FOAN, S/L John Henry (C6302) - Member,
Order of the British Empire - No.3 Personnel Reception Centre FTC - Award
effective 1 January 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO
132/45 dated 26 January 1945. Born in
Brockville, Ontario, 9 June 1907.
Enlisted in Ottawa, 17 December 1927 and served prewar at Camp Borden,
Winnipeg, Toronto. Married Jenifer
Hollister, 13 August 1928. For most of
the war he was instructor at St.Thomas.
Two brothers also served in the RCAF - FS George Foan and Pilot Officer
Laurence Foan (awarded BEM, 8 June 1944).
No citation found.
*
* * * *
FOAN, FS Lawrence (Can.2238) - British Empire Medal - No.15 SFTS (and
now AES) - Award effective 8 June 1944 as per RCAF Routine Order 1380/44 dated
30 June 1944. Born in Brockville,
Ontario; enlisted in Kingston, 5 June 1937.
Aero engine mechanic.
Flight Sergeant Foan has displayed most
excellent airmanship throughout his many duties. He has gained the respect of
all his fellow workers by virtue of his capable aptitude for organization and
supervision, and by his competency in handling the most difficult
situations. He has carried out his responsibilities
in such an efficient and co-operative manner that undoubtedly he has inspired
those qualities in those under his supervision.
*
* * * *
FOCKLER, F/L Edwin Wesley (J10514) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.20 Squadron - Award effective 8 August 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 11 August 1944 and AFRO 2101/44 dated 29 September
1944. Born 1917 in Toronto; home in
Vancouver; enlisted in Vancouver, 30 May 1941.
Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 8 September 1941), No.15 EFTS (graduated
7 November 1941) and No.11 SFTS (graduated 27 February 1942). Public Record
Office Air 2/9633 indicates he was recommended when he had flown 60 sorties
(119 operational hours).
During his present tour of operations and when
flying over enemy territory at Imphal in 1943, Flight Lieutenant Fockler has shown
extreme keenness, efficiency and ability in finding and destroying the
enemy. He possesses, in a high degree,
the concentration and determination needed to discover the cunningly concealed
Japanese positions and has achieved much success against their infantry river
craft and gun emplacements. Flight
Lieutenant Fockler has invariably operated with gallantry and exceptional
devotion to duty.
NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/9633 has
recommendation dated 2 May 1944. This is
a remarkable record of service in Asia. Sorties from 13 April to 24 April 1943
(all at Imphal) were on Lysander aircraft; all other sorties on Hurricane IId
machines.
13 Apr 43 Tactical
Recce (2.45) Yazagyo-Kalemyo-Kalewa-Mawlun-Mansi-Nanza;
pranged two lorries, one 45-foot motor boat.
15 Apr 43 Tactical
Recce (2.10) Thayaung.
16 Apr 43 Photo
Recce (2.35) Indaingyi-Natchaung;
located nine lorries; pranged two.
18 Apr 43 Tactical
Recce (2.35) Kalemyo-Natchaung-South
Myauk.
19 Apr 43 Tactical
Recce (2.40) Pantha-Indaw-Pyingaing
20 Apr 43 Tactical
Recce (2.20) Pantha-Aungbin-Hehlo
21 Apr 43 Tactical
Recce (2.15) Kawya-Manmawnwein
22 Apr 43 Tactical
Recce (2.40) Yazagyo-Kalenyo-South
Miyauk
22 Apr 43 Scramble
(50 minutes)
23 Apr 43 Photo
Recce (2.15) Pinlebu
24 Apr 43 Tactical
Recce (2.20) Paungbyin-Thayaung-South
Miyauk
*
* * * *
24 Dec 43 Offensive
Recce (1.35) Maungdaw-Rathidaung-Kyauktaw
30 Dec 43 Offensive
Recce (1.50) Kyauktaw-Akyab-Rathidaung;
strafed eight Japs in dugout.
1 Jan 44 Offensive
Recce (1.45) Maungdaw-Ponnagyun;
three 40-foot boats; located 15-plus large boats; light machine gun in tail and
wing.
4 Jan 44 Strike
(1.10) Maungdaw-Alethangyaw;
strafed Japs.
10 Jan 44 Offensive
Recce (1.40) Paletwa-Myohaung-Minbya;
three loaded sampans pranged.
13 Jan 44 Offensive
Recce (2.00) Ponnagyun-Pauktaw-Akyab;
destroyed six large kisties, two sampans.
14 Jan 44 Offensive
Recce (2.05) Kyauktaw-Myohaung-Ponnagyun-Bagona;
set two 50-foot barges on fire; strafed Bagona.
14 Jan 44 Strike
(1.25) Ponnagyun;
destroyed seven large loaded boats.
19 Jan 44 Offensive
Recce (2.00) Maundaw-Foul
Point-Ponnagyun-Kanzauk; destroyed four sampans; light machine gun in engine.
23 Jan 44 Offensive
Recce (2.00) Kyauktaw-Pyelongi-Myohang-Minbya;
15-plus kisties, Myohaung; five sampans, Minbya.
25 Jan 44 Strike,
A.S.C. (1.10) Buthidaung; strafe Japs; killed five in dugout.
28 Jan 44 Offensive
Recce (1.50) Baguna-Donbaik-Thetkado;
two large sampans.
2 Feb 44 Offensive
Recce (2.00) Htizwe-Kanzauk-Myohaung-Minbya;
destroyed two large kisties, one sampan.
3 Feb 44 A.S.C.
(1.10) Baguna;
strafe Japs.
5 Feb 44 Scramble
(55 minutes) Leader, Red, White
Blue sections.
7 Feb 44 Offensive
Recce (1.55) Buthidaung-Kawzon-Hparabyin;
killed ten Japs in boat; destroyed five kisties.
14 Feb 44 Offensive
Recce (2.20) Akyab-Pauktaw-Minbya-Myohaung;
destroyed five loaded kisties, four sampans.
15 Feb 44 Offensive
Recce (2.15) Pauktaw-Akyab-Ponnagyun;
destroyed three kisties, five sampans.
16 Feb 44 Offensive
Recce (1.15) Kuauktaw-Teinnyo-Myohaung;
strafed Japs, Lammadaw; destroyed one barge, five kisties.
21 Feb 44 Offensive
Recce (2.15) Akyab-Pauktaw-Kanzauk;
located and damaged 15-plus large loaded boats.
22 Feb 44 Offensive
Recce (2.20) Akyab-Baronga-Ponnagyun;
three kisties.
24 Feb 44 Offensive
Recce (2.00) Minbya-Ponnagyun;
two large loaded paddy gigs.
25 Feb 44 Strike
(1.15) Foul
Point; set aircraft on fire in enemy territory.
29 Feb 44 Offensive
Recce (2.30) Minbya-Kywegu-Ramre-Akyab;
strafed Japs, one lorry, three kisties.
4 Mar 44 Night
Recce (1.05) Foul Point
10 Mar 44 Offensive
Recce (1.45) Kyauktaw-Myohaung-Minbya;
attacked seven bullock carts, derrick and workmen on bridge.
16 Mar 44 Offensive
Recce (2.50) Htizwe-Awran-Rathidaung;
three loaded barges, two kisties, Jap dump
17 Mar 44 Offensive
Recce (1.55) Batarat-Sunye-Akyab;
three kisties, five bullock cards, 15 Japs on Akyab.
18 Mar 44 Offensive
Recce (2.00) Pyinnya-Alechaung;
concentrations of barges, loaded kisties, sampans destroyed.
18 Mar 44 Offensive
Recce (1.15) Alechaung;
concentrations of barges, loaded kisties, sampans destroyed.
20 Mar 44 Offensive
Recce (2.20) Kyauktaw-Thayettabun-Minbya;
destroyed three loaded kisties, one paddy gig.
22 Mar 44 A.S.C.
(45 minutes) Alethangyaw;
strafed Jap positions.
23 Mar 44 Offensive
Recce (2.30) Minbya-Sanbal-Kyauk-Pandu;
two loaded barges, three kisties.
24 Mar 44 Offensive
Recce (1.55) Kyauktaw-Alechaung;
three loaded kisties, two bullock carts.
25 Mar 44 Offensive
Recce (2.40) Myohaung-Minbya-Htizwe-Kanzauk;
four kisties, one paddy gig.
26 Mar 44 Offensive
Recce (2.40) Ponnagyun-Buthigdaung;
four loaded kisties.
28 Mar 44 Offensive
Recce (2.00) Kindaung
29 Mar 44 Offensive
Recce (2.30) Akyab-Sunye-Minbya-Kanzauk;
one Jap, ten loaded kisties, one 50-foot barge, five bullock carts.
1 Apr 44 Offensive
Recce (1.55) Kanzauk-Ponnagyun-Htizwe;
strafed Jap camp near Kanzauk.
2 Apr 44 Offensive
Recce (2.50) Sanbale-Myebon-Kywegu-Letpan;
one 50-foot motor launch, one 60-foot boat, six loaded kisties.
3 Apr 44 Offensive
Recce (2.30) Kyauktaw-Sanbale-Myohaung;
two loaded barges, three kisties.
3 Apr 44 Offensive
Recce (1.45) Myohaung-Minbya-Kanzauk,
two kisties.
5 Apr 44 A.S.C.
(1.25) Seiyinbya,
strafe.
7 Apr 44 Offensive
Recce (1.30) Myohaung-Minbya-Buthidaung-Bagona;
strafe, A.S.C; set dump on fire.
8 Apr 44 Offensive
Recce (2.30) Myohaung-Minbya-Myebon;
four kisties.
11 Apr 44 Offensive
Recce (1.50) Donbrik-Alechaung;
two 50-foot supply boats, dumps.
18 Apr 44 Offensive
Recce (2.50) Myebon-Kywegu-Letpan-Akyab;
two lorries, ten Japs, one Jap officer, two bullock carts.
20 Apr 44 Offensive
Recce (2.25) Htizwe-Tanko; one
barge, three kisties.
26 Apr 44 A.S.C.
(2.05) Imphal
area, Kalewa; one 75-foot barge, one 60-foot boat, four 35-foot boats.
During the present tour of operations, and
also in 1943 when he flew 26 hours in Lysanders over enemy territory at Imphal,
Flying Officer Fockler has shown extreme keenness and an ability to find and
destroy the enemy. he possesses all the necessary qualities for the operations
which this squadron has carried out, including the concentration and
determination required to find the Jap positions, which are so cunningly
concealed. he has to his credit numerous river craft, Jap infantry, and gun
positions. On each sortie Flying Officer Fockler goes up determined to get the
utmost out of his trips, with a complete disregard to his personal safety, and
has been an excellent example to all in his zealous devotion to duty.
*
* * * *
FODERINGHAM, P/O Clifford (J15718) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.101 Squadron - Award effective 2 November 1942 as per London
Gazette dated 6 November 1942 and AFRO 272/43 dated 19 February 1943. Born in Toronto, 4 April 1921; home
there. Clerk. Ex-RCA. Enlisted in Toronto, 18 December 1940. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 9 June 1941),
No.11 EFTS (graduated 27 July 1941), and No.8 SFTS (graduated 14 December 1941). Commissioned September 1943. Photo PL-14523 shows him. Public Records Office Air 2/9604 says he ws
recommended after flying 28 sorties (155 operational hours).
This officer has always displayed outstanding
coolness and courage often under very difficult conditions. One night in August, when his aircraft was so
severely damaged by night fighters that he had to descend on the sea, it was
largely due to his leadership and presence of mind that four members of the
crew were rescued. On two other
occasions, by his ability and skill, he has brought his damaged aircraft safely
to base. Pilot Officer Foderingham has
at all times shown great devotion to duty, setting a splendid example to all.
*
* * * *
FODERINGHAM, F/L William Cecil (J35573) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.166 Squadron - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 21 September 1945 and AFRO 1704/45 dated 9 November
1945. Born Toronto, 1919. Enlisted
Toronto 18 May 1942. Trained at No.1 ITS
(graduated 27 December 1942), No.7 EFTS (graduated 6 March 1943) and No.16 SFTS
(graduated 11 November 1943).
Commissioned September 1943, ex-RCA. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty." Public Records Officer Air
2/8750 has recommendation dated 13 April 1945 when he had flown 34 sorties (230
hours), 9 November 1944 to 4 April 1945.
9 Nov 44 Wanne
Eickel 7 Feb 45 Cleve
16 Nov 44 Duren 8 Feb 45 Politz
18 Nov 44 Wanne
Eickel 14 Feb 45 Chemnitz
21 Nov 44 Aschaffenburg 20 Feb 45 Dortmund
27 Nov 44 Freiburg 21 Feb 45 Duisburg
29 Nov 44 Dortmund 23 Feb 45 Pforsheim
22 Dec 44 Coblenz 1 Mar 45 Mannheim
28 Dec 44 Munchen
Gladbach 2 Mar 45 Cologne
29 Dec 44 Scholven-Buer 5 Mar 45 Chemnitz
2 Jan 45 Nuremburg 15 Mar 45 Misburg
7 Jan 45 Munich 16 Mar 45 Nuremburg
14 Jan 45 Merseburg 21 Mar 45 Bremen
16 Jan 45 Zeitz-Troglitz 22 Mar 45 Hildesheim
22 Jan 45 Duisburg 25 Mar 45 Hanover
1 Feb 45 Mannheim 27 Mar 45 Paderborn
2 Feb 45 Weisbaden 1 Apr 45 Hamburg
3 Feb 45 Bottrop-Welheim 4 Apr 45 Lutzkendorf
This Canadian officer is one of the most
experienced pilots on the squadron and has taken part in 34 attacks on the
enemy. Prominent in the list of sorties
have been attacks on the enemy's oil refineries and these he has pressed home
with conspicuous success. Time after
time he has successfully defied the heaviest concentrations of anti-aircraft
gunfire to inflict the most damaging attacks and the undoubted success of his
crew has been largely due to his magnificent leadership.
For his steadfastness, devotion to duty and
disregard for personal safety he is recommended for the award of the
Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
FOGG, Sergeant Russell Lawrence (Can 4231A) - British
Empire Medal - RCAF Overseas Headquarters - Award effective 1 January 1944
as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 113/44 dated 21 January
1944. Born 17 November 1917 in Winnipeg;
home there; enlisted there 13 September 1939.
