TEMPLEMAN, P/O Leslie George (C48208) - Mention in Despatches - No.5 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 132/45 dated 26 January 1945. Home in Blackfoot, Alberta; enlisted in Edmonton, 13 June 1941. No citation.

TURNER, F/O Stewart Douglas (C4456) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.160 Squadron - no details of training; he is evidently a pilot. Award effective 28 November 1945 as per London Gazette of 11 December 1945 and AFRO 212/46 dated 1 March 1946. Born 19 September 1916 in Toronto. Employed by Canadian Westinghouse, Hamilton before the war. Enlisted in Hamilton, 19 March 1941, commissioned that date and posted to No.1 Manning Depot, Toronto. To Aero Engineer School, Montreal, 28 March 1941. To AFHQ, 8 September 1941. Promoted Flying Officer, 30 September 1941. To No.1 ITS, Toronto, 5 October 1941 where he was employed as the engineer at the Clinical Investigation Unit, directly interested in the research problems to be solved using the accelerator. On 11 March 1942, in a letter to the Commanding Officer, No.1 CIU, he wrote (in the third person), “The care and operations of the accelerator have reached such a point that his work as an engineer is very, very limited. It is felt that his services to the Royal Canadian Air Force would now be far more useful doing aeronautical engineering work at a flying station. A transfer back to aeronautical engineering is hereby requested.” To AFHQ again, 30 March 1942 although it appears that he was detached to No.2 SFTS to play on their rugby team, for which he was the subject of a commendatory letter by G/C F.A. Sampson, 2 December 1942. To No.3 ITS, Victoriaville, 20 March 1943. Reclassified as Pilot Under Training, 28 May 1943. To No.5 EFTS, High River, 31 May 1943. To No.3 SFTS, Calgary, 25 July 1943. Reverted to Pilot Officer at his own request, 12 November 1943, the date he qualified for his flying badge. To No.1 GRS, Summerside, 20 November 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 12 May 1944. To “Y” Depot, Lachine, 11 June 1944. To No.111 OTU, 28 June 1944. To No.45 Group, Dorval, 8 October 1944. Emplaned from Dorval, 17 November 1944. Arrived in United Kingdom, 20 November 1944. To No.354 Squadron, 13 January 1945. To No.160 Squadron, 10 February 1945. By sea to United Kingdom, 3 October 1945. Repatriated 3 December 1945. Retired 16 January 1946. Postwar he was a distinguished lawyer and judge. Died in Toronto, 27 September 1990. // This officer has completed a tour of operational duty during which he has displayed outstanding courage, determination and devotion to duty. On one occasion his aircraft was forced down on the sea but despite this trying experience he has continued to show undiminished enthusiasm for operational flying. Flying Officer Turner is an excellent captain of aircraft who has consistently set a high standard and an inspiring example to his crew. // NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9138 has original recommendation dated 13 September 1945 when he was credited with 25 sorties (450 operational hours); text expands somewhat on the above (published) citation: // Throughout his operational tour Flying Officer Turner has shown outstanding determination and devotion to duty. During his first operational sortie he carried out a successful ditching. In spite of attendant shock, he was flying operationally within ten days of the incident and went on to complete a most successful tour. In all his work he has consistently set a high standard and as captain of aircraft he is beyond reproach. He is cheerful, enthusiastic, and an example to his comrades. // Notes: Application for Operational Wing dated 6 August 1945 stated he had flown 22 sorties (502 hours), 18 February to 29 July 1945. However, another form dated 18 August 1945 gives dates as 30 March to 31 July 1945 (25 sorties but still 502 hours). Form filed on repatriation (14 November 1945) states he arrived overseas 20 November 1944 and had flown one operational tour (22 sorties, the last one on 29 July 1945). He stated further he had flown 457.30 operationally overseas and 28.45 non-operational overseas (total of 486.15). Non-operational duties described as “testing aircraft at squadron.” // Training: Course at No.3 ITS was 22 March to 28 May 1943; graduated eighth in a class of 111. // Course at No.5 EFTS was 31 May to 23 July 1943 - Cornell aircraft. Flew 9.25 dual to first solo and totals as follows: day dual - 34.15; day solo - 37.10; night dual - 1.10. Flew 10.10 on instruments. Placed 13th in a class of 49. “Above average ground school. A very hard worker. A good average pilot - has a thorough knowledge of all sequences with the exception of 13 and 22 - is very conscientious - conduct and attitude very good.” (F/L J.E. Palmer). // Course at No.3 SFTS was 25 July to 12 