Royal Canada Air Force RCAF By james C. Retson Last Revised October 8 2020 Contents Royal Canada Air Force...... 1 RCAF ...... 1 World War 2 ...... 2 The Battle of Britain ...... 3 British Commonwealth Air Training Program ...... 3 Training and Flying Accidents...... 3 Sergeant Douglas Bruce Ruggles...... 4 Leading Aircraftman Frederick Charles Blair, ...... 4 Flight Sergeant Dan Crossland ...... 4 Warrant Officer Class II (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.), Jack Henfrey ...... 4 Pilot Officer Robert George Calder ...... 5 Flying Officer Donald Alexander Gordon J40766 RCAF ...... 5 Aircraftman 2nd Class Walter Andrew Zurkan ...... 6 The Missions ...... 6 Flight Sergeant Pilot Rodney David Gibson ...... 6 Sergeant Aime Leon Caron ...... 6 Flight Sergeant Stefan Franchuk ...... 7 Flight Sergeant (Air Gunner) Austin Roy O'Dell ...... 7 Warrant Officer Class II, Franklin Guy Moore ...... 7 Warrant Officer Class II Hugh Robert McKay ...... 8 Pilot Officer John Wallace Allan Mackie ...... 9 Flying Officer Bernard Zimring...... 10 RCAF – RAF in Italy ...... 11 Stanley Joseph Ouellette ...... 11 No 6 Bomber Group...... 11 Warrant Officer Class II, Franklin Guy Moore ...... 11 Lloyd George Hanton ...... 11 Frank Edward William Hanton, ...... 11 Harold Maxwell Sherman ...... 13 Pilot Officer David Louden Sutherland Henderson ...... 14 Pilot Officer Lorne Stanley Guernsey...... 14

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Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, ...... 14 Airman killed in World War 2 in Order of Date of Death ...... 15 Others yet unresearched ...... 18 Sources ...... 18

World War 2

World War 2 was not World War 1. In World War1 when Great Britain War declared war, Canada as part of the British Empire was at War. In World War 2 Canada had a choice. To emphasize its independence Canada did not declare War against Germany for an entire week. While World War 1 was regarded as a war that could have been avoided, World War 2 was regarded as “The Necessary War”. In World War 1 many soldiers signed up to fight what was expected to be a short was, a bit of excitement and expectation that they might be home by Christmas. There were no illusions about World War 2. World War 1 had taught Canadians that war was cruel, lives would be lost, many more would be crippled in short people suffered and suffered horribly. In this war, civilians as much as soldiers would suffer. But yet some things had not changed all that much. While Canada had become of age in World war 2 much of Canada was still very sympathetic to mother . World War 2 encouraged a greater sense of Independence. Duty and Patriotism still ran remained strong. It would still be a people’s war with by far the largest contingents that went to war were not professional soldiers, sailors and airman but volunteers. Canada’s. Counting Newfoundland (which did not become part of Canada until 1949) and the Merchant Marines of both Canada and Newfoundland over 44,000 died and another 55,000 wounded. Proportionally Canada hit above its weight. Canadians were and continue to be proud of its contribution. But we must never forget the sacrifice mad by those who fought, those who died, those who were wounded psychologically as well as Physically and those who loved and lost them.

This monograph concentrates on the war in the air. On Sep 16 1914 Sam Hughes ordered the formation of the Canadian Aviation Corps. Canada created its air force with the formation of the Royal Flying Corp in Dec 1916. Pilot training began at Camp Bordon in the first week of May 1917. In Nov 1918 two all Canadian units came together to form Squadrons 1 and 2 of the Canadian Air Force but never saw combat and were disbanded in 1920.

However, the reputation of Canadians in the air during World War 1 was in the UK . The (RCAF) came into being 1 Apr 1924.i The Royal Airforce (RAF) established Bomber Command as an independent arm on Jul 14 1936. With Fighter, Coastal, and Training. The RCAF formed its first bomber squadron in June 1941 from Canadians serving in the RAF. It flew its first missions in twin -engine Wellington bombers (Wimpeys).

At the beginning of the war over 1000 Canadians served in the Royal Air Force (RAF). With the setting up of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, training stations, schools and airfields turned out 131500 airmen, over half of whom were Canadians: 26,000 pilots, 13,000 navigators. 6,000 bomb aimers, 26,000 wireless operators and air gunners and 2000 flight engineers.1 By the end of the War Canada supplied 40,000 almost 1/3 of the United Kingdom’s Bomber Command, 9919 loosing their lives and another 4000 killed in Royal Canadian Airforce (RCAF). Another almost 4000 died in training accidents or other causes for a total of 17,101 killed.2

1 Cook, Tim, The Necessary War, Volume One Canadians Fighting the Second World War 1939-1943 page 162 2 Cook, Tim, Fight to the Finnish, Volume Two Canadians Fighting the Second World War 1944-1945, pages 375-376 2

Canada went to war with 3100 members in its air force and 210 planes, only 36 of which were fit for combat, in eight squadrons. By the end of the conflict, 232, 500 men and 17000 women had served in the RCAF, which by then had 48 squadrons.ii A total of 17101 died as Canadian Airmen. More airmen died in this service from the Kenora area, then in the Army or Navy.

The Battle of Britain

The Battle of Britain was recognized as Britain’s fight for survival. None of the pilots who flew in the Battle of Britain trained under the BCATP. Of the first class of 203 Canadians pilots graduating in Nov 1940, 7 joined the BCATP, 7 went to home defence squadrons, 165 became instructors and only 20 went overseas. In September 1939 over 1000 Canadians were in the Royal Air Force or training as aircrew. In all 42 Canadians joined the 242 (Canadian) Squadron RAF formed on 30 Oct 1939 at Church Fenton, . In February 1940 Squadron 110 arrived in England to train for “Army cooperation” duties. In Jun 1940 Canada Squadron 1 arrived at Middle Wallop and claimed their first victory flying a stubby-winged Hurricane against a German Dornier on 15 Aug 1940. By the summer of 1941 5 fighter squadrons were in Britain. Canadians served airmen served in other theaters, two flew out of Burma, and one based in Ceylon.

British Commonwealth Air Training Program

On Nov 13 1939 Canada struck a deal with Brittan to set up the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP), operating by the spring of 1940. The BCATP initially produced only pilots , air observers and wireless-air gunners but by the end of the war eight air crew categories were being trained: Pilots, navigators, navigator B9with bombing training), navigators W (with wireless training), air bombers, wireless operators-air gunner, air gunner, and flight engineers. In all 131,553 graduated of whom over 50,000 were pilots. Canada accounted for 55% of the graduates. In January Ottawa announced that up to 25 additional squadrons would be formed from BCSTP graduates and RCAF graduates were to wear Canadian Uniforms even if serving in RAF squadrons.

Air crew recruits initially between the ages of 18 and 28 joined the RCAF as “Aircraftsmen 2nd class” (usually called “Acey-Deucey” ) from the abbreviation AC2, and began 4 to 5 weeks at manning depot training including parade square training, spit and polish, and military curtesy, followed by 4 weeks of initial Training School . After basic training, trainees received white cap flashes, Next followed Elementary Flying School for 7 or 8 weeks. Learning to fly De Havilland Tiger Moth biplanes and later on Fairchild Cornells. Next Service Flying Training School flying Harvards, or multi-engineered Cessna Cranes or Ansons IIs. Graduates received their wings. Pilots then proceeded to Advanced Flying units and then overseas pools and Operational Training units before being posted to Squadrons over seas or in Canada.iii Often a year would pass before they flew on missions.

Training and Flying Accidents

Training and flying accidents took their toll of Canadian Airman. 856 trainees died in crashes during BCATP training. Many others were killed in training accidents in the United Kingdom as Airman prepared to join missions. These accidents were especially sad for families.

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Sergeant Douglas Bruce Ruggles, R106228, RCAF, son of Timothy Dwight Ruggles and Magdaline Godlin Zizzler, dies on 27 Aug 1942 as a result of flying accident. He was born 1 Jul 1921 in Medicine Hat, Alberta and enlisted 23 May 1941. He attended Kenora High School and a year at Kenora Business College before securing employment with the Imperial Bank of Canada. He commenced his basic training in Penhold Alberta under BCATP , then Edmonton, High River and Dauphin. Securing a rank of Sergeant before transferring to 125 squadron Torbay, Newfoundland. He was involved in a Hurricane collision while flying in formation over near Hopeall, Newfoundland and was buried in Gander Cemetery Newfoundland, Plot 3 Row 3 Grave 19.