This NCO was one of the first members of the
RCAF to arrive overseas. He has been
continuously employed in the Mechanical Transport Section of this Headquarters
since the time it was organized and has served efficiently and courageously as
a Transport Driver during the extremely trying "blitz" period. It is largely due to the excellent and
efficient services rendered by him that this section has attained a very high
standard of serviceability and efficiency.
*
* * * *
FOGGO, S/L Andrew Swan (C10485) - Mention
in Despatches - Station Goose Bay - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per Canada
Gazette of that date and AFRO 82/46 dated 25 January 1946. Home in Toronto; enlisted in Hamilton,
Ontario, 13 March 1942.
This officer, as Works and Buildings Officer
at Goose Bay, Labrador, has by his energy and initiative over long and arduous
hours, and especially during severe winter conditions, maintained the Station
and the aerodrome so that services have been maintained and runways have always
been serviceable when flying was possible.
*
* * * *
FOIDART, LAC Edgar Toussaint Laurent (R134877)
- Mention in Despatches - Tholthorpe - Award effective 14 June 1945 as
per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1647/45 dated 26 October
1945. AFRO gives unit only as
"Overseas"; DHist file 181.009 D.1725 (PAC RG.24 Vol 20607) has list
of MiDs this date with unit. DMT at
Tholthorpe. Home Winnipeg. Enlisted 1 November 1941; in Canada 16
months, overseas 22 months. Recommended
3 February 1945 (see DHist file 181.009 D.1719, PAC RG.24 Vol,20606).
On June 28th, 1944 an aircraft landed at this
station and crashed into a stationary aircraft.
During the ensuing fire, which was very dangerous owing to exploding
bombs and ammunition, this airman drove an ambulance to the immediate vicinity
of the fire and unhesitatingly gave assistance in the rescuing of the crew from
the aircraft. This airman is above
average in carrying out his normal duties always and to the extent that he has
given splendid service of an excellent character.
*
* * * *
FOLEY, W/C George Joseph (C864) - Member,
Order of the British Empire - Eastern Air Command Headquarters - Award
effective 13 June 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO
660/46 dated 5 July 1946. Enlisted in
Trenton, 4 July 1938, serving with No.5 Squadron before the war.
For the past two years, this officer has been
serving in the capacities of Equipment Staff Officer and Senior Equipment
Officer at Eastern Air Command Headquarters.
This officer's arduous duties during a period of difficult, rapidly
changing conditions within this Command have been of the highest order. His ability to meet situations calling for
skill and tact have proven his ability and called forth the admiration of his
associates.
*
* * * *
FOLEY, F/O Joseph Charles Copeland (J19424) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.419 Squadron - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 8 December 1944 and AFRO 337/45 dated 23 February 1945. Born 1914, Liverpool, England. Home Wellington, Ontario. Druggist and
ex-RCMP. Enlisted Toronto 25 November
1941. Commissioned 1943. Trained at No.5
ITS (graduated 24 April 1942) and No.8 AOS (graduated 28 August 1942). No citation other than "..in recognition
of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations against
the enemy." DHist file 181.009
D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 24 August 1944 when he had
flown 33 sorties (202 hours ten minutes), 13 May 1943 to 4 August 1944.
Flying Officer Foley has taken part in 33
sorties against the enemy, including 23 night attacks against the major German
targets. During his tour of operations
he invariably set an extremely high standard of navigation, his track keeping
and timing being of such a superb quality that never once was his aircraft
either hit by flak or attacked by enemy fighters. He has been unsparing of himself in his
endeavours to assist more junior Navigators and his example has been a distinct
asset to this squadron.
I consider the exceptionally high standard of
navigation and the high personal example of Flying Officer Foley merit the
non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
FOLEY, S/L Joseph Charles Copeland, DFC
(J19524) - Mention in Despatches - No.6 Group Headquarters - Award
effective 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO
322/46 dated 29 March 1946. AFRO gives
unit only as "Overseas"; unit found in McEwen Papers list of
recommendations for MiD.
*
* * * *
FOLKES, P/O Reginald William - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.77 Squadron - Award effective 19 June 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 27 June 1944 and AFRO 1861/44 dated 25 August 1944. Born Toronto 1918, home Toronto; educated
University of Toronto. Enlisted Toronto 20 May 1941. Trained at No.5 ITS (graduated 27 September
1941), No.9 BGS (graduated 28 February 1942) and No.8 AOS (graduated 5 January
1942). Commissioned 1943. Died in Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto, 12
September 1993.
Pilot Officer Folkes has completed a tour of
operations during which he has participated in attacks against many of the
enemy's most heavily defended targets in Germany. He is a most valuable member of a gallant
crew whose ability as bomb aimer has been amply demonstrated by photographic
results. In November 1943 his aircraft
was attacked by enemy fighters and so badly damaged that control was
temporarily lost. Nevertheless, the
target was attacked from a much lower altitude and good photographs
obtained. This officer has played no
small part in the many successes attained by his crew.
NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/8780 has
recommendation dated 20 March 1944 when he had flown 23 sorties (157 hours 25
minutes); draft text adds a few details:
*
with unidentified units prior to No.77 Squadron
7 Nov 42 Genoa
(8.25)* 6 Sept 43 Munich (9.10)
18 Nov 42 Turin
(7.50)* 22 Sept 43 Hanover (6.40)
15 Jan 43 Lorient
(5.45)* 29 Sept 43 Bochum (5.00)
5 Mar 43 Essen
(3.20)* 4 Oct 43 Frankfurt (7.45)
8 Mar 43 Nuremburg
(8.45)* 3 Nov 43 Dusseldorf (5.40)
9 Mar 43 Munich
(8.20)* 19 Nov 43 Leverkusen (5.45)
11 Mar 43 Stuttgart
(7.35)* 20 Dec 43 Frankfurt (6.25)
12 Mar 43 Essen
(4.45)* 21 Jan 44 Magdeburg (7.05)
3 July 43 Cologne
(6.00)* 28 Jan 44 Berlin (8.40)
9 July 43 Gelsenkirchen
(6.35)* 19 Feb 44 Leipzig (8.10)
15 July 43 Montebeliard
(8.05)* 22 Feb 44 GARDENING (3.10,
17 Aug 43 Peenemunde
(8.10) recalled)
This officer Air Bomber has completed his
first tour of operations comprising 23 sorties, many of them against the most
heavily defended German targets. A
member of a most exceptional crew of this squadron, this officer has
contributed greatly to the standard of a notable crew, and his ability as a
bomb aimer is amply substantiated by the photographic results. Even on the night of 3rd November 1943, after
the aircraft was temporarily out of control and damaged due to fighter attack,
the target was still attacked although at a much lower altitude, and a good
photographic record obtained.
In recognition of an operational tour which
has been marked throughout with a high standard of efficiency and devotion to
duty, it is strongly recommended that this officer be awarded the Distinguished
Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
FOLKINS, S/L (now W/C) Gordon Arthur (C1013) -
Air Force Cross - No.11 SFTS - Award effective 26 October 1943 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 2386/43 dated 19 November 1943. 1 SFTS
(graduated 20 May 1940). Born Calgary.
Home Fort William and Whitehorse.
Enlisted at Calgary, 20 February 1939 with 113 (F) Squadron (Auxiliary). Trained at No.1 SFTS (graduated 20 May
1940. Later attended RAF Staff College,
Empire CFS, and commanded Stations Fort Nelson and Whitehorse.
This officer has been continuously employed on
flying instructional duties for over three years during which time he has never
had an accident. He has capably
fulfilled the duties of a Squadron Commander and Officer Commanding the Central
Flying School Visiting Flight and has been outstanding in initiative,
leadership, ability, and devotion to duty with an exacting thoroughness in
everything he undertakes.
*
* * * *
FOLSOM, F/L Charles (J12203) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.436 Squadron - Award effective 9 October 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 19 October 1945 and AFRO 1822/45 dated 7 December 1945. American in the RCAF; born 1917 Kentucky, home
Hupkinville, Kentucky, USA. Educated
Kemper College and US Naval Academy.
Surveyor/Contractor. Enlisted
Ottawa 1 September 1941. Trained at No.6
ITS (graduated 5 December 1941), No.20 EFTS (graduated 13 February 1942) and
No.16 SFTS (graduated 16 May 1942).
This officer has completed a most successful
tour of operational duty. He has served
with Coastal and Transport Commands and has completed numerous missions against
enemy shipping over the North Sea and off the Dutch coast. On one occasion he destroyed two enemy
E-boats, despite intense anti-aircraft fire.
He has now flown on many sorties in close support of the 14th Army in
Burma, operating over the jungle and mountainous terrain. His courage and determination have been
outstanding at all times.
*
* * * *
FONES, Sergeant Frederick Ernest (R68420) - Mention
in Despatches - No.9432 Servicing Echelon (No.62 Base) - Award effective 1
January 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 425/45 dated 9
March 1945. Home London, Ontario. Enlisted London 13 September 1940. Arrived overseas 7 March 1942. No citation in AFRO. Recommended for MiD, 21 July 1944, at which
time he was a Fitter IIE with No.9432 Servicing Echelon. (See DHist file
181.009 D.1719, RG.24 Vol.20606). Recommendation read as follows:
Sergeant Fones has at all times carried out
his duties cheerfully and willingly in a most efficient manner, although long,
tedious hours of work have been put in by him.
His cheerful personality and devotion to duty have a most inspiring
effect on his subordinates, with the result that they, too, put in many hours
of night work, night after night.
*
* * * *
FONGER, F/O Owen Woodward (J21918) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.419 Squadron - Award effective 19 June 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 30 June 1944 and AFRO 1861/44 dated 25 August 1944. Born Niagara Falls, Ontario, 1911. Home Leaside, Ontario. Enlisted Toronto 15
November 1941. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 22 May 1942) and No.3 (or No.8)
AOS (graduated 2 October 1942).
Commissioned 1942. Died in
Toronto, 24 August 1999. No citation other than "completed...many
successful operations against the enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill,
fortitude and devotion to duty."
Public Records Office Air 2/9015 has recommendation dated 18 April 1944
when he had completed 29 sorties (207 hours five minutes) as a navigator, 10
August 1943 to 23 March 1944:
10 Aug 43 Nuremburg
(9.20) 11 Nov 43 Cannes (10.10)
12 Aug 43 Milan
(10.20) 19 Nov 43 Leverkusen (6.55)
17 Aug 43 Peenemunde
(9.15) 22 Nov 43 Berlin (7.30)
22 Aug 43 Leverkusen
(6.15) 3 Dec 43 Leipzig (8.35)
23 Aug 43 Berlin
(7.25) 29 Dec 43 Berlin (4.20)
5 Sept 43 Mannheim
(7.50) 20 Jan 44 Berlin (7.55)
6 Sept 43 Munich
(9.15) 19 Feb 44 Leipzig (7.20)
15 Sept 43 Montlucon
(6.40) 2 Mar 44 Meulan-les-Mureaux (8.10)
16 Sept 43 Modane
(9.40) 6 Mar 44 Trappes (4.50)
22 Sept 43 Hannover
(6.00) 11 Mar 44 GARDENING, St. Nazaire (7.20)
27 Sept 43 Hannover
(6.45) 16 Mar 44 Amiens (5.45)
29 Sept 43 Bochum
(5.15) 18 Mar 44 GARDENING, Heligoland (5.10)
3 Oct 43 Kassel
(6.15) 22 Mar 44 GARDENING, Kiel Bay (6.25)
22 Oct 43 Kassel
(6.40) 23 Mar 44 Laon (5.20)
3 Nov 43 Dusseldorf
(5.25)
This officer has completed 29 night sorties,
many of them against the enemy's most heavily defended targets.
When half way through his tour of operations,
the aircraft in which he was navigator was badly shot up by an intruder over
this country and crashed when approaching base.
Flying Officer Fonger sustained severe shock and suffered from injuries
to his back. In spite of this, as soon
as he was discharged from hospital, he continued with his duties in a very
cheerful and determined fashion.
Flying Officer Fonger has undertaken more than
his normal duties as called for and he has been of great assistance to the
Navigation Section of the squadron where his knowledge has invariably been
placed at the disposal of the newer navigators in the section.
His high courage, determination and example
has been a great inspiration to the other members of the squadron.
I consider Flying Officer Fonger's continuous
gallantly and the determination he has shown throughout his operational tour
fully merits the on-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
FONGER, F/L Owen Woodward, DFC (J21918) - Mention
in Despatches - Linton-on-Ouse - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1478/45 dated 21 September 1945. Enlisted 15 November 1941. AFRO gives unit only as "Overseas";
DHist file 181.009 D.1725 (PAC RG.24 Vol 20607) has list of MiDs this date with
unit. DHist file 181.009 D.1719 (PAC
RG.24 Vol.20606) has recommendation dated 3 February 1945 when he had served
eleven months in Canada, 27 months overseas.
Officer in charge of Radar Navigation Instruction.
This officer has completed a tour of operations
and on being screened was placed in charge of the Radar Navigation Training on
this station. Since his appointment to
that position, this officer has shown himself to be extremely keen and has
displayed great devotion to duty. He has
completely reorganized the Radar Training section, together with the system of
Radar training, with the result that the standard of training has been raised
to a very high level.
*
* * * *
FONSECA, WO (now P/O) Allan Richard Gomez
(R140829/J19915) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.7 Squadron - Award
effective 24 May 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO
1444/44 dated 7 July 1944. Born
Mulvihill, Manitoba, 1922; home there.
Mechanic. Enlisted Winnipeg 19
November 1941. Trained at No.3 BGS
(graduated 4 December 1942). No citation
other than "completed...many successful operations against the enemy in
which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty". Public Record Office Air 2/9149 has
recommendation dated 19 February 1944 when he had flown 39 sorties (257 hours
ten minutes), 23 May 1943 to 15 February 1944.
