Updated 30 November 2021
Use the search button on the right side to look for someone’s name among more than 800 posts I have written about RCAF 403 Squadron.
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Message from Martin Louwers
Martin had earlier adopted Grant Aitchison’s grave.
On November 11, 2023 Yann Thomas will be remembering the Fallen.
Photos of F/O James Douglas Lindsay contributed by Brock Kerby
PL-26564
UK-7914
07/02/44
403 SQN
Former instructor F/O James Douglas Lindsay of Arnprior, Ontario, is shown above at a Canadian Airfield in England where he is a member of the Wolf Fighter Squadron which he joined in October, 1943. He enlisted February 11th, 1941, won his wings and commission later that year and served for 15 months as instructor at Summerside Prince Edward Island, Uplands and Centralia.
PL-26643c
403 Squadron
Flight Lieutenant J.D. Lindsay, from Arnprior Ontario in the cockpit of his Spitfire
The final Merlin-engined Mark of Supermarine’s famous product entered service in October 1944 and remained in service until well into the post-War period. Let’s look at a late War Spitfire. The Spitfire Mk XVI came about purely because of concerns Rolls-Royce couldn’t meet demand for all the Merlin and Griffon engines being used by a […]
Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVIe
Remembering Hank Zary…
ZARY, S/L Henry Paul Michael (J9261) – Distinguished Flying Cross
American in RCAF.
Born 23 November 1918. Home in New York City; enlisted Ottawa 26 February 1941 and posted to No.1 Manning Depot. To “P”, 23 March 1941. To No.3 ITS, 15 May 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 3 July 1941; to No.11 EFTS on that date; may have graduated 20 August 1941 but not posted to No.9 SFTS until 30 August 1941; graduated and commissioned 21 November 1941.
To “Y” Depot, 22 November 1941. To RAF overseas, 13 December 1941. Disembarked in Britain, 26 December 1941. To No.5 Personnel Despatch Centre, date uncertain.
Taken on strength in Egypt, 8 March 1942. To No.282 AMES, 16 May 1942. To Headquarters, Levant, 10 September 1942. To No.22 Personnel Transit Centre, 17 September 1942.
Promoted Flying Officer, 1 October 1942. To United Kingdom, 24 October 1942. To No.5 (Pilots) AFU, 14 January 1943. To No.53 OTU, 23 February 1943. To No.421 Squadron, 27 April 1943.
Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 21 November 1943. To Repatriation Depot, 25 August 1944. To RCAF Overseas Headquarters, 17 September 1944 for leave in Canada. Embarked from Canada, 24 November 1944; disembarked in Britain, 5 December 1944. To No.83 Group, 22 December 1944. To No.416 Squadron, 28 December 1944.
Promoted Squadron Leader and posted to No.403 Squadron, 17 February 1945.
Repatriated 7 July 1945. Released 11 October 1945.
Died at Ste. Agathe, 11 February 1946 of pulmonary tuberculosis. Award presented to next-of-kin, 14 January 1947.
Aerial victories as follows: 10 July 1943, one Bf.109 damaged, Elbeuf; 19 September 1943, one Bf.109 damaged, Poix; 8 May 1944. one Ju.88 damaged, Montdidier; 28 June 1944, one Bf.109 destroyed; 25 July 1944, three Bf.109s destroyed (all the preceding with No.421 Squadron; the following were with No.403 Squadron); 21 April 1945, one Bf.109 destroyed; 25 April 1945, on Me.262 damaged plus one Ju.88 damaged (both on ground, Hagenow).
RCAF photo PL-19872 (ex UK-5442 dated 7 October 1943) shows two Americans in RCAF – F/O J.D. Browne (left, Florham Park, New Jersey) and F/O H.P.M. Zary (right, New York City).
Photo PL-30142 shows him beside his Spitfire. PL-43536 (ex-UK-20809, 15 April 1945) shows him with a captured German car; PL-43537 (ex UK-20810, 15 April 1945) has caption that states he was a laboratory instructor at New York University before enlistment.