Leading Aircraftman Frederick Charles Blair, son of Charles Henry Blair and Jennie Marie Wallin, b. 20 Nov 1918 in Kenora. He graduated from grade 11, Kenora High School and worked 3 years at the Maple Leaf Mill before the mill burned. He played the trumpet with the Kenora Light Infantry band. He Sergeant Douglas Bruce Ruggles completed basic training at Brandon, Trenton and St Catharines and had Photo Library and Archives Canada achieved the rank of Leading Aircraftman. He died 28 Sep 1942 in a flying accident at Wainfleet, Niagara Regional Municipality, Ontario. He was buried in his hometown cemetery, Lake of the Woods Kenora.

Flight Sergeant Dan Crossland, R152605 RCAF, son of Daniel Crossland and Nellie Moore, was born December 12 1922 in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England

Daniel Crossland Senior was born May 5 1877 Austonley, Yorkshire, England. He married Annie Clary 30 Jul 1898 in Nelson, Lancaster England and had one child Mary Helena Crossland born 19 Mar 1899 in Barrowford, Pendle Borough, Lancashire, England. Annie Crossland died between April and June 1920 in Huddersfield, Yorkshire West Riding, England. He then married Ellen “Nellie” Moore in Jan 1921 in Huddersfield. They had a daughter Marjorie Crossland in July 1921 in and then Dan on December 12 1922 and Dorothy in 1925 all in Huddersfield. They then emigrated to Canada in 1923. They had another two children Dorothy and Elinor Crossland 03 Apr 1927 both in Kenora.

He attended Earl Grey Elementary school in Winnipeg from 1932 to 1937 and Kelvin High School from 1937 to 1940. He commenced employment with Canadian Car and Foundary Co, Thunder Bay as a Cable Splicer Jan 1941 until July 21 and then Lake of the Woods Milling Co, Keewatin from Aug 1941 until enlisting 7 January 1942 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He received his training in Regina Saskatchewan and then entered the RAF Trainees Pool disembarking in the UK 30 Nov 1942.

On September 30 1943 while on a non-operational training at Faldingworth Aerodrome, Lincolnshire, England, the Lancaster I RAF no R5685 returning to the airport. He was buried in his birthplace home at Huddersfield Cemetery, Edgerton Cemetery, Metropolitan Borough of , , England Sec 14. Grave 48. His half-sister Mary Helena Canfield was tragically killed within 1 ½ years when her 13 year old son accidently discharged a loaded shotgun.

Warrant Officer Class II (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner.), Jack Henfrey, R/119823, son of Harry Henfrey and Norah Whetton, was born in Ninette Manitoba, November 30 1919. Father Harry was born on 17 Nov 1885 in Folkestone, Shepway District, Kent, England. He married Norah Whetton in the 3rd quarter of 1909. They emigrated to Canada arriving on 12 Apr 1911in Portsmouth, Maine, fittingly enough on the ship “Canada”. They had 5 children,

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Olive Henfrey b. 18 Mar 1910, Basford d. Mansfield, England Jun 1994 Norman Henfrey b. 20 Mar 1912, d. 1979 Harry Henfrey b. 05 Sep 1914 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, b. 22 Mar 1990 Kenora, Ontario Jack Henfrey b. Ninette Manitoba, d Frances Alberta Henfrey b. 17 Jun 1923 Virden, Manitoba 07 Jan 2007 Winnipeg

Harry Senior came to Winnipeg in 1909 and He signed up to fight in World War 1 signing July 3 1915. He served with the Winnipeg Grenadiers and was seriously wounded in Passchendaele in 1917. He operated a photography business in Virden and Brandon Manitoba before moving to Kenora in 1936. In Kenora he operated the Lakewood Studios until he retired in 1938. He died 21 Jul 1949 and is buried in Kenora.

Jack Henfrey attended schools in Virden, Brandon before attending Kenora High school from 1936 to 1938. He worked in his father’s Lakewood Studio as a Photographer’s apprentice from June 1938 to April 1941. He trained with the Canadian Artillery Training Center with the rank of private before enlisting 26 Jul 1941 with the RCAF. He received training at Penhold, and disembarked in UK September 19 1942.and sent to number 82 OUT based at RAF Ossington in Norttinghamshire. He was killed January 2 1944 in a Wellington bomber BK387 which crashed into a hillside at Tewitt Hall Wood, Oakworth, near Keighley, West Yorkshire on a training flight with the loss of all her crew. He was buried at Stonefall Cemetery and Crematorium Harrogate, Harrogate Borough, North Yorkshire, England, Section, C. Row H. Grave 14. 3

Pilot Officer Robert George Calder, J19340, son of George Harper Calder and Nora Margaret Preston, was born in Kenora 22 Sep 1917. His father, George Harper Calder was born in Scotland but emigrated to Canada at age 11. He married Nora Margaret Preston 04 Sep 1916 in Fort William and had three children

Robert George Calder b. 22 Sep. 1917 in Kenora James Preston Calder b. 12 Aug. 1920 in Kenora, served in the Canadian Army William Graham Calder b. 03 Apr. 1925in Kenora served with the RCAF.

Robert Georg Calder and Kenora Public schools from 1922 to 1931 and Kenora High School from 1931 to 1937. He was employed by the Ontario Forestry Branch from February 1938 to March 1940. He was employed by Trans Canada Airlines as a dispatcher from May 1940 until enlisting. He had gained 50 hours flying time in Northern Ontario. He enlisted on 12 Mar 1941. He commenced training in Brandon and then Penhold Alberta. He commenced flying July 16 1941. He disembarked in the UK Dec 26 1941 and attended number 54 OTU at Brighton. On June 24 1942 he crashed on take-off in a Beaufighter and did not fly again until Feb 26 1943. Prior to resuming flying, he was married Elizabeth McGregor Fraser 22 Feb 1943 at Caddonfoot, Selkirkshire, Scotland.

On March 3 1944 as a pupil pilot with a crew of six on a Bullseye exercise. All six were killed when the plane took a dive after loss of control the cause of which could not be determined. The plane crashed at North Rochester, Northumberland. He was buried at the Morningside Cemetery, at Edinburgh Morningside Cemetery, Edinburgh.

Flying Officer Donald Alexander Gordon J40766 RCAF, son of Charles Brown Gordon and Catherine Ann McLean, b. 1 Jul 1923 Keewatin, Ontario.

His father Charles Brown Gordon was born in Scotland. He arrived in Canada about 1908. He married Catherine Ann McLean on 04 Feb 1921 in Kenora. They had 8 children,

3 Find A Grave Memorial 46291415 (http://www.findagrave.com accessed August 24 2019 5

Charles William Gordon b. 09 Mar 1922 in Keewatin, d. 24 Feb 1999 Kitchener, Waterloo, Ontario Donald Alexander Gordon b. 1 Jul 1923 in Keewatin d. 30 Aug 1944Wellham, Leicestershire, England Catherine Mary Gordon, b. 17 Nov 1924 in Keewatin, m. Carlyle Fraser Johnston 05 Nov 1955, d. 13 AUG 2007 in Hamiota, Manitoba Jean Agnes Gordon b. 23 Dec 1926 in Keewatin, m. Robert John Guthrie 19 Jun 1948, d. 16 Dec 2012 Kingston, Ontario Mary McLeod Gordon b. 17 Sep 1930 in Keewatin, m. John David White 20 Jun 1951, d. 27 Aug 2006 in Kenora James (Jim) Hamilton Gordon b. 07 Jun 1934, m. Heather Fuller, d. 19 Nov 1994 in Kenora, Ontario Agnes (Bunty) Elizabeth Gordon b. 08 Apr 1936 in Keewatin, m. Fred Lloyd White 03 May 1961, d. 15 Jan 2010 in Kenora, Ontario Hugh (Joe) Hasting Gordon b. 02 Jan 1938, d. 15 Nov 2013 Kenora, Ontario

Donald Alexander Gordon attended school in Kenora Public schools from 1928 to 1935 and Keewatin High from 1935 to 1941. He worked with Lake of the Woods Milling Co. Keewatin until enlisting 12 May 1942 Winnipeg. He died d. 30 Aug 1944 when plane crash near railway siding east of Welham, Leicester, England on a night training exercise. He was buried at the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, UK, grave 43 Row H Plot 9.

