ARTHUR CLARENCE P/O(BA) J90365//R157074. From Warren, Manitoba. Killed in Action May 25/44 age 22. #192 Squadron. Target - Aachen, Germany. Please see P/O E.P. Sabine for casualty list and flight detail. Pilot Officer Bomb Aimer MacGillivray was buried at St. Trond, Belgium, exhumed, and reinterred in the War Cemetery, Heverlee, Brabant, Belgium.

DONALD DUNCAN SGT(WAG) R139766. From Silver Park, Saskatchewan. Killed Apr 13/43 age 29. #32 Operational Training Unit, Patricia Bay, British Columbia. Hampden aircraft #AN 121 had just completed a low level bombing training run when it turned over on its back and entered the water upside down in the sea off Cowichan Head, Vancouver Island. P/O J.S. Peterkin (RAF) and Sgt R.T. Barrow (RAAF) were also killed. Sergeant Wireless Operator Air Gunner MacGillivray is buried in the Silver Park Cemetery, Silver Park, Saskatchewan.

JOHN JAMES FS(BA) R143002. From Vancouver, British Columbia. Killed Nov 24/43 age 23. #1658 Conversion Unit. Halifax aircraft #JB 926 crashed in the night at Agra Moor, Yorkshire. Six of the crew, not Canadians, were also killed. Flight Sergeant Bomb Aimer MacGillivray is buried in the Stonefall Cemetery, Wetherby Road, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England.

ROBERT P/O(WAG) J86061//R139752. From Silver Park, Saskatchewan. Killed in Action Feb 8/44 age 20. #415 Swordfish Squadron (Ad Metam). Wellington aircraft ditched. Please see Hanson E. for casualty list and flight detail. Pilot Officer Wireless Operator Air Gunner MacGillivray has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

THOMAS ELDON P/O(P) J85833//R130166. From Garson, Ontario. Killed in Action Jul 29/44 age 26. #428 Ghost Squadron (Usque Ad Finem). Target - Hamburg, Germany. Please see Urquhart J.A. for casualty list and flight detail. Pilot Officer Pilot Magill has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

GEORGE EDWARD F/L(OB) J5312. From Toronto, Ontario. Killed in Action Mar 25/44 age 25. #103 Squadron (Noli Me Tangere). Wellington aircraft #Z 1142 was enroute to the target on January 10, 1942 when it was hit in the bomb bay and caught on fire. The pilot ordered the crew to bail out a few miles west of the target and the fire was extinguished about ten minutes later by the second pilot. F/L McGill was taken Prisoner of War and imprisoned in Stalag Luft 9A. He was one of six Canadians shot by the Gestapo in an attempted escape from Stalag Luft 3. Please see Wiley G.W. for list of those Canadians shot. Flight Lieutenant Observer McGill is buried in the Old Garrison Cemetery at Poznan, Poland.

JOHN LEROY WO2(AG) R111241. From Centerville, Ontario. Killed in Action Jul 8/43 age 20. #70 Squadron (Usquam). Wellington aircraft #HF 752 failed to return from operations. FS L.L. Bernthal (RAF), Sgts D.H. Cockram (RAF), R. Hobby (RAF), and Ky. Pike (RAF) were also killed. Warrant Officer Class II Air Gunner McGill has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Alamein War Memorial, Egypt.

PAUL CLARK P/O(013) J15647. From Toronto, Ontario. Killed in Action Aug 21/42 age 24. #418 City of Edmonton Squadron. P/O McGillicuddy lost his life when his Boston aircraft was shot down and crashed in the sea off Dieppe, France. Pilot Officer Observer McGillicuddy is buried in the Cemetery at Littlehampton, Sussex, England.

DELMER RONALD F/O(P) J24978//R157933. From Vancouver, British Columbia. Killed in Action Mar 24/45. #298 Squadron. Halifax aircraft #NA 311 crashed seven miles south-east of BochoIt, Germany. The aircraft had been dropping airborne forces at the Rhine crossing north of Wessel, Germany. WO J.E. Bunn and four of the crew, not Canadians, were also killed. Flying Officer Pilot McGillivray was buried near the crash site, exhumed, and reinterred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Germany.

D.R. J15111. The operation was over the Cotentin Peninsula, not the Constentin Peninsula. Detail provided by A. E. Barnard, Burlington, On.

