NO. 1 BOMBING & GUNNERY SCHOOL, JARVIS : Author Robert Schweyer (2005) Interview

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I welcome any photos and information about No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School, Jarvis. Contact: wpf13@hotmail.com

C-12331 pg. 701

Staff Pilots

John Henry Bryan, Paul Travis Burton, David Battle Smith, Louis Carman McLure, Wilbur Earl Hurlbutt, Emanuel Skipper Henderson, Thomas Harold Cain, Rudolph Marion Vaughn, Frank Earl Cowart, John Harvey Curry, Wilbur 'Don' Sayles, James Temple Jeffreys, Curtis Vennard Searle, William Kent Mitchell, James Kilpatrick, George Varga, Alvin Lee Smith, Carl Clark Taylor, John Louis Scherer, Daniel Lee Boone, Edward Thord-Gray, Lawrence Seymour Montigny, Robert Louis Rizon, Ernest Wayne Ferguson, Jess Eugene White, James Halden York, Franklin Homer Colby, Edwin Laurel Bounds, Hugh Alfred Clayton, William Westphal, Lloyd William Rausch, Richard Keith Dumont, Donald Vaughan Summerville, Howard Orza Nicholls, Rouse Stevens Ellington, Frederick Matthew Rutherford, Robert Griner Freyermuth, Charles Montgomery Hood, Charles Fern Sowa, Thomas Jefferson Creviston, George Abbott Corneal, Roscoe Milton Johnson, Arthur Franklin Glasier, Wilbur Hurlbet Turner, Glenn Albert Yountsey, Charles Hart, Frederick George Pinnegar, Hicks Wiser Sellars, Clifford Hamilton Elliott, Clair Lincoln Newton, Anthony Francis Scanlone, Albert William Courtial, Wesley Holland Parks, +(J25086) Duncan Herbert Cumming, Theodore John Rock, William Aloysius Tyrrell, (C/1238) Robert Ellis Evan Morrow; (R/74193) Wilbur Pittman Roberts

Flying Officer Robert Louis Rizon was an American staff pilot at Fingal. On November 29, 1940 he wrote a letter to Captain Ernest Benway and staff at the Clayton Knight Committee office in Hollywood.

"Just a note to let you know how much I am enjoying my stay as an Officer in His Majesty's Air Force, and, to thank you for giving me this opportunity. I have found everything that you told me about the RCAF to be true beyond my greatest expectations. Not only myself, but all the American pilots that I have met so far, feel the same as I. The Canadian peope have given us a very wrm welcome, and have gone out of their way to make our stay a pleasant one.

"I am posted at No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School, located at Jarvis, Ontario and I am flying Fairey Battles. Our job is to fly the student bombers and gunners over theri respective courses, and I might add that we are putting in 7 to 8 hours a day flying time, which certainly meets with the approval of the American boys."

Misc. Trainees

William Augustus Richardson, George William Roche, +(R/115295) Thomas Joseph Roche - 106 Sqn.; (R/135569) Glenn Lloyd Rosenbarker - 420 Sqn., George Lee Rowe, Lester William Schroeder, +(R/54577) Vernon Young Hodgson Howard Sewell - 10 Sqn.; Norman M. Sharer, Charles Halle Sherman, Harry Skudin, (R/52698) John William Smyth - arr. Feb. 17, 41; +(R/58012) Vernon Beverley Quinlan - 149 Sqn., Burnaby, B.C.; John Swan, Hamilton (Dec. 40 WAG); (J/21663) Lorne Albert Gazley, Toronto; +(J/15139) Edward Michael Marks - 214 Sqn., Oshawa; +(R/65635) William Frederick Towlson - 57 Sqn., Hamilton; (R/64816) Thomas Beech Miller - 78 Sqn., George Cross; William Everett Brodrick - 419 Sqn.; +(R/69570) Kenneth John Drew Hawkins - 37 Sqn.; Lloyd G. Cowling, R.R. 1 London, Ontario; (J/7521) Norman Wilson Mapes - Pow 418 Sqn.

Course No. 2 Air Observers and Course No. 1 Air Gunners: September 15 - October 28, 1940

Group Captain J.C. Waite, station officer commanding, spoke briefly to the first course to graduate from Jarvis.

"You are now passing a big and important milestone in your Air Force careers. From now on, you are entering a world of grim reality. You are on your own. I am sure each and every one of you will conduct himself in line with the best traditions of the force."

Air Vice-Marshal L.S. Breadner, D.S.C., Chief of the Air Staff, presented wings and addressed the graduates.

"When Churchill stated so abtly that never in the field of human conflict was so much owed to so few, I am sure that in the minds of most of us was the thought of the pilots and gunners and observers and others of the air crews. Your duties are among the most dramatic of all phases of the Air Force.

'But, don't forget, that behind your important work must stand the thousands of airmen forming ground crews and the schools like this one, all of which are required to make the Air Force effective. I should say 'thank you' for so beautifully completing these young men's training."

(J/15004) James Rees Alverson - DFC 357 Sqn.; (J3116) John Appleton Duncan - DFC 40 Sqn., Sault Ste. Marie; (J/3117) Warring Laird Jennings -DFC 57 Sqn., Hamilton; (J/15229) John J. Brittan, Hamilton; (J/24254) Thomas Wilfred Kettlewell - remustered to pilot DFC & Bar 405 Sqn., R.H. Carter, George F. Aley, Vancouver; (J/1447) Huntley Donald Brander - 7 Sqn., Winnipeg; +(R/53752) James Alton Jepson – 22 Sqn.; +(J/2830 - R/57732) Robert Addison Mather - 405 Sqn., Vancouver; I. MacLean, Montreal; (R/54483) Dennis Day Salmon - DFM 428 Sqn.; (R/63935) Jack Allen Brown - DFC No. 57 Sqn.; +(R/68396) Douglas Haig McAlpine - 44 Sqn., London, Ont.; (J/2833) Robert Wilfred Alexander - DFC 148 Sqn. Norwich, Ont.; (J/2822) John Gellner - DFC 311 (Czech) Sqn.; +(R/64119) Gordon Thomas Webb - 7 Sqn., Hamilton; +(R/51633) Lloyd Colley Mansell - 42 Sqn.

Dennis Salmon was born in Plymouth, England and came to the U.S. when he was five years old.

Salmon took part in a sortie over enemy territory every night for six weeks before D-Day. In a letter to his father, he wrote:

"And then we went ever again on D-Day. It made me happy to think that perhaps I was making it a bit easier for the American troops below me. The boys in the squadron were unstinting iti their praise of the 'guts' of the troops forcing the Normandy beachhead."

His father explained why his son did not leave the RCAF when America entered the war. A fellow American in Salmon's squadron decided to join the American Air Force. When he wrote and told Salmon that he was in school learning to fly "American style" Salmon decided to remain where he was.

"It was bad enough to think of having to go to flying school again, but I hated to think of losing that time against the Jerries."

The following day, (R/65514) George Eardley Macdonald, Toronto; George Angus Little, Winnipeg and Robert Hudson of Shawinigan Falls, Que. were proceeding to Trenton by automobile when Macdonald was killed near Oshawa. Little lost an ear and two teeth, while Hudson suffered a fractured skull and lacerations.

Jennings, Alexander and Gellner returned from overseas to train as pilots at No. 5 SFTS Brantford, receiving their wings July 8, 1943.

Posted to:

No. 1 ANS: Mather; Duncan

Course (1) WAG: October 28 - November 23, 1940

Wings Parade at 1800 hours in the Drill Hall

+(R/53359) Thomas James Wills Jr. - 90 Sqn.; +Arthur William Abbott, William Morton Arbuckle (DFC); +(R63683) Albert Birchall - 15 Sqn.