Aircraftman 2nd Class Walter Andrew Zurkan, R 281949, RCAF, SON of Walter and Maria Zurkan, b. 27 Apr 1924 Kenora, Ontario.

Father Arthur Zurkan was born in 1890 in the Ukraine. He married before arriving in Canada from Maria in Quebec on board the vessel, Pallanza from Rotterdam, Netherlands on 9 Sep 1912.

He attended elementary school in Kenora from 1929 to 1943 completing grade 8. In 1943 he worked for H.B. Lord, and the Paper mill in Kenora and Helen Iron Mines in Wawa in 1943 before enlisted on 29 Oct 1943 Winnipeg. He was discharged 17 Dec 1943 medically unfit. He died 6 Apr 1947 Kenora as a result of Osteogenic sarcoma left femur with metastases in chest due to service, and was buried in Lot 8, Row 8 Grave 1 Lake of the Woods Cemetery, Kenora, Ontario.

The Missions

Flight Sergeant Pilot Rodney David Gibson, R68762, son of Thomas Edward Gibson and Ellen Elizabeth Prior Was born 17 May 1919, Kenora, Ontario. He graduated from Kenora High School Grade 12 , attended Knox United and worked as a junior clerk for Lindstrom & Nilson. He was very active in sports .He enlisted 9 Nov 1940 at Fort Williams, Ontario in the RCAF. He was reported missing in action on a flight on 1 Aug 1942 over Belgium. He is buried in the Heverlee War Cemetery Leuven, Belgium, Grave reference 3 Row B Plot 11 inscription on grave: DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU.

Sergeant Aime Leon Caron, R116332, son of George Edward Caron and Imelda Cayer, was born 29 Jun 1918, Kenora. He completed Grade 10 at Photo curtesy of Operation PictureMe Mount Carmel school in 1935. He was Apprentice butcher with A. J. Murray from 1935 tom 1936 before being employed with the Ontario & Minnesota Pulp and Paper company from 1936 to 1941. He worked in the Kenora Paper Mill before enlisting on 23 Jul 1940 and served a year in the 16th Medium Battery at Kenora before enlisting in the RCAF on 12 Jul 1941.

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His basic training was completed in Winnipeg, Brandon. He was received training in wireless air gunnery at Mossbank, Saskatchewan. The BCATP No. 2 Bombing and Gunnery School was built outside of Mossbank and between 1940 and 1944 trained over 6241 men from all four participating nations. The Mossbank base employed around 2,200 people and was one of 11 Bombing and Gunnery Schools across Canada. It trained more personnel than any other school except the No. 1 School in Jarvis, Ontario. It offered instruction in the techniques of bomb aiming and machine-gunning to Air Observers, Bomb Aimers, and Wireless Air Gunners. Mossbank was selected because it has large areas to accommodate bombing and gunnery ranges, and is located near Old Wives Lake, which was also useful for target practice. He was then shipped off to 1 Y Depot in Halifax on 7 Mar 1942. He was taken into the RAF training Pool Apr 12 1942 and began flying with the RAF 28 Apr 1942. He was promoted to Sergeant May 5 1942 and Flight Sergeant July 5 1942. He flew on Lancasters with the RAF 49 Sq. (RAF). He was reported missing and presumed killed on 17 Sep 1942 over Germany. He is buried Reichwald Forrest War Cemetery Grave 8. E. 5

Flight Sergeant Stefan Franchuk, R86255, son of Samuel Franchuk and Rosalia Matioska was born 1 Jan 1911 in Kenora, Ontario. He married Agnes Tutkaluk Agnes Tutkaluk 9 Feb 1942, He attended Kenora High School from 1924 to 1828 and was employed as a clerk with the CPR from 1929 to 1935. He was employed with John Kron & son as a truck despatcher and clerk from 1935to 1940. He attended basic training in Brandon and flying school Calgary. Obtaining the rank of Flight Sergeant on 2 Feb 1942. He was reported missing and presumed dead on 7 Dec 1942 flying as an air gunner in a crew of 5 on a Lancaster, Squadron 101 R.A. F. on an operation to Mannheim, which crashed on St. Margaret’s Island, Caldy, near Tonby, Wales. Wreckage of Plane found on near St. Margaret’s Island, Tonby, Pembroke, Caldy, Wales, but no body found.

Flight Sergeant (Air Gunner) Austin Roy O'Dell, R101932, son of Charles Manford O'Dell and Matilda May Locke, was born in Keewatin, Ontario on 6 Mar 1921. He was the 8th of nine children, Other siblings,

Charles Ephraim O’Dell b. 6 Jul 1901 d. 18 Dec 1995 Herbert Joseph O’Dell b. 12 Sep 1902, d. 03 Oct 1989 Matilda Esther O’Dell b 17 Nov 1904 d. 19 Jan 1945 Wesley Manford O’Dell b. 11 Apr 1907 d. 15 Jan 1969 Clara Mae O’Dell b. 4 Mar 1909 d. 05 Dec 1987 Lee Grant O’Dell b. 21 Feb 1911 d. 18 Sep 1995 Hector Edward O’Dell b. 22 Jul 1918 d. 21 Dec 1918 Cecile Grace O'Dell b. 24 Mar 1923 d. 25 Jun 2018

He worked on his parents farm and after school was employed by them as a truck driver before enlisting. The summer before he was called to active service, he worked for Kenora Minnesota Paper Mills He enlisted 1 Jun 1941 at Kenora. He was promoted to LAC PhotoFigure curtesy 1 of Michel BeckersBrechers 1 29 Oct 1941, to Sergeant 13 Apr 1942, Flight Sergeant 13 Oct 1942, Disembarked in UK 12 May 1942, taken on Strength RAF squadron 35, 14 Jul 1942, Squadron 76, 30 Sep 1942 reported missing with Squadron RAF 76 and presumed killed on 20 Dec 1942, age 21. He is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Klever Landkreis, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, Grave 2 Row G Plot 9

Warrant Officer Class II, Franklin Guy Moore, R119531, RAF 61 Sqdn. son of George Albown Moore and Myra Ellen Barrell, was born May 11 1919. Father George Moore was born 13 Nov 1877 in Ontario. He married Myra Ellen Barrell 24 Dec 1902 in Kenora. They had six children, 7

Violet Helen Moore b. 05 Feb 1904 in Kenora Edger William Moore b. 27 Jul 1905 in Kenora Myra Edith Moore b. 28 Sep 1907 in Kenora Gladys Gwendaline Moore b. 1914 in Kenora Franklin Guy Moore 10 May 1919 in Kenora Noreen Mildred Moore b. 1921 in Kenora

Franklin Guy attended Kenora public schools from 1925 to 1933. He attended Kenora High School for grade 10 in 1933-34 and left school after grade 10. and after 3 years of unemployment got a job at Art’s Electric in 1938. and after a short stint at Keewatin Lumber company left for employment in Geraldton, Ontario. He enlisted 19 Jul 1941 in Winnipeg. He left Canada 13 Mar 1942 and trained at No 14 N Operational Training Unit (OUT) RAF for Bomber Command. He served in RAF Squadron, 50, 61 Squadron, 83 Squadron, and back again with 61 Squadron.

On 28/29 April 1943, Moore was an Air gunner on Lancaster I.W. 4898 on operations in the Verbena area The operation involved mine laying operations on the night of 28-29th April 1943 . The plane failed to return with its seven man crew, The first dreaded notice of missing in action would generally be followed by multiple letters of updates. Families wanted to seek closure and know the details to reconstruct their loved one’s last moments. Most were killed when their planes crashed but enough parachuted and became prisoners of war to leave flickering hope. By the end of the summer 1943 the family had learned that the body of one member of the crew had been washed ashore in Sweden and that another had been buried in Denmark on 22 May 1943, forcing the conclusion that the plane had come down in the sea off the Swedish-Denmark coast. No further information was forth coming when the presumption of killed in action was reached. Moore had served a total of 618 days of which 413 were overseas. He was memorialized on Panel 180 Runnymede Surrey, UK.

