GILLETT, P/O Ronald George (RAF 177887) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.424 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 12 December 1944. Born 1922 in Shottery, Warks.; home at Leamington Spa; educated at Alceste Road Church of England School, Stratford-on- Avon. Enlisted 1941; commissioned 1944. Air Ministry Bulletin 16587/AL.940 refers. No citation other than "completed operations with courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.2609 (RG.24 Vol.20627) has recommendation dated 14 September 1944 when he had flown 31 sorties (197 hours 40 minutes), 2 September 1943 to 3 August 1944. Pilot Officer Gillett has proved himself to be a most efficient Wireless Operator. He has completed 31 successful sorties, the majority of which were carried out over heavily defended German targets such as Mannheim, Munich, Hanover, Dusseldorf and Berlin. Pilot Officer Gillett has always shown keenness and determination, setting a very high example to the rest of his crew. From the very start of his tour he has set himself to improve his technical knowledge and to cooperate with the other members of his crew. His quiet and determined efforts have made him one of the most useful members of this squadron. I feel that Pilot Officer Gillett fully deserves the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. The sortie list was as follows: 2 September 1943 - mining (3.50) 5 September 1943 - Mannheim (8.10, good bombing results, heavy flak) 6 September 1943 - Munich (9.25, good bombing, lots of flak and flares) 15 September 1943 - Montlucon (8.00, target smashed, one fighter attack) 16 September 1943 - Modane (7.25, bad icing conditions) 3 October 1943 - Kassel (7.45, difficulty evading searchlights and flak) 4 October 1943 - Frankfurt (7.40, ran through wall of searchlights; good bombing) 8 October 1943 - Hanover (5.50, met fighter flare path for first time) 22 October 1943 - Kassel (7.30, strong opposition) 3 November 1943 - Dusseldorf (6.00, good bombing results) 26 November 1943 - Stuttgart (8.48, rear turret unserviceable, fixed in flight) 3 December 1943 - Leipzig (8.35, track aimed at Berlin, spook worked) 20 December 1943 - Frankfurt (6.50, better route but opposition strong) 29 December 1943 - Berlin (7.30, seven enemy aircraft sighted, aircraft shaken by flak) 4 January 1944 - mining (8.00, good trip) 15 February 1944 - Berlin (7.10, largest raid yet) 25 February 1944 - Augsburg (3.25, duty not carried out due to engine failure). 6 March 1944 - Trappes (5.25, good bombing) 15 March 1944 - Stuttgart (7.40, two fighter attacks) 11 April 1944 - mining (6.10) 18 April 1944 - Paris (5.25, medium heavy flak, good bombing) 21 April 1944 - mining (6.00, aircraft hit by light flak over target) 22 April 1944 - Dusseldorf (6.00, good trip, heavy flak en route in) 25 April 1944 - Essen (4.25, opposition from searchlights and flak) 26 April 1944 - Aulnoye (4.55, good bombing results) 1 May 1944 - mining (4.50) 11 May 1944 - Boulogne (3.40, concentrated attack) 5 June 1944 - Houlgate (5.25, pre-invasion attack, slight opposition) 21 June 1944 - Oisemont (4.35, first daylight, heavy cloud) 24 June 1944 - Bonnetot (3.50, good visual results, slight opposition) 6 July 1944 - Siracourt (4.00, accurate light flak over target) 3 August 1944 - Foret de Nieppe (3.35, slight opposition over target)

GILLETTE, FS Victor Ira (Can 9914) - British Empire Medal - AFHQ - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 82/46 dated 25 January 1946. Born 19 January 1918. Home in Oshawa; enlisted 10 June 1938 in Toronto as Wireless Electrical Mechanic. Posted to Trenton on enlistment. Promoted AC1, 5 September 1939. Promoted LAC, 29 February 1942. Promoted Corporal, 15 October 1940. To No.1 BGS, 22 October 1940. Promoted Sergeant, 1 July 1941. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 1 August 1942. To Newfoundland, 7 October 1942. To No.121 Squadron, 3 January 1943. To \"K\", 21 September 1943. To AFHQ, 11 November 1944. Promoted WO2, 1 December 1945. Reverted to Flight Sergeant on taking up a post with permanent RCAF, 1 October 1946. Promoted WO2, 1 April 1950. Promoted WO1, 1 February 1952. On retirement he worked for 18 years with De Havilland Aircraft. Died in Toronto, 5 April 2010. This member of the regular force has served with great credit in training and operational commands and at Royal Canadian Air Force Headquarters. His extensive technical knowledge and keen interest have resulted in an appreciable contribution to signals. At Royal Canadian Air Force Headquarters this non-commissioned officer has shouldered responsibilities far exceeding those normal to his rank. By intense personal interest, clear thinking and ceaseless work he has successful adjusted this large and costly facility to the almost constantly altering requirements of the past year. Throughout his career Flight Sergeant Gillette has placed personal consideration aside in his eagerness to serve to the utmost of his ability. The result has been a consistently outstanding contribution to the Royal Canadian Air Force.