23 May 43 Dortmund
(4.40)
25 May 43 Dusseldorf
(4.15) 7 Oct 43 Stuttgart (6.30)
29 May 43 Wuppertal
(5.30) 8 Oct
43 Hanover (4.35)
24 Jun 43 Wuppertal
(4.30) 18 Oct
43 Hanover (4.40)
13 July 43 Aachen
(5.20) 20
Oct 43 Leipzig (6.40)
27 July 43 Hamburg
(6.00) 18
Nov 43 Mannheim (5.45)
29 July 43 Hamburg
(5.15) 22
Nov 43 Berlin (6.40)
10 Aug 43 Nuremburg
(6.40) 23 Nov
43 Berlin (6.50)
12 Aug 43 Milan
(8.45) 26
Nov 43 Berlin (7.25)
14 Aug 43 Milan
(8.45) 2
Dec 43 Berlin (6.30)
17 Aug 43 Peenemunde
(7.15) 3 Dec 43 Leipzig (7.20)
27 Aug 43 Nuremburg
(7.10) 16 Dec
43 Berlin (8.15)
30 Aug 43 Munchen
Gladbach (3.40, DNCO) 5
Jan 44 Stettin (9.00)
31 Aug 43 Berlin
(7.35) 14
Jan 44 Brunswick (5.10)
3 Sept 43 Berlin
(8.00) 20
Jan 44 Berlin (7.40)
5 Sept 43 Mannheim
(6.15) 21 Jan
44 Magdeburg (7.10)
6 Sept 43 Munich
(8.15) 27
Jan 44 Berlin (8.15)
2 Oct 43 Munich
(7.45) 28
Jan 44 Berlin (8.00)
3 Oct 43 Kassel
(5.40) 30
Jan 44 Berlin (6.15)
4 Oct 43 Ludwigshaven
(6.05) 15 Feb 44 Berlin (7.10)
Warrant Officer Fonseca has completed 39
operational sorties with the Pathfinder Force, 38 of which have beeb as a
Marker. Warrant Officer Fonseca has been
mid-upper gunner to two captains in this squadron, both of whom have found his
coolness and reliability in the face of the fiercest opposition to be of a high
order. His fine aggressive spirit has set a splendid example to the more junior
air gunners in the squadron and his keenness to operate is most praiseworthy.
Warrant Officer Fonseca has at all times displayed a very high sense of
devotion to duty.
*
* * * *
FONTAINE, F/O Joseph Lucien Jean (J18418) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.35 Squadron - Award effective 15 March 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 23 March 1945 and AFRO 721/45 dated 27 April 1945. Born Quebec 1921; home Montreal. Ex-RCA.
Commissioned 1943. Trained at
No.4 WS (graduated 19 February 1941) and No.9 BGS (graduated 16 February
1942). Queen's Coronation Medal, 23
October 1953, 1 Air Division. No
citation other than "completed...many successful operations against the
enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/9051 has recommendation
dated 23 December when he had flown 46 sorties (250 operational hours) in the
course of two tours.
First Tour Second
Tour
14 Jan 43 Brest 20 Sep 44 Calais
15 Jan 43 Lorient 30 Sep 44 Bottrop
3 Feb 43 Hamburg 5 Oct 44 Saarbrucken
4 Feb 43 Lorient 6 Oct 44 Sterkrade
7 Feb 43 Lorient 14 Oct 44 Duisburg
11 Feb 43 Frisian
Islands 15 Oct 44 Wilhelmshaven
17 Feb 43 Cologne 19 Oct 44 Stuttgart
19 Feb 43 Wilhelmshaven 31 Oct 44 Cologne
24 Feb 43 Wilhelmshaven 2 Nov 44 Dusseldorf
26 Feb 43 Cologne 4 Nov 44 Bochum
5 Mar 43 Essen 6 Nov 44 Gelsenkirchen
12 Mar 43 Essen 16 Nov 44 Duren
26 Mar 43 Duisburg 18 Nov 44 Wanne Eickel
28 Mar 43 St.Nazaire 21 Nov 44 Worms
29 Mar 43 Bochum 29 Nov 44 Dortmund
4 Apr 43 Kiel 4 Dec
44 Urst
10 Apr 43 Frankfurt 5 Dec 44 Soest
14 Apr 43 Stuttgart 6 Dec 44 Merseburg Leuna
16 Apr 43 Mannheim
11 Jun 43 Dusseldorf
12 Jun 43 Bochum
12 Aug 43 Milan
27 Aug 43 Nuremburg
31 Aug 43 Berlin
2 Sept 43 GARDENING
16 Sep 43 Modane
22 Sep 43 Hanover
3 Nov 43 Dusseldorf
Flying Officer Fontaine is a Wireless Operator
of exceptional ability who is now engaged in his second tour of operations and
has completed a total of 46 bombing attacks against the enemy by day and by
night. This officer inspires confidence
in new members of the squadron by the very fine example he sets of keenness to
fly on operations and his coolness under the heaviest fire is exemplary.
Flying Officer Fontaine continues to display
the same enthusiasm and in recognition of his fine record of service he is
recommended for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
FOORD, F/O Albert Vernon (J85863) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.436 Squadron - Award effective 9 October 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 19 October 1945 and AFRO 1822/45 dated 7 December 1945. Born September 1923, Instow, Saskatchewan;
home there. Student. Enlisted Regina, 2 October 1941. Commissioned March 1944. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 14 February
1942), No.15 EFTS (graduated 25 April 1942) and No.3 SFTS (graduated 4
September 1942).
This officer has completed a very successful
tour of operational duty. He has taken
part in numerous attacks on enemy shipping while serving with Coastal Command
and has on various sorties done severe damage to enemy E-boats and merchant
vessels, often in the face of intense opposition. Flying Officer Foord completed his tour with
a heavy transport squadron. He has taken
part in many supply dropping sorties in support of the 14th Army and on many
occasions has made successful landings at forward landing grounds under fire
from Japanese artillery. He has always
displayed outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty.
*
* * * *
FOOTE, F/L William Leroy (J27659) - Distinguished
Service Order - No.626 Squadron - Award effective 22 September 1944 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 2274/44 dated 20 October 1944. Born Edmonton 1915; home Halifax Nova
Scotia. Ex-Army. Enlisted Winnipeg 23 June 1942. Commissioned June 1943. Trained at No.7 ITS (graduated 18 December
1942), No.6 EFTS (graduated 5 March 1943, and No.4 SFTS (graduated 25 June
1943). Cited with FS Robert A. Smith
(RCAF, awarded DFM).
This officer and airman were captain and
mid-upper gunner respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Stuttgart. En route the aircraft was attacked by a
fighter and sustained much damage. The
rear gunner was killed and Flight Sergeant Smith was blown out of his turret
into the fuselage. He was, however,
uninjured and returned to his turret. A
fire started in the rear of the fuselage which betrayed the position of the
bomber to the enemy and the aircraft was subjected to five successive
attacks. Nevertheless, Flight Lieutenant
Foote skilfully manoeuvred the aircraft and enabled Flight Sergeant Smith to
engage the fighter which was seen to fall away in flames. Flight Lieutenant Foote then continued to the
target and completed his mission. This
officer and airman have taken part in many sorties and have displayed a high
standard of courage and devotion to duty.
*
* * * *
FORBELL, S/L Harold Cooke (C13130) - Air
Force Cross - No.1 Central Flying School - Award effective 14 June 1945 as
per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 1127/45 dated 6 July 1945. Born at St.Jovite, Quebec, 29 November 1913;
educated there. Engineer with Windsor
Mills Flying School. Enlisted in
Montreal, 26 October 1940. Trained at
No.6 SFTS (graduated 31 July 1942). As
of award had flown 2,589 flying hours - all described as instructional hours
(hard to believe), 175 hours in past six months. Stayed in postwar RCAF, retiring July
1961. RAF Staff College 1948.
This officer is an outstanding instructor in
all respects. As officer commanding a
visiting flight he has carried out his duties in a highly meritorious
manner. The zeal and persistence he has
shown have provided an excellent example to all personnel under him and the
contribution he has made to the training plan is most commendable. His leadership, efficiency and devotion to
duty over a lengthy period have been an inspiring example.
*
* * * *
FORBES, S/L Homer Ashmore (J4786) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - Award effective 31 December 1942 as per London
Gazette dated 12 January 1943 and AFRO 358/44 dated 18 February 1944. Born Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, 1914; home
there. Ex-Colchester and Hants Regiment.
Enlisted Halifax 18 July 1940.
Commissioned 1941. Trained at
No.2 ITS (graduated 1 October 1940), No.2 BGS (graduated 3 March 1941), No.2
AOS (graduated 17 January 1941) and No.1 ANS (graduated 8 April 1941).
Commissioned 1941. Flew two tours; S/L
in October 1942.
Squadron Leader Forbes has a distinguished
operational record, accurate in all his planning, cool, calculating and
efficient on operations. He has always
shown fine qualities of courageous leadership and has been a tower of strength
in his crew.
*
* * * *
FORBES, F/O Robert Alexander (J866735) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.433 Squadron (incorrectly
given as No.435 Squadron in London Gazette) - Award effective 5
July 1945 as per London Gazette dated 20 July 1945 and AFRO
1619/45 dated 19 October 1945. Trained
at No. 6 ITS (graduated 5 March 1943), No.9 EFTS (graduated 14 May 1943) and
No.9 SFTS (graduated 3 September 1943).
Born 1921 Oxford Co., Ontario; home Woodstock, Ontario. Clerk and Bookkeeper. Commissioned 1944. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty". DHist file 181.009 D.2610
(RG.24 Vol.20627) has recommendation by W/C G.A. Tambling dated 15 March 1945
when he had flown 33 sorties (174 hours 30 minutes) from 18 July to 31 December
1944.
This officer has now completed his first tour
of operations comprised of thirty-three trips over enemy territory. The successful completion of these
operational sorties was due largely to the initiative, resourcefulness and
skilful airmanship of this officer. His
tenacity, endurance and fine offensive spirit has undoubtedly inspired a high
standard of morale in his crew and the squadron in general.
I consider that his exceptional high qualities
of leadership and his fine record of achievement fully merits the award of the
Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate).
*
* * * *
FORBES, F/L Theodore Scott (J88121) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.100 Squadron - Award effective 30 October 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 6 November 1945 and AFRO 155/46 dated 15 February 1946. Born Barrare, British Columbia; home
Vancouver. Student. Commissioned July 1944. Trained at No.2 ITS, No.15 EFTS and No.10
SFTS.
Flight Lieutenant Forbes has completed
numerous sorties against some of the most distant and heavily defended targets
in Germany and the occupied countries.
On one occasion during an attack against Potsdam, whilst still some
distance from the target, the starboard inner engine of his aircraft was
rendered unserviceable. Nevertheless he
pressed on. During the bombing run the
starboard wing and fuel pipe lines sustained severe damage. Undeterred, this officer completed his
mission with excellent results.
Throughout his tour Flight Lieutenant Forbes has displayed a fine
fighting spirit and outstanding devotion to duty.
*
* * * *
FORD, F/L Charles George (J21372) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 13 June 1944 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1660/44 dated 4 August 1944. Born Melfort, Saskatchewan, 1918; home
there. Educated at Melfort and
Regina. Enlisted Regina 20 March
1941. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 8
May 1942), No.5 EFTS (graduated 14 August 1942) and No.4 SFTS (graduated 4
December 1942).
Flight Lieutenant Ford is a fine captain and a
skilful and resolute pilot. He has
completed a notable tour of operations during which he has attacked such
strongly defended targets as Berlin, Mannheim and Stuttgart with success. On one night in April 1944 his aircraft was
badly damaged and several members of the crew were injured in an encounter with
a fighter. Nevertheless, Flight
Lieutenant Ford flew back to friendly territory. Whilst attempting to land his crippled aircraft
safely this brave pilot was injured.
Despite this he did everything possible to extricate the members of his
crew from the burning bomber before he collapsed. He displayed great courage and determination
throughout.
*
* * * *
FORD, WO2 (now P/O) Herbert Campbell
(R60894/J13480) - Commended for Valuable Services - No.12 SFTS - Awarded
1 January 1943 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 55/43 dated
15 January 1943. Born in Calgary, 26
March 1915. Home Lacombe, Alberta. Enlisted in Edmonton, 29 June 1940. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 3 October
1940), No.7 EFTS (graduated 3 December 1940) and No.31 SFTS (graduated 24 March
1941).
A capable and efficient Warrant Officer who
has proved himself to be a hard working instructor, keen on giving his best at
all times and going about his work in a cheerful manner. He has a total of 1,172 hours in the air of
which 923 comprise time as an instructor.
*
* * * *
FORD, F/L James Andrew Lorne (J12688) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.608 Squadron - Award effective 16 February 1945 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born 1920 Fergus, Ontario; home there. Enlisted Hamilton, Ontario 7 June 1940. Commissioned 1942. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 20 July 1940),
No.1 EFTS (graduated 13 September 1940) and No.4 SFTS (graduated 17 November
1940). Commissioned 1942.
This officer has displayed the highest
standard of determination and devotion to duty in his attacks on the
enemy. In December 1944, he flew with
great distinction in an attack on Duisburg.
Some hours later Flight Lieutenant Ford was again in the air. He had volunteered to take the place of a
sick pilot. This time the target was
Hanover and Flight Lieutenant Ford executed his mission successfully. His fine fighting spirit and great keenness
have set a fine example.
*
* * * *
FORD, P/O Lawrence Eagleton (J85684) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.425 Squadron - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 17 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. Born 1916, Not Mountain, Saskatchewan; home
Kelvington, Saskatchewan. Enlisted 26
November 1941, Saskatoon. Trained at
No.2 ITS (graduated 23 May 1942) and No.3 AOS (graduated 29 September 1942). Commissioned 1944. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty." DHist file 181.009.D.1730
(RG.24 Vol.20607) has recommendation dated 1 August 1944 when he had flown 33
sorties (188 hours 15 minutes):
Pilot Officer Ford has recently completed a
tour of operations which includes offensive sorties against such major targets
as Frankfurt, Augsburg, Leipzig, Dusseldorf and Karlsruhe. He has distinguished himself in all of these
operations by his outstanding skill and a navigator and his cool courage in the
face of danger. By his undaunted determination and outstanding devotion to duty,
this officer has always directed his aircraft to the target and brought it back
safely to base. He has set a fine
example and inspired confidence to other members of his crew.