This officer is a most distinguished fighter whose keenness to engage the enemy has always been apparent. In July 1944, he took part in an engagement against a superior force of enemy fighters, three of which he shot down. This officer has completed a large number of sorties and has destroyed six enemy aircraft.
NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/9159 has recommendation drafted about 25 July 1944 when he had flown 149 sorties (232 hours 40 minutes on operations). His total flying time was given as 603 hours ten minutes.
The document noted that he had joined No.421 Squadron on 4 May 1943. On July 25, 1944, Flight Lieutenant Zary was leading a flight of No.421 Squadron when at least 40 enemy fighters were sighted above and preparing to attack. The squadron commander instructed his pilots to break into the attack and a general dogfight ensued during which Flight Lieutenant Zary personally destroyed three enemy aircraft.
He is a keen and aggressive Flight Commander whose cheerful spirit and excellent fighting qualities have contributed in no small measure to his squadron’s success. He has now destroyed at least six enemy aircraft and damaged two. In addition he has also carried out a large number of successful attacks on enemy mechanical transport.
Training:
On recruitment, interviewing officer wrote: “Ambitious, energetic type. Clean cut with fine education. All round athletic and good student. Excellent recommendations. Should be an outstanding pupil.” (F/O T.G. Holley, 5 February 1941).
Course at No.3 ITS was 16 May to 21 June 1941.
Courses in Mathematics (72/100), Armament (70/100), Signals (100/100), Hygiene and Sanitation (39/40), Drill (96/100), Law and Discipline (41/60).
Placed 30th in a class of 175. “Good educational background, neat, alert; very pleasant person, splendid type of American; commission material.”
Course at No.11 EFTS was 3 July to 20 August 1941.
Fleet Finch aircraft (31.50 dual, 52.50 solo, of which 11.50 on instrument flying; logged 13.10 in Link).
Scored 85 percent at 20-hour test and 84.4 percent on final.
“This man started like fire. Was learning very quickly at the beginning but he gradually slowed down as far as learning fast is concerned. Likes aerobatics. Instrument flying is below average.
This man has very cocky manners, but when it comes down to flying he is not. Was forced down through engine failure on a take-off, and made a good job in keeping straight.
His log book keeping has been full of mistakes all through the course.” (P.M. Boisvert, CFI, 22 August 1941).
Ground training in Airmanship (143/200), Airframes (79/100), Aero Engines (89/100), Signals, practical (99/100), Theory of Flight (62/100), Air Navigation (132/200), Armament, oral (179/200), and graded 185/200 in “Qualities as an Officer.” General remarks by CGI were, “Very keen, likeably man, ambitious, attentive and cooperative in class. Conscientious in study. Popular among other students.” Placed seventh in class of 28.
Course at No.9 SFTS was 1 September to 21 November 1941. Harvard aircraft (35.55 day dual, 62.00 day solo, 3.05 night dual, ten hours night solo; 20.55 on instruments, 20.00 in Link). “Good sound pilot with no outstanding faults.” (F/L E.T. Webster, 21 November 1941).
Rated in the following fields – Formation Flying (above average), Navigation Ability (average), Night Flying (average), Determination and Initiative (above average), Instrument Flying (average). Ground courses in Airmanship and Maintenance (141/200), Armament, written (74/100), Armament, practical (76/100), Navigation (120.150), Meteorology (45/50), Signals, written (43/50), Signals, practical (98/100).
“Above average student, hard worker. Conduct and deportment good.” Placed fourth in a class of 52.
At the conclusion, W/C E.M. Mitchell (Chief Instructor) wrote, Very quick to learn, exceptional spirit. Eager to fly.”
Course at No.5 AFU was 14 January to 21 February 1943. Passenger in an Anson (2.55) followed by Master aircraft (3.40 day dual to first day solo, total 16.00 day dual, 15.55 day solo, 2.45 night dual to first night solo which was total night dual, 50 minutes night solo – spent nine hours in formation, 2,55 on instruments, 6.30 in Link).