GILLIATT, F/L Courtney Shippy Spurr (J10269) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.107 Squadron - Award effective 25 September 1945 as per London Gazette dated 2 October 1945 and AFRO 1822/45 dated 7 December 1945. Born 1921 in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia; home there. Attended Nova Scotia Agricultural College where he won the Governor General?s Medal and the Macdonald Medal. Served in West Nova Scotia Regiment. Enlisted in Halifax, 7 May 1941. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 31 August 1941), No.21 EFTS (graduated 25 October 1941) and No.9 SFTS (graduated 28 February 1942). Commissioned 1942. Overseas his RAF navigator was one \"Johnie Hill.\" Postwar he attended McGill University (B.Sc., 1947) before rejoining the RCAF. Served at Randolph Air Force Base (Texas) and Portage la Prairie (commanding flight training school). After time at Trenton and Winnipeg he served two tours in Europe (Ramstein, Germany and four years as senior Canadian officer at SHAPE, Mons, Belgium). Also had appointments as aide to Governor Generals Vanier and Mitchener. Rose to Brigadier General; retired 1976 and acquired an MA in International Affairs from Carleton University. Died in Ottawa, 17 October 2008 (obituary gave his name as Courtney Shippey Spurr Gilliatt). Photo PL-128228 is a portrait taken in Trenton, 1959 as a Wing Commander. Flight Lieutenant Gilliatt has completed numerous operational sorties. He has proved himself to be a skilful pilot and has secured excellent results on many of his missions. In December 1944, he executed a telling attack on enemy mechanical transport. In February 1945 he took part in a daylight operation during which a train and several mechanical transport vehicles were attacked. Three submarines in the Kiel Canal were also damaged. Flight Lieutenant Gilliatt has also bombed railway sidings with outstanding success. He has always pressed home his attacks with energy and determination though frequently encountering bad weather and severe opposition. NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9132 has recommendation dated 6 June 1945 when he had flown 46 sorties (136 operational hours). Flight Lieutenant Gilliatt has completed 46 operational flights, including one during daylight. He has proved himself to be a good operational pilot and has obtained some excellent results from his sorties over Germany and German occupied countries. On the 27th of December 1944 one Mechanical Enemy Transport was attacked on a road at L.0491 and a fire left burning. Later he bombed and strafed a number of Mechanical Enemy Transport, heading east at P.2665. These attacks resulted in one flamer and an explosion. An already burning Mechanical Enemy Transport was located at P.9482 on the night of the 1st January 1945. A direct hit was scored on this Mechanical Enemy Transport causing an appreciable increase in the intensity of the blaze. Two further bombs fell on the road itself. Some tanks were found on the road near a wood at L.0196 and strikes observed when cannon attacks were made. Another aircraft from the squadron flying over this spot later reported fires burning. The night\'s work was completed by an attack on a flying bomb in the area L.08 but no results were seen. Flight Lieutenant Gilliatt took part in the daylight operation CLARION against enemy transportation on the 22nd of February 1945. A train of eight trucks was stopped at N.4105 as a result of bombing and strafing attacks. A near miss was obtained with a bomb and cannon strikes observed on the train. The village of Wiemersdorf and horse-drawn vehicles at S.3895 were strafed. Finally, three submarines, preceded by a white ship in the Kiel Canal were attacked and cannon strikes observed. On the night of the 28th February 1945 the marshalling yards at Birkirchen were attacked. One bomb burst was observed on the rear of a train and a second burst among scattered trucks. Strafing attacks resulted in strikes on a locomotive causing an explosion and much smoke and debris to be thrown into the air. Flight Lieutenant Gilliatt has always pressed home his attacks with determination despite frequent ground opposition from the enemy. He has never allowed adverse weather conditions to prevent him from finding targets to attack. He is conscientious and efficient. For these qualities and the very good results obtained from his operations I recommend him for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. GILLIATT, F/L Courtney Shippy Spurr, DFC (J10269) - Mention in Despatches - RCAF Overseas - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 497/46 dated 17 May 1946.

ALEXANDER SCOTT SGT(AG) R200515. From St. Catharines, Ontario. Killed Mar 30/44 age 20. #13 Operational Training Unit. Boston aircraft #BZ 288 crashed five miles north-west of Northampton, at Rotherthorpe, England. Three of the crew, not Canadians, missing believed killed. Sergeant Air Gunner Gillies is buried in the Batley Cemetery, North Hinksey, Berkshire, England.