*
* * * *
FORD, F/L Leslie Sydney (J3712) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.175 Squadron - Award effective 9 June 1942 as per London
Gazette dated 26 June 1942 and AFRO 1000-1001/42 dated 3 July 1942. Born Halifax, Nova Scotia, 30 December
1919. Home in Liverpool, Nova
Scotia. Attended Acadia University for
three years. Enlisted in Halifax, 21
June 1940 (possibly 21 January 1940).
Trained at No.2 ITS, No.8 EFTS and No. 4 SFTS (graduated 28 January
1941; awarded wings that date). Posted
overseas in February 1941; further trained at No.52 OTU, March and April
1941.. Served with Nos.403 Squadron, 21
April 1941 to 12 September 1941; No.402 Squadron, 21 September 1941 to January
1942; No.175 Squadron, 6 February 1942 to 9 July 1942. Returned to No.403 Squadron as "B"
Flight Commander, 19 July 1942; became Commanding Officer on 13 August 1942.
Posted to Digby as Wing Commander (Flying), 19 April 1943. Killed in action, 4 June 1943 attacking enemy
shipping off Dutch coast; with four pilots of No.402 Squadron attacked three
E-boats and was shot down into sea.
Credited with with following aerial victories: 27 September 1941,
one Bf.109 damaged (Hurricane Z3349, shared with another pilot); 19 August
1942, two FW.190s destroyed (Spitfire BM344); 15 February 1943, one
FW.190 destroyed (Spitfire BS474); 27 February 1943; one FW.190
destroyed (BS474); 27 February 1943, one FW.190 destroyed (BS474); 13
March 1943, one FW.190 destroyed (BS474); 3 April 1943, one FW.190
destroyed (BS474); 4 April 1943, one FW.190 destroyed (BS474).
This officer has carried out many operational
missions, having been engaged in fighter sweeps and in bombing attacks on land
and sea targets. He has participated in
two attacks when two mine sweepers and an enemy destroyer were sunk and two
destroyers were damaged. He is a keen
and zealous flight commander and leader.
FORD, S/L Leslie Sydney (J3712) - Bar to
Distinguished Flying Cross - No.403 Squadron - Award effective 16
September 1942 as per London Gazette dated 2 October 1942 and AFRO
1653/42 dated 16 October 1942.
On August 19th, 1942, this officer led his
squadron in support of the combined operations against Dieppe with great
skill. Several enemy aircraft were
destroyed, two of which were shot down by Squadron Leader Ford. Throughout, his
inspiring example instilled great confidence in his fellow pilots.
NOTE:
Public Records Office Air 2/8769 has recommendation for a Croix de
Guerre dated 20 January 1943 stating about the same as above. Although it was went right through to Fighter
Command Headquarters, it was not approved at Air Ministry level, either because
the deed had already been covered by the Bar to the DFC or because of Ford's
death in action. Several other pilots
were recommended for the Croix de Guerre following the Dieppe Raid and ended up
with Mentions in Despatches (see H.H. Hills, R.C. MacQuoid and M.B. Pepper).
*
* * * *
FORD, Corporal Thomas (R94325) - Mention in
Despatches - No.239 Squadron - Award effective 1 January 1945 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 425/45 dated 9 March 1945. Home Mount Royal, Quebec. Enlisted Montreal 19 April 1941.
*
* * * *
FORD, F/O Thomas Fullerton (J49321) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.420 Squadron - Award effective 12 June 1945 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1219/45 dated 27 July 1945. Home in Calgary. Enlisted Calgary 19 October 1942. Trained at No.7 ITS (graduated 9 July 1943),
No.6 EFTS (graduated 3 September 1943) and No.10 SFTS (graduated 28 January
1944).
This officer has completed numerous bombing
missions against enemy targets. He
quickly displayed the qualities of a highly skilled pilot and his determination
to make every sortie a success has been worthy of high praise. On one occasion in March 1945, en route to
Dortmund, the linkage of the throttle of the starboard inner engine broke. The engine could not be used and the
propeller had to be feathered. In spite
of this, Flying Officer Ford continued to the target which he reached after the
main bombing force had concluded its attack.
Although much anti-aircraft fire was directed at his aircraft, Flying
Officer Ford pressed home a good attack.
He afterwards flew back to base and landed safely. This officer set a splendid example of
devotion to duty.
*
* * * *
FORD, F/O Thomas Hooper (J25490) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.626 Squadron - Award effective 15 March 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 23 March 1945 and AFRO 721/45 dated 27 April 1945. Born 1922, Calgary; home Lacombe,
Alberta. Reporter, ex-RCA. Enlisted Edmonton 1 August 1941. Commissioned 1943. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 25 September
1942, No.7 EFTS (graduated 18 December 1942) and No.14 SFTS (graduated 16 April
1943). No citation other than
"completed...many successful operations against the enemy in which [he
has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/9050 has
recommendation dated 5 December 1944 when he had flown 27 sorties (132
operational hours):
3 Aug 44 Trossy
St.Maximim 26 Sep 44 Calais
4 Aug 44 Pauillac 3 Oct 44 West Kapelle
7 Aug 44 Fontenay
le Marmion 7 Oct 44 Emmerich
10 Aug 44 Ferme
de Forestel 14 Oct 44 Duisburg
14 Aug 44 Ovilly 14 Oct 44 Duisburg
15 Aug 44 Volkel 19 Oct 44 Stuttgart
18 Aug 44 Ghent 23 Oct 44 Essen
26 Aug 44 Kiel 25 Oct
44 Essen
29 Aug 44 Stettin 6 Nov 44 Gelsenkirchen
3 Sept 44 Eindhoven 11 Nov 44 GARDENING, Kattegat
5 Sept 44 Le
Havre 16
Nov 44 Duren
8 Sept 44 Le
Havre 21
Nov 44 Aschaffenburg
10 Sep 44 Le
Havre 29
Nov 44 Dortmund
12 Sep 44 Frankfurt
Flying Officer Ford as a Canadian pilot and
captain of aircraft has completed 27 sorties against the enemy, including such
targets as Stettin, Frankfurt and Stuttgart.
He has carried out these operations with great
determination and his cheerful confidence has inspired a high standard of
morale in his crew. He has shown himself to be a good captain and leader and
has at all times pressed home his attacks with a fine offensive spirit. His cool courage and disregard for his
personal safety has been an example not only to his crew but to other captains
in the squadron.
This officer has undoubtedly achieved a fine
record and I strongly recommend him for the award of the Distinguished Flying
Cross.
*
* * * *
FORD, F/O William Henry (J37510) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.166 Squadron - Award effective 10 May 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 22 May 1945 and AFRO 1147/45 dated 13 July 1945. Born 1912, Regina; home there. Teacher.
Enlisted Regina 9 July 1942.
Commissioned 1943. Trained at
No.7 ITS (graduated 16 April 1943) and No.7 AOS (graduated 29 October
1943). No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty". Public Records Office Air
2/9069 (Part 2) has recommendation dated 8 February 1945 when he had flown 31
sorties (202 hours), 19 October 1944 to 21 February 1945.
19 Oct 44 Stuttgart 28 Dec 44 Munchen Gladbach
23 Oct 44 Essen 29 Dec 44 Scholven-Buer
31 Oct 44 Cologne 31 Dec 44 Osterfeld
2 Nov 44 Dusseldorf 2 Jan 45 Nuremburg
4 Nov 44 Bochum 5 Jan 45 Hanover
6 Nov 44 Gelsenkirchen 6 Jan 45 GARDENING
9 Nov 44 Wanne
Eickel 14 Jan 45 Merseburg
11 Nov 44 Dortmund 16 Jan 45 Zeitz/Troglitz
16 Nov 44 Duren 22 Jan 45 Duisburg/Hamborn
18 Nov 44 Wanne
Eickel 7 Feb 45 Cleve
21 Nov 44 Aschaffenburg 8 Feb 45 Politz
27 Nov 44 Freiburg 13 Feb 45 Dresden
29 Nov 44 Dortmund 14 Feb 45 Chemnitz
4 Dec 44 Karlsruhe 20 Feb 45 Dortmund
6 Dec 44 Merseburg 21 Feb 45 Duisburg
22 Dec 44 Coblenz
This Canadian navigator has now completed 31
sorties against the enemy, including many attacks on some of the most heavily
defended targets in Germany.
Throughout his tour of operations he has shown
a marked determination to seek out his target despite the most vigorous defence
by the enemy and his bearing when under fire has been an inspiration to his
crew. Many of the attacks in which he
has taken part have been carried out in most adverse weather conditions which
rendered accurate navigation exceedingly difficult, but Flying Officer Ford has
never failed in his task, always discharging his duties with exceptional skill.
By his keenness for operational flying he has
imbued in other navigators the same fine offensive spirit and he has in every
way been an asset to the squadron.
For his devotion to duty and courage in the
face of the enemy, he is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying
Cross.
*
* * * *
FORESTELL, F/O James Vincent (J29359) - Mention
in Despatches - No.10 (BR) Squadron (now in No.12 Squadron) - Award
effective 3 November 1944 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO
2479/44 dated 17 November 1944. Enlisted
North Bay, Ontario 27 January 1941; home Coniston, Ontario. Trained at No.4 WS (graduated 7 July 1994)
and No.1 BGS (graduated 22 December 1942).
This officer has completed many hundreds of
hours of operational flying in the North Atlantic area and as first wireless
operator of his crew, he has maintained an exceptional standard of efficiency
at all times. On several occasions,
under very severe weather conditions, he was of material help in the safe
return of his aircraft to base. His
cheerfulness and devotion to duty have been an inspiration to those with whom
he flies.
*
* * * *
FORGRAVE, P/O Ross Aubrey (J87189) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.424 Squadron - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 17 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. Born 1923, St. Jean, P.Q.; home Iberville,
Quebec. Toolmaker. Enlisted Montreal 21 January 1942. Commissioned May 1944. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated July 1942) and
No.8 AOS (graduated 6 November 1942).
Pilot Officer Forgrave has flown on a large
number of operational sorties, navigating his aircraft safely to the target and
back, often in very adverse weather. On
one occasion in April 1944, while over the target area, his aircraft was
seriously damaged by anti-aircraft fire, one member of the crew being wounded. This officer by his navigational skill played
no small part in the safe return of the aircraft to base. He has always displayed courage and
determination worthy of high praise.
*
* * * *
FORMAN, F/L George William (J11616) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.432 Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 16 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born 1915, Parlesenham, Ontario; home
Geraldton, Ontario. Enlisted at Geraldton, 7 May 1941. Commissioned 1942. Trained at No.3 WS (graduated 29 September
1941) and No.2 BGS (graduated 11 April 1942).
Later awarded Croix de Guerre. No
citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in
the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage
and devotion to duty." DHist file
181.009 D.5557 (RG.24 Vol.20668) has recommendation dated 25 September 1944
when he had flown 33 sorties (133 hours 25 minutes), 13 February 1943 to 17
September 1944. Deputy Signals Leader
when recommended.
Since joining this squadron Flight Lieutenant
Forman has participated in numerous operational sorties, throughout which he
has displayed great skill, courage and devotion to duty. By his example of unselfishness and
unconquerable spirit of determination to achieve his objective this officer has
inspired a high standard of morale in his crew.
For his outstanding record of achievement and devotion to duty, this
officer is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
FORMAN, F/L George William, DFC (J11616) - Croix
de Guerre (France) - No.432 Squadron - Awarded as per AFRO 1619/45 dated 19
October 1945. Recommended 10 January
1945 by which time he had flown 35 sorties (146:15 hours). No complete record of first five sorties; subsequently
had flown 27 April to 6 October 1944.
See DHist file 181.009 D.5557 (RG.24 Vol.20668).
As Wireless Operator this officer has
participated in a large number of sorties both in Germany and against defence
installations in occupied France. On all
occasions his strong sense of devotion to duty and cheerfulness in the face of
enemy fire have been largely responsible for the efficiency and accuracy with
which his crew have completed their attacks.
For his untiring zeal and intense loyalty this
officer is strongly recommended for the award of the Croix de Guerre.
NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9645 has
final text of citation.
This officer is a wireless operator and he has
participated in a large number of sorties against enemy positions, both in
France and in Germany. On all occasions
his devotion to duty, cheerfulness and determination in the face of enemy fire
have been largely responsible for the accuracy with which his crew have
completed their tasks.
*
* * * *
FORMAN, W/C John Murray (J15236) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 5 July 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 17 July 1945 and AFRO 1507/45 dated 28 September
1945. Born 1913, Listowel, Ontario; home
there; salesman. Enlisted Toronto 2 July
1940. Commissioned February 1942. Postwar - Canadian Pension Commission. Trained
at No.1 ITS (graduated 14 September 1940), No.2 WS (graduated 20 January 1941)
and No.4 BGS (graduated 17 February 1941).
Later awarded French Croix de Guerre.
NOTE: AN AIR GUNNER WHO HAS ATTAINED WING COMMANDER RANK IS VERY
UNUSUAL.
This officer has proved himself a brilliant
and inspiring leader. As a flight
commander he has trained his crews to an exceptional degree of efficiency and
keenness. On one occasion he was shot
down over enemy territory but successfully evaded capture and returned to this
country. His courageous leadership has
always set an inspiring example to all other air gunners.
FORMAN, W/C John Murray, DFC (J15235) - Croix
de Guerre with Gold Star (France) - AFRO 485/47 dated 12 September 1947.
*
* * * *
FORMAN, Sergeant William Flett (R87968) - British
Empire Medal - RCAF Overseas Headquarters - Awarded 8 June 1944 (RCAF
Routine Order 1380/44 dated 30 June 1944).
See War Service Records 1939-1945 (Canadian Bank of Commerce,
1947). Born 12 September 1921 in
Peterhead, Scotland. Educated in
Vancouver. Enlisted there 31 January
1941. In UK, 1941-45; released 2 June
1945.
