigator, in first attack), Flight Sergeant D.C. Bullock (WAG, in first attack) and Sergeant R. Cameron (second WAG) // Description of Attack: // The second attack on a submarine this day was carried out by the same aircraft with almost the same crew, northwest of the Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The aircraft was patrolling at 2,000 feet when a submarine was sighted at a distance of three miles, 30̊ on the starboard bow. It appeared to be the 740-ton type; guns were comparatively close to and aft of the conning tower, the larger one forward. // The visibility was about ten miles with a heavy haze and 3/10 alto-cumulous clouds at 4,000 feet. The wind direction was 240̊ at 21 knots. // An immediate attack was started and from a height of 50 feet, four 250-lb depth charges, fuzed for 25 feet, were dropped as a 40-foot-spaced stick, at an angle of about 45̊ to the starboard beam, while the deck of the U-Boat was still visible. // Assessment of Attack: // The depth charges overshot, but No.1 was seen to land within 5 to 10 feet of the hull, The others were spaced at 40 feet intervals away from the hull. Fifteen minutes later, a large air bubble came to the surface and a small oil slick developed. The submarine was probably only “slightly damaged” but must have received a good shock. // Report of his third attack on a U-Boat gives date as 29 September 1942, time 1723 GMT, location 48̊42" North 63̊ 55" West. Hudson aircraft “K” of No.113 Squadron. Same crew as in second attack (Houser, Bullock, Cameron). // Description of Attack: // The aircraft was returning from an anti-submarine patrol when it sighted and skilfully attacked a fully surfaced submarine and at the same time obtained an excellent photographic record of the event. // The weather was clear with unlimited visibility with 5/10 scattered cumulus clouds at 3,500 feet. Wind direction was 314̊ True with a speed of 31 knots. // The aircraft was cruising at 5,000 feet when the submarine was sighted 45 ̊ on the starboard bow. An immediate attack was started from a height of 50 to 60 feet, four 150-lb depth charges were dropped as a 40-foot spaced stick, on a line about 75̊ to the starboard beam of the U-Boat. 700 rounds of ammunition were fired at the submarine by the aircraft’s machine guns. // The submarine was evidently of the 740-ton class. Decks and conning tower were painted battleship grey. Guns were close, fore and aft, of the conning tower, the larger one forward of, and farthest from, the conning tower. Railing were visible on the after deck. No net cutter was noted. // Assessment of Attack: // The depth charges were seen to explode straddling the hull slightly ahead of the conning tower while the conning tower was still visible. The U-Boat’s bow then came up out of the water; all forward motion seemed to have ceased, and it then settled out of view. With the depth charges set 40 feet apart and with an individual lethal radius of 16 feet, the submarine’s pressure hull should be damaged by three depth charges. // Unfortunately no evidence of damage was noted. Three flame floats and four sea markers were dropped to mark the position, but during the one hour and 55 minutes that the aircraft stayed in the vicinity, no air or oil bubbles were noted. The sea was very rough, so minor disturbances would not have been seen. The depth of water is about 150 fathoms. The relieving aircraft also patrolled this section but no reports were received of any further evidence at any time after the attack. // The series of pictures recording the attack includes one of the submarine taken at a distance of about half a mile just prior to the attack. The submarine was submerging broadside to the waves and the after deck was still visible. The next picture shows the depth charge disturbance and spray about 10 seconds after the explosion. This picture shows the wake of the submarine leading into the disturbed water, positive evidence of the accuracy of the attack. The next picture shows the depth charge disturbance with the submarine wake leading into it and a short wake on the other side, probably caused by the conning tower. The last picture shows the depth charge disturbance and the wake of the submarine after it had passed through the depth charge zone. From this picture it seems evident that the depth charge explosions had lifted the submarine, making it just break surface slightly. There was no further evidence of the presence of the submarine. // The series of photographs is quite complete, and forms a remarkable pictorial record of this attack. It is unfortunate that no evidence of damage to, or destruction of, the U-Boat was forthcoming, so that the crew could get full credit for such an exceptionally executed attack. This attack was the third by this captain and crew. On