GORDON MENHENNICK F/O(OB) J10175. From Hamilton, Ontario. Killed in Action Oct 1/42 age 23. #78 Squadron (Nemo Non Paratus). Target - Freidenshugel, Germany. Please see FS T.E. Turpin for casualty list and flight detail. Flying Officer Observer Gillies was buried at Friedenshugel, Germany, exhumed, and reburied in the Kiel War Cemetery, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

KENNETH MALCOLMSON FS(N) R115910. From Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Killed in Action Jun 1/43 age 21. #420 Snowy Owl Squadron (Pugnamus Finitum). Wellington aircraft lost. Please see Nicol J.C. for casualty list and flight detail. Flight Sergeant Navigator Gillies has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Engiefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

J.K R146737. The aircraft crashed at Blackshaw, not Black Show. Detail provided by A. E. Barnard, Burlington, On.

JAMES WILLIAM WO2(N) R89875. From Brantford, Ontario. Killed in Action Jul 13/43 age 28. #49 Squadron (Cave Canem). Lancaster aircraft #ED 726 missing during night operations over Turin, Italy, presumed enemy action. Six of the crew, not Canadians, missing believed killed. This was WO Gillin's 26th mission. Warrant Officer Class II Navigator Gillin has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

GILLING, S/L Kenneth Victor (RAF 41171) - Air Force Cross - No.34 Service Flying Training School, Medicine Hat, Alberta - Awarded as per London Gazette dated 14 June 1945 and AFRO 1127/45 dated 6 July 1945. Governor General's Records (RG.7 Group 26 Volume 59, file 190-I, dossier 7) has citation. When recommended he had flown 1,340 hours, 500 as instructor, 94 in previous six months. It is worth noting that just before this award he had been recommended again for the AFC, on this occasion by S/L H.C.L Ranson ((29 May 1945). As of that date Gilling had flown 1,400 hours, 900 as instructor, 350 on operations (40 sorties). The proposed citation read: As a flying instructor, this officer has displayed exceptional devotion to duty where his tactful manner and cheerful personality have been of the utmost value in upholding student morale. His willingness and enthusiasm to promote and partake in station activities have been an object lesson to others. (DHIST file 181.009 D1429, Honours and Awards, No.14 SFTS, Kingston, found in RG 24 Vol.20598). The citation from the first (and successful) recommendation was as follows: This officer has set a fine example of industry and cheerfulness that has made a fine impression on the pupils under him. His thorough knowledge of flying training and the interest he has shown in his special duties are an outstanding feature of this officer's service. Through his experience on operations he has been able to pass on very valuable information. Keen and conscientious in all he undertakes, this exceptional pilot and flying instructor has set a fine example of devotion to duty.

ALBERT EDWARD FS R115950. From Humboldt, Saskatchewan. Died Dec 29/44 age 48. Flight Sergeant Gillings is buried in the Soldiers' Plot in the Humboldt Cemetery, Humboldt, Saskatchewan.

GILLIS, F/O Donald James (J25875) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.429 Squadron - Award effective 5 February 1945 as per London Gazette dated 16 February 1945 and AFRO 563/45 dated 29 March 1945. Born in Edmonton, 3 May 1918; home there; attended, McDougall Public and Victoria High Schools. Formerly in Alberta Dragoons. Enlisted in Edmonton, 11 July 1941 and Aero Engine Mechanic and posted to No.2A Manning Depot. To No.3 Manning Depot, 20 August 1941. To No.7 BGS, 7 September 1941. Promoted AC1, 12 November 1941. Promoted LAC, 1 April 1942. Remusteed to aircrew and posted to No.7 ITS, 29 August 1942; to No.6 EFTS, 7 December 1942; to No.4 SFTS, 1 January 1943; graduated and commissioned 30 April 1943. To No.1 GRS, 14 May 1943. To No.31 OTU, 23 July 1943; to “Y” Depot, 23 October 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 30 October 1943. Taken on strength of No.3 PRC, Bournemouth, 31 October 1943. Later posted from No.429 Squadron to No.22 OTU. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 30 April 1945. Repatriated 5 August 1945. Released 14 September 1945. Returned to and resumed his prewar occupation in the automotive business. After two years in Vegreville, he joined the sales staff at Hugh McColl's South Park Motors; retiring after 30 years service as salesman, sales manager, and leasing and fleet manager. Died in Edmonton, 3 May 2005 as per Legion Magazine of November 2005. 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.2610 (RG.24 Vol.20627) has recommendation dated 21 November 1944 when he had flown 33 sorties (171 hours 10 minutes), 28 June to 21 November 1944. // This officer has participated in thirty-three attacks on enemy territory, including such targets as Hamburg, the Ruhr and mine laying at Oslo. On numerous occasions Flying Officer Gillis has had the misfortune of having engine failures while returning from operations. On each occasion his superior knowledge of engine handling and his outstanding ability as a pilot and captain of aircraft have carried him through and enabled him to complete his missions under the most difficult circumstances. Throughout his tour he has by his cheerful example encouraged his crew to greater efforts. He has never failed to reach his objective and to carry out his duty in a most exemplary manner. // It is considered that this officer's splendid offensive spirit, combined with his fine operational record fully merits the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. //The sortie list was as follows: //28 June 1944 - Metz (7.00, second pilot) 4 July 1944 - Villeneuve St. Georges (6.05, second pilot) 12 July 1944 - Acquet (4.20) 14 July 1944 - Alderbelck (3.40) 18 July 1944 - Mondeville (4.35) 28 July 1944 - Hamburg (5.05) 30 July 1944 - Amaye sur Seulle (4.00) 31 July 1944 - Conquereaux (4.25) 1 August 1944 - L’Hey (3.25) 3 August 1944 - Foret de Nieppe (4.25) 4 August 1944 - Bois de Casson (4.55) 5 August 1944 - St. Leu d’Esserent (5.20) 7 August 1944 - L’Hoque (4.25) 9 August 1944 - Prouville (4.15) 12 August 1944 - Brunswick (5.40) 13 August 1944 - Aisy (4.35) 15 August 1944 - Gardening (6.20) 18 August 1944 - Connantre (6.25) 27 August 1944 - Marquis (3.40) 28 August 1944 -Fresnay (4.10) 10 September 1944 - Le Havre (4.05) 11 September 1944 - Gardening, Kiel (4.25) 12 September 1944 - Gardening, Oslo (7.00) 17 September 1944 - Boulogne (3.55) 24 September 1944 - Calais (4.35) 27 September 1944 - Sterkrade (4.55) 28 September 1944 - Cap Gris Nez (4.40) 6 October 1944 - Dortmund (6.00) 9 October 1944 - Bochum (5.45( 30 October 1944 - Cologne (6.20) 4 November 1944 - Bochum (5.40) 6 November 1944 - Gelsenkirchen (5.10) 16 November 1944 - Julich (5.05) 21 November 1944 - Gardening, Oslo (6.50)