During his three years of service overseas, this
NCO has displayed outstanding industry and devotion to duty. In his work as NCO in charge of
establishments, he has put much extra time and untiring energy into the
successful performance of his work. He
has given outstanding meritorious service.
*
* * * *
FORREST, F/O Harry (J16900) - Mention in
Despatches - Overseas - Award effective 8 June 1944 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1729/44 dated 11 August 1944. Home in Winnipeg; enlisted there 1 February
1941. Trained at No.2 WS (graduated 14
September 1941) and No.3 BGS (graduated 8 November 1941). No citation in AFRO.
*
* * * *
FORREST, F/O Hugh Lindsay (J11188) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.196 Squadron - Award effective 4 October 1943 as per London
Gazette dated 15 October 1943 and
AFRO 2610/43 dated 17 December 1943. Born Eastbourne, Sussex, 1919; home
Beverley, Yorkshire. Enlisted in
Vancouver, 6 March 1941. Trained at No.2
ITS (graduated 16 June 1941), No.2 ANS (graduated 31 January 1942),No.8 BGS
(graduated 14 March 1942) and No.1 ANS (graduated 14 April 1942).
Throughout his period of operation this
officer has proved himself to be a most efficient and reliable navigator. His many successful sorties have included
sixteen to the industrial centres in the Ruhr area. He has also participated in many minelaying
missions, always displaying consistent keenness and a high degree of
navigational skill.
FORREST, F/L Hugh Lindsay, DFC (J11188) - Bar
to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.162 Squadron - Award effective 30
October 1945 as per London Gazette dated 6 November 1945 and AFRO 155/46
dated 15 February 1946.
Since the award of the Distinguished Flying
Cross, Flight Lieutenant Forrest has completed a large number of sorties
against heavily defended German targets, including Berlin. He has, throughout, shown outstanding navigational
skill which, combined with his courage and determination, have materially
contributed to the successful completion of many missions.
*
* * * *
FORSBERG, LAC Frank William (R107819) - Mention
in Despatches - Overseas - Award effective 8 June 1944 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1729/44 dated 11 August 1944. Home Rosetown, Saskatchewan. Enlisted Regina, 24 June 1941. No citation in AFRO.
*
* * * *
FORSBERG, WO Walter Gordon (R107547) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 8 September 1944 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 2231/44 dated 13 October 1944. Born
Rosetown, Saskatchewan 1923; home there.
Farmer. Enlisted Regina 2 May
1941. Commissioned August 1944. Trained
at No.2 ITS (graduated 7 September 1941), No.19 EFTS (graduated 21 November
1941) and No.12 SFTS (graduated 13 March 1942).
See photo PL-22944.
This airman has completed very many sorties
involving attacks on a wide range of targets in Germany and Northern
France. He has also completed numerous
minelaying operations. He is an
outstanding captain whose skill, determination and devotion to duty have set a
fine example.
FORSBERG, F/O Walter Gordon, DFC (J88878) - Bar
to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - Award effective 5
April 1945 as per London Gazette dated 13 April 1945 and AFRO 824/45
dated 18 May 1945.
Since the award of the Distinguished Flying
Cross Flying Officer Forsberg has completed many further sorties against major
German targets. As captain of aircraft
he has continued to operate with outstanding skill and determination. His courage and devotion to duty have always
been of the highest order.
*
* * * *
FORSYTH, F/O Alexander John (C8067) - Member,
Order of the British Empire - No.8514 AMES, India - Award effective 1
January 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 809/44 dated 14
April 1944. Home in Russell, Ontario;
worked for Northern Electric. Enlisted
in Ottawa, 6 May 1941; served over three years in India and Burma as a radar
officer. Public Records Office Air
2/8959 has recommended citation and gives unit as No.859 Air Ministry
Experimental Station.
As commanding officer and technical officer of
this unit, this officer has shown outstanding ability, coolness and unfailing
interest in his men. He commanded a
forward Radio Direction Finding Station during the Arakan campaign, encountering
many difficulties both technical and organizational. The fact that his station while in site was
technically efficient and subsequently was successfully withdrawn demonstrates
the ability and resource possessed by Flight Lieutenant Forsyth and also the confidence
inspired by him in his men.
*
* * * *
FORSYTH, F/L David Esplin (J11310) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.418 Squadron - Award effective 20 December 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 2 January 1945 and AFRO 471/45 dated 16 March 1945. Born at Clydebank, Scotland, 21 October 1922.
Went to America at 18 months but did not
become American citizen. Born 1922
Scotland; home Montreal (or New York City).
Enlisted Ottawa 19 June 1941.
Commissioned 1942.Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 7 November 1941), No.10
EFTS (graduated 2 January 1942) and No.6 SFTS (graduated 24 April 1942). Wings and commission, 24 April 1942. Instructed at No.13 SFTS, St.Hubert, 16 July
1942 to September 1943. Attended No.36
OTU, Greenwood, September to November 1943, then arrived in UK 21 December
1943. Further training at No.60 OTU before posting to No.418 Squadron (April
1944 to January 1945). Released 17 April
1945. Total wartime score was four enemy
aircraft and four V-1s destroyed.
Victories as follows: 4/5 July 1944: one V-1 destroyed over sea; 5/6
July 1944: one V-1 destroyed over sea.
9/10 August 1944: two V-1s destroyed over sea; 23 September
1944: two Ju.88s and one unidentified twein-engine enemy aircraft destroyed
on ground, Holshagen and Tutow, F/O R.T. Esam as navigator; 30 September
1944: one FW.190 destroyed, Eggebat (Esam navigator). Photo PL-33042 shows him with F/O R.T. Esam.
During the course of his operational career,
Flight Lieutenant Forsyth has completed many long and difficult sorties against
heavily defended enemy airfields. He has
also attacked the enemy's road and rail transport. In addition, this officer has shown great
enthusiasm for daylight operations and owing to his careful planning and
skilful execution, excellent results have been obtained. Flying at low level deep into enemy
territory, he has destroyed at least four enemy aircraft on the ground in
Northern Germany. At all times Flight
Lieutenant Forsyth's skill, determination and fine fighting spirit have been
most praiseworthy.
*
* * * *
FORSYTHE, WO Kenneth Maxworth (R117274) - Mention
in Despatches - Overseas - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1600/45 dated 12 October 1945. Home Rockwood, Ontario; enlisted in North
Bay, 1 August 1941. Trained at No.1 ITS
(graduated 7 November 1941), No.1 AOS (graduated 9 May 1942) and No.1 BGS
(graduated 20 June 1942).
*
* * * *
FORTIN, Sergeant Joseph Alfred Arthur (R55633)
- Mention in Despatches - No.425 Squadron - Award effective 14 January
1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 874/44 dated 21 April
1944. Enlisted 5 November 1940, Quebec;
home there. Recommended 24 August 1943
for services as NCO in charge of Motor Transport Section. He had joined unit on formation and had shown
"reliability and good judgement".
"In North Africa, Sergeant Fortin has rendered invaluable service
to the squadron; he has worked long hours under trying circumstances and has
undertaken major repair jobs in the field, maintaining a high standard of
serviceability for the much needed transport vehicles. His services and devotion to duty are worthy
of the highest praise".
*
* * * *
FOSS, W/C Marshall MacLaglan (C1260) - Commended
for Valuable Services - AFHQ - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per Canada
Gazette of that date and AFRO 82/46 dated 25 January 1946. Home in Brantford, Ontario; enlisted in
Montreal, 3 October 1939. Died Toronto 2
March 1993.
The co-ordination of results of research and
development of items of operational equipage through the Flying Clothing
Committee, the conduct of service trials and tests, the introduction of the new
items of equipment has been increasingly successful through the efforts of this
officer. His advancement of detailed
operational characteristics and requirements to research groups, his energy in
pursuing operational problems requested of him, and his untiring efforts to
fulfil his responsibility in respect of operational equipage has implemented
the efforts of the National Research Council and the Royal Canadian Air Force
research groups.
*
* * * *
FOSS, G/C Roy Holmes (C373) - Mention in
Despatches - Station Gander - Awarded 1 January 1943 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 55/43 dated 15 January 1943. Born at Sherbrooke, Quebec, 19 January
1896. Trained in 1918; attended civil
flying instructor's courses, 1928, 1929 and 1933. Entitled to RCAF pilot's badge and appointed
to be Flight Lieutenant on Non-Permanant Active List, in Montreal, 1 September
1934. Served prewar in No.15 (F)
Squadron, Non-Permanent Air Force; given command of No.115 (F) Squadron, 28
September 1938. DHist file 181.009
D.3061 (RG.24 Vol.20635) has letter from Foss to AOC No.1 Group, St.John's,
Newfoundland, dated 20 June 1942 giving much detail of his work. In previous 7 1/2 months he had flown 140
hours 35 minutes. This included the
following: 30 December 1941 and 1 January 1942, flew 13 hours 40
minutes searching for Digby 744 (not located); 2 January 1942 Digby 738
forced landed at Wellington, Fresh Water Bay, Newfoundland; Foss flew a doctor
and mechanic to within half a mile of the site, had medical assistance rendered
within 75 minutes of forced landing, and had aircraft towed to a place where it
could be salvaged; 28 January to 1 February 1942 flew 16 hours 20
minutes searching for Hudson 768, landing at several difficult sites to gather
information; from information gained at Alexander Bay station, it was possible
to locate the lost Hudson, fly in and bring out two crewmen who were suffering
terribly from exposure and could not make dog team trip to Grand Falls. Three trips made to site of crash, but on last
one he had to leave alone following magneto failure. All landings made in small burnt area
surrounded by dead trees. 2 March
1942 at request of Newfoundland government he flew a Fox Moth to Musgrave
Harbour and evacuated a Mrs. Vincent+ (labour and acute appendicitis); baby
girl born 21 hours after arrival at Gander; 2 March 1942 (evening),
night flight of 90 minutes searching for Ferry Command personnel who had become
lost skiing. Dropped flares over airport
which enabled the man to find his way back, though with both feet badly frozen;
11 March 1942, co-pilot with F/L Cameron, Digby 577, conducting Atlantic
ice patrols; located main seal herds which were photographed and reported to
Sealing Fleet; 22 March 1942 flew Mrs. Vincent and baby back to Musgrave
Harbour, a trip that would otherwise have required a five-day dog team trip
(requested by Newfoundland government); 29 March 1942 with F/L Graham
flew to Burlington and Fleur-de-Lis to investigate and treat patients
(meningitis epidemic), landing on ice in both places; probably five lives saved
by early treatment; 3 April 1942 with F/L Graham flew to Musgrave
Harbour at request of Newfoundland government to retrieve sick nurse. Landing conditions very bad owing to soft,
wet snow. He made one flight to evacuate
nurse, then returned to bring out Graham, needing 14 attempts to effect two
takeoffs; 26 April 1942 flew S/L Hobbs to Silverdale where woman was
reported in four-day labour; could not land within eight miles of village and
returned to Gander. Granted Air
Efficiency Award, 20 September 1944.
Group Captain Foss as Commanding Officer of an
RCAF Operational Station has flown many wearisome hours under adverse weather
conditions on searches for lost aircraft and in the rescue of aircrew
personnel. He showed courage and
resolution in landing and taking off in small hazardous places and undoubtedly
saved service crews from hardships and danger of freezing. His ability as a pilot was also demonstrated
in landing and taking off in difficult circumstances while on mercy flights,
undoubtedly saving lives. He completed
on one occasion thirteen hours flying on search. Most of this flying was completed on light
aircraft which was the only means of successful operation.
FOSS, G/C Roy Holmes (C373) - Officer,
Order of the British Empire - No.10 Repair Depot - Award effective 13 June
1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 660/46 dated 5 July
1946. Presented with OBE insignia, 11
March 1949. Governor General's Record
(RG.7 Group 26, Volume 60, file 190-I, dossier 9) has citation.
The experience and knowledge gained by this
officer during his service with the Auxiliary Active Air Force have been
invaluable to the Royal Canadian Air Force since the outbreak of
hostilities. His outstanding ability, hard
work and zeal have been largely responsible for his success as a station
commander. Through his leadership
qualities he has been instrumental in building up a high state of morale and
efficiency in all with whom he has served.
*
* * * *
FOSTER, FS (now P/O) Burns Wilfred
(R155149/J88069) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.419 Squadron - Award
effective 4 November 1944 as per London Gazette dated 14 November 1944
and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945.
Born 1922 Leamington, Ontario; home Simcoe, Ontario. Drug salesman. Enlisted London, Ontario 7 April 1942. Commissioned 1944. Trained at No.5 ITS (graduated 7 April 1942),
No.4 BGS (graduated 14 May 1943) and No.3 AOS (graduated 25 June 1943). No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to
duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3260
(RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 26 July 1944 when he had flown 32
sorties (161 hours 45 minutes), 7 March to 23 July 1944. DFM presented 15 April 1948.
Flight Sergeant Foster has completed many
excellent operations while with this squadron and has shown remarkable keenness
and enthusiasm to attack the enemy. His
determination to press home his attack to the greatest advantage is well
exemplified by the fifteen photographs which he has had plotted within 1/2
miles of the aiming point. I consider
Flight Sergeant Foster's resolution and undoubted courage merit the
non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.
*
* * * *
FOSTER, P/O Edward Austin Nixon (J17091) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.115 Squadron (deceased) - Award effective 25 April 1943
as per London Gazette dated 20 July 1945 and AFRO 1453/45 dated 14
September 1945. Born 1920 in Toronto;
home there. Clerk. Enlisted Toronto 12 February 1941. Commissioned May 1943. Trained at No.1 WS (graduated 15 November
1941) and No.6 BGS (graduated 16 February 1942). Killed in action 26/27 April 1943 (Lancaster
DS609); buried in Germany. DFC presented to next of kin at Government House, 28
February 1946.
This officer has at all times exhibited the
greatest keenness to fly on operations and has taken part in a large number of
sorties. He has shown great courage and
determination in the face of the enemy and as air gunner has set a high
standard in the squadron. He has
participated in numerous minelaying operations and has twice been engaged in
raids on Berlin.
