Honors & Awards

A - E (28)

ALGER, F/L Clifford Tompkins (J87340) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 125) - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London Gazette dated 21 September 1945 and AFRO 1704/45 dated 9 November 1945. Born in 1922 at North Bay, Ontario; home there. Former electrician, enlisted in Ottawa 30 June 1942. Trained at No.6 ITS (graduated 5 December 1942), No.20 EFTS (graduated 20 February 1943) and No.2 SFTS (graduated 25 June 1943). Medal presented 20 August 1949. 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.9 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 17 April 1945 when he had completed 32 sorties (219 hours 30 minutes), 6 September 1944 to 24 March 1945. Sortie sheet indicates attack by ME.410 on 9 October 1944 (Bochum), "lots of jet planes" on 23 October (Essen), "fighters and flak" on 28 January 1945 (Stuttgart), "lots of fighters" on 7 March 1945 (Dessau), and "lots of fighters and search lights" on 15 March 1945 (Hagen).

Flight Lieutenant Alger has completed his first operational tour against the enemy. Among the targets attacked were many heavily defended German cities including Essen, Cologne, Munich and Stuttgart. On one occasion, in order to carry out a successful attack on Stuttgart he made three orbits before releasing his bombs. In this instance and at all other times throughout his tour, he displayed courage of [a] very high order and a fine offensive spirit by pressing home the attacks.

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AMIES, F/S R.J. / MiD 01 Jan. 45

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ANDERSON, P/O Willard Leslie (J92447) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 134) - Award effective 5 July 1945 as per London Gazette dated 20 July 1945 and AFRO 1619/45 dated 19 October 1945. Born 1916 at Southey, Saskatchewan; home there. Farmer and lumberman, enlisted in Galt, Ontario, 25 August 1942. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 28 May 1943) and No.2 AOS (graduated 26 November 1943). Commissioned November 1944. Medal sent by registered mail 7 June 1950. 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 card says he was navigator to F/L V.L. Barr's crew - 35 trips (137 points). DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 24 March 1945 when he had flown 35 sorties (254 hours 21 minutes), 23 October 1944 to 12 March 1945. Photo PL-43604 is a post-mission interrogation; F/L James Vipond and P/O W.L. Anderson debrief F/O Cliff Shaw.

Pilot Officer Anderson is an accurate and determined navigator who has operated against the enemy with consistent success. At all times throughout his tour of operations he has maintained a high standard of skill and cool courage, often in the face of strong enemy opposition. He has consistently displayed a high standard of efficiency, keenness and devotion to duty....

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B

BANNISTER, F/O Roland. / DFC 13 Apr. 1945 (crew 3)

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BARBER, FS Cyril Abram (R191683) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.434 Squadron (crew 136) - Award effective 5 February 1945 as per London Gazette dated 16 February 1945 and AFRO 625/45 dated 13 April 1945. Home in Woodstock, Ontario; enlisted 15 September 1942. Trained at No.4 ITS, No.8 BGS (graduated 15 October 1943) and No.2 AOS (graduated 26 November 1943). Recommended when he had flown four sorties (18 hours 45 minutes), 23 October to 1 November 1944. In crew of WO C.Ferris. Incident was on 1 November 1944. Invested with medal 15 April 1948.

In November 1944, during an attack on Oberhausen, Flight Sergeant Barber's aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire while approaching the target area. The wireless operator was killed. The navigator and engineer were slightly injured and Flight Sergeant Barber was severely wounded in the head. Despite his injuries he pressed home the attack with great tenacity and bombed the target successfully with damaged equipment. Flight Sergeant Barber has consistently displayed skill, devotion to duty and gallantry of a high order.

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BARR, F/L V.L. / DFC 17 July 45 (crew 134)

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Bartlett, W/C C.S. / DFC Bar to DFC 25 July 1944, (crew 76) 

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BIGELOW, F/O W.J. / DFC 22 May 45, (crew 96)

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BILLINGSLEY, F/O Harry George (J22744) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 81) - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London Gazette dated 8 December 1944 and AFRO 337/45 dated 23 February 1945. Born 1923 in Seattle, Washington; home in Vancouver (stenographer); enlisted there 16 October 1941. Trained at No.7 ITS, No.2 EFTS, No.1 BGS (graduated 27 December 1942) and No.9 AOS (graduated 22 January 1943). Commissioned 1943. Award presented 29 January 1947. Navigator in crew of F/L W.G. Wright. 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.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has undated recommendation; as of this he had flown 40 sorties (199 hours 50 minutes), 15 March to 27 August 1944. Notable sorties had been 27 April 1944 (Montsen, five hours 15 minutes, Ju.88 destroyed), 11 May 1944 (Boulogne, one hour 30 minutes, incomplete when starboard outer went unserviceable and port inner caught fire) and 27 June 1944 (Wisernes, three hours 25 minutes, attacked by FW.190).

