Most Memorable Experiences 2

A mixed crew, including one Canadian, of torpedo squadron #221, ditched and floated in their dinghy for a few days. They saw search aircraft looking for them but couldn’t get their attention. They had one Very cartridge left when another aircraft flew directly toward them. It was German. They expected to be strafed but the German aircraft waggled its wings and took off. A few hours later a friendly aircraft appeared and dropped supplies: they were picked up soon after. The German aircraft had reported their position to the Allies and it was picked up by the Red Cross. George says his friend has kept souvenirs of that flight, including the Very pistol.

Another squadron torpedo Wellington sighted a German sub in the Mediterranean and homed a US destroyer on to it. The sub was sunk and the destroyer picked up survivors. The German survivors, the Air Force crew, and some of the US navy crew have periodic reunions.

History

George was born on April 29, 1923 in Toronto and attended Riverdale Collegiate. He enlisted on May 2, 1941 and received his Observer wing in May, 1942. He trained at #1 A.N.S., Rivers and #31 General Reconnaisance School, Charlottetown and posted overseas fall of 1942. He did his Operational Training Unit at Limavady in Northern Ireland and posted to #21 P.T.C., Shallufa, Egypt.  Posted to #38 Squadron, Coastal Command, Bengahzi, Libya from June to October 1943 on Wellingtons modified for torpedo-dropping and anti-shipping strikes. Crew members: David Mitchell, RAF (pilot), Les Mattson RNZAF(2nd pilot), D. Read, D.Allatt, Gordon Young, RAF (WAGS) - all deceased

George resumed his education after the war, graduating from the U. of T. with a B.Sc. (Civil Engineer). He worked for various Chevron companies until 1982. His work took him across Canada to such places as London and Brussels. In 1977, he moved to San Francisco from which base he continued to roam the world. Retiring in 1982 and returned to Toronto in 1984.

George is married to the former Helen King, R.N. and they have a son, David and two daughters , Ann and Catherine.