The
information compiled here comes from three main sources. The 439
Squadron Wartime Daily Mission Reports, the 439 War Diary, and The
Canadian Virtual War Memorial website courtesy of
the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and are used to supplement one
another. While the Squadron diaries and mission reports gave the
circumstances surrounding the deaths of these fine aviators, they
sadly lacked (except in a few rare occasions) the origins and
parentage of the deceased combatants. The
Canadian Virtual War Memorial website on the
other hand provided these missing details but alas, nothing on the why
and how of the sacrifices of Canada's lost generation of young men.
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listing is in alphabetically order. Some of the entries may seem
sketchy and somewhat dry, but that is the nature of such records, you
won't find any literary prose here, just the facts.
The
purpose of all this is not to glorify war but to underline the supreme
and unselfish sacrifice made by members of 439 in the defense of
Canada and the hope of a better world. Out of the 68 pilots that
served with 439 during the war, fully 29 (44 %) never came back home.
May they rest in peace under friendlier skies. Let us never forget the
hopes and aspirations nor the loss of this now silenced generation.
For there is no greater love than that of a man who lays down his life
so that others may live. Less we forget.
To
the family, loved ones and friends of those listed herein, we dedicate
this page. The Tiger remembers........Continue
Book
of Remembrance Vol I