*
* * * *
FOSTER, F/L Gordon Edward (J25180) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.156 Squadron - Award effective 15 March 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 23 March 1945 and AFRO 721/45 dated 27 April 1945. Born 1913 Haileybury, Ontario; home Edmonton;
educated Chipman High School. Motor
Mechanic. Ex-RCA, 1937-42. Enlisted London, England 20 March 1942. Commissioned April 1943. Trained at No.1 CNS
(graduated 2 April 1943). No citation
other than "completed... many successful operations against the enemy in
which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/9051 has
recommendation dated 17 December 1944 when he had flown 45 sorties (176 hours
five minutes), 7 June to 4 December 1944.
DFC presented 18 June 1949.
7 June 44 Acheres 7 Sept 44 Le Havre
22 Jun 44 Marquis
Mimoycques 9 Sept 44 Le Havre
23 Jun 44 Saintes 10 Sep
44 Le Havre
24 Jun 44 Fleres 11 Sep
44 Gelsenkirchen
27 Jun 44 Chateau
St.Bernerat 12 Sep 44 Frankfurt
29 Jun 44 Domleger 17 Sep 44 Flushing
30 Jun 44 Oisemont 18 Sep 44 Boulogne
2 July 44 Domleger 20 Sep 44 Calais
6 July 44 Foret
de Croc 25 Sep
44 Calais
7 July 44 Caen 26
Sep 44 Cap Gris Nez
12 Jul 44 Revigny 27 Sep 44 Calais
3 Aug 44 Trossy 28 Sep
44 Cap Gris Nez
4 Aug 44 Bois
de Caisson 5 Oct 44 Saarbrucken
5 Aug 44 Foret
de Nieppe 7 Oct 44 Cleve
7 Aug 44 Battle
area, Falaise 23 Oct 44 Essen
14 Aug 44 Battle
area, Falaise 25 Oct 44 Essen
15 Aug 44 Volkel 28 Oct
44 Cologne
16 Aug 44 Kiel 29
Oct 44 Walcheren
18 Aug 44 Connantre 2 Nov 44 Dusseldorf
31 Aug 44 Abbeville 4 Nov 44 Bochum
3 Sept 44 Eindhoven 16 Nov 44 Duren
6 Sept 44 Emden 21 Nov
44 Sterkrade
4 Dec 44 Karlsruhe
Flight Lieutenant Foster has now completed 45
operational sorties, 34 of which have been with the Pathfinder Force, including
28 Marker sorties.
This officer is a capable and efficient
navigator, who has consistently maintained a high standard of navigational
skill under extremely difficult conditions.
His determination and coolness in many sorties full of hazard has been
most praiseworthy and his cheerful confidence and operational zest have made
him an asset to his crew.
Flight Lieutenant Foster has shown loyalty and
devotion to duty of a high order, and I recommend him for the award of the
Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
FOSTER, P/O Leslie Arthur, (J87480) - Belgian
Croix de Guerre 1940 with Palm (deceased) - Awarded 17 July 1948 as per Canada
Gazette of that date and AFRO 455/48 dated 23 July 1948. Wife in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Air gunner, killed in action with No.405
Squadron, 27/28 April 1944, Lancaster JA976. Buried in Belgium.
*
* * * *
FOSTER, F/L Livingstone (J10957) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.403 Squadron - Award effective 10 July 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 24 July 1945 and AFRO 1619/45 dated 19 October 1945. Born in Grimsby, Ontario, 27 September
1919. Enlisted in Hamilton, 13 May
1940. Born Grimsby, Ontario, 1919; home
there; educated there. Enlisted Hamilton
13 May 1940. Commissioned 1942. Trained
at No.1 ITS (graduated 21 June 1940), No.3 EFTS (graduated 2 September 1940)
and No.2 SFTS (graduated 20 October 1940), graduating in December 1940. Instructed at No.6 SFTS, Dunnville, until
October 1942; arrived overseas 5 November 1942.
Further trained at No.58 OTU (January-March 1943). Flew with Nos.416 and 403 Squadrons on his
first tour (March 1943 to March 1944); at No.53 OTU until September 1944. On second tour flew with Nos.403 and 421
Squadrons. To UK 26 May 1945, to Canada
5 August 1945; released 17 September 1945.
DFC presented in Hamilton, Ontario, 27 July 1949. Rejoined RCAF as Administrative Officer,
March 1951. Queen's Coronation Medal, 23
October 1953 while at Station Penhold.
Credited with the following aerial victories: 17 August 1943, one
Bf.110 destroyed (No.403 Squadron; shared with three others); 28 January
1944, one FW.190 damaged (No.403 Squadron); 29 September 1944, one
Bf.109 destroyed (No.421 Squadron); 8 December 1944, one Bf.109
destroyed (No.403 Squadron); 28 April 1945, one Do.24 destroyed (No.403
Squadron). Photo PL-2179 taken at No.2
SFTS shows Foster, P.W. Power and W.H. Prst; PL-28561 shows him beside Spitfire
propellor.
This officer has completed numerous sorties
against many heavily defended targets in Germany and enemy occupied
territory. Flight Lieutenant Foster has
proved himself to be an outstanding fighter pilot, showing keenness, courage
and devotion to duty which, coupled with his ability and fine leadership, have
made him an outstanding example to the wing.
He has destroyed three enemy aircraft and has damaged or destroyed many
transport vehicles.
*
* * * *
FOSTER, P/O Melvin Lloyd (J5912) - Mention
in Despatches - No.10 (BR) Squadron
- Awarded 1 January 1943 as per Canada Gazette dated 9 January
1943 and AFRO 55/43 dated 15 January 1943.
Born in Bryanstone, Ontario, 2 May 1916.
Home in Kingsville, Ontario; enlisted in Windsor, 12 August 1940. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 11 January
1941), No.5 EFTS (graduated 16 March 1941) and No.3 SFTS (graduated 3 July
1941).
This officer has shown by his devotion to
duty, his exceptional ability as a pilot and the confidence instilled in his
aircrew when acting as a captain, and by the number of operational sorties made
and flying time put in on operational work, that he has no personal regard for
his own safety. His unfailing energy and
devotion to duty have at all times been a great inspiration to the other
members of the squadron. He has carried out his allotted duties in an
exemplary manner and never once hesitated when seemingly impossible flights
were ordered. He has carried out 76
operational sorties and has completed 561 hours operational flying.
*
* * * *
FOSTER, F/L Walter Douglas (J14458) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.160 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron - Award effective 6
January 1945 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 132/45 dated 26
January 1945. Born in Arnprior, educated
in Renfrew, Ontario. Enlisted in Ottawa,
18 December 1940. Trained at No.1 ITS
(graduated 16 May 1941), No.19 EFTS (graduated 15 July 1941), and No.10 SFTS
(graduated 24 September 1941). As of
recommendation he had flown 1,760 hours, 1,109 of them operational (175
sorties). Award presented 2 November
1951 hile serving in Maritime Group, Halifax.
This officer, throughout a long period of
flying duties on operations in the North Atlantic area, has proven himself to
be an exceptional pilot under the most difficult circumstances. His outstanding ability as a crew captain and
his untiring efforts and rare good judgement as a flight commander have been a
splendid example and an inspiration to all aircrew associated with him. The devotion to duty of this officer is
outstanding.
*
* * * *
FOSTER, FS William Edward James (R147026) - British
Empire Medal - No.2 Air Command Headquarters - Award effective 13 June 1946
as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 660/46 dated 5 July
1946. Home in Winnipeg; enlisted there 2
December 1941. Award presented 9 January
1948.
While serving as a Cypher clerk at operational
stations in Eastern Air Command, Flight Sergeant Foster displayed an
outstanding sense of duty, and worked in a cheerful and conscientious manner
for periods far in excess of the normal call of duty. His efficiency and application contributed
greatly to the successful conduct of operations.
*
* * * *
FOSTER, S/L William Mortimer (C910) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.66 Squadron - Award effective 18 December 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 29 December 1944 and AFRO 379/45 dated 2 March 1945. Born 1915 Guelph, Ontario. Educated Queen's University. COTC, 1934-38 in 11th Field Brigade; Enlisted Toronto 7 November 1938. Qualified for pilot's wings, 2 September
1939. DFC presented 1 September
1949. POW briefly in April 1945. Postwar
in RCAF: with CEPE (1945-1946 and 1948-49); Commanding Officer, No.3 (AW) OTU,
North Bay. Combat cards at Directorate
of History show the following victories credited to him: 8 October 1943, one Bf.110 probably
destroyed; 6 July 1944, one Bf.109 destoyed plus one FW.190 damaged.
This officer has completed numerous operations
and has destroyed at least two enemy aircraft and damaged another. He has also participated in many sorties
necessitating deep penetration into enemy territory. More recently Squadron Leader Foster has
attacked more than twenty-five ground targets with bombs and cannon fire, often
in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. Throughout all his missions he has
shown himself a tenacious, courageous and determined pilot. His excellent example and record are outstanding.
Public Records Office Air 2/9033 has
recommendation dated 8 October 1944 when he had flown 93 sorties (139
operational hours). The text differs slightly from the above:
This officer during the last twelve months has
taken part in 90 operations against the enemy and has destroyed two enemy
aircraft, probably destroyed a third and damaged a fourth. In addition to his successes in air combat,
he has taken part, as escort to bomber formations, in many operations involving
deep penetration of enemy territory, while more recently, in support of the
Army, he has attacked more than 25 ground targets, often through intense
anti-aircraft fire, with bombs and cannon.
*
* * * *
FOSTER, WO William Peter (R114420) - Mention
in Despatches - Overseas - Award effective 8 June 1944 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1729/44 dated 11 August 1944. Home Guelph, Ontario. Enlisted Hamilton 23 April 1941. Trained at No.4 WS (graduated 23 November
1942) and No.8 BGS (graduated 26 October 1942).
No citation in AFRO.
FOSTER, WO William Peter (R114420) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.224 Squadron - Award effective 22 August 1944 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 2052/44 dated 22 September 1944. Cited with F/O K.O. Moore (RCAF, DSO), WO
McDowall (RAF, DFC) and Sergeant Hamer (RAF, DFM). DFC sent by registered mail,
7 December 1948.
Flying Officer Moore, Warrant Officers Foster
and McDowall, and Sergeant Hamer were pilot, wireless operator (air), navigator
and flight engineer respectively of an aircraft in which they attacked and
destroyed two U-Boats during a recent sortie.
In both actions which occurred within the space of twenty-two minutes,
Flying Officer Moore pressed home his attack with great skill and gallantry in
the face of heavy opposing fire. He was
brilliantly supported by his crew whose efficiency and co-operation throughout
were of inestimable value. On this
notable sortie Flying Officer Moore and his comrades set an example of the
highest order and their feat was worthy of the highest praise.
*
* * * *
FOSTER, F/O William Ronald (J28901) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.10 Squadron - Award effective 5 April 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 13 April 1945 and AFRO 824/45 dated 18 May 1945. Born 1914, Schomberg, Ontario; home
there. Funeral director. Ex-RCA.
Enlisted Toronto 30 July 1942.
Commissioned August 1943. Trained
at No.6 ITS (graduated 3 April 1943), No.1 BGS (graduated 24 June 1943) and
No.4 AOS (graduated 6 August 1943). No
citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in
the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost courage and
devotion to duty." Public Records
Office Air 2/9060 has recommendation dated 29 December 1944 when he had flown
34 sorties (150 hours nine minutes, 11 May to 6 October 1944. NOTE: The sortie list is very indistinct and
hours in particular may not be exact.
11 May 44 Trouville
(5.45) 17 Jul 44 Mont Condon (3.17)
19 May 44 Boulogne
(3.30) 23 Jul 44 Kiel (4.50)
27 May 44 Bourg
Leopold (3.45) 24 Jul 44 Stuttgart (7.55)
1 June 44 Ferme
d'Urville 25 Jul
44 Ferfay (3.50)
(4.50) 26
Jul 44 Foret de Nieppe (3.38)
2 June 44 Trappes
(4.35) 1 Aug 44 Beauville ? (3.48)
3 June 44 GARDENING
(4.50) 3 Aug 44 Bois de Casson (4.01)
5 June 44 Mont
Fleury (4.45) 9 Aug
44 Foret de Mormal (3.13)
7 June 44 GARDENING
(5.20) 10 Aug 44 Dijon (6.27)
9 June 44 GARDENING
(5.20) 12 Aug 44 Brunswick (5.13)
12 Jun 44 Amiens
(4.45) 14 Aug
44 [illegible] (4.04)
27 Jun 44 GARDENING
(5.00) 18 Aug 44 Sterkrade (4.18)
28 Jun 44 Blainville
(6.45) 25 Aug 44 Brest (5.20)
1 July 44 St.Martin
(3.45) 26 Aug 44 GARDENING (4.53)
5 July 44 St.Martin
(3.44) 16 Sep 44 Boulogne (4.45)
18 Jul 44 Vaires
(4.15) 25 Sep
44 Calais (3.14)
6 July 44 Croixdale
(3.45) 6 Oct 44 GARDENING (5.53)
12 Jul 44 Thiverny
(4.31)
Flying Officer Foster was posted to No.10
Squadron in April 1944 and after completing 34 sorties comprising 150
operational hours has been screened and posted.
He has taken part in attacks on Brunswick, Stuttgart and Kiel as well as
heavily defended targets in enemy occupied territory.
He has proved himself to be a courageous and
resolute member of aircraft crew and his ability as Air Bomber has played a
good part in the successes obtained. He
has displayed exceptional keenness and his determination to make every sortie a
success has won high praise.
This Canadian officer was the Air Bomber of a
Halifax detailed to attack Boulogne on the
night of 19/20 May 1944, and to carry out a mine-laying mission on the
9th June 1944. On both these sorties his
aircraft was coned before reaching the target area and heavy accurate flak
encountered. Despite the fact that flak
was hitting the aircraft he cooly directed the aircraft thus enabling the
mission to be successfully completed.
His cool and skilful work in the face of much anti-aircraft fire is
worthy of good praise.