Flying tests in General Flying (290/400), Applied Flying (140/200), Instrument Flying (160/250), Night Flying (70/100), Link (30/50). “Trained in Canada. A good average pupil. Navigation good, holds courses well but could improve in map reading and pinpointing. Formation satisfactory – I.F. sound all round, maintains course and heights, turns good. Night flying good. Is inclined to forget minor details, i.e. checking undercarriage lights.
Fit to fly operational aircraft at night without further dual after day experience on type. Is a keen pilot, full of dash and initiative. Confident in handling his aircraft.” (S/L P.J. Halford, 21 February 1943).
Further notes:
Accident, 21 December 1943, Spitfire BS200, Lympne aerodrome. Taxying for a sortie, hit very soft mud and tipped up on propellor. “That particular part of the aerodrome being unserviceable, but no sign indicated.” On 24 December 1943, S/L E.L. Gimbel (CO of No,403 Squadron), wrote, “The two other aircraft taxying on the aerodrome were able to take off without much difficulty, F/L Linton being one of them, and he noticed this one particularly bad spot of mud and avoided it by going around, whereas the other pilot and F/O Zary went through it. The other pilot was fortunate enough to make his way through the mud without being caught, F/O Zary being less fortunate bogged himself and put the aircraft on its nose. In my opinion the accident could have been avoided with a little more care on the pilot’s part.”
On repatriation in August 1944 he stated he had flown 243 operational hours (165 sorties) and had a total of 640 hours flown.
Application for Operational Wing dated 14 September 1944 claimed 160 sorties (243 hours ten minutes), May 1943 to August 1944.
Assessment from No.421 Squadron dated 19 July 1944 when he had flown 590 hours: “A very capable pilot and Flight Commander who has discharged his duties to the best of his abilities. Settled down to the job after being with the squadron for four months and has never looked back. An excellent type to work with on operations.” (S/L W.A.G. Conrad).
Assessment dated 15 June 1945 when he had flown 731 hours 35 minutes of which 85 hours had been in previous six months: “Squadron Leader Zary has done a good job of work flying against the enemy. He has destroyed at least seven enemy aircraft and accounted for numerous motor transport.
As a squadron commander he was popular with those who served under him and he deserves much of the praise due to 403 Squadron for their valiant efforts during the closing months of the war in Europe.” (W/C J.F. Edwards).
To this is added the following: “A good operational squadron commander who has done excellent work with the squadron as well as personally; rather weak on the ground.” (G/C P.S. Turner, 17 June 1945, considering Edwards’ assessment too high).
©2023 Airforce Association
Greetings from the Netherlands – Flight Lieutenant Edward Grant Aitchison
Martin had adopted Grant Aitchison’s grave. He sent me this.
Good evening Pierre,
Some time ago we were in touch when I adopted the grave of Canadian pilot E.G. Aitchison and today was the candles on war graves evening again. First covid free event after 2 years.
I attached a picture of the grave I adopted and I was thinking you may want to see it. We just took it at the cemetery when the ceremony was over.
I wish you a nice Christmas and some good time with your family.
Take care.
Greetings from the Netherlands.
Original post
Hi,
I am named after Grant Aitchison and I sent those pictures of Grant to a government site.
When my Dad George Wissler passed away I found Grant’s picture in his wallet. I think he carried it until the day he died. He wrote that on the back of the picture.
Dad was with 424 Squadron and they flew 34 trips and all got back alive.
I found out Grant was buried in Holland just after I had been on an Oldtimers hockey trip to Holland and our bus had driven right past the cemetery where he was.
I didn’t know how he died. Awful and so near the end of the war too. There was a lady in Elora named Mary Scott, a close family friend, who used to call me « Little » Grant every time she saw me when I was growing up. She never married and I think she pined for Grant Aitchison all her life even though he was married I see.