This officer, a navigator, has completed 40 sorties against the enemy and by his skilful direction, has navigated his aircraft on many distant minelaying operations and such other targets as Amiens, Montzen, St.Nazaire and Brest. An outstanding member of air crew, he has contributed to the high morale of his fellow navigators. Inspiring confidence in his crew, he was largely responsible for vicious and telling blows against the enemy. In recognition of Flying Officer Billingsley's cool, calm devotion to duty and his undaunted bravery, I strongly recommend that he be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

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BLACKBURN, W/C Arthur Paul (C846) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 124 /) - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 16 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born 1916 in Aylsford, Nova Scotia; home in New Glasgow (ex-COTC at St.Francis Xavier University); enlisted Halifax, 4 July 1938. Commissioned 1938. Received wings at Trenton, 17 June 1939. Award presented 1 April 1949. 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 2/9038 has recommendation dated 26 October 1944. No details of first tour; credited with 15 sorties (73 hours ten minutes) on second tour.

14 July 44 Leipzig (6.40)                   18 Aug 44 Bremen (5.40)

15 July 44 Diversion (4.20)                 25 Aug 44 Calais (4.10))

17 July 44 Caen (4.35)                      27 Aug 44 Sterkrade-Duisburg (5.20)

18 July 44 Weseling (6.10)                10 Sep 44 Le Havre (4.25)

23 July 44 Donges (5.45)                   12 Sep 44 Le Havre (4.25)

24 July 44 L'Hey (3.40)                      12 Sep 44 Dortmund (5.05, by flak)

1 Aug 44 Acquet (4.05)                     14 Sep 44 Duisburg (6.05)

3 Aug 44 Foret de Nieppe                  18 Sep 44 Domburgh(3.45)                                                             

16 Aug 44 Kiel (5.35)                                

Since this officer's enlistment in the Royal Canadian Air Force early in 1939 he has distinguished himself as a forceful and courageous leader. His operational efficiency during the tour of operations with Coastal Command and his work as an instructor at an Air Navigation School has brought him the praise of all his Senior Officers and the men who have worked with him.

Since joining the bomber squadron, Wing Commander Blackburn has proven himself a highly skilful and courageous captain whose fine example and untiring work both in the air and on the ground has led his squadron to an outstanding high standard of operational efficiency.

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BRADY, F/L C.S. / DFC 22 May 45, (spare) 

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BRAY, P/O John Reynolds (J86281) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 74) - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London Gazette dated 17 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. Home in Ottawa; enlisted there 20 November 1940. Trained at No.5 ITS (graduated 15 August 1942), No.13 EFTS (graduated 30 April 1943) and No.5 BGS (graduated 11 June 1943). Award presented 28 February 1946. 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.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation dated 2 August 1944 when he had flown 35 sorties (1177 hours 40 minutes), 6 March to 28 July 1944 (calculated as 91 "points").

This officer has completed a tour consisting of 35 operations. He has at all times displayed a fine offensive spirit and his ability as a Bomb Aimer has contributed greatly to the successes of his crew. His dogged determination, great courage and devotion to duty have been an example and inspiration to all ranks.

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BROWN, S/L J.C.R. / DFC Bar to DFC 26 Oct. 45, (crew 153) 

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BUTTLE, F/L T.W. / DFC 21 Sept. 45, (crew 132) 

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C

CERAT, P/O Joseph Andre Yvon Wilfred (J85404) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 22) - Award effective 2 October 1944 as per London Gazette dated 17 October 1944 and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born 1923 in Montreal; home there; enlisted Montreal 26 August 1941. Trained at No.1 WS (graduated 27 April 1942) and No.9 BGS (graduated 22 January 1943). Commissioned 1944. In F/L Keane's crew. Award presented 27 February 1947. 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.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation dated 24 July 1944 when he had flown 33 sorties (185 hours five minutes), 2 September 1943 to 18 July 1944 (described as 117 "points"). Notable sorties were 2 October 1943 (Baltic minelaying, seven hours 40 minutes, severe icing and electrical storms) and 9 June 1944 (Le Mans, six hours 15 minutes, moderate flak, attacked by Bf.110).

This officer has completed a tour consisting of thirty-three operations of which over one-third have been to heavily defended German targets. On numerous occasions this officer has flown as a spare gunner with new crews. He has always displayed the highest degree of courage and his dogged determination and outstanding devotion to duty are an example and inspiration to all crews on the squadron.