+(11620) Jack Standish Banks - DFM 9 Sqn., remustered to pilot receiving his wings at No. 5 SFTS Brantford in 1942. Killed in flying accident No. 20 (P) AFU; +(R/65764) Ivan Paul Einarson - KIFA 205 Sqn., Muskoka; (R53757 - J16073) Henry (James) Forster Kerr - DFM, Russell, Ontario

Posted in from

No. 1 Wireless School, Montreal: Wills, Birchall, Kerr

No. 1 AOS (Co. 3): Einarson

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No. 1 ANS Rivers (Co. 3): Einarson

Course 5 Air Gunners: January 19 - February 15, 1941

Group Captain G.E. Wait presented half wings to observers and air gunners.

"Remember to hold high the traditions of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Remember Bishop, Collishaw, Barker and MacLeod. Remember these men and the other men who made those traditions. Remember, too, that you will find and must know that your work is work that takes the best kind of team work between gunner, observer and pilot.

"To you I say do your job well. Be careful where you drop your bombs, that you may drop them nobly. Good luck.

"Gunners: In your hands is the safety of the whole crew. What is required of you is cool-headedness and accurate shooting. Remember, you are in this war to exterminate a plague of rats."

(J/4432) George Allen Casey DFC 226 Sqn. Dieppe, Mitchell, Ont.

Air Gunners - 67 graduates: +(R/69558) Robert Edward Clarke - 226 Sqn.; James Cline, (R/64116) Bruce Campbell McNab - DFM 148 Sqn.; +(R/64389) Alexander Balinson - 148 Sqn. Malta; +(R/64381) Max Alfred Reid - 419 Sqn.; A.H. Cripps and +(J/15219) Lloyd George Dennis Thomas all of Hamilton; +(R/69628 - J/15139) Edward Michael Marks - 214 Sqn.; +(R/69670 - J/17245) George Andrew Deering - DFC 103/ 617 Sqns., Toronto; +(R/69667 - J.15318) Kenneth Graham Lavery - 296 Sqn.; +(R64419 - J.16533) William Dennis Crimmins - 150/12 Sqns., Guelph

(R/53809) Jones Bond Jackson and (R/53810) Herbert Wiley Jackson, brothers from Cambridge, Massachusetts

"Kind of odd, we've always been together and we won't quit now."

Observers: +(J/4768) Malcolm William McGregor - 230 Sqn., Hamilton; +(993210) John Douglas MacKay - 114 Sqn., Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Scotland

Large class of Brits and one graduate from Timaru, New Zealand, +(R/69927/J/4758) John Patrick Ryan - KIA 15 Sqn.

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No. 1 Wireless School: Casey

No. 2 Wireless School (Co. 1): Marks, Deering, Lavery

Course 11 Air Observers: February 3 - March 17, 1941

Course (7): March 17 - April 12, 1941

Air Commodore Brookes presented wings.

+(402464) Ernest John Lowater, +(R/53364) Thomas Robert Manard Cattle; Sir Keith Charles Adolphus Fraser; +(NZ39586) Pine Tenga Takarangi - 10 Sqn.; Joseph Cassidy Naera; William T. Hall, former Calgary Albertan news editor; J. Beckett, Niagara Falls; C.R. Bourassa, Montreal; (J/5302) Michael Shakespeare Layton - DSO 120 Sqn., Montreal; (J/26966) E.C. Holloway, Montreal; +(J/15539) Herbert William Joseph Stewart - DFC 156 Sqn., Montreal; J.C. Davidson, Sherbrooke; +(R/56348) Harry Robinson Williams, Valleyfield; +(R/54393) John Granville Donoghue - 97 Sqn.; +(R/67798) William Stone Tyler - 35 Sqn./1425 Flt./405 Sqn.

Posted in from No. 2 Wireless School

Course 15 Air Observers: March 31 - May 10, 1941

Three classes of observers and air gunners from all over the Empire graduated Saturday afternoon. Group Captain G.E. Wait, officer commanding, presented wings to a large class of observers.

Group Captain G.E. Waite, officer commanding the school, told graduates the most important part of their job, next to accurate bombing and part of it, was their ability at teamwork in the air.

"Teamwork of the highest type is absolutely necessary among you. It is of first importance in the fine association of observer with pilot, gunner with observer and pilot, pilot with observer and gunner. You will do well to strive for this teamwork first. Best of luck."

+(J/5676) Donald Stuart Reddy Hepburn, Toronto lead his class of 38 observers.

+(J/5677) Esmond Marcus David Romilly, (J/5680) Henry Alfred Stanley Waggett (DFC), +(J/5681) Kenneth Beverly McGoun, London; +(J/5684) Joseph Allan Robinson

David Boston Patterson, Owen Sound; William Ray, Tottenham; William Martin, Toronto; James McGovern, Ottawa; G.F. Moss, Preston; Gordon Phillips, Cornwall, +(R/78279) Paul Jerome Kelly - 16 OTU, Cleveland, Ohio; Harry Hionides, Patterson, New Jersey; Perry Teatro, Lindsay; +(R69615) Rowan Charles Fitzgerald - 77/405 Sqns., Charlottetown

Romilly, a nephew of Winston Churchill, was asking why he enlisted in the RCAF: "Never mind that adventure nonsense. I didn't get in here for adventure."

RAF: +(924734) Harry Naughton Deckman, a Movietone News cameraman enlisted, he said, "because buddies were killed flying over Heligoland. I had to do something about it, so I got in, too."

Allan Booker, Arthur Enderby, Lincs,; Arthur Barr, Hull, Yorks.

Course No. 17 Air Observers: April 27 - June 7, 1941

Wings were presented at No. 1 Manning Depot, Toronto by Air Marshal W.A. 'Billy' Bishop, V.C.. He addressed the graduates from both Jarvis and Fingal.

"If I were a young man today and not in uniform, I would be ashamed of myself.

"I am very proud to be here today and to have the honour of pinning your observer's wing on your chest. For the first time since November 1916, I am wearing my own observer's wing, and I am proud to wear it."

37 Graduates included:

(J/6141) Ronald Oldham - DFC 226/342 Sqns. 5 e/a destroyed, Vancouver; (J/6145) Sven Olaf Meyer - DFC

P.E. Flanders, Hamilton; +(R/67894) Roger (Bentley) Clements; W. Tait; W. Speer; W.D. Irwin; J. Casoff; E. Rosenfield; G. Smith-Windsor; T.C. Wemhaur; L. Convey; Archibald Edwin McIlveen - 9 Sqn.; +(R/74704) Faris Clyde Main - 11 OTU, New Westminster, B.C.; +(R77148 - J.16184) Michael Stein Jacobs - 419 Sqn., Montreal

RNAF: R. Gabrielson; A. Anker-Hansen; Kaare Skabo

Posted if from No. 1 AOS (Co. 17): Main, Jacobs

Posted to No. 1 ANS (Co. 17): Oldham, Meyer, Clements, Jacobs

Course No. 18 Air Observers and Course No. 9 Air Gunners: May 12 - June 21, 1941

Group Captain G.W. Wait presented wings to RCAF, RAF and RNZAF personnel.

Course 18 Air Observers - 36 RNZAF graduates: +(NZ404567) Oswald William Suckling, +(NZ404478) Wilfred Henry Burnham, +(NZ404540) Russell Royl Alwyn Jones, +(NZ404529) Martin John Byrne, +(NZ404522) Alexander Richard Abbott, Rex Tibor Andrews, Cecil R.V. Archer, John H. Beard, (NZ404479) Selwyn Hight Burt, +(NZ402853) Bernard Thomas Connell, +(NZ404532) Douglas Gordon Cookson - PoW 1652 CU; George M. Davies, Clarence A. Dixon, (NZ404560) Alfred Sydney Drew - No. 75 (NZ) Sqn.; James S. Emmerson, James D. Fletcher, William C.William (Bill) Foreman, +(NZ404535) William Edmund Gibbes - No. 75 (NZ) Sqn.; (NZ404536) Francis Daniel Grehan, Richard T. Griffiths, Ronald S. Harvey, Thor T.S. Larson, Edward M. Lukey, Raymond T. Marquet, Herbert D. Marshall, Ronald Selwyn Moore, Jeffrey I. Reddell, (NZ404573) Renton Stewart Rutherford - DFC Dieppe, +(NZ404577) George Hillary Vogan - 57 Sqn.; +(NZ40200) Eric Waple - 12 Sqn.; Frank L.K. Waterhouse, Hugh A.T. Watson, Gordon Alan Lee Webby, Gordon G. Whitla, Henry J. Woodrow, +(403787) Eric John Robert Yates - 142 Sqn., Peter Hayes, Frederick W. Bacon (WAG).