E.B. R133826. Liberator aircraft FL 926 failed to return from a photo reconnaissance trip over Nicobar Island in the Andaman Sea. F/O.s C. Hamann, W.A. Wallace and five RAF members of the crew FS.s H.R. Crust, T. Lecky, Sgt.s C.R. MacGregor, R. Morgan. and F/O. H.P. Willson were also killed.

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

A.J. J87041. Lancaster aircraft ND 410 (PH-Y) crashed in the water close to Grevelingen (Zealand) during night operations against Leipzig, Germany. P/O.s P.D. Wright (RAF), E. Travers-Clarke (RAF), Sgt.s E. Roe (RAF), B.G. White (RAF), T. White (RAF), FS.s B.A. Stratton (RAF), and A.J. Gillis were all killed.

R.N. J19367. The aircraft crashed at Yardley Gobion, not Yardley, Gobin. Detail provided by F. McAfee, Regina, Sk.

GEORGE EUGENE F/O(P) J85756//R34598. From St. John, New Brunswick. Killed In Action Nov.25/44 age 22. #193 Squadron (Aera Et Terram lmperare). F/O. Langille was attacking enemy transport when his Typhoon aircraft # MN 912 was hit by flak and then crashed in flames six miles east of Amersfoort, Holland. Flying Officer Pilot Langille is buried at Putten General Cemetery, Gelderland, Holland.

McGILL, A/V/M Frank Scholes (C565) - Companion, Order of the Bath - AFHQ - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 1127/45 dated 6 July 1945. Born in Montreal, 20 June 1894 as per RCAF Press Release reporting award; attended McGill University. Joined RNAS, 1915; active on anti-submarine patrols over North Sea. Back in North America, 1918, was advisor and instructor to US Navy before being sent back to UK to resume patrols. Repatriated in 1919. Postwar he was manager and director of Dominion Oil Cloth and Linoleum. With CAF in 1920-21 but went back to business until 1932 when he became involved in RCAF Auxiliary (CO, No.15 Squadron for four years). On outbreak of war he commanded No.1 SFTS, then No.2 SFTS (June 1940); promoted Group Captain, 20 September 1941; served at AFHQ (Director of Postings and Records, April 1941), No.2 Group Headquarters. To Station Trenton, 28 March 1942; appointed AOC No.1 Training Command, 5January 1943. Promoted Air Vice Marshal, 1 June 1943. To AFHQ, 30 November 1943, serving to end of war he was in AFHQ as Air Member for Organization and, on amalgamation of that directorate with Supply he became Air Member for Supply and Organization. Retired 15 February 1946. Died in June 1980. RCAF photo PL-2232 taken at Uplands shows LAC A.S. Johnson (Toronto), LAC J.A. Thompson (Listowel), G/C F.S. McGill (Commanding Officer), LAC J.J. Lawless (Toronto), and W/C L.G. Fullerton. Photo PL-35866A is a wartime portrait. Governor General's Records (RG.7 Group 26, Volume 59, file 190-I) has citation. See Winter 1980 issue of Journal of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society for extensive obituary/biography. Since the outbreak of war, Air Vice-Marshal McGill has rendered outstanding and devoted service to the Royal Canadian Air Force. He has commanded a Service Flying Training School, and served as Air Officer Commanding a Training Command and as an Air Member of the Air Council with great distinction. In all his assignments he has displayed rare qualities of skill, organizing ability and devotion to duty. He sets a very high standard which is an example and inspiration to all who are associated with him. By his leadership, efficiency and unflagging zeal, he has rendered highly meritorious service to the Royal Canadian Air Force. McGILL, A/V/M Frank Scholes (C565) - Commended for Valuable Services - Air Force Headquarters - Award effective 9 June 1945 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 1219/45 dated 27 July 1945. McGILL, A/V/M Frank Scholes (C565) - King Haakron VII's Cross of Liberation (Norway) - Award effective 12 June 1948 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 371/48 dated 11 June 1948.

