Most Memorable Operations

During 1941 and 1942, Don participated in Spitfire sweeps and escort work with bombers across the Channel - tough assignments because they were always out-numbered by enemy aircraft which had plenty of time to climb and attack from out of the sun. Involved in the Bruneval raid, the escape of the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau through the Channel, the Dieppe raid of August 19, 1942 and the first raids of the American Fortresses and Liberators on targets in France and Holland. On August 19, 1942 the engine seized up and Don had to bail out about 12-14 miles from Dieppe. He was picked up by an RAF rescue launch which was then attacked by FW 190’s. “A Busy Day” . Don served on 122 Squadron RAF and 401 Squadron RCAF on Spitfires.

On November 8, 1942, while escorting B 17’s to Lille, France, Don was hit and bailed out again, this time leaving a leg in the aircraft. He was unconscious for 10 days and spent several months in various hospitals before being sent to Stalag Luft III in Sagan, where he met up with Wally Floody, the “Tunnel King” in the Great Escape. ( They had met first in the medical examination line-up on the day they joined the RCAF in 1940.) Don spent many months in various hospitals in Germany before being sent to Stalag Luft III, Sagan. Don was repatriated by the Red Cross and arrived back in Canada in time for Christmas !943. Don stayed in the RCAF until 1945 and was discharged in Toronto.

History

Don was born in Toronto on June 20, 1921. Don applied to join the RCAF immediately upon graduating from North Toronto Collegiate in 1940 and enlisted in October 25, 1940. He received his pilot wings at Dauphin in July 1941. He was posted overseas and completed his OTU at Grangemouth (near Edinburgh) on Spitfires. He served at Biggin Hill - Gravesend and Kenley. He marred Jean on December 28, 1943 and celebrated their 50th Wedding anniversary on December 29, 1993. They have two children and four grandchildren. Don died January 28, 1994..