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CLARK, P/O A.S. / DFC 27 Mar. 45, (crew 100) 

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COGHLAN, F/L Terrence / DFC 21 Sept. 45, (crew 141) 

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COULTER, F/L Lionel Elwood (J27630) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 118) - Award effective 24 April 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 918/45 dated1 June 1945. Home in Prairie Grove, Manitoba; enlisted Winnipeg, 27 June 1942. Trained at No.7 ITS (graduated 18 December 1942), No.19 EFTS (graduated 5 March 1943) and No.11 SFTS (graduated 25 June 1943). Award presented 27 May 1950.

This officer has participated in very many sorties and has proved himself to be a cool, confident and skilful pilot and captain. He has invariably pressed home his attacks and his determination has won much praise. One night in February 1945 he piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Mannheim. On the outward flight an engine failed. In spite of this, Flight Lieutenant Coulter continued to the target. Whilst over the sea, a fault in the electrical circuit caused a small fire in the bomb aimer's compartment. The fire was quickly extinguished, however, and the target was then successfully attacked. During the return flight, Flight Lieutenant Coulter skilfully evaded a fighter which attempted to close in. This officer displayed outstanding devotion to duty throughout a trying sortie.

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CRAIN, P/O Arthur Parlow (J87344) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (spare) - Award effective 2 October 1944 as per London Gazette dated 17 October 1944 and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Home in Ottawa; enlisted in Toronto, 3 November 1941. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 27 March 1942) and No.8 AOS (graduated 3 August 1942). Award presented 9 April 1947. 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.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation dated 22 July 1944 when he had flown 34 sorties (193 hours 50 minutes), 6 September 1943 to 20 July 1944 (115 "points").

This officer has completed a total of thirty-four operations. He is one of the outstanding navigators of the squadron. His ability, great zeal and devotion to duty have contributed in no small measure to the successful tour of his crew. His keenness and efficiency have inspired confidence in those who have worked with him.

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CRUIKSHANK, F/O Lloyd Salter (J28265) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 93) - Award effective 10 May 1945 as per London Gazette dated 22 May 1945 and AFRO 1147/45 dated 13 July 1945. Home in Winnipeg; enlisted there 11 April 1942. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 4 December 1942), No.7 BGS (graduated 25 May 1943) and No.1 AOS (graduated 9 July 1943). Award presented 11 June 1949. 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 15 January 1945 when he had flown 33 sorties (169 hours 25 minutes), 27 May 1944 to 6 January 1945.

This officer as bomb aimer has always exhibited skill and determination of a very high order in attacks carried out against Germany and in occupied territory. In all his work in the air and on the ground he has shown courage and unswerving devotion to duty.

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CURRIE, F/O Neill Edward (J25296) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 103) - Award effective 5 April 1945 as per London Gazette dated 13 April 1945 and AFRO 824/45 dated 18 May 1945. Born 1921 in Port Arthur, Ontario; home in Starbuck, Manitoba (bookkeeper, former COTC); enlisted in Winnipeg, 20 February 1944. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 12 September 1942), No.15 EFTS (graduated 4 December 1942) and No.12 SFTS (graduated 16 April 1943). Commissioned April 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." DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 10 December 1944 when he had flown 33 sorties (167 hours 40 minutes), 21 June to 28 October 1944. Sortie list says his aircraft was holed by flak (25 June, Gorenflos), met fighters over Hamburg (28 July), and was badly holed by flak again (Sterkrade, 27 September).

This officer has completed a tour of operations including attacks on such targets as Hamburg, Stuttgart, Emden, and centres in the Ruhr area. He has at all times displayed the greatest determination and tenacity. On more than one occasion his aircraft has been damaged whilst in the target area but this has not deterred him from pressing home the attack. He is a highly skilled and courageous pilot whose example is worthy of emulation by other members of the squadron.

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CURRY, F/L Hugh L. / DFC 21 April 1944, (spare) 

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D

DAVIS, P/O Robert Harold (J87124) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 86) - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London Gazette dated 12 December 1944 and AFRO 293/45 dated 16 February 1945. Born in Aylmer, Ontario, 1924; home in Aylmer West. Labourer. Enlisted in London, Ontario, 2 November 1942. Trained at No.9 BGS (graduated 6 August 1943). Commissioned 1944. Gunner for P/O R.B. McCullough; first incident was 1/2 May 1944 (St.Ghislain), second (enemy aircraft destroyed) on 9/10 April 1944 (Montdidier).

