This picture of 403 pilots was taken at Hornchurch in the summer of 1941. The C.O.at the time was S/L A. Lee-Knight. The man standing second row second from the right is P/O Leslie Sydney Ford.
This picture of 403 pilots was taken at Hornchurch in the summer of 1941. The C.O.at the time was S/L A. Lee-Knight. The man standing second row second from the right is P/O Leslie Sydney Ford.
RCAF No. 403 Squadron 
I’m sorry to inform you that the photo you believe shows F/O Connacher is in fact P/O P. Carillo. This picture of 403 pilots was taken at Hornchurch in the summer of 1941. The C.O.at the time was S/L A. Lee-Knight. The man standing second row second from the right is P/O Leslie Sydney Ford. Ford was C.O. of the 403 when F/O Connacher went missing on the 16th of February 1943. Acting Wing Commander Hobson, however, was leading the 403 on Rodeo 170 at 1635 hours that day and F/O Connacher was flying as Red 4 in Hobson’s section. As Kenley Wing (402 & 403) climbed to 25,000 feet before steering for Dunkirk Connacher’s aircraft dropped out of formation and began a steady descent. F/L O’Leary called to the pilot but there was no reply. It was believed that F/O Connacher suffered a blackout during the wing’s climb due to a malfunction in the oxygen system. This occurred at mid-channel before the wing reached the French coast.
I have had this information also. I am waiting for her daughter to reply to my offer to help her find more information about her father.
I want to thank you for this information. If she doesn’t reply within a week I will contact her again.
Such a sad ending.