RAF (Air Gunners): David K. Brearey, Ronald W. Fisher.

7 RCAF Observers: William F. McCarthy, John C. Tomlin; (J/16111) Thomas William Lewis - DFC & Bar 106/83 Sqns.

+ (NZ402823) Ernest Hallright Howell - or earlier course

54 RCAF wireless air gunners: Sidney Brown, North Bay; +(R/74322) Harold Ernest Magladry - 151/410/218 Sqns., Ottawa; John T. Mangan, North Bay; +(R/74876) John Henry 'Jack' La Belle - 415 Sqn.

Co. 9 Air Gunners (8 graduates) May 25 - June 23: +(R/76013) Morton Ralph Heinish - 97 Sqn., Halifax; +(R/60374) William Peebles - 415 Sqn., Lethbridge, Alberta; +(R/59685) Ronald Hancock - 407 Sqn., Winnipeg;

Posted in from No. 4 AOS Crumlin Co. 27

Course 10 - RAAF Wireless Air Gunners

Front Row (L-R) : +(400907) Roger Peryman Wishart - 97 Sqn., unidentified, (402983) Reginald Cyril Shannon - PoW 49 Sqn., Frank Wood, +(400904) David Stanley Neal - 459 Sqn., (404708) Rayphael William Heathwood - 459/454 Sqns., Brian Johnston Back Row: (L to R): (404872) Ian William McKenzie - 2 Sqn., Roy Hart, (402976) Robert Stanley Mead - 12/55 Sqns., (402981) Finlay Norman Thomas (Frank) Urquhart - 21 Sqn., (400906) Reg Sprague, (402977) Norman Oliver Morrow +(402890) Francis Frey Stokes - 12 Radio School (Photo Credit: B. Jewell)

Course 20 Air Observers and Course 10 Air Gunners: June 9 - July 21, 1941

Group Captain G.E. Wait presented wings and addressed the graduates

"I don't need to stress the importance of the work you fellows are going to do. You observers have a vital job to do. You gunners have the safety of the aircraft in the air as your responsibility. You've got to get the enemy before he gets you. We are fighting to exterminate a horde of rats.

"The value of teamwork on a bombing plane cannot be stressed too much. Each man has a vital job to do. No one is more important than the other. You've got to work together to pull your weight evenly. Yours is a high and gallant purpose.

"You have come to the end of your training. It is a pride and a pleasure to present these wings. A large number of you are from Australia. It has been a pleasure knowing you. All of us hope that in more peaceful time you will visit us again.

"I know you will always more than honor the trust that is being placed in you and uphold the finest traditions of the Air Force. Good luck to every one of you."

Course 10 Air Gunners

55 RAAF air gunners: +(400904) David Stanley Neal - 459 Sqn., South Yarra, Vic.; (400906) Reginald Clarke Sprague; +(400907) Roger Peryman Wishart - 97 Sqn.; Pascoe Vale South, Vic.; +(402890) Francis Frey Stokes - 12 Radio School; Bugaldie, N.S.W.; (402976) Robert Stanley Mead - 12/55 Sqns., Orange, N.S.W.; (402977) Norman Oliver Morrow; (402981) Findlay Norman Thomas Urquhart - 21 Sqn.; (402983) Reginald Cyril Shannon - PoW 49 Sqn. Essen, Manly, N.S.W.; (404708) Rayphael William Heathwood - 459/454 Sqns.; (404782) Ian William McKenzie - 2 Sqn. Proserpine, Queensland; Brian Johnston; Roy Hart; Frank Wood; Jim Grace, Brisbane; +(402915) Geoffrey Austin Chew, Orange, N.S.W.

RAAF air gunners posted in from No. 1 Wireless School, Montreal June 23, 1941. They were part of the 5th Canadian Draft which sailed from Sydney Harbour December 30, 1940, aboard the Empress of Russia.

6 RCAF Air Gunners

32 RCAF Observers: +(R/81070 - J/7022) Richard Leslie Coulter - 104 Sqn.; (R/83611) Charles Cyril Honychurch - POW 214 Sqn.; Rupert Irwin 'Duke' Waddell, New York City; (J/16299) Ernest Walter Garrett - DFC & Bar 109 Sqn., Toronto; +(R/80999) Robert Ward Woolner - 109 Sqn., Ayr; +(R/82091) Eric Douglas Ralph Botten, Ottawa; +(R/75715) Arnold Leo Flesch - 419 Sqn., Cobourg; +(R/79656) George Edward Ford - 9 Sqn.; J.C. Harris, Hampton; +(R/68267) Donald Udell - 142 Sqn., St. Thomas; Scott S. Lumsden, Hamilton; J.J. Westbrook, Brantford; W.R. Hart, Cobden; (R/83011) John Harris Robson, Windsor; +(R/77310) Allan Dease Robert - 150 Sqn., Lachine, Que.; +(R81405 - J7025) Francis Brooke Pickard Gregory - 37 Sqn. DAF, Victoria

Observers posted in from No. 4 AOS Crumlin (Co. 20)

1 RNZAF observer

Course 21 Air Observers: June 23 - August 2, 1941

38 graduates were presented with their observers wing by Group Captain G.E. Wait.

"It is up to you to play your part nobly and courageously and we at the school know that you will. Remember, the safety of the aircraft depends on you. Take it away safely and bring it back safely. Put your sight on the objective and drop your bombs accurately.

"Above all, do your share fully. The successful operation of bombing craft depends on a fine teamwork of the air crew. Teamwork is absolutely necessary. May the best of luck be with you."

Observer graduates included

5 RAF Graduates: +(108150)Geoffrey Wyndham Pain (DFC) - 221 Squadron Malta, Dennis Hott, Bristol; Bernard Surman, London; +(1162357) Paul Hereford; John Drinkwater, London

33 RCAF Graduates

+(J/7208) Angus Lloyd Kippen, Toronto; Keith Campbell Murphy - DFC; +(J7219) John Lee Sturgess - 15 Sqn., Vancouver; +(J/7221 - R/77203) Talbot Jones Taylor III - 35 Sqn.; +(J/7227) Leonard Charles Robert Leach - 61 Sqn., Dryden

+Llewellyn Hugh Coverdale Gardiner (DFC), Kingston; Welland P. Neumann, Arnprior; J.L. Robertson and +Raymond John Williams from Montreal. John G. 'Jack' Portch, Toronto; (R78361) John Edwin Corydon Pringle - PoW 418 Sqn., Toronto; Santy Joseph De Zorzi (DFC), +Basil Vincent Pearce, Toronto; Ken Rumble, Toronto; R. Davis, Toronto; T.N.A. Watt, Toronto; +William John Hodge, Brantford; +(R/67534) Donald Clifton Imeson - 59 Sqn., Toronto; +(R/77313) Vern Selby Irwin - 267 Sqn., Orillia, Keith C. Murphy; (J16247) Ronald Claus Moyer - DFC & Bar 408 Sqn., Beamsville; Norman Hill, Singapore; G.H. Stevens, Nova Scotia; (J17501) George Travis Crossman DFC - 427 Sqn., New Brunswick; M.F. Baird - 415 Sqn., New Brunswick; (J18152) W.V. Neumann - PoW 408 Sqn., Arnprior; Bruce A. Murray - 10 Sqn. (U-389), Ft. Frances

Posted to

No. 1 ANS: Taylor, Moyer

Course 11 Air Gunners: August 16, 1941

Group Captain Wait presented wings to air gunners

"No job is more important than yours. Your responsibility rests as heavily as that of any other class or group doing a job with the air force. We know you will play your part well, always keeping in mind that in your work teamwork is of first importance. Good luck to you."