Regards,
Grant John Wissler
It was about this post…
Putting all of Walter Neil Dove’s pictures and his logbook online is a way to reach out and to share information with relatives of airmen who were part of RCAF No. 403 Squadron.
Flight Lieutenant Tommy Todd was the first airman known by someone who wrote a comment.
His best friend Tony Cannell wrote us last month, and last week, Tommy Todd’s grandson wrote a comment when he saw pictures of his grandfather.
F/L Aitchison is another pilot’s name found in Greg’s grandfather’s logbook.
He was forced landed near Deist on December 31, 1944.
Click the image for a larger view.
Flight Lieutenant Edward Grant Aitchison’s name would appear later in the logbook.
That time F/L Dove will write how Flight Lieutenant Aitchison died.
In memory of
Flight Lieutenant
EDWARD GRANT AITCHISON
who died on March 31, 1945
March 31, 1945
F/L Aitchison Bailed Out over Rhur…
Was beaten to death by SS…
A long time ago Dean Black had written me this e-mail about Mac Reeves…
You may be interested to know that Mac Reeves sent a radio transmission to his fellow pilots moments after he had been attacked by enemy airplanes. He told them that his arm had been completely shot off and that he had no choice but to ride the airplane in. (he could not get out and he could not fly it). He wished them well and he said it was a privilege flying with them.
Mac Reeves does not have a grandson to talk about him or remembering him by like Greg Bell and Colin Forsyth have.
As a footnote, Mac Reeves would die just a few weeks after that picture was taken.
December 5, 2022…
This morning Brock Kerby wrote me…
I started a Go Fund Me to get Mac Reeves claim video for October 5 1944 to get digitized.
I never hesitated a second to contribute…
Updated with Donald John Shapter’s record of service file at the end.
Bonjour
Je suis à la recherche d’informations au sujet du pilote : Donald John Shapter, J/35505, 403e Escadron de l’ARC (code KH). Mort le 14 juillet 1944 sur la commune de Saint-Lambert dans le Calvados, Normandie, France.
Je fleuris régulièrement sa tombe dans le petit cimetière de St-Lambert, mon devoir de mémoire.
Voilà je vous remercie d’avance.
Cordialement Jacques
Translation
Hello,
I am looking for information about a pilot: Donald John Shapter, J/35505,403 RCAF Squadron (code KH). He died on 14 July 1944 in the commune of Saint-Lambert in Calvados, Normandy, France.
I regularly place flowers on his grave in the small cemetery of St-Lambert, this is my duty to remember.
I thank you in advance.
Yours sincerely
Jacques
Many people in France still remember the Fallen. A lady in France is doing the same with Leclare Walker.
Ronny Bosmann does the same in the Netherlands remembering Admiral Byrd.
These are two pictures of Donald John Shapter, J/35505. First when he was not still a commissioned officer.
Donald John Shapter, J/35505 earned his wings at No.6 SFTS Dunnville.
Donald Shapter is remembered on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial.
In memory of
Flying Officer
Donald John Shapter
July 14, 1944
Son of the Revd. Charles P. Shapter and Margaret M. Shapter; husband of Elizabeth Jean Shapter, of Toronto, Ontario.
Commemorated on Page 440 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page.
I guess Jacques will be sending me a picture of Donald Shapter grave.
Update 8 September 2022
Lest We Forget
Those cemetery pictures were sent in 2016 by Celia who takes good care of Leclare’s grave.
These were taken on August 19, 2022.
Today marks the 77th anniversary of one of Madoc’s wartime heroes’ passing. Mackenzie Reeves who was serving with 403 Squadron RCAF and was killed on March 28th, 1945.
Mac and 5 other airmen departed for a patrol over the Haltern Germany, Mac saw enemy transport. He and his wingman went in for a closer look and engaged the transport. Suddenly enemy flak opened up and the planes got split up. Mac’s wingman looked behind him and noticed Mac’s plane was going into a dive. Mac’s plane was hit and was not able to get out according to radio transmissions. Resulting in the plane crashing into nearby woods, and mac not making it out of his aircraft.
