KABBASH, F/O Alexander David (J26354) - Distinguished Flying Cross

KAGNA, F/L Leon Irving (J16847) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.428 Squadron - Award effective 10 May 1945 as per London Gazette dated 22 May 1945 and AFRO 1147/45 dated 13 July 1945. Born 26 December 1922 at Lamont, Alberta; home in Edmonton or Winnipeg (shipper); enlisted in Edmonton, 8 May 1941. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 15 August 1941), No.6 EFTS (graduated 10 October 1941) and No.4 SFTS (graduated 2 January 1942). Posted overseas in January 1942. Commissioned 13 February 1943. Repatriated to Canada 28 February 1945; released 23 June 1945. 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.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 20 January 1945 when he had flown 32 sorties (195 hours five minutes), 28 July 1944 to 14 January 1945.

As captain of aircraft Flight Lieutenant Kagna has displayed exceptional leadership, courage and determination. He has shown great keenness and desire to press home his attack despite all opposition and his ability to make instant decisions in emergencies, skilful pilotage and cool judgement led to the completion of a highly successful tour of operations.

As Deputy Flight Commander his co-operation, loyalty and administrative ability have contributed to a major degree in the operational efficiency of the unit.

For his all-round ability and devotion to duty, I recommend the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

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KAISER, F/L John William (J27998) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.90 Squadron - Award effective 5 April 1945 as per London Gazette dated 13 April 1945 and AFRO 824/45 dated 18 May 1945. Born 1924 at Harris, Saskatchewan; home there (student); enlisted in Saskatoon, 3 September 1942. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 19 December 1942), No.19 EFTS (graduated 19 March 1943) and No.10 SFTS (graduated 9 July 1943). Commissioned July 1943. Served in postwar RCAF (33261). 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 2/9089 has recommendation dated 15 January 1945 when he had flown 30 sorties (145 hours 16 minutes), 3 October 1944 to 15 January 1945. Sortie list identical to those of F/O Howard J. Keon; evidently in same crew.

* denotes daylight sortie

3 Oct 44 West Kapelle (2.12)* 2 Dec 44 Dortmund (3.58)*

5 Oct 44 Saarbrucken (5.17) 4 Dec 44 Oberhausen (4.08)*

7 Oct 44 Kleve (3.42)* 5 Dec 44 Schwammenauel Dam

14 Oct 44 Duisburg (4.43)* (4.23)*

14 Oct 44 Duisburg (4.40) 6 Dec 44 Merseburg (7.10)

19 Oct 44 Stuttgart (5.56) 8 Dec 44 Duisburg (4.08)*

22 Oct 44 Neuss (4.26)* 12 Dec 44 Witten (4.52)*

23 Oct 44 Essen (4.50) 15 Dec 44 Siegen (2.55 hours

25 Oct 44 Essen (4.17)* by day)*

28 Oct 44 Cologne (4.23)* 29 Dec 44 Koblenz/Lutzell (4.36)*

30 Oct 44 Wesseling (4.09)* 30 Dec 44 North Frisians (4.00)

31 Oct 44 Cologne (4.19) 1 Jan 45 Vohwinkel (5.49)*

11 Nov 44 Castrop Rauxel (4.54)* 2 Jan 45 Nuremburg (7.01)*

20 Nov 44 Homberg (4.41)* 5 Jan 45 Ludwigshaven (5.50)*

28 Nov 44 Neuss (4.55)* 6 Jan 45 Neuss (4.20)*

30 Nov 44 Bottrop (3.48)* 13 Jan 45 Saarbrucken (6.22)*

15 Jan 45 Erkenschwick (4.30)*

This officer's determination to attack his objectives under all circumstances has been exceptional. On at least two occasions he has, in spite of an engine failure on the route to the target, carried on to deliver his attack on heavily defended localities. His refreshingly aggressive spirit and his disregard for enemy opposition have earned for him a high reputation. Although willing to accept risks in his attempts to carry out accurate bombing attacks, and although willing to subject his crew to the same dangers, he has, nevertheless, displayed a standard of pilotage and airmanship, and has shown a keen sense of his responsibilities towards his crew, which have earned their entire respect and backing. Flight Lieutenant Kaiser is a fine operational pilot.

