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.

GILLESPIE, F/L Geoffrey Frank Waller (RAF 141555) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 15 November 1944. Born 1922 in Sydenham; home in Crieff, Perthshire; enlisted 1941; trained in South Africa; commissioned 1943. Air Ministry Bulletin 16209/AL.922 refers. 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 2/8828 has recommendation drafted 20 August 1944 when he had flown 41 sorties (195 hours eight minutes). 23 Dec 43 - Berlin (7.36) 29 Dec 43 - Berlin (6.26) 2 Jan 44 - Berlin (6.25) 27 Jan 44 - Berlin (7.46) 28 Jan 44 - Berlin (8.36) 30 Jan 44 - Berlin 6.22) 15 Feb 44 - Berlin (6.53) 19 Feb 44 - Leipzig (6.53) 20 Feb 44 - Stuttgart (6.18) 25 Feb 44 - Augsburg (7.05) 1 Mar 44 - Stuttgart (7.01) 15 Mar 44 - Stuttgart (6.55) 18 Mar 44 - Frankfurt (5.02) 22 Mar 44 - Frankfurt-am-Main (5.19) 24 Mar 44 - Berlin (6.44) 30 Mar 44 - Nuremberg (6.39) 18 Apr 44 - Paris (3.37) 8 May 44 - Haine St.Pierre (2.44) 10 May 44 - Ghent (2.19) 11 May 44 - Boulogne (2.33) 19 May 44 - Le Mans (3.58) 22 May 44 - Le Mans (4.15) 10 June 44 - Versailles (3.47) 12 June 44 - Amiens (2.42) 16 June 44 - Renescure (1.45) 27 June 44 - Oisemont (2.15) 28 June 44 - Metz (5.18) 9 July 44 - Lhey (1.46) 10 July 44 - Nucourt (2.45) 12 July 44 - Paris/Vaires (3.08) 15 July 44 - Nucourt (3.30) 17 July 44 - Gagny (2.30) 28 July 44 - Stuttgart (6.17) 30 July 44 - Battle area (2.34) 3 Aug 44 - Nieppe (2.03) 4 Aug 44 - L'isle Adam (2.44) 13 Aug 44 - Falaise (2.38) 14 Aug 44 - TRACTABLE 2 (2.21) 15 Aug 44 - Meisbroek (4.15) 16 Aug 44 - Stettin (4.57) 18 Aug 44 - Sterkrade (3.34) This officer is a skilled and capable navigator in a very successful crew. Flight Lieutenant Gillespie has a long and varied operational career, and has, on many occasions, been placed in imminent personal danger. In spite of this fact he has not veered from his allotted tasks, but has shown a coolness and dogged devotion which has set a magnificent example to all fellow members of his crew. Strongly recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. GILLESPIE, F/L Geoffrey Frank Waller (RAF 141555) - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 23 March 1945. Throughout two tours of operations Flight Lieutenant Gillespie displayed outstanding navigational skill and devotion to duty. He has participated in numerous attacks against such vital targets as Berlin, Stuttgart and Frankfurt. Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross he has maintained a high standard of cool courage and determination. Public Record Office Air 50/248 has a Combat Report for the night of 1st/2nd March 1944, Lancaster O/405, ND507 or JB507. Crew consisted of J16708 F/L A.J. Van Rassel, 141555 F/O G.F.W. Gillspie, 710165 Sergeant W. Howard, R109440 Warrant Officer F. Billingsley, R211205 Sergeant C.C.Y. Bergeron (mid-upper gunner, trained at No.9 BGS), J14183 F/O E.G. Gray (rear gunner, trained at No.9 BGS and No.22 OTU) and 1043385 Sergeant C.O. Beadman. While on operations to Stuttgart on the night of March 1st, 1944 and in a position 48?50" North 09?30" East, Lancaster ?O? Serial No.JB507 of 405 Squadron was attacked by a twin-engined fighter identified by the rear gunner as being a Me.210. The encounter took place at 19,000 feet altitude while flying at 145 I.A.S. on a heading of 070? True. Visibility was good with 5/10 cloud tops at 12,000 feet and no moon. The enemy aircraft was first sighted by the rear gunner [Gray] silhoetted against the cloud at a range of 1,000 yards in the Starboard Quarter down. The enemy followed the bomber while closing in slowly on the Port Quarter down until it reached a position at 800 yards range at which time it banked towards the bomber and commenced to attack. The rear gunner held his fire until the range closed to 500 yards when he directed the pilot [Van Rassel] to corkscrew port, and opened fire with a short burst of 100 rounds total. The fighter then broke the attack by climbing on the port quarter and was not sighted again. There was no indication of imminent attack and the enemy aircraft did not open fire, no damage was caused to the fighter. Monica and Fishpond was reported unserviceable.