GILLSON, W/C Albert Henry Stewart (C1537) - Officer, Order of the British Empire - No.1 CNS - Award effective 1 January 1943 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 55/43 dated 15 January 1943. Born in Soham, England, 4 December 1889; studied mathematics at Cambridge University, graduating in 1911. He then studied astronomy under Sir George Darwin, son of naturalist Charles Darwin. An interest in art led him to study for a time at the Slade School in London. At the outbreak of the First World War he enlisted in the Royal Navy. With his knowledge of mathematics and astronomy, he helped in the organization of a navigation system for Royal Naval Air Service pilots. In 1920 he left the Navy and accepted an appointment as a professor of mathematics at McGill University in Montreal. Enlisted in RCAF at Montreal, 21 December 1939 as Navigation Officer and granted rank of Squadron Leader that day. As of 21 November 1940 he was at No.1 Air Navigation School, Rivers (Chief Instructor). Promoted Wing Commander, 15 January 1942. To Trenton, 1 April 1944. To No.3 Training Command, 11 September 1944. Released 12 September 1944. Became Chair of the Mathematics Department at McGill, taking a secondment for three years to the Sir William Dawson Veterans College at St. Johns, Quebec. He was recalled to McGill in 1947 to become Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science. He left a year later to become President of the University of Manitoba, serving from 1948 to just before his death. He oversaw a period of unprecedented growth of the University and its consolidation at the Fort Garry Campus, and he was an enthusiastic supporter of research, establishing the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. Retired from the University in September 1954, due to a lengthy illness, and died at Winnipeg on 10 September 1954. He is commemorated by Gillson Street at the University of Manitoba. Wing Commander Gillson has been responsible for the organization and the present state of high efficiency of the ground instruction of this navigation school. This school, under the direction of Wing Commander Gillson, has specialised exclusively in celestial navigation and has set a very high standard in this particular phase of training. As a direct result of the training received at his school, Observers on active service overseas have done markedly fine work.

McGILL, F/L George Edward (J5312) - Mention in Despatches - No.103 Squadron (deceased) - Award effective 8 June 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1729/44 dated 11 August 1944. Born in Toronto, 14 April 1918. Home in Toronto where he was a student in Chemical Engineering.; enlisted there 3 September 1940. Wife in Toronto. To No.1 ITS, 9 November 1940; graduated and promoted LAC, 8 December 1940 when posted to No.1 AOS; to No.1 BGS, 2 March 1941; graduated and promoted Sergeant on 12 April 1941 when posted to No.1 ANS; graduated and commissioned 13 May 1941. To ?M? Depot, Halifax, 13 May 1941; embarked from Canada 14 July 1941. Date of posting to No.103 Squadron uncertain. On 10 January 1942 he was in crew of Wellington Z1142 detailed to attack Wilhelmshaven. When over target at about 2000 hours a 4.5-inch flare stowed at the rear of the bomb compartment became detached and set fire to aircraft fabric and wooden floor of the beam gun seat. The fire spread rapidly, filling the aircraft with smoke. The pilot (Sergeant C.L. Bray, RCAF), after steering a westward course to ensure the aircraft was over land, ordered crew to abandon aircraft.). Those who did so were P/O McGill (observer), Sergeant H.D. Whiting (RAAF, WOP/AG), Sergeant R.M. Coghlan (Wop/AG, RAF) and Sergeant E. Frais (rear gunner, RAF). The second pilot (Sergeant D.W. Spooner, RAAF) had not heard the bale-out order, managed to extinguished the fire, then help Sergeant Bray to bring the airplane back to England, landing at Grimsby about 2307 hours. Promoted Flying Officer, 13 May 1942. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 13 May 1943. Shot by the Germans, 25 March 1944 following the ?Great Escape?, Stalag Luft III. Ashes later retrieved from Sagan and reburied in Posen, Poland. No citation in AFRO.