GILLIS, P/O William Edgar (J17233) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.420 Squadron - Award effective 21 October 1943 as per London Gazette dated 29 October 1943 and AFRO 2457/43 dated 26 November 1943. Born in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, 4 December 1920; home there. Enlisted in Halifax, 9 July 1941 and granted Leave Without Pay until 17 August 1941 when posted to No.1 Manning Depot. To No.6 BGS, 1 September 1941. To No.4 WS, 22 November 1941. Promoted LAC, 22 December 1941. To Trenton, 21 February 1942. Returned to No.6 BGS, 25 April 1942. Graduated and promoted Sergeant, 3 May 1942. To “Y” Depot, 26 May 1942. To RAF overseas, 13 June 1942. Commissioned 4 March 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 4 September 1943. Repatriated to Canada, 1 May 1944. To No.6 BGS, 12 June 1944. To Mountain View, 2 August 1944. To No.1 Advanced Gunnery Training School, 2 September 1944; to No.5 OTU, 30 October 1944; promoted Flight Lieutenant, 4 March 1945; to No.3 Repair Depot, 24 May 1945. Released 2 August 1945. // This officer has served throughout his operational career as rear gunner and consistently displayed a high standard of efficiency and accuracy. // Website http://www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk/aircraft/yorkshire/york43/he866.html records the following incident under title WELLINGTON HE866 DAMAGED BY FLAK, RETURNED TO DISHFORTH AIRFIELD. “On the night of 10th /11th April 1943 this 426 Squadron Wellington was being flown on an operational flight to bomb Frankfurt and left base of Dishforth at around 23.00hrs. The crew bombed the target area through thick cloud onto the PFF markers and around the time they were over the target area the aircraft sustained flak damage. The aircraft landed safely on return to the UK, almost certainly back at base of Dishforth at 07.01hrs.” Crew listed as follows: Pilot - P/O Leonard Alexander Merrifield RCAF (J11069, posted to No.420 Squadron, 23 April 1943 and later awarded DFC), Navigator - P/O George Frederick Keen RCAF (J17489, posted to No.420 Squadron, 23 April 1943 and later awarded DFC), Bomb Aimer - P/O Philip Alfred Andrew RAF (123847, RAF, posted to No.420 Squadron, 23 April 1943 and later awarded DFC), Wireless Operator / Air Gunner - Sgt Milton Wilfred Warren RCAF, Air Gunner - P/O William Edgar Gillis RCAF (J17233, posted to No.420 Squadron, 23 April 1943 and later awarded DFC).

DAVID SGT(AG) 1025077 - Royal Air Force. From Moncton, New Brunswick. Killed in Action Jun 22/43 age 22. #90 Squadron (Celer). Stirling aircraft lost during a trip over enemy-held territory. Six of the crew, not Canadians, missing believed killed. Sergeant Air Gunner Gillis is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery, Bergen-OpZoom, Holland.

IVAN LLOYD GEORGE F/O(P) C1074 From Paradise, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia. Killed Jun 3/41 age 22. #11 Bomber and Reconnaissaince Squadron, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Hudson aircraft crashed. Please see Snow G.B. for casualty list and flight detail. Flying Officer Pilot Gillis is buried in the Riverside Cemetery, Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia.