November 1943 in Crane and Anson aircraft (7.05 to first day solo, 76.25 total day dual, 66.10 day solo, 2.10 dual to first night solo, total 14.05 night dual and 9.05 night solo. Flew 25.40 as passenger, 12.55 in formation, 30.45 on instruments and logged 20 hours in Link. “Average pilot. Slow to start but retains knowledge.” // The course at No.111 OTU was 10 July to 30 September 1944. Ground courses in Armament (245/300), Navigation (151/200),and Signals (68/100). Flying Tests in General Flying (269/300), Applied Flying (130/200), Instrument Flying (170/250), Night Flying (67/100) and Link (36/50). S/L V.J. Clarkson wrote, 25 November 1944, “Keen and conscientious, will improve with experiencce.” Flying times in Mitchell were as follows: Dual to first day solo (7.05), Total day dual (21.25), Total day solo (30.45), Second Pilot by Day (3.05) and Instruments (2.00). Dual to first night solo (2.30), Total night dual (2.30), Total night solo (14.40), Second Pilot by Night (5.50). Flying times in Liberator were as follows: Dual to first day solo (5.05), Total day dual (11.15), Total day solo (25.00), Second Pilot by Day (2.50) and Instruments (2.45). Dual to first night solo (2.20), Total night dual (3.10), Total night solo (5.20). // The Accelerator // Although he played a small part in this, correspondence in his file throws light on the project. On 28 September 1941, Dr. H.W. Price (University of Toronto) wrote to A/V/M Ernest Stedman regarding “Sir Frederick Banting’s Project - the Accelerator, N.R.C. Project AM4.” // Dear Sir; // The writer is H.W. Price, Professor of Electrical Engineering, University of Toronto, and Head of that Department. // Sir Frederick Banting was your friend. I know because he often talked to me about you and always in a highly appreciative manner. He was my friend too. In his absence I am carrying on to completion the construction of “The Accelerator”. Immediately afterward will follow operation for studying blackout in all its complications, and for making it possible to quickly find, if required, which men in training can resist the greatest G values, and therefore be best adapted to fighter flying if also otherwise suitable. // The equipment is now nearing completion. We badly need, and cannot find, a good electrical and mechanical man to operate and assist in adapting this apparatus to meet all situations developed by Squadron Leader (Dr.) W.R. Franks and his assistants studying the problems of suits and variations in men undertaking fighter and other flying requiring high G manoeuvring. Dr. Franks went to England to try to do what Dr. Banting set out to do. He is now back, to return to England in a few weeks with results of suit tests which can be done only in this machine, “The Accelerator”. England wants it, as I know definitely and independently from Mr. Matthews, the English Farnborough expert, now over here who saw much of the work with suits, and the great interest they have in it. // From one of his classmates (Mr, Bruce) who called today, I discovered that Pilot Officer S.D. Turner has recently gone to Ottawa, to your organization I understand. He is the only man I have been able to find trace of who is in [the] R.C.A.F. and suitable in experience for our very technical needs. // We are beginning the electrical connections tomorrow to permit getting into operation within a week. The man who joins the strength of No,1 I.T.S. here to assist in this Banting work should take part in the extensive electrical circuiting and mechanical adjustments to gain an inside understanding of the equipment. With all the other difficulties you have in hand, can you possibly help us by transferring Doug Turner to us at Toronto. Our need is real and urgent. // To this, Price added a hand-written post-script: // C.W. Billingsly, National Research Council, Ottawa, Air Commodore R.W. Ryan, Ottawa, Colonel Duncan Graham, Ottawa and Banting Institute, F/L Ferguson of the low-temperature low-pressure medical lab at No.1 Initial Training School, Toronto, all know of this work. I have not ventured to discuss the matter with the Commanding Officer of No.1 I.T.S. // Stedman may have responded in the negative, for on 28 September 1941, Dr. Price wrote to him again, this time “Re Pilot Officer S.D. Turner”: // It was good of you to reply so completely and promptly to my request for transfer of this officer for duty at the Accelerator Hut, No.1 Initial Training School, Toronto, 1107 Avenue Road, phone MO (Mohawk) 4403. // I know, as you have found, that he is a good student, particularly at examinations. I also know in detail his electrical and mechanical experience. It suits our need. Therefore I tink it best to request transfer of Pilot Officer Turner at the earliest possible moment, rather than avail myself to your kind offer to search for