GILLESPIE, F/L George MacDougall (C2004) - Commended for Valuable Services - No.112 Wing (Training), although the AFRO gave his unit as \"Overseas\"). - Award effective 1 September 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born in Albert, New Brunswick, 13 April 1907. Educated at Chatham High School, Pictou Academy and University of New Brunswick. Began flying in 1928 (instructor and barn stormer, 1931-1934; but see his own account below). Applied to the RCAF for a commission in both the regular and reserve but to accept a navigation course at Camp Borden, Instead he was taken on strength of Camp Borden, 7 September 1931 as a Sergeant Pilot for a navigation course. He was then struck off strength of Camp Borden, 23 December 1931 but continued to be carried on the books as a Sergeant Pilot (unpaid) until 4 September 1934. Enlisted again on 22 February 1940 (Sergeant Pilot); commissioned at Trenton, 1 April 1940. To No.4 SFTS, Saskatoon, 4 July 1940. To Central Flying School, Trenton, 22 March 1941. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 September 1941. Struck off strength of Station Trenton, 28 February 1943 for posting overseas, but this was cancelled when his hearing problems were discovered. Taken on strength of No.3 Training Command, Montreal, 6 June 1943. To AFHQ, Ottawa, 11 January 1944. To No.301 Camp Unit, Dorval (Ferry Command), 1 May 1944. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 May 1945. To Station Lachine, 17 July 1945. Retired 9 November 1945. Rejoined RCAF in Halifax, 19 February 1952 in Special List (203562) and assigned to Ground Observer Corps. Served in that Corps to 18 February 1957 (all in Halifax and Truro areas). Died in Truro, Nova Scotia, 15 April 1982 as per Legion Magazine of July 1982 (which gives number correctly but lists him as ?George G. Gillespie). No citation in AFRO. Public Record Office Air 2/9019 has the following, drafted when he had flown 2,872 hours (377 in previous six months). This oficer is a very capable and zealous instructor on the various types of aircraft employed for training in No.45 Group. In this capacity he instills confidence in his pupils. GILLESPIE, S/L George MacDougall (C2004) - Air Force Cross - No.313 Ferry Training Unit - Award effective 7 September 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1647/45 dated 26 October 1945. Public Records Office Air 2/9117 recommendation (identical to below) states that he had flown 3,194 hours, 914 on ferry or transport duties, 300 in past six months. This officer is flight commander of the RAF Conversion Flight at his station. He has done excellent work as a flying instructor and flight commander and kept up this high standard when attached for three months to No.5 Operational Training Unit for the purpose of giving ferry training to Liberator crews. His work during this time was of great benefit to both units. Note: On 1 October 1931, S/L G.E. Brookes, Chief Flying Instructor, Camp Borden, wrote of Sergeant G.M. Gillespie: Pleased be advised that I tested the above mentioned Airman Pilot for progress this date. Approximate flying is 11 hours. Flying generally is satisfactory and flying errors noted are confined to forces landings. Sequence 15: Sergeant Gillespie does not use the method taught in this organization. It is felt that if instruction is commenced at once, using the fields provided, that he will adjust his approaches quite quickly. I would suggest that F/L Sporadbrow should be instructed to commence this phase of the Course immediately. On 18 November 1931, F/O E.T. Morris reported, :”Sergeant Gillespie has satisfactorily passed a forced landing test in Puss Moth aircraft. He is considered fully qualified to carry out Cross–Country flights on this type of aircraft.” Examined for Air Pilotage, 22 November 1931, he scored 75 % on “Tactical Problems”, 78 % on “Route Cards”, 83 % on “Practical Navigation”, 68 % on an Intermediate Examination. Others taking the course were Sergeants A.G. Sims, H.C. Yule, T.F.K. Edmison, L.N. Gill, R.H. Batty, F.B. Briscoe, C.E. Keating, G.A. Blunden, C.R. Robinson, D. Imrie, W.R. Munroe, and S.C.L. Bailey, plus Sergeant-Major G.E. Clarke and Flying Officers J. Laxdall, H.H. Langford, M. Ogilvie Forbes and R.G. Pigeon, as well as Pilot Officers L. Gendron, R.L. Coote and R. Lacroix. On 1 December 1931, Gillespie wrote to the Officer Commanding, Station Camp Borden: Immediately prior to coming to Camp Borden for the Navigation Course in September I was employed in Toronto as Pilot on a privately owned plane. It has been ascertained that the position will not be available for me on completion of the course, having been filled by another pilot. In view of prevailing conditions of the labour market and that I have no