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
RCAF No. 403 Squadron 