Mac was credited with 4 confirmed air kills and a 1/2 during his time with 403 Squadron RCAF. Mac in my opinion was considered a hero before going overseas, during his time at Uplands flying Harvards. He brought in 5 or more aircraft back to Uplands when planes were lost in a blizzard over the Ottawa skies. Mac who was familiar with the area, as he camped their many times recognized the terrain. The flying instructor credited Mac for his heroics before receiving his pilot wings in 1943.
Before the war, Mac ran a service garage in Madoc and Marmora in partnership with his mother Florence Reeves. My great uncle Joseph Kerby served with Mac in the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment Militia during the 1930s, and later Joe support Mac’s squadron as aircrew with the 127 Wing Squadron RCAF. Joe wrote a birthday letter home to one of his dear sisters but mentioned he saw Mac the day before he was killed.
Mac is listed on his parents grave here in Madoc, one of the nicest headstones in Madoc.
Later this year, I will start my third documentary about Mac and bring his heroic story brought to life. I will remember !!
Brock Kerby
Stanley Ernest Messum – Correspondence 22 November 1942
CORRESPONDENCE
We do not hold ourselves responsible for views expressed by
correspondents.
Tuesday, December 1st, 1942
Lloydminster
George Baynton, Esq.
Editor,
Lloydminster Times,
Dear George:
Yesterday a letter came to hand from Stan, mailed on November 1st, prior to the big push in Egypt, which gives an idea how some of the planes, etc., were delivered to our fighting forces to enable them to inflict so crushing a defeat on Gen. Rommel’s army; it was passed by the Censor, so it will be in order to publish these excerpts in the Times if you so desire.
Yours Sincerely,
H. C. Messum.
The Gold Coast, Africa,
November 22nd.
Dear Dad :
Never could I have guessed two years ago that today would find me writing from the Gold Coast of Africa but such is the case.
This new job is just as the names implies A.D.U. (Airplane Delivery Unit) not Ferry Command; it is not considered “operational flying”—’tho. many hundreds of miles are over impenetrable jungle and hot arid desert. I was sorry to leave the squadron—but here I am with the A.D.U.. We are situated in Cairo on Houseboats on the Nile, two to a cabin, very comfy beds, wash basins, hot and cold water, grand meals—native waiters; what a change from the desert front? I was there two days, then on my way across Africa to this place from where we fly Kites back to the Middle East by the long route. Yes, the same kind of Kite as per squadron (Spitfires) —but a little about the trip across.
The first part was dreary as far as scenery was concerned—desert—miles of it. The vegetation gradually increased until, with the last thousand miles or so, the jungle really started. The last few hundred miles is very dense, scattered here and there with negro villages. At one airdrome I saw a negro loading baggage, at least 7 ft. 6 inches tall. I was a head taller than his hips. There were two tame gorillas there also. We ate pretty ritzy all the way in British Airways and Pan Am, except at Lagos where we ate at the R.A.F. Camp, and stayed in bamboo and grass huts. Four of us went to the town that night. An Australian and I were together. I would like to be able to just see and tell you all about it. Maybe I will yet, …….. (Stan does not entertain a very high opinion of the natives in Egypt.)
“The negro out here is his superior mentally and physically. The little chap here who looks after three of us does well, and he is honest. His fee is two bob a week each.
I bought an October issue of Life at an American Mess on the way. We arrived back (Cairo) yesterday after a good trip; no sooner here and trying to get a few things done, than orders come to be away west again tomorrow. Oh well, “keep busy” is a good motto. I’ll have the afternoon to myself anyway.
Yours as ever,
Stan.
Flt. Sergt. S. E. Messum,
R.C.A.F. with R.A.F.
M.E. Forces
RCAF No. 403 Squadron 