Warrant Officer Class II Hugh Robert McKay, R180114 RAF, son of James Albert McKay and Laura Jane McLean, was born 16 Aug 1923 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Father, James Albert McKay was born on 09 May 1882 in Kinosota, Manitoba, Canada. He married Laura Jane Folster on 02 Jul 1902 at Westbourne, Manitoba. They had 12 children,

Grace Bell McKay b. 26 Apr 1904 Herb Lake Manitoba, m. Allison Rodgers 14 Jun 1923 in Winnipeg Manitoba, m. Gordon Bayne Peters, d. 05 Apr 1988 Dryden, Ontario

Norman Malcolm Mckay b. 04 Jan 1906, Sandy Lake, m. Gertrude Ouise Dondiet 10 Feb 1926 in Kenora, Ontario, d. 16 Jun 1960 in Kenora, Ontario

Walter George McKay b. Amaranth, Manitoba, Canada, m. Gladys Palmira Crowley 08 Feb 1928 in Kenora, d. 17 Apr 1983 in Kenora, Ontario

William Charles McKay b. 17 May 1908, Ceder Lake, Unorganized territories, Le Pas, Manitoba, m. Gertrude Florence McDonald 17 Jun 1936 in Kenora, Ontario, d. 1978 Kenora, Ontario

Jemema Anne McKay b. 12 Dec 1912 in Hollywood, Manitoba, m. James Walter McDonald 09 Apr 1928 in Kenora, Ontario, d. 19 Sep 1996 Kelowna, British Columbia.

Florence McKay b. 1914 Manitoba, m. Charles Pirrie 05 Dec 1933 Winnipeg, Manitoba, d. 04 Jun 1960 Winnipeg, Manitoba 8

James Edward McKay b. 14 Aug 1915 at Herb Lake, Manitoba, m. Winnifred Elsie Clark, d. 26 Apr 1969 in Kenora Ontario

John Albert McKay b. 14 Aug 1915 at Herb Lake, Manitoba, Evelyn Elizabeth White, d. 21 Jul 1944 Fought with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders

Pearl McKay b. 08 Jun 1918 Manitoba, m. Clarence Arthur Parkes d. 21 Apr 1981 in Kenora, Ontario

Alexander Allen McKay b. 25 May 1920 at Herb Lake Manitoba, 13 Sep 1944 fighting with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders

Hugh Robert Harry McKay b. 16 Aug 1923 Winnipeg, Manitoba, d. 20 Feb 1944Tollwitz, Saalekreis, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany

Sybil McKay b. 1925, m. John A, Crigger, d.1962 Kenora District Ontario

James Albert McKay moved to Kenora in 1925 and about 6 months died falling off the roof of the local Paper Mill on Feb 28 1926. His wife Laura remarried Allan McLean in 1933. She lost three sons in World War 2 in 1944.

Hugh Robert McKay attended school up to Grade 7 and then worked in the Cleaning and Dyeing work.in Winnipeg. He enlisted 15 Jul 1942, Winnipeg, Manitoba, and received training as a gunner and ultimate promotion to Warrant Officer Class II . He embarked from New York and disembarked in the UK on December 12 1943. On He trained at No 12 Operational Training Unit and assigned to No 7 Squadron of the RAF.

Just after midnight on February 20 1944 he left his base on a mission to Leipzig, Germany after which no further information was received. The International Red Cross were informed that his plane had crashed and that 6 of the crew of 8 including McKay had been killed on 20 Feb 1944 at Tollwitz, Saalekreis, Sachsen- Anhalt, Germany, and following the end of the war were moved to the Berlin 1939-1945 Cemetery.at Charlottenburg, Berlin, Germany.

Brothers Alexander Allan McKay and John Albert Jack McKay both fought in Queens Own Highlanders and all died in 1944

Pilot Officer John Wallace Allan Mackie, J90349 RAF, son of Robert Mackie and Margaret Ellen Johnson, b 6 Oct 1924 Gunton, Manitoba. His father Robert Mackie was born in Petrolia, Wentworth, Ontario, Canada. He married Margaret Ellen Johnson. They had 8 children:

Mary Caroline Mackie b. 02 Apr 1906 in Gunton, Manitoba 23 Nov 1925 Winnipeg, Manitoba, d. 07 May 1995 in Kenora, Ontario, Canada

Gracie Elizabeth Mackie 08 Jan 1908 in R.M. of Rockwood, Manitoba, m. John Frederick Moon 30 Nov 1926 in Kenora, Ontario, d. 1973 in Kenora, Ontario

Robert Henry Mackie 09 Mar 1910 in R.M. of Rockwood, Library and Archives Canada Manitoba, d. 19 Mar 1984 wounded on Italian battlefront 9

Irene Georgina Mackie 05 Jul 1911 in Green Ridge, Manitoba, m. Charles Noble MacKay 08 Jan 1928 in Kenora, Ontario, d. 28 Feb 1989 in Dorintosh, Saskatchewan

George Andrew Mackie b. 28 Apr 1914 in R.M. of Rockwood, Manitoba, Elsie Victoria Carlson 25 Sep 1937 in Keewatin, Ontario, d. Nov 1987 in Kenora, Ontario

Alma Eva Clarence Mackie b 02 May 1918 in Toulon, Manitoba, Canada, m. 10 Oct 1936 in Kenora, Ontario, d. 15 Feb 1996 in Kenora, Ontario

Victor James Mackie 26 Dec 1921 in Kenora, Ontario, d. 22 Jul 1944 died of wounds in an armoured tank

John Wallace Allan Mackie 06 Oct 1924 in Kenora, Ontario, 29 Jul 1944

He attended schools in Kenora from 1935 to 1941. He worked as a labourer at the Kenora Brewery, a section man with the CPR and as a labourer for D. Norlen. He enlisted 2 Feb 1943 and during 1943 progressed from Ac2 2 Feb 1943, AC1 23 May 1943, Air Gunner 27 Jun 1943, Leading Aircraftmen 18 Sep 1943, Sergeant 29 Oct 1943. He arrived at No.1 "Y" Depot in Halifax, Nova Scotia on 12 Nov 1943. As with most RCAF personnel arriving in Britain, whatever their port of entry, were assigned to No.3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth, to wait for posting. From 51 Base at Swinderby in 19 Apr 1944 he was assigned to Squadron 61 RAF on 12 Jul 1944. No. 61 Squadron was re-formed on 8 March 1937 as a bomber squadron, and flew with No. 5 Group, RAF Bomber Command. On the night of July 28th/29th 1944 Lancaster III LM 452 No 61 Squadron took off on a bombing mission over Germany. German records indicate the plane was shot down at 1.30 in the locality of Malach 1 ½ km. North East of Neumalech, 500 m. East of the Reichsstrasse3. Subsequent records indicate the plane crashed at Niederseebach a small village about five miles South of Wissenbourgh, Department of Bas Rhin, France after air operations over Stuttgart Germany. The remains were buried in Choloy War Cemetery at Meurthe-et-Moselle, France, site 3 F Joint 9-10

Flying Officer Bernard Zimring, J43636, 101 (RAF) Squadron, son of Samuel Zimring, b. 18 Jun 1924 Kenora, Ontario, Canada

Father Samuel Zimring was born in Voline, Zitomir, Ukraine (part of Soviet Union) in August 15 1892 according to his First War attestation papers. His U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936- 2007 gives his birthdate as 10 Sep 1891. He arrived in Canada about 1906 and took up residence in Winnipeg as a Barber. He married Elsie Melamed Stein 30 Jan 1921 in St Andrews, Manitoba. Sometime between 1921 and 1929 he moved to Kenora.

Bernard attended Kenora Central School from 1929 to 1936 and Kenora High School from 1936 to 1941. The family was living at 715 First St. S. He enlisted with the 16th Medium Battery 16 May 1940 in Kenora. He worked the summer of 1941 with the Ontario-Minnesota Pulp and Paper company and took on odd jobs until February 1942 when he took on a job with the Canadian Industries in Montreal. The next year followed short term employment with R.A.F. Ferry command as an Equipment checker and Canadian Car & Foundry Company in Montreal. He enlisted with the RCAF on February 9 1943. He took training at Lachine, St John Quebec, Toronto, ground Instruction school at no 6 B & G School, Mountain , Ontario and No 10 A.O.S at Chatham, N.B. He left Halifax June 2 1944 and assigned to 101 Squadron RAF Sept 15 1944. He was airborne on 15 operational sorties with Squadron 101 RAF flying Lancasters and attacked targets including Dusseldorf, Cologne, Essan, Stuttgart, Duisburg and Cap Nez.