I strongly recommend that his skill and
devotion to duty be now recognized by the award of the Distinguished Flying
Cross.
*
* * * *
FOTHERINGHAM, F/O Andrew Monteith (J40485) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.426 Squadron - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 21 September 1945 and AFRO 1704/45 dated 9 November
1945. Born 1916 Swift Current; home
Vancouver. Educated at University of
British Columbia (BA); teacher. Enlisted
in Vancouver, 27 November 1942; commissioned July 1944. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 21 August
1943) and No.5 AOS (graduated 28 January 1944).
No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the
enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost
fortitude, courage and devotion to duty."
DHist file 181.009 D.2618 (RG.24 Vol.20627) has recommendation dated 23
April 1945 when he had flown 28 sorties (186 hours 40 minutes) from 29 December
1944 to 18 April 1945. Navigator to P/O D.R. Black. DFC presented 29 January 1947.
Flying Officer Fotheringham has completed a
tour of operations. His outstanding
skill as a navigator, courage and devotion to duty have materially contributed
to the successful completion of many operations against heavily defended
targets. He is an enthusiastic navigator
displaying a high standard of efficiency and determination both in the air and
on the ground....
*
* * * *
FOWLER, FS (now WO2) Charles Frederick
(R66106) - British Empire Medal - Station Lachine - Award effective 1
January 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 82/46 dated 25
January 1946. Home in Joggins, Nova
Scotia; enlisted in Halifax, 11 June 1940.
BEM presented 16 April 1948.
This non-commissioned officer by his perfect
example of devotion to duty, his loyalty and tireless efforts in the conduct of
his work, has been an outstanding inspiration to his subordinates. During his service at this unit it was not an
unusual occurrence for him to work 72 hours without sleep and yet remain cool
and unruffled in his dealings with his staff and overseas personnel. His great energy, his ability to promote
harmony and efficiency in his section and his ardour for work has continued
with his present duties. He is worthy of
praise.
*
* * * *
FOWLER, P/O George Paget (J15380) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.149 Squadron - Award effective 4 August 1942 as per London
Gazette dated 11 August 1942 and AFRO 1371/42 dated 28 August 1942. Born 17
July 1916, Woodstock, New Brunswick; home in Regina (where wife was living) or
Pennfield, New Brunswick. Enlisted
Moncton, 26 June 1940. Commissioned May
1942. Trained at No.1 ITS, No.3 AOS,
No.2 BGS and No.1 ANS. NOTE: DHist file
181.009 D.1283 (RG.24 Vol.20597) has his application for operational wings
which lists sorties. These are in the
following units: No.101 Squadron (28 August to 30 November 1941, nine sorties),
No.40 Squadron (11 December to 27 December 1941, five sorties) and No.419
Squadron (February 6th to June 25th, 1942, 19 sorties), the whole totalling 179
hours 25 minutes, all on Wellingtons, before being posted to OTU as navigation
instructor. These trips included some
very long sorties - Kiel (7 September 1941, 7 hours 15 minutes), Mannheim (14 February
1942, 7 hours 10 minutes), Rostock (24 April 1942, 7 hours 50 minutes and again
on 26 April 1942, 7 hours 30 minutes), Stuttgart (4 May 1942, 7 hours) and
Bremen (June 25th, 1942, 7 hours 30 minutes).
He also was on sortie against Scharnhorst and Gneisenau
(12 February 1942, three hours 35 minutes).
DFC presented 22 March 1944.
This officer has participated in numerous
sorties involving attacks on important industrial targets in the Ruhr and
dockyard installations both in Germany and German occupied territory. Throughout, his work has been extremely
accurate and has contributed materially to the many successes obtained. Pilot Officer Fowler took part in the raids
on Lubeck and Rostock, and in the attack on the German warships in the English
Channel.
NOTE: Public Record Office has recommendation
(no date) submitted when he had flown 33 sorties (174 operational hours).
28 Aug 41 Ostend
docks 14 Feb 42 Mannheim
30 Aug 41 Cherbourg
docks 3 Mar 42 Paris
7 Sept 41 Kiel
docks 9 Mar 42 Essen
12 Sept 41 Frankfurt 5 Apr 42 Cologne
15 Sept 41 Hamburg
docks 8 Apr 42 Hamburg docks
31 Oct 41 Bremen
docks 15 Apr 42 Dortmund
7 Nov 41 Berlin 22 Apr 42 Cologne
26 Nov 41 Ostend
docks 24 Apr 42 Rostock
30 Nov 41 Emden 26 Apr 42 Rostock
11 Dec 41 Le
Havre 4 May 42 Stuttgart
15 Dec 41 Ostend
docks 17 May 42 GARDENING, Frisians
17 Dec 41 Brest
docks 19 May 42 Mannheim
23 Dec 41 Brest
docks 21 May 42 GARDENING, Frisians
27 Dec 41 Brest
docks 30 May 42 Cologne
6 Feb 42 Brest
docks 1 June 42 Essen
10 Feb 42 Brest
docks 2 June 42 Essen
12 Feb 42 Warships
at sea, North Sea
This officer has completed 33 trips as
navigator and his work has been extremely accurate throughout. He has taken
part in all the recent heavy raids on the Ruhr and Cologne, as well as the
raids on Lubeck and Rostock, and in the Channel attack on the Scharnhorst
and Gneisenau. His accurate navigation and cheerful manner have
contributed in no small measure to the success of these operations.
*
* * * *
FOWLER, Sergeant (now P/O) Harry Wilfred
(R65840/J14078) - Air Force Medal - No.2 Bombing and Gunnery School -
Award effective 1 January 1943 as per London Gazette of that date and
AFRO 55/43 dated 15 January 1943. Born
in Elgin County, Ontario, 5 October 1914.
Home in St. Thomas. Trained at
Picton and Trenton. NOTE: Press Release
gives unit as No.6 SFTS. Presented with
AFM at Buckingham Palace, 23 February 1943.
Sergeant Fowler is employed as a Staff Pilot
in Bombing Flight. This pilot has flown
600 hours in Battle aircraft. Since
joining the Air Force he has flown 1,300 hours in the air. he has shown himself to be a hard working,
reliable and conscientious pilot, and has displayed exceptional keenness and
devotion to duty.
*
* * * *
FOWLER, F/L Victor Thomas (J18636) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.7 Squadron - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 8 December 1944 and AFRO 337/45 dated 23 February 1945. Born 1920 Camrose, Alta; home there. Ex-Edmonton Fusiliers. Enlisted in Edmonton 19 August 1941. Commissioned 1943. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 5 December
1941), No.5 AOS (graduated 15 March 1942), No.7 BGS (graduated 25 April 1942)
and No.1 ANS (graduated 25 May 1942). No
citation other than "..in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in
the execution of air operations against the enemy." Public Records Office Air 2/8881 has
recommendation dated 19 September 1944 when he had flown 56 sorties (270 hours
ten minutes) in two tours, 23 March 1943 to 15 September 1944. It is difficult to determine where there was
a break in tours (there appear to have been two breaks), but all sorties from
24 February 1944 onwards are with the Pathfinder Force. DFC presented 9 July 1949.
23 Mar 43 GARDENING,
Frisians 22 Mar 44 Frankfurt (5.40)
(4.45) 24
Mar 44 Berlin (6.40)
27 Mar 43 GARDENING,
Frisians 26 Mar 44 Essen (4.15)
(3.40) 15
Jun 44 Lens (2.55)
4 Apr 43 Kiel
(6.15) 16
Jun 44 Renescure (2.15)
8 Apr 43 Duisburg
(3.20) 23 Jun 44 Coubronne (2.55)
10 Apr 43 Frankfurt
(2.50) 24 Jun 44 Middel Straete (2.05)
16 Apr 43 Mannheim
(6.05) 2 July 44 Oisemont (2.45)
24 Jun 43 Wuppertal
(4.25) 6 July 44 Coquereaux (3.10)
2 Aug 43 Hamburg
(5.40) 7 July 44 Caen (3.45)
10 Aug 43 Nuremburg
(7.05) 9 July 44 Nucourt (3.15)
12 Aug 43 Turin
(8.30) 11
Jul 44 Vaires (3.35)
17 Aug 43 Turin
(8.20) 15
Jul 44 Chalons sur Marne
22 Aug 43 Berlin
(7.30) (6.05)
27 Aug 43 Nuremburg
(6.50) 18 Jul 44 Cagny (3.00)
30 Aug 43 Munchen
Gladbach 18 Jul 44 Aulnoye (3.35)
(3.25) 20
Jul 44 Homberg (3.35)
8 Sept 43 Boulogne
(2.05) 30 Jul 44 Villers Bocage (2.35)
15 Sep 43 Mont
Lucon (5.45) 1 Aug 44 Acquet (2.50)
16 Sep 43 Modane
(5.50) 4 Aug 44 Pauillac (7.45)
22 Sep 43 Hanover
(5.45) 5 Aug 44 Blaye (7.50)
23 Sep 43 Mannheim
(6.35) 7 Aug 44 Battle area, Caen
18 Nov 43 Mannheim
(6.20) (2.55)
19 Nov 43 Leverkusen
(4.40) 9 Aug 44 Foret de Mormal (2.35)
10 Aug 44 La
Pallice (5.30)
PATHFINDERS 12 Aug 44 Montrichard (4.35)
14 Aug 44 Fontaine
le Pin (3.00)
24 Feb 44 Schweinfurt
(6.45) 15 Aug 44 Soesterburg (2.45)
25 Feb 44 Augsburg
(7.15) 16 Aug 44 Kiel (5.10)
1 Mar 44 Stuttgart
(7.15) 18 Aug 44 Sterkrade (4.50)
15 Mar 44 Stuttgart
(6.45) 12 Sep 44 Frankfurt (6.00)
18 Mar 44 Frankfurt
(4.40) 15 Sep 44 Kiel (5.00)
This officer has completed 56 operational
sorties of which 21 have been in a Marker crew; 35 of these operations have
been completed on this squadron.
Flight Lieutenant Fowler is a navigator of a
crew which has at all times accredited itself with distinction. This is in no small measure due to this
officer's dogged determination, skill and devotion to duty. He has always shown a magnificent example to
his crew by his complete disregard of danger and by his cheerfulness and
determination. He has gained the
complete confidence of his crew.
He invariably sets his mind on the task in
hand no matter how exacting the conditions, and by his exceptional ability and
disregard of self have [sic] set a high standard to the squadron.
*
* * * *
FOWLOW, F/L Norman Ralph (J15095) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.421 Squadron - Award effective 9 September 1943 as per London
Gazette dated 24 September 1943 and AFRO 2386/43 dated 19 November
1943. Born 9 August 1921 in Hodges Cove
(Trinity Bay), Newfoundland; home Windsor, Nova Scotia. Enlisted in Halifax 22 August 1940. Commissioned 6 December 1941. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 14 December
1940), No.11 EFTS (graduated 28 January 1941) and No.2 SFTS (graduated 4 April
1941). Arrived in UK, May 1941. Further trained at No.55 OTU; posted to
No.131 Squadron, 11 July 1941; to No.611 Squadron, 2 April 1942; to No.131
Squadron (again), 11 April 1942; to No.601 Squadron (Malta), 9 May 1942 (shot
down 18 May 1942, slightly wounded, and rescued by launch); to No.1 RAF Depot,
8 August 1942; to No.403 Squadron, 29 August 1942; to Station Kenley, 23
January 1943; to No.421 Squadron, 5 October 1943 (had been promoted to Squadron
Leader, 13 September 1943); to No.411 Squadron, 10 April 1944. Killed in action, 19 May 1944 while
dive-bombing rail crossing at Hazebrouck, France in Spitfire MK834; in a dive,
hit by flak at 7,000 feet and the 500-pound bomb exploded. Aerial victories: 31 May 1943: one
FW.190 destroyed near Nieuport; 12 June 1943: one Bf.109 destroyed,
Caudebec; 1 July 1943: one Bf.109 destroyed, Headin/St.Pol; 29 July
1943: one Bf.109 destroyed southwest of Amsterdam. Photographs: PL-19229 (walking by wing
of Spitfire); PL-28909 (Fowlow and S/L Jack Sheppard). DFC presented to next-of-kin, 28 February
1946. Photo PL-19229 shows him walking
by Spitfire wing; PL-28909 shows him with S/L Jack Sheppard.
This officer has taken part in a very large
number of sorties and has proved himself to be a skilful and courageous
fighter. He has destroyed four and
shared in the destruction of another enemy aircraft.
*
* * * *
FOWNES, F/L Leo Elton (J22528) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.409 Squadron - Award effective 6 February 1945 as per London
Gazette dated 13 February 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born 9 July 1920 Baddeck, Nova Scotia; home
there (farmer). Enlisted in Halifax, 19
July 1941. Trained at No.1 ITS, No.10
AOS (graduated 10 April 1942), No.6 BGS (graduated 23 May 1942) and No.1 ANS
(graduated 3 July 1942). Commissioned
1942. To No.31 OTU, 23 July 1942. Posted overseas, 11 December 1942;
repatriated 5 June 1945; released 26 August 1945. Award sent by registered mail, 21 December
1950. His pilot, F/O R.I.E. Britten, received the DFC as well. Involved
in the following victories: 25/26 November 1944, one Ju.88 destroyed,
Rheindallen/Krefeld plus one Ju.88 damaged;
27/28 December 1944, two Ju.88Gs destroyed, Kaldenkirchen; 21/22
March 1945, one Bf.110 destroyed, Dhunn; 25/26 March 1945, one Ju.88
destroyed, Dortmund.
Throughout all his missions Flight Lieutenant
Fownes has shown outstanding enthusiasm, technical skill and unfailing devotion
to duty. His fine fighting spirit and
tenacity have set an excellent example to all.
During two night sorties this officer participated in the destruction of
three enemy aircraft and damage to a fourth.
NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9048 has
recommendation dated 1 January 1945 which differs slightly and is quoted here
for comparison:
Flight Lieutenant Fownes is [an] extremely
capable navigator/radio, always willing to fly, no matter how awkward the
conditions nor hazardous the undertaking. His ability to hold a contact through
violent evasive [sic, "evasion" ?] at low altitude recently
led to the destruction of three enemy aircraft and the damaging of a fourth on
two night sorties. His enthusiasm and aggressiveness are an example to all.