another to meet a written specification. // If you can do so, I would appreciate your assistance by phone or otherwise to the Personnel Department regarding the real urgency of my need to quickly ger the information England wants without delay. // This was duly expedited; on 30 September 1941, A/V/M Harold Edwards instructed transfer of Turner to No.1ITS “in connection with the completion of the ‘Accelerator’ and other equipment in the low pressure chamber.” // RCAF Press Release No. 10667 dated 5 July 1945 from: SEAC (Field), transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates, reads: // WITH THE RCAF IN South-East Asia: -- Forced off his course by atrocious weather and with fuel rapidly running out, F/O S.D. Turner of 2320-6th Street West, Calgary, captain of a RAF Liberator of the Indian Ocean Air Force, successfully ditched his aircraft in the Andaman Sea. Every member of the crew was picked up by a Dutch ship. The Liberator was returning from a long-distance sortie on which prevailing weather had caused a long delay in finding the target. “On the way back, we ran right into a fierce tropic storm,” said F/O Turner. “We were flying at 500 feet but the up and down air currents were terrific, and I decided to climb. At times, we were lifted upwards at high speed and forced downwards just as fast. This constant bumping about made us use a great deal of fuel.” // When only enough petrol to last another hour or so remained in the tanks, a steamer was sighted. “We flashed a message to attract its attention”, continued Turner, and decided that this was the best time to ditch the aircraft as we stood every chance of being picked up quickly.” // The sea was ideal for ditching and the Liberator put down on the water. Even so, the force of impact was sufficiently great to make a hole in the hull, and the wireless operator F/O J.H. Dorsey of Font Hill, Ontario, fell through it. It seemed as though he would be trapped under the Liberator, but he managed to force his way out and was pulled on to the wing by the Scottish second pilot. // The Liberator remained on the surface for twenty-six minutes but, by that time, the crew had taken to the two dinghies. The ship, a Dutch merchant vessel, approached and lowered lifeboats. Within an hour, the survivors were aboard. “We can’t speak too highly of the attention we received,” said Turner.

WANLIN, F/L Alexander Camille (C46535) - Air Force Cross - No.435 Squadron (AFRO gives unit only as "Overseas") - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 155/46 dated 15 February 1946. Born 29 August 1921. Appears to have been a member of the RAF (1269022), commissioned 3 January 1942 (112325). Home given as Winnipeg; transferred to RCAF in Hamilton 26 June 1944, at which time he was with No.5 SFTS. Granted immediate rank of Flight Lieutenant. To No.6 OTU, 4 September 1944. To “Y” Depot, 22 February 1945; to United Kingdom, 10 March 1945. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 February 1946. Repatriated 13 June 1946.. Released 29 July 1946. Died in Victoria, 8 September 2014. RCAF photos PL-46559 (ex UK-23997) and PL-46560 (ex UK-23998, both dated 19 February 1946) captioned as follows: “Pilots of the all-Canadian transport wing (i.e. No.120 Wing) must undergo special training in transport work and here are a group ‘genning up’with the teacher, F/L A.C. Wanlin of Brandon, Manitoba at desk. Left to right, F/O E.C. Hugh (Hollywood, California), F/L W.E. Gauthier (Edmonton), F/L ‘Duke’ Breyenton (Vancounver), F/L T.A. Solo (Vancouver). No citation in AFRO. DHist file 181.009 D.1768 (RG.24 Vol.20610) has recommendation dated 27 October 1945 when he had flown 2,514 hours, 510 on transport duties, 350 in previous six months. Deputy Flight Commander. Presented 11 June 1949. This officer is an exceptional transport captain of considerable flying experience. Since the beginning of this year he has been flying long range transport as captain flying freight and passengers from bases in the United Kingdom to Europe and South East Asia. With his vast experience he has been of invaluable help since joining this unit by instructing new crews with the polish expected of a transport captain. His cheerful disposition, personal conduct, and conscientious efforts are an example to all. Public Record Office Air 2/9144, courtesy of Steve Brew, has citation as finally approved at Air Ministry. Flight Lieutenant Wanlin is a keen and capable captain with an excellent flying record. Since the beginning of 1945 he has been engaged on long range transport duties, conveying passengers and freightage from bases in the United Kingdom to Europe and South East Asia. With his vast experience he has been of invaluable help in instructing new crews of the Unit. His exemplary conduct and conscientious work have set a fine example to all.