MALCOLM LAWRENCE MATTHEW F/O(P) J10624. From Cranbrook, British Columbia. Killed Oct 23/44 age 26. #1674 Heavy Conversion Unit. Halifax aircraft #JB 963 caught fire in the air and crashed one and one half mile south-east of Aldergrove, Northern Ireland. F/L D.E. Evans D.F.C. and two others of the crew, not Canadians, were also killed. Flying Officer Pilot Gillis is buried in the St. Catherine Church of Ireland Churchyard, Killead, County Antrim, Ireland.

ROBERT KANE P/O(N) J92584//R176637. From Halifax, Nova Scotia. Killed Oct 25/44 age 22. #431 Iroquois Squadron (The Hatiten Ronteriios). Lancaster aircraft crashed. Please see P/O J.E. Schwerdfager for casualty list and flight detail. Pilot Officer Navigator Gillis is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Woking, Surrey, England.

N.M. R97720. The emergency aerodrome was at Woodbridge, Suffolk not Sussex. Halifax aircraft LL 115 (NF-A) was returning from a special operation over France and encountered adverse weather conditions. The aircraft struck some trees and crashed at Capel Green near the emergency aerodrome at Woodbridge, Suffolk, England. FS. J.G. Watson (RAF), Sgt. H. King (RAF), G. Osborne (RAF), and J.R. Hoddinott (RAF) were also killed. One RAAF and two RAF members of the crew were injured. Correction provided by A. E. Barnard, Burlington, On.