7 RCAF Graduates: J.A. Limoges, Peace River, Alta.; Tom Chessell, Collingwood; K.B. Barnstaple, Sarnia; James B. Harrington, Edmonton; Earl E. Hopper, Crossfield, Alta.; C.E. Spence, Verdun, Que.; Arthur Roy Thomas, St. Andrews, N.B.

14 RNZAF Graduates: A. Garfath; E.P. Sparkman

10 RAAF Graduates: Mate Schwager, Geoffrey Chew

Course 23 Air Observers and Course 13 Air Gunners: July 21 - August 30, 1941

Group Captain G.E. Wait presented wings and told the graduates the importance of their job was unparalleled and to do it right they should remember teamwork in the air was very necessary.

Graduates included:

33 RCAF Observers: (J/7802) John Henry Watson - 419 Sqn., Woodstock; (J/7803) Charles Percival Clarke, Ft. William; Derek Arnold Inman, Montreal; (J/18563) Douglas Charles Appleton - CT 1 EF - nav. 267 Sqn., Toronto; J.F. Clarke, Toronto; +Max Louis Morelly, Toronto; +(J/7800) Lambert Richard Nussbaum, Toronto; W.A. Jackson, Mt. Dennis; (J/7804) Oliver Nelson Watson Baker (DFC); H.A. Dube, Amherstberg; Richard Arthur Ellerbeck, Niagara Falls; F.D. Gillespie, Meaford; R.L. Hall, Kingsville; +(J/7801) Richard Aubrey Luard, Burford; G.L. Parent, Belle River; (J/7805) John Keith Reynolds - 418 Sqn., London; +(J/7807) Albert Cecil Scruton, Ottawa; Melville R. Ivey, Winnipeg; +J.F.P. LaFreniere - 407 Sqn., St. Boniface; +(R/100177) Wallace Mitchell - 103 Sqn.

6 RNAF Air Observer Graduates: An officer of the Norwegian Air Force took the salute as the Norwegians came forward. He was unidentified. Neither were the graduates identified. Their identity remained secret to prevent any reprisals in their homeland against their families there. The Norwegians did not get wings, but a handshake from their officer.

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No. 1 AOS: Appleton, Watson, Baker, Reynolds

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No. 2 ANS: Appleton, Watson, Clarke, Baker, Reynolds

Course 13 Air Gunners

31 RAAF (WAG) Graduates: (403456) Leslie Vivian Hellyer - 97/207/467 Sqns.; +(402999) Winston Trevor Jones - 59 Sqn.; +(401064) Alastair Mackay Greenfeld - 207/158 Sqns.

4 RCAF

1 RNZAF: +(NZ404635) Royal Tuiri Eria

Course 14 (WAG's): September 13, 1941

4 RAAF, 6 RNZAF and 9 RCAF graduates

Group Captain G.E. Wait presented the wireless air gunner wings and addressed the graduates.

"You have done well. We know you have put forth your best effort. May you continue to do so. The best of luck."

Flight Lieutenant William Boyd, from Camp Borden, who came down to see his son Victor receive his WAG wing and stripes was requested by the Commanding Officer to pin the wing on his own son.

9 RCAF graduates: George William Martino, Leonard Kelly, Toronto, Ray Harries, Toronto; M.W. Bluck; +(R/71778) Victor Leslie Boyd - 69 Sqn. Malta, Toronto; Cyril Fry, Windsor; T.L. Brown, Sask., J.H. Kelly, Que. City, C.S. Fleck

Course 25 Air Observers: August 18 - September 29, 1941

Group Captain G.E. Wait presented wings and addressed the graduates.

"You have done well. A very high trust is placed in your hands. You are practically ready now to take your place in the air against the enemy and I am sure you will live up to the traditions of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

"You are a very important member of the air crew, but the crew as a whole must function as one man. Have constantly before you the principle of co-operation, and remember it is teamwork that counts."

37 RCAF Graduates: (J/8434) Gerald Ashton Rice, from Digby, Nova Scotia led the class of observers. Other graduates included: (J/8435) Jack Mills Anguish, Brantford; +(J/8442) Lawrence Bartlett Carson, Frederick John Andrews (DFC), +(J/8439) Ian Andrew James MacQueen, John F. Falvey, +Paul Clark McGillicuddy, +William Vincent Pickering, Theodore C. Nobles, +(J/8431) Jack Alexander Thain, +(R68670) John Alvin Duffield, (J/8441) William Edward King - DFC 7 Sqn., Alton, Ont.; Henry W. Welch, Kincardine; +(J/8436) Stephen George Goatley, John W. McIntyre, +(J/8443) Joseph Frederick Lawless, (J18216) Duncan Walter MacFarlane, Burlington; +(J18749) Donald James McKay; Robert W. McBurney, (J/8432) Stephen Best - DFC 419 Sqn., Woodstock; (R66330 - J18460) Franklin Keith Nevills - 53/407 Sqns., Dunnville; Ross C. Cuthbert, J.E. Morgan, Northumberland, England; (J16689) Arthur Morton Plampton; Jack A. Main, Sarnia; +(J15815) Edward Emile Gervais - 405 Sqn., La Passe, Ont.; (J19906) Frederick John Andrews - DFC 437 Sqn., South Porcupine; (J17568) Alan Welton Beals - DFC 420 Sqn., Bridgetown, N.S.; +(J8440) Franklyn Richard Samuel Pye - 142 Sqn., Acum Secum River, N.S.; +(J8438) Robert Leonard Harman - 415 Sqn., Ville St. Pierre, Que.; +(R77091) Jean Marie Marcel Raymond Theberge - 156 Sqn., Montreal; Clayton Gilbert Thompson, Verdun, Que.; David Ralph Parsons, Bay Roberts, Nfld.

3 RAF Graduates

Course 26 Air Observers and Course 16 (WAG's): October 11, 1941

Group Captain G.E. Wait, officer commanding, presented wings and sergeants stripes to a large class of air gunners and air observers Saturday afternoon.

"You are through with your training in Canada now, with the exception of a short navigation course. Remember this one thing.

"You are being given the best training and when you get overseas you will get the best equipment the world can provide. Navigate your plane to the objective. Drop your bombs on the target and then get back home.

"Upon your gunners depends a great deal and it's up to you to get the enemy before he gets you. Every member of the crew must know and understand what the other fellows in the crew have to do."

16 RCAF Air gunners (Sept. 15 - Oct. 12, 1941): Joseph Thomas d'Aquin Louis Boily, Chicoutimi, (J/7992) Jacques Ernest Durocher - DFC 427 Sqn., Verdun; Roland Arthur Joseph Goulet, Montreal; Joseph Simeon Leclerc, Montreal; Basil Earl Shaver, Ottawa; (J/7993) William John Buzza - 106 Sqn., Hamilton; +(R/85926) Roy William MacDonald - 407/86/160 Sqn., (MI) Toronto

Course 26: Sept. 1 - Oct. 13, 1941 - 34 RCAF Air observers: George A. Brebner, Montreal; Matthew Kenneth Fitzpatrick, Montreal; Emilien J. Lapare, Verdun; George Robert Acheson, Britannia Heights, Ont.; George Emerson Ashie, Mille Roches, Ont.; William John Clough, Perth Road; William Robert Dean, Renfrew; Peter William Bissett Box, Ottawa, David Harold Wilkinson, Ottawa; Lawrence T. Pennell, Hamilton; Dennis Ewer, Windsor; +(R/83204) James Louis Guichard - 207 Sqn.