On November 4 1944 Lancaster aircraft NF.936 took off with a crew of 8 on an operational attack Bochum Germany. German sources indicate the plane was shot down. His crew were initially buried in Bochum 10

cemetery and after the was re-interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Klever Landkreis, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, Grave 28, Row B plot 3.

RCAF – RAF in Italy

From a Canadian perspective, Operation Husky, the Sicilian campaign and the subsequent battle on the Italian mainland is remembered as a land campaign but Canadian Airmen were also present. Although there were 4 RCAF squadrons engaged in Operation Husky the vast majority of Canadian airmen served with the Royal Airforce RAF and hence their stories are virtually unknown. In April 1943 when a second request for Canadian bomber squadrons was made it was accepted on condition that the units would be Canadianized and would operate in the same wing under the commander of an RCAF as far as possible. After Sicily the only Canadian presence was Squadron 417 and the “lost legion” of Canadians throughout the RAF.

Stanley Joseph Ouellette, son of Joseph Cyril Ouellette and Frances Irene Derry, b. 26 Jul 1922 in Kenora and enlisted 5 Sep 1941 in the RCAF Recruiting Centre in Winnipeg. He was promoted to pilot in 22 May 1942 and Flight Sergeant in 4 Dec 1942. He embarked New York on 5 Jan 1943 arriving in the UK on 12 Jan 1943 was interviewed at 3 Personnel Reception Centre and then 6 Apr 1943 to the Advanced Flying Unit.14 (P) AFU and assigned to RAF Squadron 142 in 24 Oct 1943. He flew out of Oudna Airfield, a military airfield in Tunisia, which was located approximately 7 km southwest of La Mohammedia; about 14 km south-southwest of Tunis. He was reported missing 25 Nov 1943, after air operations over Turin, Italy. He was buried in the Florence War Cemetery grave V. J. 7-9

No 6 Bomber Group

On 1 Jan 1943 11 Canadian squadrons came together to form the All Canadian No 6 Bomber Group. Between 5 Mar 1943 and 24 Jun 1943, the Group lost 100 planes. The group began to fly four engine Avro Lancasters.iv Twelve RCAF squadrons flew Lancasters and more than 400 were built in Canada. It carried 14000 to 22,000 pounds of bombs and flew with more effective navigation and bombing aidesv. No 6 Group was based in the Vale of York

Warrant Officer Class II, Franklin Guy Moore, RCAF 61 Sqdn. son of George Albown Moore and Myra Ellen Barrell, flew and crashed in a Lancaster. Born in Kenora on 10 May 1919, he left school after grade 10 in 1934 and after 3 years of unemployment he got a job at Art’s Electric in 1938 and after a short stint at Keewatin Lumber company left for employment in Geraldton, Ontario. He enlisted 19 Jul 1941 in Winnipeg, and served a total of 618 days of which 413 were overseas and went missing 28 Apr 1943, The first dreaded notice of missing in action would generally be followed by multiple letters of updates. Families wanted to seek closure and know the details to reconstruct their loved one’s last moments. Most were killed when their planes crashed but enough parachuted and became prisoners of war to leave flickering hope. Moore was an Air gunner on a Lancaster which set out on mine laying operations on the night of 28-29th April 1943 which failed to return. With a seven man crew. By the end of the summer 1943 the family had learned that the body of one member of the crew had been washed ashore in Sweden and that another had been buried in Denmark on 22 May 1943. Forcing the conclusion that the plane had come down in the sea off the Swedish-Denmark coast. While letters continued to come no further information was added. Moore was memorialized on Panel 180 Runnymede Surrey, UK.

Lloyd George Hanton, son of Frank William Hanton and Lillie Mawdsley, was one of many crews who flew bomber missions over Berlin. Frank Edward William Hanton, his brother also served in the RCAF. They were the sons of Francis “Frank” William Hanton and Lillie Mawdsley. Frank Senior was born 25 Apr 1876 in Stratford, Essex, England. He

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married his first wife Mary Henrietta Craig on 23 Jan 1903 in Leyton, Essex, England. They immigrated to Canada leaving the port of Liverpool and arriving in Montreal, Quebec on June 9 1907 recruited and transportation paid by the Canadian Government C.G.E. A. no 8446. They moved to Kenora. They had four children, Agnes May Frances Hanton, William George Hanton, and Charles Hanton in Kenora. Frank’s first wife Henrietta died 31 Dec 1917 in Kenora. He married his second wife Lillian Mawdsley 28 Nov 1919 in Kenora. They had additional 5 children, Frank Edward William Hanton, born 18 Aug 1920, Lloyd George Hanton was born 23 Oct 1923, Leonard James Hanton born 03 Jul 1931, Robert Melvin Hanton b. 20 May 1934 and Muriel Rosa Hanton born Oct 1937, all born in Kenora.

This family grew up in a house located 314 Seventh Ave, Kenora and played hockey on Lawrenson Creek. Frank Jr. eventually earned a position on the Kenora Thistles Junior Hockey Team of the Manitoba Hockey League. In the1939/40 season the team won the Turnbull Cup as Manitoba Junior Hockey League Champions, the Abbott Cup as Western Junior Hockey champions and then lost to the Oshawa Generals in the Canadian Junior Hockey Championship. The following season Frank went to the Hibbing Monarchs of the International Hockey League finishing the season with 48 goals and 59 assists and the International Hockey League’s Scoring Championship in his rookie year. He received an invitation to the Boston Bruins training camp the next season4

Lloyd attended Kenora Central school from 1929 to 1938. Following school, he was employed as a Bellman at the Kenricia Hotel from 1938 to May of 1941. From May 1941 until Feb 1942 he worked as a chainman for the Kenora Town Engineers.

He enlisted on October 13 1942 just 7 days short of his 19th birthday. During the war years the family lived at 632 3rd St. South. He commenced his aircrew training immediately and was promoted to Air Gunner “Std” AC2 on October 17 1942. He then entered #3 Bombing and Gunnery school in Brandon on Jul 23 1943 and received promotion to Air Gunner (Gp2) T/Sergeant on July 9th 1943. Was embarked from New York for the United Kingdom on August 3 1943 and was assigned to the Royal Canadian Airforce Goose Squadron, assuming active duty as a mid-upper Gunner on a Lancaster Bomber.

The RCAF formed its first bomber squadron in June 1941 from Canadians serving in the RAF. It flew its first missions in twin-engine Wellington bombers (Wimpeys). On 1 Jan 1943, 11 Canadian squadrons came together to form the All Canadian No 6 Bomber Group. Between 5 Mar 1943 and 24 Jun 1943, the Group lost 100 planes. The group began to fly four engine Avro Lancasters. Twelve RCAF squadrons flew Lancasters and more than 400 were built in Canada. It carried 14000 to 22,000 pounds of bombs and flew with more effective navigation and bombing aides . No 6 Group was based in the Vale of York, North Yorkshire.

From 18 Nov 1943 to 31 Mar 1944 16 of 35 major raids on German cities were against Berlin.157 aircraft were lost one of which was the one that Lloyd George served as Air gunner. Over 9000 Berlin citizens were killed on such raids, 3300 aircrew killed and 1047 bombers lost. Lloyd was one of many crews who flew bomber missions over Berlin.

Hanton went reported missing on 30 Nov 1943 flying in 408 Squadron and is memorialized on Panel 186 in the Runnymede Memorial. Lloyd George Hanton 1923 – 1943. Nephew Warren Hanton, wrote a song entitled “For Freedom - :Lloyd’s Song” for a memorial at the Kenora 116th Field Battery Armories on the 74th anniversary of his death. This beautiful song and recording may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/346007944

His girlfriend was Fern Rivers. Speaking of hers many years later, Lloyd’s nephew, Warren Hanton indicated,

4 Research of Warren Hanton, Nephew of Frank Hanton 12

His sense of duty and Patriotism meant he had to leave the only three loves he had known in his 18 years; his family, his girlfriend Fern and the life he had in his town of Kenora. Fern was always referred to as Aunt Fern by my brother, sister and I throughout her entire life. When my mother Celine was pregnant with me, my father Len rented a suite in Aunt Fern’s home. When I was born, her home was my first home…she never married or had children of her own. The love we felt from Fern, confirmed that she truly was our Aunt.