immediate prospects in view, the chances of obtaining employment would appear to be much better if I returned to my home in Newcastle, New Brunswick. In the connection it would be very much appreciated if at the completion of the course, I could be granted free transportation to my home. The above request was turned down - he would be paid for travel to place of enlistment (Toronto) and no further. In a letter dated 3 April 1935 to AFHQ he applied to enlist in the RCAF, citing his previous course. He stated that during the course he had flown 15 hours 55 minutes on instruments, 37 hours ten minutes on General Flying, six hours 30 minutes night flying, 18 hours 55 minutes on solo navigation, and 36 hours as “Acting Navigator.” He also wrote, “At the present time my solo flying time amounts to 237 hours and 15 minutes”, which suggests that in subsequent accounts he “padded” his flying times. However, subsequent letters confirm that he was rejected (6 April 1935), again described as “too old” (14 November 1939) and then offered an opportunity to enrol as a Temporary Sergeant (2 February 1940), given that the RCAF proposed to hold a special instructor course at Trenton for civilian pilots in anticipation of BCATP requirements. Assessed as instructor, 12 June 1940 - “A sound knowledge of sequence, but although his voice is clear he is not convincing enough in his delivery. Flying also lacks pep. Should be good enough after some experience. Aerobatics average. ‘C’ Category recommended.” Involved in accident at Trenton, 18 June 1941, Harvard 1550 (Sergeant H.M. Byers) and Fleet 4675 (F/O Gillespie and J5221 P/O A. Arnason). No injuries. Harvard landed and swung, striking interplane strut of Fleet with starboard wing (“Carelessness on part of Harvard pilot.”) Retested as instructor, 13 November 1941 by S/L William M. Foster (No.2 Visiting Flight). By then he had flown 1,000 instructing. Tested on Moth and Lockheed. Assessed under following headings - Sequence (“Above average”), Voice (“Clear”), Manner (“Steady”), Ability to Impart Knowledge (“Above average”), and Ability as pilot (“High average”). Described as “A capable pilot with above average ability to impart knowledge. Demonstrates flying maneouvres in an instructive manner and with detailed explanation. Ability and experience warrant a higher category.” Awarded A.2 category. On 28 October 1942 while testing F/O G.J.H. Billing, No.32 EFTS, minor accident with Stearman FJ907 seven miles west of Netook Relief Landing Field; Gillespie uninjured, Billing slightly injured. “Accidental removal of harness pin. Accidentally removed by flying suit fastener catching loose pin when aircraft inverted.” Retested by W/C J.G. Stephenson, 8 June 1943 when he had flown about 2,000 instructional hours. Tested on Cornell and Crane. Assessed under following headings - Sequence (“Above average”), Voice (“Clear”), Manner (“Instructive”), Ability to Impart Knowledge (“Above average”), and Ability as pilot (“Above average”). Described as follows: “This officer’s ability and experience warrant the highest category”. Reclassified A.1. Excerpt of letter, 20 January 1945, W/C L. de S. Duke, RCAF Liaison Officer with No.45 Group to Air Officer Commanding, No.1 Air Command: Your instructions dated 20th January 1945 to transfer the above named officer to the RCAF Reserve is very much deplored and greatly regretted by this Headquarters, and in consequence I have been directed to lay before you the following in regard to this officer. Flight Lieutenant Gillespie was posted for duty with No.45 (AT) Group in 1944 for trans-Atlantic ferrying duties. Having completed many successful Atlantic crossings in which he early demonstrated a more than average ability as a captain, he was posted to this Group’s Ferry Training Unit at North Bay in the capacity of Flight Commander, and whilst filling this responsible position was continuously recommended for promotion to the rank of Squadron Leader. When very recently it was decided to establish at No.5 OTU, Boundary Bay, a detachment of instructors from No.45 Group in order to ensure that crews from that Unit, who are designated for India, are trained to the necessary standard required by this Group to enable them to make successful trans.