GILLMORE, FS (now P/O) John Harvey (R93824/J16762) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.101 Squadron - Award effective 7 May 1943 as per London Gazette dated 14 May 1943 and AFRO 1187/43 dated 25 June 1943. Born in Picardville, Alberta, 1921; home there. Enlisted in Edmonton, 28 April 1941. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 6 August 1941), No.1 EFTS (graduated 25 September 1941), and No.5 SFTS (graduated 18 December 1941). Commissioned 1942. This airman has invariably taken part in operational flying with exceptional keenness and enthusiasm. In the face of all hazards he has frequently completed his mission successfully despite strong enemy opposition. During an attack against Turin in December 1942, he bombed the target successfully, undeterred by exceptionally adverse weather. One night in December 1942, by skilful airmanship, he evaded three attacks by enemy night fighters. Flight Sergeant Gillmore also proved his ability to deal with difficult situations during an attack on Essen in January 1943. His aircraft was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire and the wireless operator wounded, but by cool and calculated handling of the aircraft he again reached base safely. NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/8950 has recommendation drafted 23 March 1943 when he had flown 31 sorties (184 hours 15 minutes). The document deals with his operations in some detail: 4 September 1942 - Bremen (6.05) - Duty carried out. 6 September 1942 - Duisburg (4.15) - Target bombed. 10 September 1942 - Duisburg (3.30) - Fires started near railway yards. 13 September 1942 - Bremen (5.40) - 20 minutes over target; aircraft hit by flak. 14 September 1942 - Wilhelmshaven (5.35) - Successfully carried out. 16 September 1942 - Essen (3.05) - Returned early; complete electrical failure; crashed on landing. 19 September 1942 - Saarbrucken (6.35) - Ground haze; target bombed. 21 September 1942 - GARDENING (6.10) - Duty carried out. 20 November 1942 - Turin (8.00) - Bombed at 10,000 feet; three attacks by fighters. 22 November 1942 - Stuttgart (7.40) - 10/10 cloud; 27 minutes over target. 28 November 1942 - Turin (8.20) - Target bombed; bursts seen. 11 December 1942 - Turin (8.50) - Bombed objective under very bad weather conditions; severe icing. 20 December 1942 - Duisburg (4.20) - Duty carried out; rear turret became unserviceable. 21 December 1942 - Munich (7.55) - Successful trip; reflection of fires seen on cloud. 3 January 1943 - GARDENING (7.30) - Mines laid. 4 January 1943 - Essen (3.40) - Target bombed; aircraft hit by heavy flak; wireless operator wounded. 13 January 1943 - Essen (5.25) - No results observed; intense heavy flak. 16 January 1943 - Berlin (7.50) - Successful trip. 21 January 1943 - Essen (5.00) - Target bombed. 23 January 1943 - Dusseldorf (4.30) - Bombed from 20,000 feet; attacked by Me.110. 2 February 1943 - Cologne (5.20) - Successfully carried out. 4 February 1943 - Turin (8.55) - Fires started. 11 February 1943 - Wilhelmshaven (5.30) - Duty successfully carried out. 13 February 1943 - Lorient (5.30) - Bombed from 12,000 feet. 14 February 1943 - Milan (8.20) - Good trip. 16 February 1943 - Lorient (5.50) - Target bombed; burst seen. 18 February 1943 - Wilhelmshaven (5.00) - Successfully carried out. 21 February 1943 - Bremen (4.45) - Very satisfactory sortie. 25 February 1943 - Nuremburg (7.45) - Duty carried out. 26 February 1943 - Cologne (4.50) - Target bombed. Flight Sergeant Gillmore (Canadian) has just completed a very successful tour of operational sorties, eight of which were carried out in Wellington Mark II aircraft and 23 in Lancaster Mark I aircraft. During these operations he has always displayed an unconquerable spirit of determination to achieve his objective, frequently in the face of strong enemy opposition. In the attack against Turin on the night of 11th December 1942, he reached his target under exceptionally bad weather conditions, and by his skilful airmanship on the night of the 20th November 1942, evaded three different attacks by enemy night fighters. Flight Sergeant Gillmore also proved his ability to deal with difficult situations on the attack on Essen on the night of the 4th January 1943. His aircraft, when over the target, was severely damaged by heavy flak and the Wireless Operator wounded, but by his coolness and calculated handling of his aircraft it was brought back to this country, and safely landed without further damage to aircraft or crew. The consistent good work by this Non-Commissioned Officer and the fin example he has set by his courage and devotion to duty fully merits his recommendation for an of award of the Distinguished Flying Medal. On 24 March 1943 the Officer Commanding, RAF Station Holme-on-Spalding Moor, wrote: Flight Sergeant Gillmore, throughout his first operational tour, has displayed a keenness and determination to complete his allotted tasks which are worthy of high praise. His consistency and reliability have been equalled only by his skilful airmanship and have set a splendid example to all members of his squadron who hold him in high regard. I consider that his fine record of achievement which has included sorties to many major targets in germany including the Ruhr and Berlin as well as Italian targets is deserving of recognition by the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal. GILLMORE, F/L John Harvey, DFM (J16762) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.635 Squadron - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London Gazette dated 14 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal this officer has completed many more operational sorties. He has invariably displayed a high degree of skill, courage and resolution. His achievements at all times have been most praiseworthy. Dave Wallace provides the following information from the Squadon Operational Record Book. Gillmore was Hector B. Rubin (RCAF, later DFC), Douglas J.A. Buchanan (RCAF, later DFC), Gordon Leonard Glover (RCAF, later DFC) and a Sergeant Amrit; they probably all arrived about the same time in late August or early September 1942. He further offers the following details: 20 November 1942: Target was Turin and they were in Lancaster W4322, O/101; additional crew were a Sergeant C. White and Sergeant J. Peaccock. Target was Turin. Time up, 1850 hours, time down, 0250 hours. “Bombed at 2218 at 10,000 feet, Heading 120 Magnetic. No cloud but ground haze. Run up from east end of Dora. Aiming Point not seen but area surrounding clearly seen. Bombs not seen, good fires concentrated west of Aiming Point” The Form 540 narrative provides no detail other than that all squadron aircraft returned undamaged. 11 December 1942: Same crew making the long trip over the Alps to Turin. Form 540 states that seven aircraft took off but that the weather was “very difficult” and three aircraft were forced to return early due to icing. Form 541 for this crew identifies aircraft as W4312, H.101, airborne 1710 hours, down at 0200 hours. “Bombs were dropped on the estimated position of target, as visibility made it impossible to pinpoint.” They bombed at 2149 from 10,000 feet, heading 235 degrees. “No results were observed but searchlights were seen. The visibility and conditions en route were also as bad as the other crews reported them, and the Captain’s opinion also was that the trip was unsatisfactory owing to weather.” 4 January 1943: Sergeant Armitt was replaced by Sergeant T.J. Thurgood for this operation and the target was Essen. From 540 said that eight aircraft were despatched and one failed to return. Form 541 gave time up as 1750 hours, time down as 2130 hours. “Bombs were dropped by PFF flares. The Wireless Operator was hit by a piece of flak, injuring him in the head and the aircraft was also damaged, not to a great extent and therefore the captain decided to land as soon as possible after reaching the English Coast, putting down at Hardwick near Norwich. The crew reported that the Wireless Operator made no complaint the whole time though he must have been in considerable pain.” 23 January 1943: Target was Dusseldorf and Sergeant Amrit was back in crew, suggesting that Thurgood had been the man injured over Essen. Not much in ORB: “Bombs were dropped at 1919 hours from 20,000 feet, heading 065 Magnetic through 10/10 cloud by PFF flares. “Fairly good trip.” The last operation by this crew was 25/26 February 1943, to Nuremburg.