Brother Frank were stationed in different air bases but Frank was able to get information on Lloyd’s sorties and on learning that Lloyd had not returned from a bombing raid on Berlin, without proper authorization , took his Mustang and searched for his brother over the North Sea where last communication had been received. He returned only after his fuel was running dangerously low. Brother Frank faced a disciplinary for his actions but no disciplinary action followed.

Frank entered the RCAF in Winnipeg on May 19, 1941 and began his training at ITS 4 and EFTS 19 and finished at Service Flying Training School at St. Hubert, Quebec where he got his wings on January 16, 1942 5

In Great Britain, he was assigned to Squadron 400 , a unit specializing in tactical reconnaissance missions. It was during one of these missions that he managed to win the first victory of the unit on Mustang I, November 7, 1942. He receives the DFC whose announcement appears on October 29, 1943.

He participated in the Dieppe Raid as well as D- Day. On July 17 1944 on board an unarmed Spitfire PR XI, the PL797, he was forced to parachute above Bayeux when he was badly burned on his face, arms and legs, and had to be hospitalized for some time. Once on his feet, he is assigned to Squadron 402 as Flight Lieutenant.6 He won two more successes with this unit including a confirmed victory. By the end of the war he was recognized as the top train buster in the allied forces. He destroyed 9 enemy aircraft and 54 trains7 and received two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was repatriated to Canada in April 1946 and left the RCAF in June.

He met his wife Joyce in England. They were married in Canada in 1948. They took up residence in Lac du Bonnet Manitoba. They had three children, Lloyd, Craig and Tracy Hanton. He continued his flying career with the Manitoba Government Air Services until his retirement in 1978. He then moved to Regina, Saskatchewan where he assumed the Directorship of the Saskatchewan Government Executive and Air Ambulance service. He retired from this position in 1984.8 He was appointed Aide de Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan in 1983 and served two terms. In 1988 he was appointed Honourary Colonel of Air Command Moose Jaw training base. 9 He died 16 Apr 2002 in Regina, Saskatchewan and is buried in the Riverside Memorial Park, Regina.

Harold Maxwell Sherman, J18196 Squadron 419 RCASF, son of Matthew John Sherman and Edith Anne McManus, was born Feb 1 1918 in Fort Williams, (Thunder Bay) Ontario.

His father Matthew John Sherman was born in Owen Sound, Ontario and married Edith Anne McManus. He was a conductor in the CPR. He moved to Vancouver by 1921 and Kenora at least by 1925. Harold commence his first year in school in Vancouver and then attended Kenora Public school from 1925 to 1932. He attended

5 http://www.canadaveteranshallofvalour.com/HantonFE.htm 6 http://www.cieldegloire.com/003_hanton_f_e_w.php, accessed August 8 2019 7 Canada Veteran’s Hall of Valour, http://www.canadaveteranshallofvalour.com/HantonFE.htm accessed on August 8 2019 8 Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press , 22 Apr 2002, https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id- 68865/HANTON_FRANK accessed August 8 2019 9 Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press , 22 Apr 2002, https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id- 68865/HANTON_FRANK accessed August 8 2019 13

Kenora High School from 1932 to 1937. His first job was a clerk at the YMCA for 4 months, followed Employment at Eaton Grocery from 1937 to 1940. He served at the 16th Medium Battery RCA in Kenora before enlisted with the RCAF on 6 Mar 1941, He was promoted to Leading Airman Jun 20 1941 and Training Sergeant January 17 1942 , flight Sergeant Dec 1 1942. He disembarked in the UK and was assigned to 419 Squadron 29 Jul 1942. He was further promoted to Pilot Officer 20 Jun 1943 and Flight Officer 20 December 1944. He completed 24 operations attacking all of the main German targets including Berlin and the Battle of the Ruhr. On the night of 25th/ 26th Feb 1944 on Halifax aircraft JP. on a mining operation over Kiel Bay. The plane never returned. He is memorialized at Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, UK on panel 248

Pilot Officer David Louden Sutherland Henderson, J87259 407 Squadron RCAF, son of George Henderson and Margaret MacDonald, born 2 Mar 1921 at Kenora,

His father George Henderson was born Usan Road, Ferrden Craig, Scotland, Scotland. He emigrated to Canada in 1907. He moved to Kenora by 1921. He married Margaret McDonald in Winnipeg in 1912. They had three children, Margaret Henderson b. abt. 1913, m. M. Sekhon Elizabeth Henderson b. abt. 1916 m. Calder Daun David London Sutherland Henderson b. 2 Mar 1921 at Kenora,

David Henderson was employed as CPR wiper. He enlisted 25 Aug 1941 He commenced basic training in Brandon and continued training in Saskatoon, Lethbridge and Guelph. He married Gladys Elinor Peterson, 28 Nov 1942 Truro, N.S. Sergeant 31 Aug 1942 Lethbridge. On Jan 25 1943 he entered the RAF training pool, He was assigned to 407 Squadron of the RCAF He was reported missing 14 Aug 1944 while on anti submarine patrol. He was memorialized on Panel 250 Runnymede Memorial Surrey, UK

Pilot Officer Lorne Stanley Guernsey, son of Stanley Montague Guernsey and Rose Hilda Outen, born in Kenora 2 Jan 1919, graduated from Kenora High School in 1933, , worked as a Mechanic apprentice with R.C. Seller, truck driver for A.J. Houghton , and short stint at Canada Car and Foundry Thunder Bay, enlisted 14 Sep 1941 training in Winnipeg, Brandon, arrived in UK on 4 Apr 1943, Air Gunner, died 31 Aug 1944 when Halifax plane crashed into sea, on a air operation against Ile Cezembre Squadron 433, St Malo memorialized Panel 250 Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, UK

Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, United Kingdom

During the Second World War more than 116,000 men and women of the Air Forces of the British Commonwealth gave their lives in service. More than 17,000 of these were members of the Royal Canadian Air Force, or Canadians serving with the Royal Air Force. Approximately one-third of all who died have no known grave. Of these, 20,450 are commemorated by name on the Runnymede Memorial, which is situated at Englefield Green, near Egham, 32 kilometres by road west of London. On the crest of Cooper's Hill, overlooking the Thames, a square tower dominates a cloister, in the centre of which rests the Stone of Remembrance. The cloistered walks terminate in two lookouts, one facing towards Windsor, and the other towards London Airport at Heathrow. The names of the dead are inscribed on the stone reveals of the narrow windows in the cloisters and the lookouts. They include those of 3,050 Canadian airmen. Above the three- arched entrance to the cloister is a great stone eagle with the Royal Air Force motto, Per Ardua ". On each side is the inscription:

IN THIS CLOISTER ARE RECORDED THE NAMES OF TWENTY THOUSAND AIRMEN WHO HAVE NO KNOWN GRAVE. THEY DIED FOR FREEDOM IN RAID AND SORTIE OVER THE BRITISH ISLES AND THE LANDS AND SEAS OF NORTHERN AND WESTERN EUROPE In the tower a vaulted shrine, which provides a quiet place for contemplation, contains illuminated verses by Paul H. Scott." 14

Airman killed in World War 2 in Order of Date of Death

Flight Sergeant Rodney David Gibson, R68762, son of Thomas Edward Gibson and Ellen Elizabeth Prior, b. 17 May 1919, Kenora, Ontario. D. 1 Aug 1942, over Belgium, buried Heverlee War Cemetery Belgium Grave reference 3 Row B Plot 11

Sergeant Douglas Bruce Ruggles, R106228, RCAF, son of Timothy Dwight Ruggles and Madaline G. Zizzer b.1 Jul 1921 Medicine Hat, Alberta enlisted 23 May 1941 Hurricane collision while flying in formation over Newfoundland d. 27 Aug 1942 Gander Cemetery Plot 3 Row 3 Grave 19

Sergeant Aime Leon Caron, R116332 son of George Edward Caron and Imelda Cayer, b. 29 Jun 1918, Kenora, enlisted 12 Jul 1941, RCAF 49 Sq. (RAF) d. 17 Sep 1942 killed over Germany buried Reichwald Forrest War Cemetery Grave 8. E. 5

Leading Aircraftman Frederick Charles Blair, son of Charles Henry Blair and Jennie Marie Wallin, b. 20 Nov 1918 in Kenora. D. 28 Sep 1942 in a flying accident at Wainfleet, Niagara Regional Municipality, Ontario. He was buried in his hometown cemetery, Lake of the Woods Kenora.