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KALLAL, F/O Joseph Thomas (J28482) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.425 Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 16 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born 1913 in Edmonton; home in Tofield, Alberta (farm labourer); enlisted Edmonton, 25 March 1942. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 1 August 1942) and No.9 AOS (graduated 23 July 1943). Commissioned 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.1730 (PAC RG.24 Vol.20607) has recommendation dated 13 October 1944 when he had flown 34 sorties (156 hours five minutes):

An outstanding navigator of a Halifax bomber and of exceptional ability, Flying Officer Kallal has recently completed a tour of operations over enemy territory. His crew have bombed successfully such heavily defended targets as Hamburg, Kiel, Castrop-Rauxel, Wanne Eickel, Bottrop, Sterkrade and Dortmund.

Flying Officer Kallal has acted in fact, if not officially, as captain of his aircraft throughout his operational tour, and his capable leadership has inspired his crew with confidence. His skill, courage and constant determination to attack with absolute precision have set a fine example to the squadron and his efficiency as a navigator on more than one occasion has been responsible for saving the lives of the crew.

This officer has shown dogged determination and keenness at all times. His outstanding gallantry is worthy of high praise.

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KALLE, P/O Robert Alexander (J19881) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.420 Squadron - Award effective 21 July 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 2052/44 dated 22 September 1944. Born 12 November 1921 in Windsor, Ontario; home there; enlisted there 1 December 1941. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 3 July 1942), No.4 EFTS (graduated 17 August 1942) and No.9 SFTS (graduated 6 April 1943). Posted overseas in April; commissioned 10 January 1944; repatriated 14 Noveber 1944; released 22 October 1945.

This officer was the pilot of an aircraft detailed to attack a target at Bourg-Leopold one night in May 1944. When approaching the target the aircraft was struck by machine gun fire from an enemy fighter. The starboard engine was set on fire, the hydraulic and electrical systems were damaged, whilst a large hole was torn in the starboard main plane. In spite of this, Pilot Officer Kalle out-manoeuvred the attacker which was afterwards shot down by the rear gunner. Pilot Officer Kalle then went on to bomb his objective and afterwards flew the damaged aircraft to base. This officer has completed many sorties and has set a fine example of skill and courage.

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KALLIO, F/L Oliver Charles (J6494) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.33 Squadron - Award effective 2 January 1943 as per Canada Gazette dated 5 January 1943 and AFRO 232/43 dated 12 February 1943. American in the RCAF; born in Ironwood, Michigan; home there; Served in US Army and US Army Air Corps; enlisted Fort William, 17 June 1940. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 14 March 1941), No.7 EFTS (graduated 4 May 1941), and No.1 SFTS (graduated 30 July 1941). Commissioned 1941. Photos PL-18491 and PL-27743 show him.

In October 1942, this officer led a formation against a force of enemy dive bombers protected by a strong escort of fighters. The attack was so skilfully executed that the enemy bombers were compelled to jettison their bombs on their own lines. A few days later, in a similar sortie, a superior formation of enemy bombers was forced to release its bombs prematurely. Throughout the engagement Flight Lieutenant Kallio, who destroyed a Junkers 88, displayed fine leadership. He has at all times set an inspiring example.

KALLIO, S/L Oliver Charles, DFC (J6494) - Distinguished Service Order - No.417 Squadron - Award effective 13 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 23 January 1945 and AFRO 471/45 dated 16 March 1945.

Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Squadron Leader Kallio has flown on operations against the enemy with consistent success and gallantry. He has commanded a flight and two squadrons during his operational career, at all times showing fine qualities of leadership and judgement. Under his command his present squadron has produced excellent results. He has personally destroyed two enemy aircraft and damaged or destroyed much enemy road and rail transport.

NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9043 has recommendation by G/C H.S.L. Dundas (Officer Commanding No.244 Wing, Desert Air Force) dated 20 November 1944. He was described as having flown a total of 1,007 hours of which 447 were operational and 132 has been in previous six months. His sorties totalled 398, and since the award of the DFC he was stated as having flown 98 sorties (345 operational hours).