1 RAF Observer

RAF, RAAF and RNZAF

Ralph Benner, Cobalt; Lloyd W. Brayford, Byron; William J. Clough, Perth Road; Bruce E. Hutchinson, Amherstburg; Daniel Moyer, Mimico; Martin Roach, Pt. Hope; Harold H. Beaupre, Waterloo; George M. Bishop, Meaford; +(R/88850) Gordon Ernest Miller - Hampden P.1344 144 Sqn., Beaverton; Kenneth Waldron, Brantford; G.D. Hughes, Welland; R.A. Knighton, London; J.F. LaFrance Trenton; T.R. McDougall, North Bay; John A. White, Peterborough; Eric Wiskin, Island Falls; E. A. Skilleter, Norman M. McLellan, Gordon Dean; Sulio Venchiarutti, George A. Littlejohn, Russell Dorland, A. E. Mcllveen, J. V. Karleff, Cecil W. Anderson, James A . Mills; Roy W. Johnhisson, Raymond B. Law, Lawrence S. Mainwood, +(R/85926) Roy William MacDonald - 160 Sqn.; P. E. J. Howe; +(R/85956) Peter Kucheryk - 405 Sqn.; Arnold Read, all of Toronto: Donald B. Aitken, St. Catharines; George Hall, Tillsonburg; Roy P. Ames; Leamington; Earl F. Bonany, North, Bay; Basil E. Shaver, Ottawa; Lloyd W. Ford, Komoka. A few of those from the western provinces were: John Rutherford; Ralph Allan and Michael W. Fedirchyk of Winnipeg and L. E. Thorneycroft, Craven, Sask.

4 RNZAF WAG's, 1 RAF and 1 RAAF

Posted in from

No. 4 AOS London (Co. 26): Guichard, Miller

Course 17 (WAG's): September 27 - October 25, 1941

An inspiring message from Group Captain L.M. Isitt, of the New Zealand air mission in Canada was read by Group Captain G.E. Wait, officer commanding No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School.

"Although this day means the completion fo your training period in Canada, qualifying you as wireless operators and air gunners, you will learn your training has only just commenced. From now on, each day's work, both at operational training units and on operational service, will broaden your knowledge and better fit you for the noble job of work to which you have given yourselves. You have been taught in your courses of instruction of the value of team work and I cannot impress upon each of you too much the necessity of your working as a team mate with other members of the crew when you join your operational unit.

"Be loyal to the captain of your aircraft and the other members. Work as a team, for the lives of each of you and the success of your work will depend upon the other. I join with the other people who, at this time, will be wishing you all the best for your future overseas. I wish you well and in joining the many hundreds of your New Zealand comrades overseas, remember the name of your homeland, the service to which you belong and do nothing which will bring discredit on them. Although you chaps will be leaving Canada, our thoughts will be still with you as you each do your bit in defence of our Empire and all it stands for in these critical days. The best of luck. Kia Ora!"

Group Captain Wait presented the wings, welcomed the visitors and addressed the mainly (20) RNZAF graduates

"You are leaving now for a broader sphere of activities and it is with a great deal of pleasure that we present you with these wings. We are very glad to have had you at this school and we hope you have enjoyed your stay with us. You take with you the very best wishes of all of us who must remain here."

RCAF Graduates: +William Francis Penney, +Robert Alfred Armstrong, Toronto; Herman John LaFortune (POW), Simcoe; +David Aiken, St. Catharines; William Francis Penney, Inchkeith, Sask.; (J/8340) Charles Mason Dow, Jamestown, New York; (R/104833) William James Ashworth, Greensboro, Florida;

1 RAAF Graduate: John Rory Connors

Course 28 Air Observers and Course 18 (WAG's): September 29 - November 8, 1941

Group Captain G.E. Wait, officer commanding, pinned wings on the largest group of airmen to graduate from the scholl since its opening.

"Your work is done here but your most important work is just starting. You gunners have to protect the aircraft and fire on ground targets as well as attack enemy aircraft."

35 RCAF Observers: (J/9323) Robert Earl Fletcher, Roblin, Manitoba and (J/9312) George Alexander Rogers, Toronto, tied for top in class of observers

(J/17620) G.E. Ashie; +(J/21300) Henri Paul Theriault - 218 Sqn.; (J/9310) Colin Douglas Gordon, Edmonton, G.M. Elliott, O.R. Marshall, L.W. McGovern, (J/9326) Harold Herbert Elgood 'Hal' Plewman; (J/9315) Angus More Reid; (J/9312) George Alexander Rogers; Ben Sugarman - 425 Sqn. and Ken E. Willis, all of Toronto, (J19441) Tom Beverley Britten - DFC 220 Sqn., Little Current; R.R. Curtis, Fenlon Falls; G. Dogue, Porcupine; W.A. Edgar, Brantford; L.M. Kauffeldt, Arnprior; +(J/9311) Jack Griffin - DFC 424 Sqn., St. Thomas; (J/9321) Bernist Edward Mazur, London; +(R/72683 - J/17374) Joseph Charles McIver - 53 Sqn., London; J.N. McKibbon, Trenton; (J36677) John Ernest Moyer, St. Catharines; G.G. Parkinson, Jarvis; (J/9318) William Benedict Sargent, Belleville; D.H. Smith, Sarnia; D. Stokes, Owen Sound; W.J. Switzer, (J/9322) Blair Lorraine Russell; W.L. White, Windsor

3 RAF Observers: (1251153 - 117439) Frederick William Ammon; +(146286) Geoffrey William Clifton Candlin (DFC, DFM 83 Sqn.); +(1174918) John Kennerleigh Barnett Lee - 207 Sqn. (Nav), Exeter

2 RNZAF Observers: (NZ404340) Arthur Gethin Creagh (DFC - 5 Sqn.); +(NZ404363) William Upton Hewett

Co. 18 WAGs - 37 graduates (Oct. 13 - Nov.8): +(J/8430 - R/75626) Francis 'Frank' Bartkiewicz, Hamilton, top gunner in course, Toronto gunners included N. Graham, E. Fujar, +(R/65832) Lawrence Edward Gilpin - 58 Sqn.; H.J. Elliott, +(R/85955) David Fenton - 156 Sqn.; +(R/93140) Lewis Nelson Dearlove - 405 Sqn.; +(J/17438) Joe Richard Latremouille - 434 Sqn.; (J/18450) Ivan Arthur Lewis Lockhart - POW 434 Sqn.; M. Hammill, Bracebridge; R.N. McLean, North Bay; (R/69357) Donald M. MacFie - 422/423 Sqns., Dunchurch; +(R/85923 - J.17105) William George Milne - 119 Sqn., Port Credit; J.C. Miller, Midland; T.B. Lappen, Verona; (R/78929) George Sterling Habkirk - POW 106 Sqn., Seaforth; +(R/78908) Jack McArthur Newton - 44 Sqn., Gorrie; J.A. Riddell, Orillia; Arthur Gerard Sauer, Hamilton; C. Fife, Chapleau; +(J/18155) Walter Raymond Affleck - 156 Sqn., Lanark; (J/16954) W.E. Beswick - POW 434 Sqn., Pt. Colborne; J.J. Demarco, North Bay; +(R/84175) Llewelyn Pryce Edwards - 330 Sqn., Welland; J.M. Lillico, Brittania Bay

2 RNZAF WAG's

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No. 4 AOS Crumlin: Theriault, Sugarman, Britten, Creagh, Ammon, Curtis, Dogue, Edgar, Elliott, Kauffeldt, J.G. Lee, J.K.B. Lee, Marshall, Mazur, Moyer, McGovern, McIver, McKibbon, Parkinson, Plewman, Reid, Rogers, Sargeant, Smith, Stokes, Switzer, White, Willis

Posted to

No. 2 ANS: (J/9310) Gordon, (J/9311) Lee, (J/9312) Rogers; (J/9315) Reis; (J/9318) Sargent; Kauffeldt, Mazur, Ammon, Russell, (J/9323)Fletcher, (J/9326) Plewman, Moyer

Course 29 Air Observers and Course 19 (WAG's): November 22, 1941

Group Captain G.E. Wait, officer commanding, presented wings and addressed the graduates.

"You have a difficult job ahead of you. You are graduating at an important time. You gunners will go overseas soon. We have no doubt here at the station that each of you will do the job that is yours to the extreme limit of your ability."