-Atlantic delivery, Flight Lieutenant Gillespie was especially chosen as officer in charge of this detachment in view of his varied experience both as a Flight Instructor and as a transport pilot qualified on large four engine aircraft. In view of the important and particular nature of duties which this officer is now engaged, and difficulty of replacing him at the present time, it is requested that every consideration will be given to postponing Gillespie’s transfer to the above for a period of at least six months. His file contained the following (undated) narrative, apparently drafted as part of his application to rejoin the RCAF., It seems that all my life I have been interested in aircraft and flying. I first became an enthusiast during World War I while attending school in Chatham, New Brunswick, where I received my Junior Matriculation. This was followed by a year at Pictou Academy, after which I enrolled at University of New Brunswick in 1925 to study Forestry. At the same time I became interested in the COTC and was asked by our Commanding Officer if I could get my parents’ permission to go into the RCAF. The prospect filled me with enthusiasm which was not reflected by my father and in the summer of 1927, while timber cruising in northern New Brunswick, an epidemic of boils, brought on by the diet which we were forced to live on in the bush killed my enthusiasm for a forest existence. In 1928 I attended Success Business College in Truro, Nova Scotia and received a certificate in Bookkeeping and Accountancy. Following this I went to work for the T. Eaton Company in Moncton, expecting to be in the office. Instead, I found myself selling merchandise during the Christmas rush and, when Canadian Airways opened a school at the new Moncton Airport, I enrolled as a student pilot with practically no assets but unbounded optimism. From different sources I raised enough money to pay for my lessons and eventually soloed a Gipsy Moth in 6 ½ hours. My instructor thought I was rather slow to take so long. In the spring of 1930 I went to Buffalo, New York and, after getting my private and commercial license in the U.S.A. I went to work for Curtiss-Wright Flying Services. During 1930 and 1931 I did considerable flying all over the States, instructing, ferrying and testing. In the spring of 1931 I went to Toronto and received my commercial license in Canada. Times were not good financially and for some time I shuttled back and forth across the border, flying in both countries when opportunity offered. Although I cannot produce logbook evidence to back me up, during the early thirties I flew at least 30 different aircraft types, ranging from the Heath “Parasol” to the Ford Trimotor. In the fall of 1931 I enlisted in the RCAF Reserve and spent four months at camp Borden taking a Navigation course. In September 1934 I received my discharge by registered mail. At the time, I was living in Toronto and had taken a course in Authorship and Journalism from Shaw Schools, Completing the course, I began knocking out short stories that sold reasonably well to the pulp papers and, when I returned to the Maritimes in 1936, I decided to get married. Settling in Amherst, Nova Scotia, where my daughter was born in 1939. When war broke out in September of that year I felt I had something that Canada could use and applied to the Saint John, New Brunswick Auxiliary Squadron for a commission. In sending the necessary forms, the Adjutant of the squadron warned me that I was overage (32) but that my experience might counteract this. I due time I was advised to report to the Recruiting Office in Moncton for a medical examination and later a notification from Ottawa informed me that a review of my application has disclosed that I was too old to be useful to the RCAF. In February 1940 I received a telegram asking if I could enlist as an Aircraftsman to take an Instructors Course at Trenton. My reply in the affirmative brought a further signal to report to Moncton and complete my enlistment. I reported to Flying Instructors School and took my first flight in a Fleet on February 28, 1940, soloing in two hours 20 minutes. In March I soloed the Harvard Mark I in 2:05 and checked out at night in the same aircraft in 1:10. After receiving my instructor’s category on May 26th I soloed the Oxford on May 27th in 1:35. In June I received my commission, backdated to April 1st, and spent the summer of 1940 ferrying aircraft around Ontario and Quebec, eventually being posted to No.4 SFTS, Saskatoon in September [but see postings above.] In March 1941 I returned to Flying Instructor School as a staff instructor. The following September I went out as second-in-command of a Central Flying School Visiting Flight and remained on this job until the spring of 1943. At that time I managed an overseas posting to RAF Bomber Command but for the first time I failed to pass a Medical, due to my hearing. This was judged to be middle-ear deafness and my hearing in the air remained as acute as ever. In April 1943 I was sent to Fingal, Ontario to convert single-engine pilots to Bolingbroke aircraft and remained for a week. Following this I returned to Central Flying School until June when I was posted to 45 Group, RAF Transport Command. Here I checked out in all