Squadron Leader Kallio has flown 340 operational hours with Desert Air Force since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. During this period he has flown with consistent success and gallantry as a leader, and has commanded a Flight and two Squadrons in the field.

On 15th September 1943 he took command of a Flight in No.601 Squadron, and between that time and 23rd November, when he was posted to command No.145 Squadron, he flew 33 operational sorties, destroying one enemy aircraft and damaging a further six on the ground, destroying two locomotives and damaging three, destroying five freight cars and 37 mechanical enemy transport, with a further ten and twelve of each damaged.

While commanding No.145 Squadron in the winter 1943-1944 he introduced this squadron to ground attack and flew a great many sorties as leader, showing fine qualities of leadership and judgement combined with dash and gallantry; his personal example was high inspiration to all pilots serving under him, and was in great part responsible for the excellent results achieved by his unit. Squadron Leader Kallio also destroyed one enemy aircraft and damaged one while flying with No.145 Squadron.

In June 1944, Squadron Leader Kallio took command of No.417 Squadron, RCAF, and it was at this time that the squadrons converted to fighter-bomber work. Once again he set a magnificent example, and his squadron has produced consistently successful results under his leadership.

Both in tactical and close support work, Squadron Leader Kallio has invariably pressed home his attacks with great skill and courage, very often in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. For his high courage and excellent leadership in action against the enemy, I strongly recommend Squadron Leader Kallio for the award of the Distinguished Service Order.

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KALYNIUK, F/O Alexander (C19796) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.433 Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 16 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born in Cobalt, Ontario, 29 July 1919; home in Timmins; enlisted Hamilton, 15 April 1941 as aero engine mechanic. Trained at Technical Training School, St.Thomas; posted overseas in rank of AC1, 24 October 1941. Remustered to aircrew (Flight Engineer) and promoted Sergeant, 19 October 1942 Commissioned 18 December 1943. Repatriated to Canada, 23 March 1945; released 7 June 1945. 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.2609 (RG.24 Vol.20627) has recommendation dated 20 October 1944 when he had flown 28 sorties (213 hours five minutes), 31 October 1942 to 27 September 1944. This is a very odd tour; he appears to have flown on three anti-submarine patrols (31 October 1942 to 20 March 1943), then have been on sporadic bombing duties (6 April 1943 onwards) with many long gaps between missions. Was he a spare Flight Engineer ?

This officer has now completed a tour of operations comprising twenty-eight trips over enemy territory including such heavily defended targets as Berlin (3), Hamburg (4), Frankfurt and Nuremburg.

The courage, skill and determination in action displayed at all times by Flying Officer Kalyniuk have been a great inspiration to his crew, and his coolness and devotion to duty have contributed in a large measure to the success of his many operational flights.

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KAMINSKI, F/O John Sigismund (J38189) - Mention in Despatches - No.435 Squadron (AFRO gives unit only as "Overseas" - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 418/46 dated 18 April 1946. Born 19 August 1917. Home in Hamilton, Ontario; enlisted there 14 July 1941 as a Clerk, serving at No.6 SFTS from 30 August 1941 until he remustered to aircrew in January 1943. Trained at No.6 ITS (graduated 2 April 1943), No.6 BGS (graduated 25 June 1943) and No.10 AOS (graduated and commissioned 12 November 1943). Posted for further training to No.1 GRS on 26 November 1943 and to No.31 OTU on 28 January 1944. Posted overseas in May 1944; repatriated 2 June 1946. Remained in postwar RCAF (22911), first as an NCO Clerk but commissioned 25 May 1952 in the Administration Branch. Released 23 May 1959. The microfilmed card at DHH shows only one Christian name, that of Sigismund. DHist file 181.009 D.1769 (RG.24 Vol.20610) has recommendation dated 9 June 1945 when he had flown 461 hours 55 minutes on operations (142 supply missions).