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.

GILLETT, Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Frederick Warrington - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 2 November 1918. Born 1896 in Baltimore, Maryland (mining engineer); attended University of Virginia. Entered U.S. Aviation Service, Newport News, 1 April 1917. Assigned to Royal Flying Corps in Canada and completed training here. Commissioned 1917. Sailed December 1917, arriving in England 17 December 1917. With No.79 Squadron, 29 March to 29 November 1918. To Unemployed List, 7 March 1919. Returned to United States after the war to enter liquor importing business, director of a banking firm and a realtor. Died in Baltimore, 21 December 1969. See Cross and Cockade Journal, Summer 1964 and Spring 1970. // When attacking a kite balloon a two-seater guarding it advanced to engage him; Lieutenant Gillett shot the machine down, and turning to the balloon, which was being rapidly hauled down, he dropped two bombs at the winch and fired a drum into the balloon, which deflated but did not catch fire. In addition to this two-seater, this officer has accounted for two other machines and a kite balloon. // NOTE: Public Record Office Air 1/1580 has recommendation forwarded on 6 September 1918 from Second Brigade to Headquarters, Royal Air Force: // On the 3 August 1918 Lieutenant Gillett shot down in flames a kite balloon over Le Pont Mortier. // On the 18 August 1918 when attacking a kite balloon over Estaires, he was attacked by a Fokker biplane; getting on to his opponent's tail he fired 100 rounds into him at very short range; the Fokker crashed one-half mile south of Croix di Bac. // On the 24 August 1918 when on offensive patrol east of Bailleul, Lieutenant Gillett attacked and shot down a DFW two-seater which fell two miles east of Bailleul. // On the 1 September 1918, Lieutenant Gillett attacked a kite balloon northeast of Armentieres; a LVG two-seater guarding the balloon approached and was shot down. Lieutenant Gillett then turned to the balloon which was being rapidly hauled down. He dropped two bombs at the winch and fired a drum into the balloon which visibly deflated but did not catch fire. // GILLETT, Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Frederick Warrington - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 8 February 1919. // A pilot of great dash and skill who, since 3rd August has destroyed twelve hostile aircraft. On 29th September, when on low line patrol, he attacked three Fokkers, driving down one, which fell in flames. // NOTE: Public Record Office Air 1/1580 has recommendation forwarded on 8 October 1918 from Second Brigade to Headquarters, Royal Air Force. // On the 5 September 1918 when on offensive patrol east of Armentieres, Lieutenant Gillett shot down a Fokker scout. // On the 21 September 1918 when on balloon patrol between Maubourdin and Wavrin, Lieutenant Gillett attacked and destroyed a Fokker whose port wing broke up in the air. // On the 28 September 1918 when on line patrol near Bousbecque, Lieutenant Gillett shot down a two-seater Albatross. Later in the day when on offensive patrol with two other machines, they joined in a big fight between Passchendaele and Roulers. Lieutenant Gillett's patrol destroyed four Fokkers of which he accounted for one. // On the 29 September 1918 when on low line patrol west of Roulers, Lieutenant Gillett attacked three Fokkers; one fell in flames on the Menin-Roulers road. // On the 2 October 1918 when on a similar duty four miles east of Roulers, Lieutenant Gillett destroyed a balloon which went down in flames. // On the 5 October 1918 when on offensive patrol near Courtrai, some Fokkers were seen attacking our bombing machines. Lieutenant Gillett shot down one of the enemy scours. // A pilot of great dash and skill who has destroyed twelve enemy aircraft since the 3rd August. // GILLETT, Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Frederick Warrington - Croix de Guerre (Belgium) - awarded as per London Gazette dated 15 July 1919. // Air 1/976/204/5/1135, “Brigade Reports, August 1918", copied into Library and Archives MG.40 D.1 Volume 19 has the following for 24 August 1918: // Lieut. Gillet, No.79 Squadron, shot down a D.F.W. two-seater which crashed two miles E. of Bailleul at 7.35 p.m. // Air 1/976/204/5/1132, “Brigade Reports, October 1918", copied into Library and Archives MG.40 D.1 Volume 19 has the following for 9 October 