By Carol Tisdall
Earlier this Fall, I happened to be in the Greenwood Cemetery to place a wreath at my parents’ gravestone. After doing so, I observed around me that there were a few military gravestones in among the rest. Curiosity motivated me to check out how many there were and who they belonged to. I found eight of them, took some photos, and did some research online to find out who these brave military people were who had given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom today. At first, I didn’t glean much from a few of the names but, for a couple of airmen, I hit gold.
I knew that there had been a military airfield in St-Eugène but, I never knew much about its role during the Second World War. It was one of many Elementary Flying Training Schools (EFTS) of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. They were operated by civilian flying clubs under contract to the RCAF and most of the instructors were civilians. The next step for a pilot was the Service Flying Training School (CASPIR).
Frederick Raymond Bonner (Leading Aircraftman) was killed in a flying accident close to base (10 February 1944) at the tender age of 22.
Another was George Hunter (Leading Airman(Acting)). Also killed in a flying accident close to base (7 February 1945) at the young age of 20. They both flew Cornell II aircraft.
While digging a little further, I came across one more fascinating local connection to a famous poem cherished by pilots everywhere called “High Flight” written by John Magee.
Magee happened to be a friend and flight training school classmate of Fred Jones, a Wing Commander at the No. 13 St Eugène where the two aforementioned airmen had done their training.
If you read “High Flight—A Eulogy for Fred Jones “ it is well worth the read as it paints a beautiful picture of one of his flights from St-Eugène to Pendleton.
So, in this period of Remembrance, take a moment to stop and reflect on the brave men and women in uniform who fought for our freedom all those years ago and who are doing so still to this day! Be sure to thank them and wear your poppy with pride!