J38189, Flying Officer John Sigismund Kaminski, has displayed outstanding ability throughout many transport support operations flown with this squadron. His keenness and devotion to duty have been an inspiration to his fellow navigators. During the formative period of the squadron he gave invaluable assistance in laying down the training program.

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KANAS, P/O Paul Constantine (J89206) - Distinguished Flying Cross -No.102 Squadron - Award effective 15 March 1945 as per London Gazette dated 27 March 1945 and AFRO 1127/45 dated 6 July 1945. Born 1923 in Toronto; home there (manager); enlisted there 12 November 1942. Trained at No.9 BGS (graduated 17 September 1943). Commissioned September 1944. 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 13 December 1944 when he had flown 33 sorties (153 hours 15 minutes), 19 Gainer to 2 December 1944.

19 Jun 44 Domleger (1.10), 9 Aug 44 Foret be Mormal (3.20)

recalled 25 Aug 44 Wemars Cappen (3.10)

4 July 44 Domleger (4.00), 27 Aug 44 Homberg (4.10), hit

DNCO, hit by heavy by heavy flak

flak 31 Aug 44 Lumbres (3.45)

6 July 44 Marquise (3.55) 10 Sep 44 Le Havre (4.10)

10 Jul 44 GARDENING, Lorient 12 Sep 44 Munster (4.30)

(5.10) 14 Sep 44 Wilhelmshaven (2.40),

12 Jul 44 Les Hauts Buissons recalled

(3.50) 15 Sep 44 GARDENING, Kiel Canal

17 Jul 44 Bois de la Haie (4.50), credited with

(3.50) mining a ship.

18 Jul 44 GARDENING, Heligoland 20 Sep 44 Calais (3.45)

(4.00) 6 Oct 44 Scholven-Buer (4.25)

20 Jul 44 Ardouval (3.40), 7 Oct 44 Cleve (4.05)

DNCO, electrical 14 Oct 44 Duisburg (5.05)

storms over target. 27 Oct 44 Cologne (4.50)

25 Jul 44 Wanne Eickel (5.00), 30 Oct 44 Cologne (5.50)

damaged by heavy flak 4 Nov 44 Bochum (4.40)

1 Aug 44 Nouvelles en Chaussee 11 Nov 44 GARDENING, Kattegat

(3.45) (6.15)

3 Aug 44 Bois de Casson (4.20) 16 Nov 44 Julich (4.25)

5 Aug 44 Foret de Nieppe 21 Nov 44 GARDENING, Oslo (7.00)

(3.40) 29 Nov 44 Essen (5.40)

6 Aug 44 Foret de Nieppe 30 Nov 44 Duisburg (5.50)

(3.10) 2 Dec 44 Hagen (6.10)

7 Aug 44 GARDENING, Brest

(5.00)

Pilot Officer Kanas has completed a tour of operations consisting of 33 attacks, 17 of which were against heavily defended German targets.

Throughout his tour of operations, Pilot Officer Kanas has shown great keenness and enthusiasm for his work as a gunner. This officer's record shows him to be a reliable and efficient air gunner and an example to his section. Pilot Officer Kanas has played a part in making his crew's tour a successful one on which they obtained over 90 percent aiming point photographs.

I consider that Pilot Officer Kanas's fine operational record fully merits the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

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KANE, F/L Russel George (J38070) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.420 Squadron - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London Gazette dated 21 September 1945 and AFRO 1704/45 dated 9 November 1945. Born in Vancouver, 1923; home in Sherbrooke, Quebec (farmer); enlisted Calgary, 12 February 1942. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 29 May 1943), No.4 EFTS (graduated 24 July 1943) and No.8 SFTS (graduated 24 November 1943). Commissioned November 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.1746 (PAC RG.24 Vol.20608) has recommendation dated 19 April 1945, at which time he had flown 21 sorties (134 hours); recommendation said:

This pilot has been outstanding as captain and leader of his crew. On all operations his perseverance and determination have been an example to all crews on the squadron. Flight Lieutenant Kane has carried out some extremely hazardous sorties including Hamburg, Dortmund, Essen and Gladbach. In an attack on Dortmund he was hit several times by flak, and his aircraft became very unmanageable and lost height. He regained control and pressed home his attack, despite concentrated flak and searchlights.