LANGILLE, F/O George Eugene (J85756) - Mention in Despatches - No.193 Squadron (deceased) - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1478/45 dated 21 September 1945. Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, 15 November 1922. Home there (store clerk). Enlisted in Moncton, 8 January 1941 as a clerk and posted to No.1 Manning Depot, Toronto. To No.8 SFTS, Moncton, 19 February1941; to No.21 EFTS, Chatham, 3 July 1941, serving there to 23 May 1942 (promoted LAC, 8 July 1941 and Corporal, 1 August 1941). Remustered to aircrew and posted to No.3 ITS, 23 May 1942; to No.13 EFTS, 12 September 1942; may have graduated 6 November 1942 but not posted to No.2 SFTS until 21 November 1942; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 19 March 1943. To No.1 OTU, Bagotville, 2 April 1943. To ?Y? Depot, Halifax, 19 June 1943; to RAF Trainees Pool, 22 June 1943. Disembarked in Britain, 1 July 1943. To No.55 OTU, 27 July 1943. To No.193 Squadron, 17 September 1943. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 19 September 1943. Attended No.12 Armament Practice Camp, 6-11 April 1944. Commissioned 17 March 1944. To No.146 Squadron in France, 20 July 1944 but returned to No.193 Squadron almost at once. Killed in action 25 November 1944 (Typhoon MN912); buried in Holland. No citation. On 29 November 1944 Flight Sergeant Owen L. Pratt, No.193 Squadron, submitted a report on the loss of Typhoon MN912: On the 25th November 1944 I was Number 4 with ?Black Section?, call sign being ?Bassett Black?. The four of us had low-level bombed a railway and were flying low in search of transport, etc. We were flying on a northerly course and were in the vicinity of Barneveld and ?Black 1\" spotted some transport on the road. We did a steep turn to starboard and went in to attack. I, being on the outside of the turn, lagged behind a little, and as a result of this had rather a grim sight of the following. Flying Officer Langille attacked whilst the flak was directed at him, in particular a 20-mm cannon firing tracer scored direct hits on his plane. Fire broke out in the petrol tanks and he started to climb. The gunners continued firing at him, and the flames grew to sizable dimension. Reaching the time where he would normally have jumped out, the plane started to descend, more like a comet. Then a large piece of the plane broke off and fell blazing to the ground. Going down below the level of the tree-tops I lost sight of him and was unable to say whether he baled out or not. Dutch witnesses stated the aircraft was named ?Mickey?. A further report dated 22 November 1945 read: No.193 Squadron reported that Typhoon aircraft MN912, piloted by Flying Officer Langille, left base to carry out an operational attacks against the enemy. Flying Officer Langille had bombed an enemy railway line and then proceeded in search of transport. He was seen to carry out an attack on road transport and his aircraft was hit by enemy flak causing it to catch fire in the petrol tanks. Flying Officer Langille then started to climb in order to gain height to bale out, but the aircraft started descending in flames before this could be done. Immediately after the aircraft struck the ground, a large piece of the plane was seen to break off ans fall blazing to the ground. The accompanying pilot lost sight of the aircraft as it was below the level of tree tops, and he was unable to state whether the pilot baled out. This incident occurred at approximately 1600 hours on the 25th November 1944, about six miles east of Amersfoort, Holland. Captured German documents state that an English aircraft crashed on the 25th November 1944, at Nulde, the community of Putten, and the body which was recovered from the wreckage was buried at 1500 hours on the 5th December 1944, in the cemetery at Putten.. A ring which was removed from the pilot?s body has been identified by the next-of-kin of Flying Officer Langille as belonging to him.