This officer has taken part in a large number of operational sorties. On one occasion his cool and skilful directions to his pilot enabled him successfully to stave off seven attacks by an enemy aircraft. During another air combat he destroyed one enemy fighter. At all times this air gunner's skill and vigilance have been outstanding and have played a worthy part in the successes achieved by his crew.

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DUMAS, F/L Walter Vernon (J21327) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 95) - Award effective 5 February 1945 as per London Gazette dated 16 February 1945 and AFRO 563/45 dated 29 March 1945. Born in Ottawa, 19 July 1919. Home in Montreal; enlisted there 14 April 1940. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 24 April 1942), No.5 EFTS (graduated 1 September 1942) and No.15 SFTS (graduated 4 December 1942). Commissioned 1942. Appointed Honourary Colonel, No.434 Squadron, July 1993. 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.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation (undated) when he had flown 35 sorties (158 hours 35 minutes), 1 June to 14 October 1944.

Flight Lieutenant Dumas has completed a tour of operations totalling thirty-five sorties, eleven of which were attacks carried out against heavily defended major German targets. Throughout his tour, Flight Lieutenant Dumas has at all times displayed great keenness, determination and devotion to duty. On several occasions under harassing circumstances he has pressed home the attack with tenaciousness and unswerving determination. His skill, loyalty and gallantry has been an incentive and example to other members of the squadron.

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DUNDAS, P/O Edward Garth (J17017) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.61 Squadron - Award effective 1 September 1943 as per London Gazette dated 14 September 1943 and AFRO 2322/43 dated 12 November 1943.  Born 1922 in Miami, Manitoba; home there (clerk); enlisted Winnipeg, 5 April 1941.  Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 4 October 1941), No.18 EFTS (graduated 3 December 1941) and No.15 SFTS (graduated 27 March 1942).  Commissioned May 1943.  Presented with DFC and Bar, 18 May 1946.

Pilot Officer Dundas has completed many attacks against major German and Italian targets.  All his sorties have been characterized by his determined fighting spirit and ability to press home the attack in the face of the heaviest defences.  On one occasion he continued to the target although the rear turret of his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire while in the target area but he successfully completed his mission.

DUNDAS, F/L Edward Garth, DFC (J17017) - Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron - Award effective 18 October 1945 as per London Gazette dated 16 November 1945 and AFRO 133/46 dated 8 February 1946.

Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross this officer has commenced a second tour of operational duty.  A capable and courageous captain of aircraft, he has proved to be a fine leader who has always pressed home his attacks, often in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire.  

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E

ECCLESTONE, F/L George Awrey (J26114) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 106) - Award effective 5 July 1945 as per London Gazette dated 17 July 1945 and AFRO 1558/45 dated 5 October 1945. Born at Central Butte, Saskatchewan, 1913; home in Montreal (office manager and accountant). Enlisted in Montreal, 26 February 1942. Trained at No.5 ITS (graduated 29 August 1942), No.13 EFTS (graduated 20 November 1942) and No.1 SFTS (graduated 30 April 1943). 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.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 18 March 1945 when he had flown 35 sorties (215 hours 55 minutes), 1 July 1944 to 23 February 1945. Sortie list notes his aircraft was holed by flak 12 September 1944 (Dortmund), 14 October 1944 (Duisburg) and 27 November 1944 (Neuss), combat with fighters on 9 October 1944 (Bochum) and severe icing on 2 December 1944 (Hagen).

Flight Lieutenant Ecclestone has completed a tour of operations, the majority of which were attacks against heavily defended major German targets. Throughout all his tour he has invariably displayed at all times keen operational spirit, devotion to duty and courage worthy of emulation by all members of the squadron. On one occasion during an attack on Bochum his aircraft was attacked three times by enemy fighter aircraft. The skilful and accurate evasive action by the pilot enabled him to bring crew and aircraft safely back to base.

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ENNALS, F/O A.J. / DFC 30 June 1944, (spare) 

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ESCARAVAGE, F/L Pierre Victor Marie (J19397) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 43) - Award effective 1 September 1944 as per London Gazette dated 15 September 1944 and AFRO 2373/44 dated 3 November 1944. Born 1922 at Indian Head, Saskatchewan; home in Winnipeg; enlisted there 22 October 1941. Trained at No.7 ITS (graduated 8 May 1942), No.19 EFTS (graduated 31 July 1942) and No.10 SFTS (graduated 20 November 1942). Commissioned 1943. No citation other than "completed...many successful operations during which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 22 June 1944 when he had flown 37 sorties (225 hours), 23 September 1943 to 16 June 1944.