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KANELAKOS, FS (now F/O) James (R135713/J18792) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.7 Squadron (now POW) - Award effective 26 September 1943 as per London Gazette dated 10 April 1945 and AFRO 802/45 dated 11 May 1945. Born 1915, Smiths Falls, Ontario. Home in Perth or Smith Falls, Ontario. Served in Royal Canadian Artillery, 1931-33; enlisted Ottawa, 17 October 1941. Trained at No.6 ITS (graduated 8 May 1942) and No.6 BGS (graduated 22 June 1942). Commissioned 1943. Shot down (POW), 27/28 September 1943. Newsclipping in DHist biographical file describes this event. Near Hanover they were attacked on the beam by a German fighter which virtually chopped off the tail turret and set aircraft on fire. He was wounded in leg and stomach and his turret jammed. A second attack wounded him again, and then the aircraft fell apart in mid-air. His parachute was only partly clipped on and cut him when it opened. He recovered consciousness in a field and was picked up by Germans who took him to a Luftwaffe hospital where he was visited by the pilot who shot him down. Finally held at Sagan (long recovering). Late in war was marched eight days from Sagan to Luchenwald (30 miles from Berlin) in conditions of great hardship. Liberated by Russians who he described as "wild and woolly but they're great guys." Died in Perth, 8 December 2000.

This airman has completed a large number of operational sorties. Both in the air and on the ground he has displayed great keenness and devotion to duty. On a recent operation Flight Sergeant Kanelakos shared with the rear gunner in the destruction of an enemy night fighter whilst over the target area. An excellent air gunner with a fine fighting spirit, he has spared no effort to improve his technique.

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KANNIGIERESER, FS Gardin Barnheath (R117224) - Mention in Despatches - Station Sydney - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 82/46 dated 25 January 1946. Born and raised in Pembroke district. Home in North Bay, Ontario from 1938 onwards (CPR brakeman); enlisted there 4 August 1941. Joined Canadian Army in June 1940. Enlisted in North Bay, 4 August 1941. Wireless radio operator; stationed in Newfoundland for two years. Discharged November 1945 and returned to CPR. Name might be "Gordon".

This non-commissioned officer has shown outstanding devotion to duty under very trying working and living conditions. His spirit of cheerfulness and willingness to undertake the most difficult tasks, under adverse conditions, while in isolation, has been an inspiration to men working under him, resulting in a high standard of efficiency being maintained at his unit.

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KAPLANSKY, F/L Bertram Morris (J16510) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.431 Squadron - Award effective 5 June 1945 per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1147/45 dated 13 July 1945. Born 1919, Hamilton, Ontario. Served briefly in Royal Canadian Artillery; enlisted Hamilton, 29 January 1941. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 15 July 1941), No.7 EFTS (graduated 1 September 1941) and No.16 SFTS (graduated 5 December 1941). Commissioned 1942.

This officer has displayed a high standard of devotion to duty throughout his operational career. He has taken part in very many sorties during which he has attacked such targets as Mannheim, Essen, Stuttgart and Dortmund. The successes obtained are a fine tribute to this pilot's great skill, courage and tenacity.

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KARLEFF, F/O Jack Vaughan (J17797) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.426 Squadron - Award effective 15 March 1945 as per London Gazette dated 27 March 1945 and AFRO 1085/45 dated 29 June 1945. Born 1923 in Toronto; home there (clerk); enlisted in Toronto, 10 December 1940. Trained at No.1 WS (graduated 25 April 1941) and No.1 BGS (graduated 11 October 1941). Commissioned May 1943. Air Bomber to W/C C.W. Burgess. Posted from No.426 Squadron to "R" Depot, 2 January 1945. Flew two tours.

Flying Officer Karleff has taken part in many operational sorties, many of which have been against such heavily defended targets as Stuttgart, Cologne and Dusseldorf. On one occasion his aircraft was so badly damaged that he was forced down out to the sea. Another time he was obliged to leave his bomber by parachute. Undaunted by these harassing experiences, Flying Officer Karleff has continued to display keenness and efficiency in the performance of his duties. He has throughout his tour set a sterling example of courage and determination.