the 25th September, just four days previous, they had carried out two attacks on enemy submarines in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. // BELANGER, F/L Maurice John (J10432) - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.425 Squadron - Award effective 10 May 1945 as per London Gazette dated 22 May 1945 and AFRO 1147/45 dated 13 July 1945. // Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Flight Lieutenant Belanger has participated in attacks against such heavily defended targets as Kiel, Duisburg, Essen, Karlsruhe, and Cologne. He has on many occasions flown his damaged aircraft back to base without injury to his crew. On one of these occasions, in October 1944, this officer was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack Dortmund. On approaching the target, the bomber was illuminated by searchlights and heavily engaged by anti-aircraft fire. Displaying great coolness and superb airmanship Flight Lieutenant Belanger succeeded in evading the defences and pressed home a telling attack from low level. His determination and unfailing devotion to duty at all times, have set an inspiring example to the whole squadron. // DHH file 181.009 D.1510 (Library and Archives Canada RG.24 Vol.20600) has recommendation drafted by S/L J.E.G. St. Jean (acting Commanding Officer), 15 January 1945 when he had flown 778 hours 45 minutes (130 sorties in Canada, 20 sorties on current tour). // On the night of 6th October 1944, Flight Lieutenant Belanger, DFC, was pilot of a Halifax bomber detailed to bomb Dortmund, Germany. Approximately thirteen minutes from the target, his aircraft was coned for eight minutes and met constant barrages of heavy and predicted flak. Under this stress, Flight Lieutenant Belanger, exhibiting great coolness and superb airmanship, succeeded in evading the enemy defences. His mission was successfully completed and the bombing of the target was carried out at 10,000 feet instead of the predicted height of 15,000 feet due to violent evasive action. // On this, as well as on many other occasions, this intrepid officer has flown his crippled aircraft back to base without injuries to his crew. // An exceptionally keen and efficient pilot who has recently completed a second tour of operations over such heavily defended targets as Kiel, Duisburg, Essen, Karlsruhe and Cologne. // Flight Lieutenant Belanger has displayed unshakable determination and devotion to duty at all times which have been an inspiration to the whole squadron. I strongly recommend this highly capable and outstanding leader of men for the immediate award of a Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross. // RCAF Press Release No. 1013 dated 7 January 1943, transcribed by Huguette Oates, reads: // A direct hit on a German submarine cruising close to the Canadian shore was scored by the “Canada-wide” crew of a Royal Canadian Air Force coastal patrol aircraft in the latter part of 1942, it was revealed at R.C.A.F. Headquarters today by Hon. C.G. Power M.C., Minister of National Defence for Air. With the usual caution against over-optimistic reports where direct evidence of the U-boat’s destruction is not available, this was assessed as a “promising attack”. // Flight Lieutenant M.J. Belanger, DFC, of Vancouver, B.C., was “skipper” of the crew composed of Pilot Officer, J.H. Houser, Hamilton, Ontario, Flight Sergeant D.C. Bullock of Winnipeg and Sergeant R.M. Cameron of Springhill, N.S. Thus Canada was represented from “coast to coast”. // Major Power’s announcement tells of a heavy attack on the U-boat as depth charges were rained down and machine gun bullets beat a tattoo on the enemy’s hull. “This aircraft sighted the wake of a U-boat off its starboard bow”, the official summary reads. “Speed of the U-boat was estimated at from eight to ten knots. The aircraft dived to attack and released a stick of depth charges across the U-boat’s track while the U-boat was only partially submerged. The depth charges were soon to explode all around the hull slightly ahead of the conning tower. The U-boat’s hull came up out of the water, and all forward motion stopped. It then appeared to settle straight down. The sea was very rough, under the influence of a 31-knot wind, and no evidence of wreckage, oil or air bubbles was observed during the time the aircraft remained in the area. Then running up to attack, 700 pounds of machine gun ammunition were fired at the U-boat which was of the 740-ton class, painted light grey.” // The commanding officer’s summary of the engagement, following perusal of photographs made by the attacking aircraft says: “In view of the photographic evidence which shows the submarine completely bracketed by depth charges, and in the light of ensuing events, it is reasonable to assume that the U-boat has been