32 RCAF Observer graduates: (J/9563) Peter Eastcott (DFC), (J/9566) Russell Nelson Rivers (DFC), (J/9567) +Charles Gordon Tassie McGregor, +(J/9575) Mansell Matthew Tomlinson, +Robert Harvey Ward, Robert John White (DFM), +William Philip MacDonald McIntosh (DFM), M.S. Miller, Toronto; A.C. Anderson, Toronto; Vern Williams, Hamilton; H.A. Grouer, St. Catharines; R.M. Rivers, Kitchener; S. Smythe, Leaside; R.E. Willoughby, North Bay; B.A. McRath, St. Catharines; R.J. Wilson, Hamilton; W.R. Meadows, Kitchener; J.R. McLaughlin, Glengarry County; S. Valinsky, Sudbury

1 RAF and 1 RAAF Observer

Air Gunners: 17 RNZAF graduates

1 RCAF Air Gunner: +Pierre Paul Trudeau

Course 20 Air Gunners: November 10 - December 6, 1941

A.W. Hunting, Lennoxville, Quebec top air gunner in class, +(R/55402) Joseph Elzear Sahl Sasseville, H.A. Harris, Toronto; W.E. Marshall, Toronto; A. McDougall, Toronto; R.B. Prowse, Toronto; A.L. Richardson, Toronto; W.G. Keogh, Tottenham; James Allan Jr., Mimico; J. Fallis, Montreal; Norman Alexander Mayot, Brantford; W.R. Shellington, Brantford; T.M. Crandell, H.G. Barton, London; B.N. Baseley, London; C.M. Bradburn, Janetsville; A.C. Challis, Ottawa; A. Heaney, Ottawa; +(R78953) Glen Howard Corrie, Stratford; J.E. Christie, Hamilton; E.T. Salway, Hamilton; A.H. Dunn, Niagara Falls; J.F. Hammerton, Niagara Falls; +(R68744) Elden Francis Heuston - 16 OTU, Ft. William; J.D. Koch, Cannington; E.P. Porter, Leamington

20 RCAF Air Gunners and 20 RCAF WAG's: (J8340) Charles Mason Dow; (J8751) Earl Frank Reid; (J8752) William John McCaffery;

Course 31 Air Observers and Course 21 Air Gunners: November 24 - December 20, 1941

38 RAAF Observers

(405451) Carlyle McKenzie Moulton, an ordained Presbyterian minister. "I felt that my duty lay in the fighting ranks, so I obtained leave of absence from my congregation at Mullumbimy, New South Wales, and here I am."

+(411084) John Vincent Conlon, (403966) William Kevin Sullivan

29 RCAF Air Gunner graduates: C. Atkins, Gravesend, England; George Lewington; G.G. Agnew, J.A. Cockburn, L.S. Fox, +John Gordon Howells, G.H. Ineson, C.W. King, J. Lawrence, J. Thackeray, G.T. Thompson and C. MacLennan, G.E. Cooper all of Toronto; +James Edgar Victor Banning, Timmins; W.H. Cowan, Bracebridge; +(J/9404) George Taylor Crerar, Paris; J.V. Forestell, Guelph; G.H. Gibbs, London; S. Henry, Muskoka; Charles William Landale (DFC); +Alexander Frederick Morrice, Stayner; G.T. Hutton, Brighton; L.E. Ullrich, Ottawa; N.J. Wellwood, Whitechurch (POW); W.H. Hesson, Sault Ste. Marie; +(R/84216) Jay (Randall) Gould - KIFA 101 Sqn., (b. SD) r. Saskatoon

Posted in from

No. 4 WS Guelph: Gould

Course 32 Air Observers and Course 22 Air Gunners: December 30, 1941

January 18 - February 28, 1942

The course included a large group of RAAF and RNZAF personnel. Embarked at Sydney September 18, 1941. Disembarked Canada October 9, 1941.

Group Captain G.E. Wait addressed the graduates:

"In the old days it was a one man job for the pilot to do the flying, but that's all changed now. It calls for team work of the very highest order and no one member of the crew is any more or less important than the others.

"Gentlemen, you have come to the end of another course, and I want to compliment you on the good work you have done despite the big handicap of bad weather conditions.

"It is with great pleasure that we note so many Australians and New Zealanders in the class. I hope you have enjoyed your visit here and that you will come back in more peaceful times.

"You have had the best training and will have the finest equipment the world can provide. You need have no fear of the outcome."

RCAF graduates included: H.H. Farmer, Stratford; D.L. Edgar, Toronto; J.W.G. Dawson, Toronto; Frank J. Cauley; Franklyn Edward Hanratty; +(J11116) Owen Albert Smith; +(J/11102) George Stevenson Cartwright; Douglas Todd Kindree; +(J/11107) Malcolm McIver (DFC); +Alfred William Stevenson?; W. Tompson, Toronto; +(R/78795 - J/10684) Lloyd George Vallance, Atwood (awarded Observers badge Feb. 14, 42)

Course 25 0 27 graduates: January 19 - February 16, 1942: +(R/125770) Alfred Theodore "Ted" Kelley - KIA 15 Sqn.; +(R/135770) Raymond Armand Patenaude - KIFA 142 Sqn.

RAAF: +(411723) James Jeffery Allen, (403963) Richard Neil Stanley

Course 26A: March 2 - March 30, 1942

In urging that when they get into action they be alert at all times, Squadron Leader L. H. Brooks, temporary officer commanding No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery school, Jarvis, told a class of graduating gunners and observers on Saturday afternoon :

"You might well take a tip from Barnum, the famous circus man, whose policy was never give a sucker a break. You are going up against a ruthless, well trained, well equipped enemy and your objective is to destroy that enemy by every, means available .

"I want you to know that you carry, with you the kind thoughts and best wishes of the entire personnel of the Jarvis station.
Good luck and good hunting."

Observers: N. A. Allen, E. E. Bliss, R. W. Davis, D. A. McLean and A. Swain, all of Toronto ; W. N. Finnie, St. Mary's; W. I. Howell and A. W. Little, London; E. M. Mitchell, Knowlton; Donald H. Neelin, St. Catharines; +(R/99614) Maurice Medcalf Rowe - 10 B.R., Kincardine.

Gunners: +(R/83477) Abram Garshowitz - 617 Sqn., Hamilton: R. C. Little, J. R. McFarland, T. McQuitty, E. K. O'Brien and A. L. Weaver; all of Toronto; G. S. Watt, Brampton ; H. R. Bailey, Pembroke ; C. R. Ballantype, Smith's Falls ; J. A. Fawcett, Bracebridge; C. I. Preece and D. R. Palmer, Ottawa ; I. E. Robinson, Prescott ;, C. Thain, Sarnia; A. A. Salmon, Bracebridge ; S. Radecki, Prescott; J. D. Scott, -Windsor; C. O. Simpson, Hall's Bridge, +(R/85762) Harry Francis MacArthur

March 15 - April 25, 1942

Wing Commander W.H. Hanna, officer commanding the school, addressed the graduates after pinning wings on their tunics.

"The gunners and observers there (England 1940) got their wings but, unlike you boys, they had not the priviledge of such extensive training as you have had. They trained the best they could with whatever they could get. You have had the very best that could possibly be devised through the hard school of experience, supplemented by every aid that science can provide. You have had the best equipment and aircraft that can be obtained.

"Not only have you had such splendid training, but you have behind you the tradition of having graduated from this school which has already won distinction overseas."

Addressing the RAAF graduates, Wing Commander Hanna noted the ceremony was being held the day following Anzac day.... "dedicated to your fathers who won undying glory in the last war.

"I know you will do the same as your brothers already have done in Crete and other places in this war."

"Keep fit, work hard, play hard and fight hard. Good luck and good hunting."