available types as a Trans-Atlantic captain and instructed on all of them. During the summer of 1943 I spent most of my time at North Bay, Ontario on Hudson aircraft before returning to Dorval from where I made trips to the Gold Coast, England and Egypt. Eventually I returned to North Bay as a Flight Commander, which position I held until August 1945, except for three months when I was Officer Commanding of a 45 Group detachment sent to No.5 OTU, Boundary Bay, B.C. to assist in Liberator training. On returning from this detached duty in May I was put in charge of Lancaster training and Radio Range instruction at North Bay. At the time I was posted to the RAF Transport Command I held an A-1 instructor’s category and when I left the RAF on posting to the Release Centre at Lachine, Quebec, I was assessed as an exceptional pilot and instructor and held their Command Pilot instrument rating. On September 1, 1944 I was awarded a King’s Commendation and on September 7th, 1945, the Air Force Cross. I was discharged from the RCAF in November 1945 and was employed by War Assets Corporation in Montreal. In 1947 I returned to Nova Scotia and since then have been selling insurance and acting as local representative for Maritime Automobile Association and two brokerage firms. I have been very active in the community life of this area, was founder and organizer of No.102 (Colchester) Wing, RCAF Association, and have been its President for more than two years. I am First Vice President of the Nova Scotia Rifle Association and Vice-President of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Rifle Association, an active member of the Truro Curling Club and the Truro Golf Club. Assessments (sample): “This officer needs more drive and initiative and a great deal more service experience.” (4 December 1940). “Conscientious and industrious, pleasing personality, but his pupils, although well-trained, are often behind schedule due to lack of organization on the part of this instructor. Deficient in ability to organize and manage flight activities and lacks initiative, administrative qualities and the push to get work done by others. Content to allow others to do the thinking for him.” (10 July 1941). “”Has sufficient flying experience and ability to make a very useful operational pilot for Home work or Overseas. This officer is making an honest endeavour to improve the many deficiencies outlined in his last R.211. There is no doubt a change of environment would react in his favour as he has been in training too long. Superficially he gives the impression of wanting to overcome his weak points and become a better and more valuable officer. However, he is so set in his ways it is doubtful if he possesses the strength of character to overcome them all.” (W/C F.C. Carling-Kelly, Central Flying School, 5 April 1943). “An exceptional flying instructor. Should do well as a chief flying instructor. A very efficient officer who is an asset to the service.” (S/L R.J. Ralph, North Bay, 17 August 1943). “This officer is a flying instructor of above average ability. He is very conscientious and sets an excellent example to his pupils. It is strongly recommended that he be considered for accelerated promotion to the rank of Squadron Leader, in order that he may fill an established post as a Flight Commander at a unit within this Group.” (W/C E.H. Coleman, Headquarters, No.45 Group, 7 August 1944). “Flying Officer Gillespie is prenrly employed as Officer Commanding the Ground Observer Corps filter centre in Truro, Nova Scotia. He was recommended for that position from the Reserve because of his wide acquaintance in Truro and his extensive activities there in Air Force Association, Canadian legion and in sports activities such as curling and Rifle Shooting. In a unit depending on civilians for manning he is an ideal man. F/O Gillespie is all for the service and is happier in the RCAF than he could be in any other position in civilian life. He is the average type other than administration and had an outstanding career as a pilot during previous service. Although his field was flying, he makes a most sincere effort to do what is expected of him in his present position and with extra effort on his part and sufficient supervision and direction he satisfactorily completes any task assigned him. His two big faults are that he worres and worries unduly about minor problems and that he is influenced much more than he should be by other officers under his command. He is inclined to depend on others too much and is nor inclined to make major decisions himself, and is not recommended for permanent commission because of advanced age for his rank and his hearing difficulties necessitating use of hearing aid.” (W/C J.A. Wiseman, 6 January 1953).