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KASSIE, Corporal Ernest Harold (R154429) - British Empire Medal - No.59 Squadron - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1219/45 dated 27 July 1945. Born in Winnipeg, 15 May 1918. Store clerk for eight years. Enlisted in Montreal, 9 January 1942. Overseas on 4 May 1943. Died in Ottawa, 20 April 1994.

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KATRICHAK, P/O Joseph (J94427) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.429 Squadron - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London Gazette dated 25 September 1945 and AFRO 1768/45 dated 23 November 1945. Born 1913, Michel, British Columbia; home there (miner); enlisted Calgary, 13 July 1942. Trained at No.4 ITS and No.7 AOS. Commissioned February 1945. 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 dated 18 April 1945 when he was a Warrant Officer (R178198) and had flown 27 sorties (183 hours 25 minutes), 1 November 1944 to 16 April 1945.

Warrant Officer Katrichak has taken part in twenty-seven operational sorties, six of them to heavily defended mining area. He has, by his skilful and accurate navigation, proved himself to be an extremely valuable member of aircraft crew. At all times this Warrant Officer has carried out his allotted tasks diligently and cheerfully. His exceptionally good work in the air has contributed materially to the successful completion of all missions undertaken by the crew of which he is a member.

It is considered that his skill as a navigator, devotion to duty and exemplary record fully merit the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

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KAUFFELDT, F/O Lawrence Melville Charles (J46840) - Air Force Cross - Station Torbay - Award effective 1 December 1945 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 183/46 dated 22 February 1946. Enlisted in Ottawa, 12 February 1941. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 9 June 1941), No.4 AOS (graduated 28 September 1941), No.1 BGS (graduated 8 November 1941) and No.2 ANS (graduated 10 December 1941). Medal sent by registered mail, 13 November 1949 when he was living in Arnprior, Ontario. As of award had flown 1,390 hours (796 operational hours, 105 sorties). DHist file 181.009 D.3691 (RG.24 Vol.20640) has recommendation dated 31 July 1945 by W/C Brooker, OC No.1 Composite Flight. Navigator to F/L Hoshowsky. In June 1998 Gatewest Coin and Militaria (Winnipeg) were selling his medals for $ 2,200.

In the middle of the night of the 1st-2nd May, 1945, in Newfoundland, a pilot and crew were requested to fly penicillin to Buchan's, Newfoundland, where a child was dying. The weather at base was so poor that it was necessary to ask for volunteers. Flying Officer Kauffeldt volunteered as navigator of the crew and, fully aware of the risk involved, they took off in almost zero-zero conditions. After encountering severe icing conditions, which rendered the radio almost useless, and making several attempts to break through the cloud at 200 feet, the penicillin was successfully dropped. This officer shown great skill as a navigator contributed to the success of the mission which saved the child's life.

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KAUFMAN, FS Henri Karl (R164464) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.434 Squadron - Award effective 3 November 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born 1921, Secanj, Yugoslavia; home in Cottam, Ontario. Served in Essex Regiment; enlisted Windsor, Ontario, 4 August 1942. Trained at No.2 WS (graduated 8 February 1942) and No.4 BGS (graduated 4 October 1942). In F/O J. Wagman's crew. Medal presented 29 May 1947.

As wireless operator (air), this airman has taken part in several sorties. One night in August 1944, he participated in an attack on Kiel. While over the target the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and sustained severe damage. Nevertheless the target was successfully attacked. While over the North Sea on the return flight the pilot was compelled to bring the seriously damaged aircraft down on to the sea. Flight Sergeant Kaufman remained at his post until the last moment and sent out distress signals, which resulted in the entire crew being quickly located and rescued. His coolness and efficiency in the face of a trying situation were most commendable.

