LAMONT, F/O Robert Alexander (J22906) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.100 Squadron - Award effective 5 February 1945 as per London Gazette dated 20 February 1945 and AFRO 563/45 dated 29 March 1945. Born 1 February 1919 in Vancouver; home there; educated at Florence Nightingale Public School, King Edward High School, and University of British Columbia (1936-1940) and served in COTC for three years. Had been employed by Steel Company of Canada in production scheduling. Enlisted in Hamilton, 1 April 1942 and posted to No.1 Manning Depot. To No.1 ITS, 1 August 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 25 September 1942; posted next day to No.1 AOS; graduated and commissioned 22 January 1943. To ?Y? Depot, 5 February 1943; to RAF overseas, 8 March 1943. Disembarked in Britain, 17 March 1943. Detached to Army, Ipswich, 9-14 April 1943. To No.10 (Observer) AFU, 19 July 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 22 July 1943. To No.30 OTU, 30 August 1943. To No.1667 Conversion Unit, 23 November 1943. To No.100 Squadron, 8 April 1944. To No.1 Group Headquarters, 30 October 1944. To No.12 Base, 17 November 1944. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 22 January 1945. To No.13 Base, 2 April 1945. To No.64 Base, 31 May 1945. Repatriated 13 June 1945. To Debert, 20 July 1945. To Air Navigation School, 20 November 1945. To Greenwood, 14 December 1945. Remained in postwar RCAF (20159, reverting to Flying Officer). To Air Navigation School, Summerside, 7 March 1946. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 February 1947. To Station Summerside, 1 March 1947. To No.10 Group Headquarters, Halifax, 10 April 1947. To overseas, 14 April 1947 to attend Empire Air Navigation School, Shrewsbury. Returned from overseas, 20 October 1947 and rejoined No.10 Group Headquarters. To Air Navigation School, Summerside, 28 October 1947. To AFHQ, 29 August 1949. Promoted Squadron Leader, 26 June 1951. To Staff College, Toronto, 1 September 1952. To Reserve Officers School, Kingston, 5 May 1953. To University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 8 August 1953. To Station Aylmer, 1 May 1954. To University of British Columbia again, 16 September 1954. To Reserve Officer School, Kingston, 30 April 1955. To University of British Columbia, 23 July 1955. To Reserve Officer School, St. Jean, 30 April 1956. To University of British Columbia, 14 July 1956. To AFHQ, 27 July 1956. To Metz, France, 10 August 1961. To AFHQ, 4 July 1964. Retired 18 March 1966. Died in New Westminster, British Columbia, 29 September 1982 as per British Columbia Vital Statistics. Photo PL-44392 shows him. 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 Records Office Air 2/8831 has recommendation dated 23 October 1944 when he had flown 31 1/3 sorties (140 hours) as follows: * denotes daylight sortie 5 November 1943 - Beauvais (nickel) 18 April 1944 - Rouen (1/3 sortie) 20 April 1944 - Cologne 24 April 1944 - Karlsruhe 26 April 1944 - Essen 3 May 1944 - Mailly le Camp 7 May 1944 - Bruz 10 May 1944 - Dieppe 21 May 1944 - Duisburg 27 May 1944 - Merville 6 June 1944 - Vire 7 June 1944 - Cerisy 10 June 1944 - Acheres 14 June 1944 - Le Havre 22 June 1944 - Rheims 24 June 1944 - Hayons* 25 June 1944 - Ligescourt* 30 June 1944 - Vierson 4 July 1944 - Orleans 6 July 1944 - Foret du Croc* 7 July 1944 - Caen 23 July 1944 - Kiel 25 July 1944 - Coquereaux* 4 August 1944 - Pauillac* 14 August 1944 - Falaise * 18 August 1944 - Ghent Reine 25 August 1944 - Russelsheim 26 August 1944 - Kiel 10 September 1944 - Le Havre 17 September 1944 - Flushing* 20 September 1944 - Calais* 3 October 1944 - Westkapelle Flying Officer Lamont has now completed his first operational tour with a total of 31 1/3 sorties. This young Canadian officer has consistently carried out his duties as a Navigator with determination, skill, and devotion to duty of the highest order. His cheerful confidence at all times, even in the face of enemy opposition, has been an inspiration to the other members of his crew, of which he has proved himself to be an outstanding member. He is strongly recommended that this young officer\'s praiseworthy disregard for his own personal safety, combined with his fine record of achievement, be recognized by the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Notes: Application for Operational Badge, 22 October 1944, stated he had flown 31 1/3 sorties (148 ? hours), 8 April to 14 October 1944. He was meticulous in keeping up his flight navigation skills, often taking part in postwar transport flights. A record of his flying times, as of 31 December 1957, showed he had flown in the following types: Anson (15.55), Wellington (53.00), Halifax (40.30), Lancaster (358.50), Harvard (6.35), Norseman (1.15), North Star (18.55), Neptune (8.15), Dakota (271.00) and Expeditor (382.25). In the year just past (1957) he had flown 84 hours in Dakota and 29 hours ten minutes in Expeditor machines. Selected Assessments: ?A very capable officer who through his cooperative, willing nature and considerable experience has been of great assistance to the newer members of the staff. His ability to get down to essentials and handle details and then express himself in a clear, concise manner is outstanding. He is interested in station activities and although of a quiet nature, organizes activities very well. Can be safely employed in any navigation post. Somewhat limited administratively due to lack of employment in this field.? (S/L W.L. Gillespie, Station Summerside, 1 August 1949). ?S/L Lamont is doing a splendid job as Resident Staff Officer at UBC Squadron. The position demands a great deal of tact, initiative, qualities of cooperation, interest and enthusiasm. Liaison with university authorities and other service units is of great importance here. In all these respwects S/L Lamont has been exemplary. At UBC, the size of the unit including a detachment at Victoria, the operation of a mess and the many functions in addition to training which are a pattern of the squadron activity are particularly demanding. S/L Lamont is not a dynamic leader but his integrity and his stubborn painstaking attention to every aspect of his work enable him to exert a leadership which is as effective and probably sounder than the former kind. Good health, personality, interest in people and affairs contribute to this officer?s effectiveness and the respect he has engendered in all with whom he comes in contact.? (S/L R.G. Herbert, 31 March 1955).