GILLANDERS, Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) John Gordon - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 2 November 1918. Home in Highgate, Ontario; student at University of Toronto; joined RFC in Canada, 17 August 1917; sailed as 2nd Lieutenant, 19 November 1917. With No.18 Squadron, 14 March 1918 to 10 June 1919; appointed Captain, 15 August 1918. This officer has carried out twenty-nine successful bombing raids, sixteen photographic flights and thirty-six reconnaissance, and his work had beenn admirable, characterized by marked ability. In the course of these numerous flights he has never hesitated to engage enemy aircraft, thereby on many occasions materially assisting his formation. NOTE: Public Record Office Air 1/204/36/127 has recommendation sent by 1st Brigade to Headquarters, Royal Air Force, 13 August 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has carried out 29 successful bombing raids, 16 successful photographic flights and 36 reconnaissances, many of which have been at very low altitudes. He has taken part in numerous encounters with enemy aircraft and by his dash and fearlessness has materially assisted his formation in dealing with hostile attacks. He has carried out his work in a most admirable and conscientious manner and during the five months he has served with No.18 Squadron has set a fine example to other pilots by his keenness and great devotion to duty. On 22 July 1918, whilst flying in formation, he observed an enemy machine which was a two-seater. He left the formation, attacked and destroyed the enemy aeroplane. He then rejoined his formation, bombed the objective and when returning was attacked by four hostile aeroplanes. He singled out one which was shot down out of control and eventually crashed. On 24 July 1918 he carried out a successful photographic flight under very difficult circumstances, exposing 33 plates through gaps in the clouds and obtaining all pin points. On 16 July 1918 during a flight of two hours 35 minutes he took 30 exposures with an E.B. [or F.B.] camera of villages and hostile aerodromes in the vicinity of Orchins, obtaining all the pinpoints. In addition to the above he took part in a bomb raid which was attacked by 40 to 50 enemy aeroplanes. During the combat which ensued four enemy aeroplanes were crashed and seven shot down out of control. GILLANDERS, Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) John Gordon - Mention in Despatches - awarded as per London Gazette dated 31 December 1918. AIR 1/1219/204/5/2634/18 (copied into Library and Archives Canada MG.4 D.1) has the following Combat Reports: 25 May 1918 Type and Number of Aeroplanes: eight D.H. 4s Armament - 1 Vickers, 1 Lewis Pilots - Captain A. Waller, MC [the author of the report], Captain I. Pyott, DSO, 2/Lt. C. Snook, 2/Lt. C. Mason, 2/Lt. J. Waugh, 2/Lt. G. Peskett, 2/Lt. J. Gillanders, Lieut. I. Mellish. Observers - 1. Lt. Ayers, 2. 2/Lt. B. Tussaud, Lt. R. Aslin, Lt. E. Collins, 2/Lt. E. Walker, A/Sgt. Braithwaite, Lieut. B. Blackett. 2/AM L. Vrendenburg. Locality: Courrierres. Time: Between - 11.20 a.m. and 11.40 a,m. Duty - Bombing Height - 14,000 feet Result - [not entered] Remarks on Hostile Machine: About 40 to 50 seen. All kinds including Triplanes and a new two-seater machine with a long span, narrow wings very much swept back. NARRATIVE General Encounter - We met the above mentioned E.A. when returning from bombing Carvin and Libercourt. Our escort was eight Bristol Fighters from No.22 Squadron. All the Observers opened fire and all except 3 or 4 E..A. were driven down below us and to Eastwards before the fight was broken off. I saw a great many machines out of control but the presence of such a large formation of E.A. made it almost impossible to follow them down. I dived on one triplane and fired about 50 rounds into him; he went down vertically as far as I could see and other members of the formation confirmed his having gone right down out of control. [The following added in pen:] This has since been confirmed by pilot of No.22 Squadron. 28 July 1918 Type and Number of Aeroplanes: three D.H. 4s Armament - 1 Vickers, 1 Lewis Pilots - Lieutenant C. Darvill, Lieutenant J. Gillanders, Lieut. E. Peskett Observers - Lieut. W. Miller, Lieut. E. Walker, 2/Lt. W. Clark. Locality: Vitry and Query la Motte. Time: 7.35 a.m. Duty - Bombing Height - 12,800 feet Result - one destroyed, two driven down out of control [finally assessed as “two out of control”] Remarks on Hostile Machine: 15 Fokker biplanes, Albatross and Pflaz NARRATIVE General Combat - Whilst returning from bombing Douay [sic] we were attacked by the above mentioned formation, five of which came right into our formation. Lieutenant Irwin was seen to go down smoking with two E.A. on his tail. As these two went under my machine Lieut, Miller (my Observer) opened fire on one E.A. who went down completely out of control, spinning and diving with his engine on. He was last seen by several Observers spinning through the clouds and without doubt must have crashed. Lieut. Gillanders engaged the other E.A. who was attacking Lieut. Irwin. His Observer fired several bursts. He went down in a vertical dive, subsequently getting into a fast spin, completely out of control. He disappeared through the clouds. This was also seen by other observers of the formation. 2/Lieut. Clark damaged one of the E.A. who dived through the formation. 70 rounds were fired at this E.A. He stalled, spun and was then seen by other Observers to be alternatively stalling and spinning, and undoubtedly out of control. Owing to the clouds it was impossible for the Observers to follow these E.A. down, but I think that these three E.A. must have eventually crashed. [signed by Davill] 28 July 1918 (again) Type and Number of Aeroplanes: D.H. 4, A7907 Armament - 1 Vickers, 1 Lewis Pilot - Lieut. J. Gillanders Observer - 2/Lieut. E. Walker Locality: Esquerchin. Time: 7.30 a.m. Duty - Bombing Height - 13,000 feet Result - one destroyed Remarks on Hostile Machine: one Albatross two seater, black-and-white tail. NARRATIVE Whilst going over to bomb Douai I engaged the above E.A. who passed just below me. My observer opened fire, firing about 20 rounds. The E.A. turned over on his side and went down spinning. He was seen to crash at 51.B D.5 control by me. He was seen spinning by Lieut. Darvill and his Observer.