RAAF: (412295) Donald Athol Gammage, +(412321) Joseph Ernest McGrath, +(409443) Lloyd Frederick Quinton, (402711) Roy Henry Ward, +(411207) Francis Henry Ward (DFM - 460 Sqn.), (405891) Vernon Noel Verney (DFC), (412733) Victor John Taylor Shaw

RCAF: Leonard W. Joy, J.E.A. Wright, H.R. Hamer, Hamilton; C.R. Page, St. Catharines; W.J. Croucher, Bala; John William Beaton, Detroit; +Ralph Edwin Powis; R.G. Townsend, Guelph; G. Bian, London; R.V. d'Anglo, Tottenham; W.S. Esdon, Cornwall; Robert Donald Kenning, Pembroke; J.D. Kirkness, Bracebridge; R.C. Langford, Muskoka; R.L. Marks, Ottawa; D.J. Renton, Orillia; W.J. LePage, London; +Robert Stephen Borden Worley, Pembroke; S.W. Shea, Peterborough; C.G. Slaughter, Arnprior; +William Joseph Toner, Guelph; +Donald Kilgour Schroder, Guelph; +Richard Verdun Weston, Goderich; +Walter Jesse Thurlow, Odessa; W.G. Wreford, Stratford; L.H. Gilbert, +Robert Mercer Adams, and A.D. McLaren, all of Toronto; +Arthur Hayden Fletcher, Lindsay; E.H. Hutchinson, Huntsville; J.W. Patrick, Mt. Forest

(411207) Francis Henry Ward (DFM - 460 Sqn.)

Distinguished Flying Medal Citation Flight Sergeant WHITE and Sergeant WARD were pilot and bomb aimer respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack St. Nazaire one night in March 1943. Shortly after crossing the French coast on the outward flight, a Junkers 88 was encountered. In the ensuing combat the bomber was damaged and temporarily went out of control diving steeply. By strenuous effort Flight Sergeant WHITE pulled out of the dive at 4000 feet and although the aircraft was difficult to control continued to the target and bombed it. On completion of the bombing run, whilst taking photographs, Sergeant WARD discovered one bomb had failed to release and could not be jettisoned. He endeavoured to dislodge the bomb and after half an hour of unrelaxed effort succeeded. Afterwards, he went to the assistance of the pilot who was having great difficulty in controlling the damaged bomber. Displaying fine airmanship, Flight Sergeant WHITE succeeded in flying the aircraft back to base where a safe landing in difficult circumstances was effected. Both members of the aircraft crew displayed great skill, courage and resolution. Flight Sergeant Ward was killed in action April 17, 1943

Course 41 Observers: April 13 - May 23, 1942

Canadians, Americans, New Zealanders and Englishmen were among classes of air observers and air gunners who received single wings at graduation ceremonies here to-day at No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery school . The badges were presented by Wing-Cmdr. W. F. Hanna, officer commanding the school.

Course 41 Observers: Included in the air observers' class were: Ontario-R M. Agnew, Washago; C. W. Eggert, Waterloo ; G. R. D. HalI, Peterboro; R. H. Jackson, Port Dalhousie; D. C. Jones, Hamilton ; W. R King, Kingston ; G. A. . Stapleton and T. C. Robinson, of Hamilton ; +(R102736 - J.12717) John Robert William Craig, J. E. D. Craigie, J . J. Hannah, A. G. Kerr, A. IQ. J. Morfitt, H. Widdifield, all of Toronto . Saskatchewan-I. M. Dryden, Tuffnel1 ; . G. C. McConachie, Moose Jaw ; H. McKenzie, Port Qu'Appelle. Alberta-G. H. D. Wilson, Edmonton. British Columbia: +(R106758) Robert Gordon Douglas - PoW 419 Sqn., killed by friendly fire PoW march Greese, Vancouver ; R. W. -Palmer, Nanaimo.

United States-S. L. Newman and - P. H. Spear, both of New York City.

Among the air gunners were: Nova Scotia-H . W. Goodwin, Yarmouth . Quebec-F. A. McNiEfe and A. Perrin, both of Montreal . , Ontario-H. R. Armstrong, Millbrook; C. E. Bake, Windsor ;' J. B:- Cleaver, Kin.gsmil.l ; J. L. E. Chart- ` i rand, Windsor; 'M. A. Cuyler, Kincardine ; M. O. Dechambeau, Welland ; John Ford and R. Godfrey, Hamilton ; G. E. Giff, Smith's Falls ; -W. E. Good, Parham, W. G. Irvine, Sarnia ; J. G. Keogh, Tottenham ; J M. A. Knight, Ottawa ; C. P. McWilliams, Peterboro';_ F. K. Read, Leamington`; G. T. Stephenson, Aurora; A. S. ~McKay, Osbawa. Toronto gradCrates were: - E. 'P . Beverly, T.,Campbell, E. T. Fennell, K. H. Grist, A. C. Hewitt, A. H. Manwaring, W. C. Nelson, L. A. Wade, E G. Ware, W. J. Watson. Manitoba-J. R. Barnett, Winni- . peg; L. F. Burke, Regis. Saskatchewan-C . L. Depper, Saskatoon. British Columbia-G R. Scott, Camox. United States - Kenneth Frederick Dilley, Michigan

Posted to

No. 1 ANS Rivers (Co. 41): (J.12717) Craig, (J.12715) Richardson

Posted in from

No. 1 AOS: Dilley, Craig

July 31, 1942

G/C A.D. Bell-Irving of No. 1 Training Command, presented wings to the graduates.

J.K. Andrews, Blenheim; R.O. Barrett, Blenheim; D.W.B. Beaten, Windsor; E.T. Bell, Guelph; P.M. Brown, Toronto; J.E. Bunce, Toronto; A.M.R. Fox, Toronto; D.D. Campbell, Renfrew; A.E. Day, Owen Sound; D.M. Donald, Mt. Forest; G.C. Drysan, Aylmer; Jack W. England, Crediton; C.C. Greenham, Mallorytown; G.W. Hansford, Brantford; A. Ramsay, Brantford; W.B. Oliver, Brantford; W.H. Harris, Stratford; W.R. Heath, Mitchell; J.A. Hillman, Dutton; I.D. Post, Guelph; W.E. Potworks, Kitchener

August 17, 1942

Group Captain Bell-Irving addressed the graduates.

"God never gave a greater joy to men than success in the air force.

"I, personally, have a keen appreciation of what this badge means. Long before it was designed I was an air gunner myself. I envy you because you are going among those people of the British Empire who make up the soul of the Earth."

WAG's: Norman W. Proctor, Hamilton; (J/13394) Lawrence Gordon Eccleston, Hamilton; +(R/119205) Thomas Alfred Ivey - 415 Sqn., Pt. Dover; Robert Cooper RAF; E.C. Baker, Campbellford; Y.T. Borland, Toronto; J.M. Bruce, Peterborough; A. Dodds, Niagara Falls; R. Foster, Richmond; C.M. Heddington, London; +(R/109971) Joseph Laurent (Leonard) Janisse - 405 Sqn., Windsor; J.R. Ross, Sudbury; M.H.A. Schneider, Waterloo; J.S. Young, Leamington; F.C. Dayton, North Bay; G.H. Fountain, Stratford; +(R/105265) Edwin Stanley Moon - 116 Sqn., Creemore, Ont.

Newfoundland

Quebec

New Zealand

Co. 35B Air Gunners - September 26, 1942

Group Captain A.D. Bell-Irving, O.C., addressed the guests and graduates:

"There is special interest on this occasion because this is the first complete course of remustered members of ground crew to get wings of aircrew here.

"We fully appreciate the value of your service in the Royal Canadian Air Force and the spirit that makes you want to go into the air and take a combatant part.

"We congratuate you and wish you the best of luck."

(J/14011) William Ralph Clow - DFC 51 Sqn., of Belleville, led the class

+(R/68628) Douglas Simpson Storey - 100 Sqn., Dryden; (J14982 - R/88911) Albert Randall Wallace - PoW 419 Sqn., Toronto; Russell E. ' Mickey' Dillon, South Porcupine

Douglas Storey had logged 772 air hours at Jarvis as a drogue operator prior to remustering to aircrew. He was called out of the ranks on parade and brought before Group Captain Bell-Irving to receive his commanding officer's personal congratulations.