Flight Sergeant Stefan Franchuk, R86255, RCAF, 101 Sqdn. son of Samuel Franchuk and Rosalia Matioska, b. 1 Jan 1911, Kenora, Ontario, m. Agnes Tutkaluk 9 Feb 1942, d. 7 Dec 1942, on an operation to Mannheim, Memorialized at Runnymede Memorial.

Flight Sergeant Austin Roy O’Dell, R101932, RCAF, son of Charles Manford O'Dell and Matilda May Locke, b. 6 Mar 1921, Keewatin, Ontario, enlisted 1 Jun 1941, d. 20 Dec 1942 buried Reichswald Forrest Cemetery, Kleve, Klever Landkreis, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany Grave 2 Row G Plot 9

Warrant Officer Class II, Franklin Guy Moore, R119531, RCAF 61 Sqdn. son of George Albown Moore and Myra Ellen Barrell, b. 10 May 1919, enlisted 19 Jul 1941 Winnipeg, missing 28 Apr 1943, The Kattegat one of crew buried in Bispebjaerg, memorialized on Panel 180 Runnymede Surrey, UK

Flight Sergeant Dan Crossland, R152605, son of Daniel Crossland and Nellie Moore, d. 30 Sep 1943 as result of flying accident, Faldingworth Aerodrome, Lincolnshire, England, buried Huddersfield Cemetery, Edgerton Cemetery, Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, West Yorkshire, England Sec 14. Grave 48

Sergeant Lloyd George Hanton, RCAF R196069, Sqdn 408, son of Frank William Hanton and Lillie Mawdsley, b. 20 Oct 1923 Kenora, Ontario, D. 24 Nov 1943 memorialized on panel 186 Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, UK

Flight Sergeant Stanley Joseph Ouellette, son of Joseph Cyril Ouellette and Frances Irene Derry R124429, enlisted 5 Sep 1941, RCAF, 142 RAF Sqdn, b. 26 Jul 1922 Kenora, Ontario d. 25 Nov 1943 reported missing over Turin, Italy memorialized at Florence War Cemetery, Column V.J. 7-9

Warrant Officer Class II Hugh Robert McKay, R180114 RAF Squadron 7, son of James Albert McKay and Laura Jane McLean, b. 16 Aug 1923 Winnipeg, Manitoba, d. 20 Feb 1944 Tollwitz, Saalekreis, Sachsen- Anhalt, Germany, reburied Berlin 1939-1945 Cemetery at Charlottenburg, Berlin Germany

Robert George Calder, son of George Harper Calder and Nora Margaret Preston, was born in Kenora 22 Sep 1917, m. Elizabeth McGregor Fraser 22 Feb 1943 at Caddonfoot, Selkirkshire, Scotland, d. 3 Mar 1944 at North Rochester, Northumberland, England, buried at Edinburgh Morningside Cemetery, Edinburgh 15

Warrant Officer Class II, Franklin Guy Moore, R119531, RCAF 61 Sqdn. son of George Albown Moore and Myra Ellen Barrell, b. 10 May 1919, Missing and assumed killed in action 28 Apr 1943 off the Denmark- Sweden coast. Memorialized on Panel 180 Runnymede Surrey, UK.

Jack Henfrey, son of Harry Henfrey and Norah Whetton, Graduated from Kenora High School 1938, employed as a Photographer apprentice with Lakewood Studios, 1938, enlisted 26 Jul 1941, trained at Penhold, Edmonton, Calgary, Patricia Bay, and then transferred over seas. He died 02 Jan 1944. He is buried at Harrogate Stonefall Cemetery, Yorkshire , UK

Flying Officer Harold Maxwell Sherman J18196, RCAF 419 Sqdn. Son of Matthew John Sherman and Elizabeth (or Edith) Anne McManus, b. Feb 1 1918 in Fort Williams, (Thunder Bay) Ontario. d. 26 Feb 1944 over Kiel Bay on Halifax aircraft in a mining operation. Memorialized at Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, UK on Panel 248

Pilot Officer John Wallace Allan Mackie J90349, 61 Sqdn RAF son of Robert Mackie and Margaret Ellen Johnson, b. 6 Oct 1924 Gunton, Manitoba, d. 29 Jul 1944 , shot over Stuttgart Germany, airplane crashed at Niederseebach, 5 miles South of Wissenbourgh, Department of Bas Rhin, reburied at Choloy War Cemetery, Meuthe-et-Moselle, France, Grave 3.F. Joint Grave 9-10

Pilot Officer David Louden Sutherland Henderson, J87259 407 Squadron RCAF, son of George Henderson and Margaret MacDonald, born 2 Mar 1921 at Kenora, m. Gladys Elinor Peterson, 28 Nov 1942 Truro, N.S. , Reported missing 14 Aug 1944 on anti submarine patrol. He was memorialized on Panel 250 Runnymede Memorial Surrey, UK

Flying Officer Donald Alexander Gordon J40766 RCAF, son of Charles Brown Gordon and Catherine Ann McLean, b. 1 Jul 1923 Keewatin, Ontario, enlisted 12 May 1942 Winnipeg, d. 30 Aug 1944 plane crash near railway siding east of Welham, Leicester, England, buried Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, UK, grave 43 Row H Plot 9.

Flying Officer Bernard Zimring, J43636, 101 (RAF) Squadron, son of Samuel Zimring, b. 18 Jun 1924 Kenora, Ontario, Canada d. on November 4 1944 when Lancaster aircraft NF.936 was shot down over Bochum Germany. Initially buried in Bochum cemetery, after the was re-interred in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Klever Landkreis, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, Grave 28, Row B plot 3.

Aircraftman 2nd Class Walter Andrew Zurkan, R281949, RCAF, son of Walter and Maria Zurkan, b. 27 Apr 1924 Kenora, Ontario, enlisted 29 Oct 1943 Winnipeg, discharged 17 Dec 1943 medically unfit, d. 6 Apr 1947 Kenora as a result of Osteogenic sarcoma left femur with metastases in chest due to service, buried in Lot 8, Row 8 Grave 1 Lake of the Woods Cemetery, Kenora, Ontario.

David “Dave” Henry Balchin’s Lancaster plane was crippled over Germany and was unable to return to friendly territory. Son of Alfred Balchin and Minnie Jessie Parfitt was born 18 May 1924 in Keewatin, Ontario. Dave listed with the RCAF . He served as Tail-end Gunner and met his crew of No. 101 Squadron consisting of Pilot: Flight Officer. Gene Mitchell Atyeo J28179 RCAF, Navigator: Sgt. John William Lovatt 1583191, Air/Bomber: Flight Officer. Blake Latimer Patterson J29695 RCAF, Wireless Operator Air Gunner: Fl/Sgt. John French Andrews J89901 RCAF, Air/Gunner (Mid Upper): Flight Sergeant Clement Fred Robert Pearce J/89902 RCAF, in February 20 1944 at No. 28 Operational Training Unit at RAF Wymeswold, Loughborough, Leicestershire on course No. 33. The crew was joined by Flight Engineer Sergeant Charles Trevor Keeling on May 19 when the crew was posted to No. 1667 Heavy Conversion Unit at RAF Lindholme in the West Riding of Yorkshire 16

and its satellite RAF Sandtoft. On July 7 , the crew was posted to No. 101 Squadron at RAF Ludford Magna. Flight Sergeant Hans Heinz Schwarz joined the crew when it began using Airborne Cigar (ABC) transmitter equipment which jammed German Fighter control frequencies.

The crew started flying on the 10 July 1944. Its first operational flight with the squadron in aircraft ‘V2’ was a night raid to Revigny, France on July 14. Arriving at the target already further bombing, was called off and bombs were dropped our bombs in the North Sea. The second operation on the July 18, in aircraft ‘T’, was a daylight raid to Mannerville in France, the third operation the same day was a night raid to Aulnoye. On 2 August, the next operation in aircraft ’W’ was a daylight raid to Joigny Laroche followed on same day by another daylight raid to Conquereaux. The next 5 operation were flying in 101’s famous ’S’ sugar DV245 including a daylight raid on the 3 August 1944 to Trois-St-Maximim, the target a V2 rocket site, on August 4 a daylight raid to Pauillac, a submarine refuelling base, on August 5 on another submarine base at Blaye, on the Garonne Estuary, on August 7 a night raid over Caen, targeting military objectives and on August 10 to Dijon to bomb railway marshalling yards.