1918: // Lieut. Gillett, No.79 Squadron, at 1625 shot down two Fokker Biplanes, one of which crashed in a field N.E. of Menin and the second near Gulleghem. (Second E.A. confirmed by another pilot.) // The following is taken from Fred Hitchins excerpts of First World War documents. // 3 August 1918 - shot down a hostile balloon in flames. (RAF Communique No.18) // 18 August 1918 - brought down one E.A. (RAF Communique No.20) // 24 August 1918 - brought down one E.A. (RAF Communique No.21) // 1 September 1918 - When about to attack a balloon, saw an E.A. two-seater flying low which he shot down. He then returned to the balloon, which was being hauled down, and shot it down in flames. Two bombs were also dropped on the winch. (RAF Communique No.22) // 5 September 1918 - “During the course of a combat between a patrol of No.79 Squadron and a formation of Fokker biplanes, Lt.F.W. Gillett shot down one E.A. which burst into flames on the ground, and Captain F.I. Lord attacked another which fell over on its back and a large object, which would appear to have been the pilot, was seen to leave the machine which was last seen falling on its back within 200 feet of the ground.” (RAF Communique No.23) // 21 September 1918 - brought down one E.A. (RAF Communique 25) // 22 September 1918 - DFC to Lt. F.W. Gillett // 28 September 1918 - “Pilots of No.79 Squadron destroyed seven hostile machines during the day. During this combat. Lt. F.W. Gillett also brought down one of the E.A. Earlier in the day this pilot also shot down an enemy two-seater which was seen to crash. Captain R.B. Bannerman, Captain F.I. Lord, and Lt. F. Woolley also accounted for one E.A. each.” (RAF Communique No.26) // 29 September 1918 - brought down one E.A. (RAF Communique No.26) // 2 October 1918 - Lt. F.W. Gillett, No.79, shot down a hostile balloon in flames (RAF Communique No.27) // 5 October 1918 - brought down one E.A. (RAF Communique No.27) // 8 October 1918 - brought down a Fokker biplane, and a little later attacked another, which was diving on a Belgian machine, which he also destroyed (RAF Communique No.28) // 14 October 1918 -Captain F.W. Gillett, No.79, brought down two E.A. (RAF Communique No.29) // 20 October 1918 - Bar to DFC to Lt. F.W. Gillett. // 4 November 1918 - Captain F.W. Gillett, No.79, brought down one E.A. (RAF Communique No.32). // Document 204/228/5 lists his victories as follows: // 3 August 1918 - kite balloon - Estaires - in flames. // 18 August 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Estaires - crashed near Sailly. // 24 August 1918 -D.F.W. - East of Bailleul - crashed // 1 September 1918 - L.V.G. - Armentieres - crashed // 5 September 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Armentieres - in flames // 21 September 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Wavrin - crashed in Wavrin // 28 September 1918 - Albatross two-seater - Bousbeque - crashed there. // 28 September 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Roulers - crashed. // 29 September 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Roulers - in flames on Menin-Roulers road. // 2 October 1918 - kite balloon - east of Roulers - in flames. // 5 October 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Courtrai - crashed there. // 8 October 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Menin - in flames near Gullegham. // 8 October 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Menin - crashed. // 14 October 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Gitz - crashed near Gitz. // 14 October 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Inglemaster - crashed near canal. // 4 November 1918 - Reumaix - crashed. // 9 November 1918 - Hekelgem - crashed. // 9 November 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Hekelgem - collided. // 9 November 1918 - Fokker Biplane - Hekelgem - collided. // Another list in 204/228/5 dated the last three as 10 November 1918. // Another list in 204/228/5 added a kite balloon in flames, 1 September 1918. // File AIR 1/1329/204/202/22 (Library and Archives Canada MG.40 D.1 Box 30) has the following Combat Reports: // 28 September 1918 - Dolphins C8121, E4712 and C4059 (two Vickers and one Lewis gun each) - pilots Lieutenants Woolly, J.H. McNeaney, F.W. Gillet - 5.50 p.m. - Between Passchendaele and Roullers - Low Line Patrol - 6,000 feet. Four enemy aircraft destroyed. Enemy aircraft described as ten Fokker biplanes with white