MacGILLIVRAY, WO (now P/O) Donald Keith (R152382/J48290) - Mention in Despatches - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 1 January 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 379/45 dated 2 March 1945. Born September 1921. Home in Niagara Falls, Ontario; enlisted in Hamilton, 2 February 1942. Granted Leave Without Pay until 9 March 1942 when posted to No.1 Manning Depot. To No.1 SFTS (non-flying duty), 7 May 1942. To No.6 ITS, 15 August 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 9 October 1942; posted next day to No.4 BGS; to No.4 AOS, 5 December 1942; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 22 January 1943; to No.1 BGS, 6 February 1943; to ?Y? Depot, 19 March 1943; to RAF overseas, 27 March 1943. Further trained at No.24 OTU. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 22 July 1943. Commissioned 31 May 1944. Repatriated to Canada, 2 July 1944; to Mountain View, 27 October 1944. Promoted Flying Officer, 1 December 1944. To Release Centre, 10 January 1945. Retired 19 February 1945. Applied for Operational Wings, 17 August 1944 while at No.1 Repatriation Depot; checked by H.H. Thompson, 30 August 1944; sent to AMAS/D/Ops, 30 August 1944; returned from AMAS/D/Ops 20 September 1944. Application not approved as per letter dated 20 September 1944. As bomb aimer, shot down 19/20 November 1943 in Halifax LK956 (NA-S) of No.428 Squadron, taken Leverkusen. Airborne at 1606 hours, 19 November 1943 from Middleton St.George. While homebound, encountered radar predicted flak in the vicinity of Bonn, sustaining very severe damage. With great skill, Flight Sergeant H.C. Shepherd flew his aircraft clear of these defences, but after reaching Dutch airspace the situation became so critical that the only course of action was to abandon the aircraft. Flight Sergeant Shepherd (RCAF) became a POW, as did Sergeant J.M.C.Walker (RAF, flight engineer), F/O D.R.Knight (RCAF, navigator), Sergeant S.J.Stevens (RAF, WOP). Other members of the crew (MacGillivray, Sergeant N.H.Michie, RCAF mid-upper gunner, Sergeant S.Munns, RAF rear gunner), evaded. F/O .Knight was interned in Camp L1, POW No.1550. Flight Sergeant H.C.Shepherd initially evaded until captured in Brussels 26 January 1944. Imprisoned in St.Gilles until 22 March 1944 and then interned in Camps L6/357, POW No.3207. Sergeant Stevens in Camp 4B, POW No.263629. Sergeant J.M.C.Walker in Camp L3. His MI.9 report stated he had left Gibralter on 13 January 1944, arrived Whitechurch 14 January 1944 and was interviewed the day of his arrival. I was a member of the crew of a Halifax Mark 2 1a aircraft which took off from Middleton St. George about 1615 hours on 19 November 1943 for Leverkusen. On the return flight we were hit by flak over Bonn and lost the rudder control and port inner engine, the mid-upper turret being also smashed. We lost height and over Aachen were again badly hit by flak. We lost further height, and the pilot gave the order to bale out. I came down about 1945 hours on the edge of the perimeter of the aerodrome on the North West outskirts of Eindhoven (Holland) (N.W. Europe, 1:250,000, Sheet 3, E 41). I saw no sign of any Germans, beyond one aircraft, probably a Me.110, which was taking off. My parachute was caught in barbed wire behind me. I got out of my harness and left it and the parachute, taking only my mae west with me. After trying in three different places I at length climbed a wire fence and got out of the aerodrome. I hid for a little in a trench and, after getting my bearings with my compass, I set off South West across fields until I came to a road. On the road I hid several times from a man on a man on a bicycle who passed and re-passed me, flashing a torch. Further along the road I reached a farm house. The man was standing at the door. He flashed his light and walked into the house. Deciding that I must find out where I was, I followed him into the house. I think this man had been trying to attract my attention. He proved to be the son of the farmer. I was given a cup of tea and went to sleep in a chair, having ascertained that I was in Holland. The son fetched another man who produced a written message from Sergeant Walker, the flight engineer of my crew. The message, which I am pretty sure was in Walker?s own handwriting, said that he was a P/W in Holland. I was shown this message only about an hour after we had baled out. I was allowed to spend the night in a bed in an attack where other members of the family slept. Next morning (20 November) I was given a pair of overalls, a civilian cap and a pair of shoes. I was also given a small map of the area and shown the best route - along the canal - to Tilberg, and also some Dutch silver coins (value unknown). The people at the farm were obviously nervous, and indicated that there were many Germans in the district, the troops from Eindhoven aerodrome being billeted in the same street as the farm was in. At 0600 hours I was set on my way by the farmer?s con and the man he had brought in the previous night. They did not accompany me. I went North West till I reached the Wilhelmina Canal. I followed the canal, but lost my way several times, finally reaching Best (Sheet 3A, E 3826) which was in the opposite direction from Eindhoven. Here I got my directions from a signpost, crossed to the North bank of the canal, and followed it West. There were a good many people passing along the canal bank, mostly on bicycles, and because of this I was unable to get down to the canal for water. I reached Tilburg (Sheet 3A, E 13) about 1730 hours and found the railway station. There were, however, so many Germans about that I felt it would be impossible to travel by train. Also, although I made two visits to the station, I could not find an indicator showing train departures for Turnhout for which I had been advised at the farm to make. I saw a number of buses leaving for Turnhout, but considered them dangerous also, because of the number of Germans travelling. I found the main road for Turnhout. The shoes I had been given at the farm was full of nails, and I had to walk slowly. Before I had got clear of Tilburg I met a man coming out of his house. I said, ?R.A.F.? He took me in at once, gave me some ginger ale and water, and fetched another man who brought a Dutch-English dictionary. I showed them on my escape map that I wanted to get to Turnhout. Another map was produced, and my helpers tried to explain the position of the frontier and the location of the guards. I slept the night in a bedroom in this house, and next morning (21 November) was taken by my host and his son to a farm at Goirle (Sheet 3A, E 1527). Here I was given addresses in Poppel (Belgium) (Sheet 3, E 1220), where I was told I could get help. On 22 November I was told this arrangement had had to be cancelled because of arrests by the Gestapo in Poppel and Turnhout. I was given 25 Belgian francs and told to continue my journey alone. I left the farm at 0800 hours, heading for Turnhout. Using my compass, I worked through woods and crossed the frontier just North of Poppel. I saw no sign of guards till I was almost in Poppel itself. Being too early for the train, I had been advised to catch, I walked on through Weelde (Sheet 3, E 0916). About 1030 hours two young Belgians passed on bicycles. They stopped about 200 yards along the road and spoke to me when I reached them. One of them said, ?Are you English ?? When I admitted my identity they took me to a shack on their farm. Later in the day I was put in touch with an organisation, and the rest of my journey was arranged for me.