destroyed. Unless subsequent evidence proves differently, the crew of the aircraft should be credited with a kill.” // Flight Lieutenant Belanger, the skipper, whose flying skill resulted in an officially credited “direct hit”, was born at Ottawa, Ontario but his father, R. Belanger now resides at 4479 Blenheim Street, Vancouver, B.C. He trained at No.1 Manning Depot, Toronto; No.1 Initial Training School, Toronto; No.8 Elementary Flying Training School, Vancouver; No.4 Service Flying Training School, Saskatoon; and Central Navigation School, Rivers. He joined his present squadron in June of last year. // The Navigator was Pilot Officer J.H. Houser, whose father, W.H.A. Houser resides at 362 Herkimer Street, Hamilton, Ontario. He trained at No.4 M. Depot, Quebec, P.Q.; No.3 I.T.S., Victoriaville; No. 9 Air Observer School, St. John; No.6 Bombing and Gunnery School, Mountain View; and No.2 Air Navigation School, Pennfield Ridge, N.B., before joining the Bomber Reconnaissance squadron in June. // Flight Sergeant D.C. Bullock’s home is at 318 Morley Street, Winnipeg, where his wife now resides. He enlisted at Vancouver and trained at No.2 Manning Depot, Brandon; No.2 Wireless School, Calgary; and No.3 Bombing and Gunnery School, Macdonald. He is Wireless Operator-Air Gunner and joined the squadron in March. // The other Wireless Operator-Air Gunner was Sergeant R.M. Cameron whose mother, Mrs. E.M. Cameron lives at Springhill, N.S. He enlisted at Moncton and trained at No.1 Manning Depot, Toronto; No.1 Initial Training School, Toronto; No.1 Wireless School, Montreal; and No.1 Bombing and Gunnery School, Jarvis. He joined the squadron in August. // This was one of three attacks by aircraft skippered by Flight Lieutenant Belanger on German submarines operating off the East coast and all were made within 113 hours. All of the members of his crew shared in the three attacks except Flight Sergeant Cameron who was replaced on one of the attacks by Corp. F.N. LaMarre, of Montreal, a radio technician who was on a test flight and is the only member of the squadron’s ground crew to have been “in” on a “show” they would all like to see. // In first of the three attacks, Flight Lieutenant Belanger said it was just before midnight when he spotted a “white streak” on the sea immediately below. It was certainly a wake but there was some “yes it is – no it isn’t” discussion before they caught the outline of the U-boat in the moon-path. The conning tower and the deck with forward gun were quite visible. “We came in on his tail and let go with a load of depth charges,” Flight Lieutenant Belanger reported. “We circled and the conning tower was still showing… So we poured in a few rounds for good measure.” Then the moon was clouded over and it was pitch black on the sea. Weather the next day prevented any check on the result of the attack if any were visible. // Flying Officer Houser, the navigator, was in his “office” in the nose of the aircraft. After he had checked everything for the attack, he said he sat back to watch the show. “The skipper kept going lower and lower. I was sure that he was going to ram the sub instead of bomb it,” Houser said. Corporal La Marre probably got the biggest thrill out of the attack. He had been overseas as a radio technician and his comment was “I had to come back to Canada to get a crack at those so and so’s”. // The second attack by the crew of the “Kayo”, their name for their “skycrate” – came 14 hours later. Subs had been reported twice during the day but the U-Boats submerged before attacks were possible. ”When we started our patrol, we knew there was at least one prowling around somewhere and it was just a case of catching him unawares,” said Flight Lieutenant Belanger. “It was just about five o’clock when I spotted him off the starboard just as he surfaced. We caught him flat-footed… We let the bombs go while his deck was still awash and one of them dropped right beside him. As we came about on the return circuit, we could see the conning tower just disappearing and eight minutes later oil bubbles appeared.” The next day an oil slick in the area of the attack was reported by another aircraft. “It was a honey of an attack and I’ll bet they really got a shaking up”, was Flying Officer Houser’s report. // The last of three attacks was considered “the best of the lot” by the crew and was the one which Major Power officially announced today as “promising”. “I spotted him fully surfaced… He was so far away he looked like a pencil passing through the water. He was dead ahead but I doubt if he saw us until we started pouring lead into him. “I think we had a perfect straddle with our depth charges and 700 rounds of ammunition were fired at good range.” Houser who was, as usual, in the nose, said that it was “really a hot attack. “I could see the machine gun bullets splattering around the conning tower. In fact, when we were directly over and dropped our bombs, the conning tower was still out of water. It was the best attack of the lot. That sub sure took it on the chin and if they lived through that one… if they ever reach port, they’ll think twice before venturing out again.” // Flight Sergeant Bullock who took pictures of the attack said he climbed all over the captain to get his shots. “As soon as the sub was spotted, I grabbed the camera. I nearly broke the skipper’s neck trying to get a shot of the sub through his window…. It was a dandy attack.”