tails. Lieutenant Woolley, C8121 - “I saw ten Fokker biplanes attacking. I climbed into a cloud while Lieutenant McNeaney attacked the enemy machines. A dogfight ensued in which I saw two Fokkers go down after which Lieutenant McNeaney went down, followed by a Fokker. I attacked this enemy aircraft and fired a short burst at point blank range and saw enemy aircraft go down and crash.” Lieutenant McNeaney, E4712 - “When on low patrol with Lieutenant Woolley and Lieutenant Gillet, I saw ten Fokker biplanes attack a Bristol Fighter which maneuvered so as to bring several enemy aircraft down to our height. I attacked one enemy aircraft which went down and crashed. I was then attacked by several other enemy aircraft and after firing short bursts at several, I shot another down, which also crashed. Lieutenant Woolley shot an enemy aircraft off my tail after I went down out of control with my aileron controls shot away. Other machines then engaged enemy aircraft.” Lieutenant Gillet, C4059 - “Ten Fokker biplanes attacked a Bristol between Passchendaele and Roullers. In a fight which followed, one enemy aircraft got on my tail. I climbed and did a half roll and enemy aircraft flew east. I chased enemy aircraft firing short bursts at close range. Enemy aircraft fell out of control and crashed about a mile southeast of Passchendaele.” // File AIR 1/1226/207/2/2634/79 (Library and Archives Canada MG.40 D.1 Box 22) has the following Combat Reports: // 5 October 1918 - with Lieutenant Croydon - Dolphins C4059 (Gillett) and F6144 (Croyden) - 8.30 a.m. - Courtrai - Offensive Patrol - 10,000 to 2,000 feet. One destroyed, one driven down out of control. Enemy aircraft described as Fokker biplanes. Text of narrative badly photographed and illegible. // 14 October 1918 - Dolphin C7244 - 1225 hours, near Gits - Offensive Patrol - 1,000 feet. Fokker biplane, black and gray stripes. One destroyed. “I dived on three enemy aircraft near Lecissele [?] but they dived into the mist. I then turned towards our balloons and I saw two enemy aircraft attacking one of them. I climbed up towards enemy aircraft firing short bursts with my top gun. Enemy aircraft turned east and I chased one firing about 150 rounds at close range. Enemy aircraft dived vertically and crashed in a field near Gits.”

GILL, P/O Frederick Allan (J89089) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 19 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born in Brandon, Manitoba, 7 January 1923; home in Vancouver (mechanic). Enlisted in Vancouver, 27 October 1942. Granted Leave Without Pay until 3 November 1942 when posted to No.3 Manning Depot. To No.2 WS, 8 January 1943; promoted LAC, 12 February 1943; to No.8 BGS, 21 August 1943; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 4 October 1943. To “Y” Depot, 18 October 1943; taken on strength of No.3 PRC, 21 October 1943. Commissioned 16 August 1944. Repatriated 27 November 1944. To Western Air Command, 16 January 1945. To No.6 OTU, 18 January 1945. To No.1 School of Flying Control, 5 February 1945. Promoted Flying Officer, 16 February 1945. To Northwest Air Command, 21 April 1945. To Fort Nelson, 1 May 1945. To Moncton, 16 May 1945. To No.4 Repair Depot, 26 May 1945. To Scoudouc, 14 July 1945. To No.1 ANS, 29 October 1945. To Gander, 8 January 1946. To Eastern Air Command Headquarters, 1 April 1946. Retired 21 June 1946. Died in Sidney, British Columbia, 24 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.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 10 October 1944 when he had flown 34 sorties (186 hours), 31 May to 27 September 1944. Recommendation gives number as J89158 (see P/O J. Waddell, below). // This officer has proved himself to be an outstanding member of a gallant crew, possessing great determination, initiative and skill. His co-operation, coolness and devotion to duty have contributed in a large measure to the success of his crew on their operational tour of 34 sorties, many on major targets such as Bremen, Hamburg, Stettin, Stuttgart, Emden, Bottrop, Brunswick and Russelheim. // For his outstanding ability and strong sense of duty I recommend the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. // The sortie list was as follows: // 31 May 1944 - Mount Couple (3.50) // 1 June 1944 - Gardening (4.10) // 3 June 1944 - Gardening (3.50) // 5 June 1944 - Merville (5.50) // 6 June 1944 - Coutances (5.25) // 18 June 1944 - Gardening (3.55) // 23 June 1944 - Gardening (6.50) // 26 