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KAY, P/O Francis Albert (J15337) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.407 Squadron - Award effective 30 May 1942 as per London Gazette dated 16 June 1942 and AFRO 880-881/42 dated 12 June 1942. Born in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, 1916; home in Montreal; enlisted there 20 September 1940. Trained at No.2 ITS and No.10 EFTS. Graduated from No.5 SFTS, Brantford, 20 March 1941. Cited with S/L Ralph MacLaren Christie, DSO. Medal presented 29 November 1947.

On the 15th May 1942, Flight Lieutenant Christie and Pilot Officer Kay each led a force of bombers in an attack on an enemy convoy including armed ships and destroyers off the Dutch coast. The escorting vessels also carried balloons and the attack which was delivered in the fading light was pressed home in the face of a barrage of the utmost intensity. Pilot Officer Kay, who was first to attack, received wounds on the fingers when shrapnel tore through the floor in front of him. Despite this he flew in firing his guns and bombs were released on a ship almost at deck level. Flight Lieutenant Christie followed in and releasing his bombs from mast height scored hits on a large ship. Both aircraft were damaged and that of Flight Lieutenant Christie was hit in wings, fuselage and tail causing damage which made the aircraft exceedingly difficult to control. Pilot Officer Kay's aircraft was hit in both engines while he himself received a further wound in the arm. Despite extreme difficulties both Flight Lieutenant Christie and Pilot Officer Kay flew their damaged aircraft back to this country and made a skilful crash landing. Throughout both these officers displayed skill and daring of a high degree.

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KAYE, S/L Thomas Chisholm, DFC (C89538) - Air Force Cross - No.1666 Conversion Unit (now No.2 ACU) - Award effective 7 September 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1647/45 dated 26 October 1945. Born in Winnipeg, 1916; home in Manitoba. Educated at Lord Roberts High School and Kelvin Technical High School, Winnipeg. Served in Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, 1935, before enlisting in Royal Air Force, 1939. Began as a fitter, servicing Hampdens; re-mustered to pilot, 1940 and trained at Carberry, Manitoba; returned to a British OTU where he was flying Hampdens; awarded DFC as a Pilot Officer, No.408 Squadron (London Gazette, 14 May 1943). Also Mentioned in Despatches. Transferred to RCAF in London, 9 January 1945. Remained in postwar RCAF, serving in Search and Rescue (western Canada), No.408 Squadron, inspector and investigator with Directorate of Flight Safety, and at Portage la Prairie. Early RAF awards presented 23 November 1943; AFC presented by Governor General at Government House, 14 November 1950.

Since completing a tour of operational duty, Squadron Leader Kaye has flown more than 500 hours as an instructor on Halifax and Lancaster aircraft. He has displayed fine leadership as a flight commander and has contributed in a large measure to the success of the unit. One afternoon in September 1943, whilst engaged on an instrument flight, the port outer engine of his aircraft failed and half fell out of the wing. Due to the position of the engine, it could not be feathered. Squadron Leader Kaye was therefore compelled to reduce power on the starboard engines to prevent the aircraft from diving to the ground. Much height was lost and, realizing that he could not reach an airfield, this officer ordered his crew to crash positions. He effected a skilful landing in a field without any of the crew members sustaining serious injury. On another occasion, when instructing on a Halifax II, two engines of the aircraft failed. Though the aircraft was losing height rapidly, this officer succeeded in returning to base and executed a masterly landing without further damage. His example and fine record have been an inspiration to all.

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KAZAKOFF, F/L Mike (J20402) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.406 Squadron - Award effective 8 August 1945 as per London Gazette dated 17 August 1945 and AFRO 1507/45 dated 28 September 1945. Home in Wadena, Saskatchewan; enlisted there 27 November 1941. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 3 July 1942) and No.2 AOS (graduated 23 October 1942). Photo PL-28854 shows him. DFC presented 14 February 1948.

This officer has completed a tour of operational duty. In May 1944, during an enemy attack on Plymouth, he shared in the destruction of at least two enemy aircraft. Since then he has participated in sorties to such distant and heavily defended targets as Berlin and Stavanger, Norway. A navigator of exceptional skill, Flight Lieutenant Kazakoff has at all times displayed great courage, determination and devotion to duty.

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