Mickey Dillon was goaltender with the 1942 RCAF Allan Cup champions. Corporal Milt Schmidt also played with that team and was serving at Jarvis as a physical instructor. Mickey Dillon would perish in the Feb, 2, 1945 Paymaster Mining Disaster.

October 24, 1942

Group Captain A.D. Bell-Irving, officer commanding the station addressed the graduates.

“There is no answer to it, no explanation of it; but the thrill of mortal combat is something that you are going to enjoy. I feel quite satisfied that you are going to enjoy serving your King and your country.

“Be justly proud of that badge you are wearing. I know you will, because I used to wear one myself. It is a high honor, and today you are joining that group of young men who are the finest in the world, the men of the air force."

Morley H. Locke, Toronto top in class and received a commission, along with G.O. Bradley, Palmerston and W.J. Moss, Young Cove, New Brunswick

James Springsteele, N.E. Hart, St. Catharines

+(NZ414529) Frederick William Thorstensen

September 26 - November 21, 1942

Group Captain A.D. Bell-Irving presented wings and addressed the graduates.

"I suggest that the eyes of the world are on you young lads today.

I suggest that no matter how costly the various military units may be, the decisive victory over force may make the cost of any unit irrelevant. Your skill, knowledge of your work, your gallantry and devotion to duty are worth far more than the money spent. I suggest it is on you and the gallantry of your heart on which the balance of a battle may be fought."

+(J/21048) Lawrence Fullerton - 464 Sqn., Toronto; (J/21049) Walter Stachura, +(J/21050) Philip William McCarthy, Ottawa; Frank G. Carroll, Hamilton; John Blair, Hamilton, David James Roblin, Hamilton; Archibald E. Ferguson, Port Colborne; Arthur Alfred MacKey, Toronto; +(R/131045) Ralph Joseph Montgomery - DFC 405 Sqn., Hamilton; G. Wilfred Wallace, Niagara Falls; G.E. McPherson, Willowdale; Robert B. Carnegie, Toronto; L.A. Zeldin, Toronto; A.E. 'Ted' Barker, Toronto; (R/133514) Norman Bainblatt - PoW 408 Sqn., Toronto; J. Ray Caden, Toronto; S.E. Heffer, Toronto; James H. Munroe, Niagara Falls; C.D. Martin, Leaside; J. Donald Sargeant, Sault Ste. Marie; William H. Cuttin, Guelph; O.A. Mullins, Matachewan; James E. Mulhern - 354 Sqn., Niagara Falls; George P. Brown, Galt; W.N. Groves, Humber Bay; Richard 'Dick' Henderson, Gravenhurst; J.D. Nugent; Bob Goodwin; Lester William Schroeder, Kearny, N.J.; Dick Bauer

Posted in from No. 4 Wireless School

November 9 - December 5, 1942

Group Captain A.H. Bell-Irving presented wings and congratulated the graduates.

J. Spilsbury, London top WAG; J.P. Gillis, Toronto; (R/214600) Wilfred Edward Mylchreest - POW 424 Sqn., Niagara Falls; H.W. Parkhill, Princeton; Donald W. Plunkett - 547 Sqn., Ottawa; +(R/115851) Harvey Thornton - 224 Sqn., Sudbury; M. Velianoff, Geraldton; T.L. Winters, North Bay; W.A. Brumby, Toronto; J.I.L. Lamon, Campbellville; H.F. Murphy, Toronto; J.C.G. Forget, Ottawa; D.G. Burgin, Windsor

RNZAF: R.V. Whittle

RAAF: +(413133) George Wilson Murtagh

Posted in from No. 2 Wireless School, Calgary

Feb. 43 ?

+(J/23373) William Keith Redman - 354 Sqn.

Air Commodore Frank McGill, officer commanding No. 1 Training Command,R.C .A .F., pinned his first wings on wireless airgunners at No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School, Jarvis, and, paid tribute to the school and the graduates in coming through successfully after battling some of the worst flying weather since the war was declared."

"While expressing my congratulations to you," the air commodore said, "I want to give credit to the crews of the maintenance staff and the ground crew. They did a fine job under trying conditions."

R. J. Keleher of St. John, N.B., and T. B. Atkinson,Clarks Harbor, N.S., were honor students in the two courses.

One of the graduates was 47 year old (1378626) Kadir Kamn Nagalingam of Manipay, Ceylon. He died in 1944 while serving with 166 Squadron.

Course 99 Air Bombers and Course 75 WAG's: January 17 - April 10, 1944

Course 99: 40 RAF - (GB1569560) Alfred James Gill

12 RCAF:

Course 75 WAG's: 21 RCAF - A.M. Bell, Collingwood; J.M. Boyd, Hamilton; J.M. Dynes, Hamilton; D. Miller, Hamilton; D.R. Wilson, Burlington; J.W. Cross, Rockwood; R.M. Kelusky, Galt; K.J.S. McCuaig, Ottawa; F. Veesey, Hamilton; C.M. Langley;S.A. Morrow; J.W. Santarelli; A.J. Turner; L. Medynski; G.F. David; W.C. Woods, all of Toronto

4 RAF

Sgt. Dynes was married in the morning and arrived back on the station too late for the wings presentation. However, the Commanding Officer delegated the bride to pin on the wing at the reception and tea held in the W.D. Canteen.

(J/10342) John Francis Williams
George Medal - August 1943
Citation: This officer, while flying at night, noticed a train on fire. He immediately returned to his unit, landed his aircraft, organized and guided a party of airmen to the spot, where a train of tank cars was on fire. Several of the tank cars, filled with gasoline, had already exploded, adding to the conflagration. Pilot Officer Williams, with complete disregard of the extreme danger, personally directed and assisted the airmen in extinguishing the flames on five tank cars. A caboose, two box cars and eleven tanks cars were uncoupled and removed to safety. The resourcefulness, leadership and inspiring work of this officer resulted in the saving of a valuable part of a highly explosive and combustible trainload of war material.

(R/123279) Raymond Adolphus Picard
British Empire Medal
Citation: This airman under the leadership of Pilot Officer J.F. Williams proceeded to a point where a train of tank cars was on fire. Several of the tank cars, filled with gasoline, had already exploded, adding to the conflagration. This airman assisted in extinguishing the flames on five tank cars and uncoupling and removing a caboose, two box cars and eleven tank cars to safety. The disregard of the extreme danger and the resourcefulness of this airman resulted in the saving of a valuable part of a highly explosive and combustible trainload of war material.

Harry (James) Forster Kerr DFM - Co. 1 WAGs

A veteran of more than 30 flights over Europe as an air gunner. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal in April, 1942, for shooting down enemy aircraft. As an air gunner in a bomber crew, he has taken part in many raids on the Ruhr valley, Brest, Kiel, Cologne, Mannheim; Berlin, Essen, Hamburg and Paris. One raid in which he participated was on Genoa, in Italy. He was also on several mine-laying trips . Some of the raids on the targets mentioned were of the 1,000-bomber type. It was on April 26, 1942, while holding the rank of flight-sergeant, that he won the D.F.M. "We were returning from a raid on Rostock at night, when a Messerschmidt 110 attacked our Sterling bomber. He put 200 holes in our aircraft before we knew he was there. In a running fight I managed to get my four guns on him and put between 600 and 800 rounds in him at a distance of about 70 yards. He exploded and blew to bits." P.O . Kerr was awarded his W.A.G.'s' wing at Jarvis in November, 1940. He arrived overseas on Christmas day, with the rank of sergeant. Besides his operational duties as a gunner, he served for nine months instructing. He was commissioned in October, 1942. Three were spent months in hospital as the result of a crash landing . He remustered overseas and did his I.T.S . there, returning to Canada for elementary and service flying.

NO. 1 BOMBING & GUNNERY SCHOOL, JARVIS

Sunday, June 14, 2020

Author Robert Schweyer (2005) Interview - "Sights on Jarvis" Book

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