09
March 1944
R.A.F.
Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland
Word
was received this morning that S/L Smith would be leaving us in
a day or so. He has been on leave and does not know where his
next station will be. He spoke to us this morning for the last
time, and expressed his thanks for the co-operation we had given
him. S/L Smith was an exceptionally good O.C. & all the
pilots hated to see him go.
This
afternoon , G/C Davoud
(1) & W/C Hillock talked to all the
pilots in the Flight Room. He told us about our move to Hurn,
just outside Bournemouth. The G/C remarked that 144 wing was
made up of the highest priced talent in the Air Force today.
They are flying Spits and will be our Fighter Escort.
Our
new O.C., S/L H.H. Norsworthy, is on the station now & we
should be meeting him tomorrow. A party was held in the
Ante-Room of the Officers' Mess by the station in honour of 143
Airfield. Free beer started flowing at 21:30 hrs., and an
exceptionally good time was had by all.
W/C Abraham
(??),
Station C.O., wished us the best of luck in the future, and was
replied to by W/C
P.W. Hillock,
C.O. Airfield. Attending the party was G/C Benton Massey, who as
a S/L was C.O. of No. 3 I.T.S.
(??).
Several of the pilots in the Squadron went through, while he was
there.
Webmaster's Note:
(1)
DAVOUD, W/C Paul Yettvart (C325) - DSO, DFC, Mention in
Despatches - No.409 Squadron - Award effective 9 June 1942 as
per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1000-1001/42 dated 3
July 1942. Born at Provo, Utah, 25 November 1911. Educated at
Mont Clair (New Jersey), RMC and Queen's University. Enlisted
at Camp Borden, 24 June 1929. Graduated from RMC, 1931 (Sword
of Honour, 1929-1931); qualified for Pilot's Badge at Trenton,
19 August 1931. Joined RAF, 1932-35. Returned to Canada to fly
bush operations with Canadian Airways and Hudson Bay Company.
Rejoined in Winnipeg, 5 June 1940. Assistant to CFI, Central
Flying School, until May 1941 when he ferried a bomber to
Britain and joined No.409 Squadron. Credited with the following
victories: 1 November 1941, one Do.217 destroyed; 29 July 1942,
one He.111 probably destroyed plus one Do.217 damaged. Taken
off operations in early 1943 but then posted to No.418 Squadron
and later to No.143 Wing. Released in July 1945 and went back
to commercial flying. Elected to
Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame (1985). Died at Wolfe Island
(Kingston), 19 March 1987. PL-51780 shows him and Dal Russel
receiving Dutch awards.
For
additional info visit Hugh A. Halliday's
RCAF Personnel - Honours & Awards - 1939-1949 which can be
found on
The Air Force Association of Canada Website. Used with
permission and sincere gratitude.
Tiger
Squadron