LANGLEY, WO2 (now P/O) Francis Patrick (R179576/J94197) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.158 Squadron - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London Gazette dated 25 September 1945 and AFRO 1768/45 dated 23 November 1945. Born 17 February 1915 in Toronto; home there (grinder); enlisted there 6 July 1942. To No.1 Manning Depot, 27 September 1942. To No.6 ITS, 23 January 1943; graduated and promoted LAC, 2 April 1943; posted next day to No.9 EFTS. Ceased training and posted to No.1 Manning Depot, 29 April 1943. To No.1 BGS, 12 June 1943; may have graduated 3 September 1943 but not posted to No.33 ANS until 18 September 1943; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 29 October 1943. To “Y” Depot, 12 November 1943. Taken on strength of No.3 PRC, 23 November 1943. Commissioned 16 February 1945. Repatriated 18 April 1945. To No.1 Air Command, 30 April 1945. Retired 14 June 1945. Photo PL-40658 shows WO2 R.L. Irvine (wireless operator, Toronto), Flight Sergeant F.P. Langley (bomb aimer, Toronto), F/O R.B. Houston (pilot, Toronto) and P/O K.G. Roberts (Toronto). Died in Acton, Ontario, 28 September 1984 (source: Legion Magazine, January 1985). 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." Public Record Office Air 2/8751 has recommendation dated 15 April 1945 when he had flown 36 sorties (208 hours 28 minutes), 6 October 1944 too 20 March 1945. // 6 October 1944 - Sterkrade (3.53) - Sortie completed // 14 October 1944 - Duisburg (4.45) - Cloud over target. // 23 October 1944 - Essen (5.30) - Many fires, cloud. // 16 November 1944 - Julich (4.46) - Good attack. // 18 November 1944 - Munster (5.39) - Bombed through clouds. // 29 November 1944 - Essen (5.38) - Successful. // 5 December 1944 - Soest (6.20) - Many fires. // 12 December 1944 - Essen (5.21) - Bombed through clouds. // 17 December 1944 - Duisburg (6.11) - Cloud over target, fires. // 21 December 1944 - Koln/Nippes (5.50) - Bombed marshalling yard. // 26 December 1944 - St.Vith (4.36) - Bombed aiming point. // 28 December 1944 - Opladen (5.27) - Cloud over target. // 29 December 1944 - Koblenz (5.57) - Bombed aiming point. // 1 January 1945 - Dortmund (4.45) - ditto // 5 January 1945 - Hanover (4.47) - Cloud over target. // 6 January 1945 - Hanau (6.48) - Cloud and smoke. // 14 January 1945 - Saarbrucken (6.37) - 3,000 yards from A/P. // 16 January 1945 - Magdeburg (5.51) - Concentrated fires. // 4 February 1945 - Gelsenkirchen (5.35) - Cloud over target. // 7 February 1945 - Goch (6.23) - Turned back by Master Bomber. // 9 February 1945 - Wanne Eickel (5.47) - Fires in target area. // 20 February 1945 - Reisholz (6.26) - Good attack. // 21 February 1945 - Worms (6.48) - Concentrated fires. // 23 February 1945 - Essen (5.38) - Bombed in cloud. // 24 February 1945 - Kamen (5.57) - ditto // 27 February 1945 - Mainz (6.21) - ditto // 3 March 1945 - Kamen (6.08) - ditto // 5 March 1945 - Chemnitz (8.27) - Successful attack. // 7 March 1945 - Hemmingstedt (5.53) - Fires and smoke. // 11 March 1945 - Essen (5.16) - Cloud over target. // 12 March 1945 - Dortmund (5.43) - ditto // 13 March 1945 - Wuppertal (5.26) - Cloud and smoke. // 14 March 1945 - Homburg (6.05) - Many fires. // 15 March 1945 - Hagen (6.11) - Fires and smoke. // 18 March 1945 - Witten (6.32) - Intense fires. // 20 March 1945 - Recklinghausen (5.11) - 4 1/2 miles E.S.E. // An air bomber who applied himself seriously and conscientiously to his important role in aircrew duties, Warrant Officer Langley has now completed an excellent tour of 36 operational sorties against major targets in the most heavily defended areas of Germany. // Quiet in manner, but keen to fly against the enemy on every possible occasion, Warrant Officer Langley has faced the heaviest enemy fire with coolness and courage and has directed his aircraft to the heart of the attack with a complete disregard for the safety of his own life. His example and demeanour are worthy of high praise. // It is recommended that this warrant officer's excellent work, courage and devotion to duty throughout an exacting tour be recognized by the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.