June 1944 - Gardening (5.45) // 27 June 1944 - Gardening (5.55) // 12 July 1944 - Acquet (4.30) // 25 July 1944 - Stuttgart (9.45) // 28 July 1944 - Hamburg (5.15) // 1 August 1944 - Acquet (4.20, day) // 3 August 1944 - Ile d’Adam, Paris (4.55, day) // 4 August 1944 - Bois de Casson (4.40, day) // 5 August 1944 - St. Leu d’Esserent (5.10, day) // 7 August 1944 - Mer de Magna, Caen (5.25) // 8 August 1944 - Foret de Chantilly (5.15, day) // 9 August 1944 - Coulonvilliers (4.05, day) // 10 August 1944 - La Pallice (6.35) // 12 August 1944 - Brunswick (6.10) // 14 August 1944 - Falaise (4.50, day) // 15 August 1944 - Soesterburg (4.35, day) // 16 August 1944 - Stettin (8.50) // 18 August 1944 - Bremen (5.50) // 25 August 1944 - Russelheim (6.40) // 28 August 1944 - Mimoyecques (3.30, day) // 29 August 1944 - Stettin (8.50) // 6 September 1944 - Emden (4.30, day) // 10 September 1944 - Le Havre (4.25, day) // 17 September 1944 - Boulogne (4.25, day) // 18 September 1944 - Bomberg (5.40, day) // 25 September 1944 - Calais (5.10, day) // 27 September 1944 - Bottrop (5.30, day)

GILL, F/L Robert Frederick (J4900) - Air Medal (United States) - No.430 Squadron (AFRO gives unit only as 2nd Tactical Air Force) - Award with effect from 3 July 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 602/46 dated 14 June 1946. Born in Verdun, Quebec, 19 November 1921; home there. Enlisted in Montreal, 23 September 1940. To No.2 ITS, 14 October 1940; graduated and promoted LAC, 15 November 1940 when posted to No.10 EFTS; graduated 4 January 1941 when posted to No.5 SFTS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 20 March 1941. To Trenton, 30 March 1941; commissioned 20 April 1941. To No.8 SFTS, 22 February 1942; promoted Flying Officer, 1 May 1942; to No.13 SFTS. 7 July 1942. To No.1 OTU, 20 November 1942. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 20 March 1943. To “Y” Depot, 27 March 1943. To UK, 2 April 1943. Attended No.41 OTU. With No.430 Squadron, 27 August 1943 or 27 August 1944 to 1 June 1945. Repatriated July 1945. Retired 4 September 1945. Died in Montreal, 14 March 1983. Public Records Office Air 2/9090 has recommendation by S/L C. Bricker dated 23 March 1945 when he had flown 90 sorties (127 hours 40 minutes). // Operations by this pilot have been many and varied including not only the normal duties of a pilot but also two periods of duty on a Contact Car, working in close liaison with Army fighting formations. His service in the latter field of activity proved of great value. // Missions flown by this officer included Tactical Reconnaissance, Photo Reconnaissance and Artillery Reconnaissance and results have been consistently good. The keenness he displayed in carrying out these sorties successfully was in some measure due to his appreciation of Army problems, gained partly through experience with the Contact Car. // On June 23rd, 1944, operating from the United Kingdom, [he] carried out a Tactical Reconnaissance (two aircraft) of the city of Cherbourg. This operation was of marked importance to the Allied Air Forces since the exact location of some American units was not known. The reconnaissance was carried out at zero feet, despite the intensity and accuracy of enemy flak. Two runs were made from south to north and two runs from west to east from which an excellent appreciation of the battle situation was obtained. Pictures were taken to confirm Tactical Reconnaissance information. // Probably drafted by his Flight Commander as this is followed by Comment by Squadron Commander: // This officer has carried out 90 operations over enemy territory and has produced good results regardless of enemy opposition. He has continued to keep himself well informed on Army matters, providing a source of information for other pilots of the Squadron. As a section leader he always gained the confidence of those pilots flying behind him. // NOTE: When finally published in USAAF Orders this had been reduced to the following. // Flight Lieutenant Gill has completed numerous operational flights over enemy territory and has shown little regard for enemy opposition. His missions have been varied and the results consistently good. In June 1944 he carried out an important reconnaissance of Cherbourg at extremely low level, despite the intensity and accuracy of anti-aircraft fire. He has also participated in several missions in direct support of the Allied armies. He is a most courageous and resourceful leader.