Since D Day he has completed 50 night sorties.
*
* * * *
FOX, WO (now P/O) Bernard Allan Marvin
(R163681/J90093) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.614 Squadron - Award
effective 24 November 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO
1/45 dated 5 January 1945. Born 1922,
Saskatchewan; home Cupar, Saskatchewan.
Enlisted Regina 4 May 1942.
Commissioned 1942. Enlisted in
Regina, 4 May 1942. Trained at No.2 ITS
(graduated 10 October 1942), No.5 AOS (graduated 12 March 1943) and No.2 BGS
(graduated 23 December 1942). His DFC
was won in conjunction with that of F/O Bruce W. Prang; mission in question was
on 9 August 1944; four of the crew baled out.
Warrant Officer Fox has completed numerous
sorties against many important and heavily defended targets in enemy and enemy
occupied territory. He has proved
himself to be an efficient, conscientious and resourceful air bomber
contributing considerably to the success of his squadron. While taking part in an attack on Ploesti one
night in August his aircraft was illuminated by searchlights and encountered
anti-aircraft fire. Whilst over the
target on the return journey the aircraft was hit by a heavy burst and fire
broke out. After being assured by the
pilot that the aircraft was under control and although suffering from numerous
injuries caused by shell splinters, Warrant Officer Fox proceeded to extinguish
the fires. Owing to his courage and
determination Warrant Officer Fox enabled his captain to bring his aircraft
safely back to base.
*
* * * *
FOX, F/L Charles William (J6364) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.412 Squadron - Award effective 18 December 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 29 December 1944 and AFRO 379/45 dated 2 March 1945. Born in Guelph, Ontario, 26 February
1920. Home Guelph, Ontario. Decorator.
Enlisted in Hamilton, 16 October 1940.
Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 23 December 1940), No.10 EFTS (graduated
21 February 1941) and No.6 SFTS (graduated 27 July 1941); awarded wings 27 July
1941. Retained in Canada as an
instructor (No.6 SFTS, 21 October 1941 to May 1943). Posted to No.1 OTU, Bagotville, 14 May 1943
and posted overseas 26 August 1943.
arriving 1 September 1943. Posted to
No.57 OTU, 12 October 1943, then to No.412 Squadron (10 January 1944 to 28
January 1945). To No.410 Repair and
Salvage Unit, 28 January 1945; to staff duties, No.126 Wing Headquaters, 28
March 1945. Returned to Canada, 7 August 1945; released 26 September 1945. Served in RCAF Auxiliary from 1 March 1954 to
31 May 1961, chiefly with No.420 Squadron as a pilot and fighter
controller. Credited with the following
aerial victories: 28 June 1944, one FW.190 damaged; 20 August 1944,
one FW.190 damaged; 27 September 1944, two FW.190s destroyed plus two
damaged; 24 December 1944, one FW.190 destroyed; 27 December 1944,
one Bf.109 destroyed; 29 December 1944, one Ju.88 damaged. He flew 320
operational hours and 224 sorties, the last of which was on 28 April 1945. Photo PL-28263 shows him beside cannon of a
Spitfire.
This officer has displayed exceptional courage
and skill in pressing home his attacks against the enemy. These operations have
been particularly directed against mechanical transport in the course of four
consecutive days. Flight Lieutenant Fox
destroyed or damaged at least sixty-four enemy transports and since the
invasion of Normandy has destroyed a total of 127 vehicles. Many of these attacks were completed in the
face of very intense anti-aircraft fire from enemy positions. This record has been a fine example to his
fellow pilots and he has contributed much to the success obtained by his squadron.
FOX, F/L Charles William (J6364) - Bar to
Distinguished Flying Cross - No.412 Squadron - Award effective 19
February 1945 as per London Gazette dated 27 February 1945 and AFRO
625/45 dated 13 April 1945.
Since August 1944 this officer has led his
section against a variety of targets, often in the face of intense
anti-aircraft fire. He has personally
destroyed or damaged twenty-two locomotives and thirty-four enemy vehicles,
bringing his total to 153 vehicles destroyed or damaged. In addition he has destroyed at least a
further three enemy aircraft and damaged two others. In December 1944 Flight Lieutenant Fox led
his squadron on an attack against enemy airfields in the Munster area and
personally destroyed another hostile aircraft, bringing his total to four. Through his quick and accurate reporting a
further four enemy aircraft were destroyed.
Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has
continued to display outstanding skill, coolness and determination.
*
* * * *
FOX, P/O Gardie William (J85607) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.626 Squadron - Award effective 1 September 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 19 September 1944 and AFRO 2373/44 dated 3 November
1944. Born 1920, Vancouver; home
Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Enlisted Regina
17 April 1942. Trained at No.2 ITS
(graduated 10 October 1942), No.2 BGS (graduated 12 January 1943)and No.3 AOS
(graduated 19 February 1943). No
citation other than "completed...many successful operations during which
[he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/9276 has
recommendation dated 10 June 1944 when he had flown 28 sorties (179 hours).
20 Nov 43 Berlin 30 Mar 44 Nuremburg
16 Dec 43 Berlin 11 Apr 44 Aachen
20 Dec 43 Mannheim 20 Apr 44 Cologne
3 Jan 44 Berlin 22 Apr 44 Dusseldorf
20 Jan 44 Berlin 24 Apr 44 Karlsruhe
21 Jan 44 Magdeburg 26 Apr 44 Essen
28 Jan 44 Berlin 6 May 44 Aubigne Ragan
30 Jan 44 Berlin 10 May 44 Dieppe
15 Feb 44 Berlin 19 May 44 Orleans
20 Feb 44 Stuttgart 22 May 44 Dortmund
24 Feb 44 Schweinfurt 24 May 44 Aachen
25 Feb 44 Augsburg 27 May 44 Aachen
15 Mar 44 Stuttgart 31 May 44 Tergnier
24 Mar 44 Berlin 2 June 44 Berneval
Pilot Officer Fox (a Canadian) as Air Bomber
has now successfully completed 28 sorties against the enemy, including attacks
on such heavily defended targets as Stuttgart, Nuremburg, Schweinfurt,
Mannheim, and Berlin, the latter being attacked on eight occasions.
Pilot Officer Fox is a very skilful Air
Bomber, and the results of his bombing supported by night photography have been
outstandingly good. He possesses
coolness and exceptional fearlessness in the face of danger which has inspired
his crew and materially contributed to their very successful tour of operations.
For his courage, skill and determination in
pressing home his attacks and the fine example he has set, I strongly recommend
the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to this officer.
*
* * * *
FOX, F/O George Albert (J35521) - Mention
in Despatches - No.432 Squadron - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1478/45 dated 21 September 1945. Home Toronto.
Enlisted in Toronto 1 September 1942.
Bomb Aimer, trained at No.6 ITS (graduated 15 May 1943), No.1 AOS
(graduated 2 October 1943) and No.1 BGS (graduated 12 November 1943). Unit identified in AFRO only as
"Overseas"; proper unit identified in DHist file 181.009 D.1725 (PAC
RG.24 Box 2067). DHist file 181.009 D.5557 (RG.24 Vol.20668) had recommendation
for a DFC; dated 7 October 1944 when he had flown four sorties (19 hours 20
minutes); recommended with F/O D.B. MacLennan (MiD though put up for DFC),
Sergeant P.E. Palmer (MiD though put up for DFM), Sergeant G.O. Duffy (no
award, though recommended for DFM) and Sergeant William Bentley (RAF -
recommended for DFM, award not known).
The pilot, F/L John Adair Woodward, had flown five sorties (20 hours 15
minutes, 3-27 September 1944); he was wounded on run-up but kept control until
bombs dropped; collapsed and navigator (F/O C.M. Hay) took controls. Woodward revived on trip home and tried to
carry on but was dangerously weakened by loss of blood. From rest compartment
he directed, guided and encouraged crew, setting example of calm courage. He had to be restrained from attempting to
land the aircraft; his worst wound could not be treated by tourniquet. Woodward recommended for DFC but got nothing.
Recommendation for Fox and comrades said:
On the 27th of September, 1944 these officers
and airmen were members of the crew of the aircraft captained by Flight
Lieutenant J.A. Woodward (J9115). They
were detailed to attack Bottrop. Over
the target the captain was mortally wounded by enemy fire, and some instruments
were damaged and two parachutes shot up.
Between them they managed to bring the aircraft back to this country and
although the undercarriage collapsed and the machine caught fire on landing
they escaped uninjured and got the captain out with them. Throughout this ordeal each member of the
crew assisted the others to the utmost extent, unmindful of his own distress
and refusing to take the opportunity of saving their lives by bailing out. It was an outstanding example of crew
co-operation and devotion to their comrade.
For their courageous action in face of enemy
fire, their calmness and devotion to duty under adverse conditions, and for
their dogged determination to assist their comrade they are recommended for the
award of the DFC and DFM respectively. (Immediate).
*
* * * *
FOX, NS Helen Mildred (C7729) - Mention in
Despatches - Skipton-on-Swale - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London
Gazette of that date and AFRO 1478/45 dated 21 September 1945. DHist file 181.009 D.1762 (RG.24 Vol.20609)
has recommendation sent to No.63 Base HQ, 1 February 1945. Home in Calgary. Enlisted in Edmonton, 10
September 1941; served 20 months in Canada, 18 months in UK. Recommended previously on 23 July 1944 but
substance does not vary much from what follows:
Nursing Sister H. Fox has been stationed at
Skipton-on-Swale since the opening of the Station Sick Quarters in February
1944.
Due to her efforts the difficult job of
opening and maintaining a new Sick Quarters went very smoothly. The work and time expended by Nursing Sister
Fox was far in excess of what might be expected from one in her position. Since that time, she has carried out her
duties in an extremely efficient and tireless manner. The efficient operation of the Station Sick
Quarters has largely been due to her efforts.
The interest she has shown in her work and the welfare of all personnel
on this station is exceptional.
*
* * * *
FOX, P/O Keith Charles (J86179) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.419 Squadron - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 12 December 1944 and AFRO 337/45 dated 23 February 1945. Born 1919 Frankford, Ontario; home
Belleville, Ontario. Enlisted Toronto,
14 November 1941. Commissioned
1942. Trained at No.9 BGS (graduated 4
March 1943). No citation other than
"..in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of
air operations against the enemy...numerous operations against the enemy in the
course of which [he] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and
devotion to duty." DHist file
181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 3 September 1944 when
he had flown 26 sorties (230 hours), 4 October 1943 to 5 August 1944.
Pilot Officer Fox has completed a tour of
operations involving 36 sorties by day and night against the enemy. These included many attacks on the main
German targets.
In his capacity as spare Gunner, he flew with
many different crews and, irrespective of the operational experience of the
crew, he invariably displayed great keenness to be included with them.
During his whole tour he displayed great
courage and devotion to duty which I consider merits the non-immediate award of
the Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
FOX, F/O Samuel John (C85210) - Mention in
Despatches - Overseas - Award
effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and
AFRO 1478/45 dated 21 September 1945.
Radar Officer. Home in Oshawa;
enlisted in Hamilton, 12 August 1941.
*
* * * *
FOY, F/O Harold Osborne (J85446) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London
Gazette dated 14 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. Born 1916 in Admaston, Ontario; home
there. Miner and farmer. Enlisted in North Bay, 12 September 1941.
Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 6 June 1942), No.4 EFTS (graduated 1 August
1942) and No.5 SFTS (graduated 20 November 1942). Commissioned 1944. No citation other than
"completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which
[he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.1730 (RG.24 Vol.20607)
has recommendation dated 23 August 1944 when he had flown 35 sorties (181 hours
30 minutes) in tour from 29 September 1943 to 12 August 1944.
Flying Officer Foy during his tour of
operations has successfully attacked targets in Italy, Germany and France. This officer's fine offensive spirit and
dogged determination to press home his attack have been an inspiration to all
personnel with this squadron. On one
occasion on returning with a full bomb load with two engines unserviceable, he
was unable to jettison and only his superior pilotage and airmanship enabled
hi, to successfully land his aircraft.
For Flying Officer Foy's high degree of courage, skilful pilotage and
strong sense of duty, it is strongly recommended that he be awarded the
Distinguished Flying Cross.
*
* * * *
FOY, F/O James Henry (J15609) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.405 Squadron - Award effective 6 August 1943 as per London
Gazette dated 13 August 1943 and AFRO 1849/43 dated 10 September 1943. Born
in Brantford, Ontario, 1922; home in Toronto; enlisted there 24 October
1940. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 23
December 1940), No.12 EFTS (graduated 24 February 1941) and No.1 SFTS (graduated
16 May 1941. Commissioned 1942.
Flying Officer Foy, now on his second tour of
operational duties, has participated in a large number of operational sorties
including the one thousand bomber raid on Cologne, the Ruhr and Bremen. On two occasions he successfully flew his
aircraft home on one engine. On
completion of his first operational tour this officer served for some time as a
pilot instructor. His operational record
as deputy flight commander has been of the highest order.
FOY, F/L James Henry, DFC (J15609) - Mention
in Despatches - No.405 Squadron (since loaned to TCA) - Award effective 1
January 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 337/45 dated 23
February 1945.
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FOYSTON, F/O Frank Stanley (J8166) - Distinguished
Flying Cross - No.252 Squadron - Award effective 23 July 1943 as per London
Gazette dated 17 August 1943 and AFRO 2005/43 dated 1 October 1943. Born Rossart, Saskatchewan, 1920; home in
Invermere, British Columbia. Enlisted in
Vancouver, 6 February 1941. Trained at
No.2 ITS (graduated 23 May 1941), No.5 EFTS (graduated 14 July 1941) and No.3
SFTS (graduated 17 October 1941).
Commissioned October 1941.
This officer has taken part in several sorties
during which he has attacked shipping and other enemy targets with
success. By his fine fighting qualities,
keenness and devotion to duty, Flying Officer Foyston has set a most
praiseworthy example.
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