WHYTE, W/C John Clinton (C4079) - Mention in Despatches - No.6 Group Headquarters - Award effective 8 June 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1729/44 dated 11 August 1944. Home in Ottawa; graduated from Medical School, Queen’s University, 1930. At Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, 1930-31 (intern); assistant to Dr. R.E. Johnston, Edson, Alberta, 1931-1932; intern at Kingston General Hospital, Ontario, 1932-1933; Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, 1933-1937'; various hospitals in London, England, 1937-1939 (courses). Captain in Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, 1 March 1940. Transferred to Medical Branch, 16 November 1940 at No.2 BGS, Mossbank, Saskatchewan. Granted rank of Squadron Leader, 1 March 1941. To No.1 ITS, 20March 1941 as President of Medical Selection Board. To “Y” Depot, 14 October 1942. Embarked from Canada, 27 October 1942 (date of being taken on strength of RCAF Overseas Headquarters. To Headquarter, No.6 Group, 18 November 1942; subsequently Senior Medical Officer at No.6 Group Headquarters. Promoted Wing Commander, 1 November 1943. To RCAF Overseas Headquarters, 21 May 1944. Repatriated via Rockcliffe, 1 June 1944. Remained at that station. To No.3 Release Centre, 24 August 1945 and retired 25 August 1945. RCAF photo PL-28024 (ex UK-8839 dated 17 March 1944) shows him as Senior Medical Officer, No.6 Group. Obstetrician and Gynecologist postwar in Ottawa. Went by the name “Clinton”. Awards card at DHist gives home as Toronto. Died in Sand Point, Ontario, 25 December 1980. No citation in AFRO. Assessments: Although there is no specific recommendation, the following assessment dated 19 June 1944 (A/V/M C.M. McEwen) probably bears upon his career: “Wing Commander Whyte has been Senior Medical Officer of No.6 (RCAF) Group since its formation oone and a half years ago, and has done excellent work throughout. He is a capable officer with a very pleasant personality.” To this, A/V/M A. Grant (Medical Officer) adds: “This officer tackled the administrative medical duties of the new RCAF Group with considerable competency and initiative. He worked hard to maintain a high standard.” An earlier assessment dated 15 December 1941 (W/C Edward ?) Is worth noting: “This officer’s work as President of the Medical Selection Board at this unit has been most satisfactory. Reliable, competent and possessing excellent organizing and administrative ability, he can handle promotion whenever it comes along. He has cooperated in a splendid manner to ensure the minimum of lost training time in executing Medical Selection Board work. His department is excellent and his word of command good. Quiet mannered with a pleasant personality and a keen interest in all station activities; he is a valuable officer at this unit.” (No.1 ITS). Earlier, a memo dated 17 March 1941 recommended promotion in following terms: Taking over as Medical Officer in charge No.1 Medical Section Board. Able, well qualified officer and can undertake any duty very efficiently.

ZALESCHOOK, F/O William (C45050) - Commended for Valuable Services in the Air - No.3 SFTS - Award effective as per London Gazette of 14 August 1945 and AFRO 1453/45 dated 14 September 1945. Born 22 November 1917. Home in Oshawa; enlisted in Niagara Falls, Ontario, 7 September 1940 as Elementary Pilot Instructor. Attached to St. Catharines Flying Club on enlistment. To Trenton, 8 September 1940; to No.9 EFTS, 7 October 1940. Granted Leave Without Pay, date uncertain. Recalled to RCAF, 6 November 1942 and granted rank of WO2; he was still at No.9 EFTS; posted that date from No.9 EFTS to No.5 Manning Depot. To No.6 SFTS, 5 December 1942; may have graduated 5 March 1943 but not posted to No.1 Flying Instructor School until 19 March 1943. Commissioned 23 April 1943. To No.13 SFTS, 14 May 1943. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 23 February 1944. To No.15 SFTS, 26 October 1944. To No.3 SFTS, 17 April 1945. To Release Centre, 28 September 1945; retired 23 October 1945. Flying Officer Zaleschook has been employed on instructional duties since December 1940. During that time he has flown over 2,900 hours, 2,700 hours of which have been spent as a flying instructor. All his flying has been accomplished without a single accident. As a flying instructor and flight commander, Flying Officer Zaleschook has set a fine example for those employed on instructional duties.