On August 12/13 the crew began its 12th operation undertaken with No. 101 Squadron, taking off from RAF Ludford Magna at 21:34 hrs to bomb Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, Germany. The total force on that night comprised of 379 aircraft including 242 Lancasters and 137 Halifaxes. 17 Lancasters and 10 Halifaxes would not return. The ten aircraft provided by 101 Squadron carried the specialist radar jamming equipment code ABC. Flight Sergeant Hans Heinz Schwarz, the specialist operator on the crew had been chosen because of his fluency in German and therefore able to monitor and jam night fighter traffic with their controllers. A successful run over the target, was completed and the bombs, a mixture of H.E.s (high explosives) and incendiaries were dropped. On leaving the target the plane descended to 16000 ft and leveled out. Shortly after 0110 hours and twenty miles north of Hanover, David Balchin indicated that flack was coming up at our rear and the Lancaster was puncturing the main fuel tanks on both sides of the plane. The starboard side tank immediately burst into flames and the order came, “Bale Out” . Two of the crew, Sgt. John French Andrews and Fl/Sgt. Hans Heinz Schwarz perished in the evacuation and were initially buried in a joint grave at Ströhen, Diepholz, Lower Saxony. Later they were re-interred at the Heverlee War Cemetery, Belgium in Joint Grave No. 6.E.8.

Captured by the Germans on the ground David was taken to Diepholz, and then to Diepholz Airfield where he was handed over to the Luftwaffe. There he joined five other members of the crew. They were transported to Hanover, Frankfurt-on-Main, and to Oberusal. He then started a four-day journey to Stalagluft 7 at Bankow in Silesia with John Lovatt, and Clem Pearce and Gene Atyoe and Blake Patterson being officers were destined for Stalagluft 11 (Sagan).

The six were to remain Prisoners of War for over a year. On January 18 1945 the prisoners at Stalagluft 7 at Bankow were marched off by the Germans afraid of the advancing Russian. The prisoners walked 256 kilometres (160 miles) for 17 days arriving Goldberg on Sunday February 4th. Later that day they refused to walk any further. They were then boarded enclosed in cattle trucks, fifty-three to a truck. Enclosed in semi- darkness, without enough room for all to sit on the floor, several were required to take turns standing, stand in turn. On the second day they were eventually allowed out to stretch legs. Food rations were half cup of raw uncooked porridge oats. They arrived at Lukenwalde and marched to Stalag 111a. Just before leaving Stalug Luft 7, David Balchin and Clem Pearce learned that their promotions to Pilot Officers had come through. They went to join the officers on the camp on the other side of the road which held the R.A.F officers from Sagan. On April 23 the Russian broke through. However, freedom was yet at hand. The Russians were now required to supply food to thousands of men at the camp. The rations given were even less than had been provided by the Germans. However, Red Cross parcels could now be used up. V. E. Day came and went. Eventually they were taken in Russian trucks to the Elbe and true liberation on the other side of the River. Americans took the prisoners to Halle via Leipzig where there was a large P.O.W reception centre. In another forty-eight hours they 17 were flown to Brussels and the next day to the South of England. From there we were taken on a top priority train, non-stop, to R.A.F. Cosford, Shropshire which was a rehabilitation centre and hospital for ex P.O.Ws. During World War II 55,000 airman lost their lives on missions, proportionately more than any other service. Similarly, more airman from Kenora died than any other service.

Substantial Information was provided by Sergeant Charles Trevor Keeling and a more full story may be found at following links http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/72/a2974872.shtml, http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/26/a2974926.shtml, and http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/44/a2974944.shtml

David Henry Balchin, was repatriated back to Canada and returned to Keewatin. He accepted employment with the Ontario Minnesota Pulp and Paper Company . He married Elsie Dora Hulmes 06 Mar 1946 in Keewatin. They had 5 children of which 4 survived infancy.

During the week of October 10 1974, almost 30 years later, he received a visit from Clem Pearce in Keewatin, when the two wartime crew members had much to talk about. He died 01 Oct 2002 in Kenora. Sources: http://aircrewremembered.com/atyeo-gene.html, Kenora Miner and News, October 10 1974 http://www.kenorapubliclibrary.org/library-resources/newspaper-archives.aspx accessed August 21 2019

Squadron Leader Joseph Allan “Al” Sherrett , son of James Sherrett and Rebecca McAllister, b. 02 May 1897 in Dundee, Scotland, WW1 joined the which became the Royal Air Force, flew as a pilot with the Sopwith Camel fighters in the Mediterranean theatre until March 1919. He was awarded the Victory Medal, the British Medal and the 1915 Star, immigrated to Canada in 1920, joined the Canadian Air Force in Portage la Prairie, served until the June 30 1921, m. Edna Margaret Taylor November 29 1922 in Portage la Prairie, in 1926 joined the Kenora Light Infantry, 16th Med. Battery and RCA Militia, in WW2 rejoined RCAF, opened many early training stations in Western Canada and headed the Canadian Air Mission to New Zealand modernizing their training manuals and procedures, d. 19 August 1980 in Kenora.

Others yet unresearched

William Graham Calder RCAF. 03 Apr 1925 Kenora, m. Georgina Margaret Munroe, d. 28 Aug 2007 Kenora.

B. J. Challes, See KMN May 11 1945

James Starr

Flt Lieutenant Frank Sewell

Peter C. Stemkoski enlisted May 24 1942 DFC

Reid, Mervyn Garfield, Flying Officer, enlisted April 1942, 76th and 10 Squadrons, D.F.C.

Sources

Kenora Miner News (KMN) http://www.kenorapubliclibrary.org/library-resources/newspaper-archives.aspx

Brown, Angus and Richard Gamblett, In the Footsteps of the First Canadian Army, Northwest Europe 1942- 1945, Ottawa: Magic Light Publishing, , 2009 Bishop, Arthur, Battles that Forged Our Nation, 159-1953, Toronto: Prospero Books, 1999

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Caines, Christopher, World War II, The Unseen Visual History, The Cain Memorial, New York: The New Press, 2011 Cook, Tim, The Necessary War, Volume One, Canadians Fighting the Second World War 1939 – 1943, Toronto Allan Lane, 2014 Cook, Tim, Fight to the Finish, Canadians in the Second World War 1944 – 1945, Volume Two, Toronto Allan Lane, 2015. Grayling, A.C, Among the Dead Cities, Edinburgh: Bloomsbury, 2006 Granatstein, J. L. and Desmond Morton, Bloody Victory, Canadians and the D-Day Campaign Granatstein, J. L. and Desmond Morton, A Nation Forged in Fire, Canadians and the Second World War 1939- 1945, Toronto: Lester and Orpen Dennys,1989 Humphreys, Edward, Great Canadian Battles, Heroism and Courage through the years. London: Arcturus, 2014 Lofz, Jim, Canadians at War, London: Bison Books, 1990 Neillands, Robin, The Battle for the Rhine, , The Battle for the Bulge and the Ardennes Campaign, 1944, Woodstock and New York: The Overlook Press, 2005 Reader’s Digest The Tools of War 1939/45 and a chronology of important even, Montreal: Reader’ s Digest 1969 Readers Digest, The Canadians at War 1939/45, Pages 356-375, Westmount Quebec, Reader Digest, 1986 Shaw, Susan Evans, Canadians at War, Vol 2. A Guide to the Battle Fields and Memorials of World War 2, Fredericton: Goose Lane, 2014 Veterans Affairs Canada, Valour Remembered, Canada, and the Second World War, 1939=1945 Zuehlke, Mark, Ortona, Canada Tragedy’s Epic World War Battle, Madeira Park: Douglas & McIntyre, 2012 Zuehlke, Mark, Juno Beach, Canada’s D-Day Victory: June 6 1944 Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre, 1999 Zuehlke, Mark, Tragedy at Dieppe, Operation Jubilee, August 19 1942, Madeira Park: Douglas & McIntyre, 2012 Shaw, Susan Evans, Canadians at War, Vol 2. A Guide to the Battle Fields and Memorials of World War 2, Fredericton: Goose Lane 2014 i Canadians At War Pages 68-79 ii Canadians at War, Page 136 iii A Nation Forged in Fire, pages 102 -108 iv Canadians at War p146 v The Tools of war1939/45, page 71

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