Monday, November 11, 2019

The Word Of An Airmen

Of a certain Aleutian airmen to be exact...  my buddy Lt. Col (RET) Bob Brocklehurst.  This Veterans Day is dedicated to him and all those that flew with him in the Aleutian Campaign as well as throughout his 28 year Air Force career.  Please take an hour out of your day, perhaps while you are in the car, cooking dinner or getting ready for work, to hear his story.  

I made this video for Bob's family who are equally as inspiring as their patriarch.  It was taken the first time Bob and I met in February 2017 when I showed up at his home loaded with my grandfather's memorabilia, ready to show all with hopes of it sparking some type of recollections.  Or even better,  that maybe, just maybe- they had crossed paths. Bob did not want to be video recorded that day though.  He just wanted to talk.  So, I hit record and placed my phone down on the table ensuring I would capture every word that he shared with me.

Little did I know, that this day would lead to a special friendship that I will forever deeply cherish.   I miss Bob very much.   Countless times I have wanted to pick up the phone and tell him the latest new discovery in my research.   Or how I have come across his name or the names of the people he would speak about.  It was good to hear his voice.  It inspires me to keep on.  Hopefully it does the same to you.

Today,  I raise my special 41-G glass filled with a velvety scotch and dedicate it to a life well lived and an honorable service.  Here's to you Bob my friend; here is to you! 





Monday, May 27, 2019

Freedom Isn't Free.

Memorial Day is for remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms- their lives.   As I am preparing for another trip to Alaska in honor of those who served there, I am remembering those pilots in my grandfather's squadron, RCAF 111 (F) and some in No. 14 (F), who did not make it back to their families when the war was over.  
 
So as you are sleeping in, jumping in that pool or firing up that grill, stop and take a moment to remember those who made these luxuries possible. It IS because of the brave that we have these liberties. Freedom isn't free.  It is the most expensive thing of all. It costs lives.  Let's give it the respect it deserves. 

Happy Memorial Day.




Note: after the Aleutian Campaign both squadrons were sent overseas and re-designated:  111(F) Squadron to 440 FB (fighter bomber) and 14 (F) to 442 (F).  Both played active roles in preparation for the allied invasion of Europe and remained there until the war ended in 1945. 


F/O Leslie Ashburner,  23, St. Catherines, ONT
F/S Gordon Baird, 22, Shoal Lake, MB

S/L Kenneth Boomer DFC, AAM,  22, Vancouver, B.C.

















F/O William Campbell, 22, Vancouver B. C
Sgt. Richard Christy, 19, Victoria, B.C.
F/O George Costello, 21, Stonewall, MB (second to last)

















F/O Frank Crowley, 23, Brockville, ONT (second from the left)
















F/O John Dewar, 21, London, ONT
F/L James Doak, 31, Cowansville, P.Q.
F/O Ronald Doidge, 20, Windsor, ONT
F/L Ian Dowling, 35, Brandford, ONT
F/L Odin Eskil, 27, Iron Mountain, MI
F/L Stanley Garside, 24, Edmonton, ALBA (standing center, dark life jacket)

















F/L Jim Gohl AAM, 24, Roland, MB
 
















F/L Clifford Hicks, 22, Crediton, ONT























F/L Arthur Jared, 27, Lansing, MI
S/L John Kerwin, 24, Belleview, ONT























F/S "Pop" Frank Lennon, 24, Clifton, NJ (first hammock)

















F/O John Lippert, 22, Kitchner, ONT
F/S Stan Maxmen, 20, Moosejaw, SASK
F/O Ed Merkely, 25, St. Vital, MB (on the right)























F/L George Millar, 22, Winnipeg, MB



















F/O William Peacock, 24, Noranda, P.Q.























S/L William Pentland, 27, Calgary, ALBT
Sgt. Charles Pierce, 25, Port Rowan, ONT
F/L Arnold Roseland, 22, Calgary, ALBT
F/O George Schwalm, 23, Tottenham, ONT (standing)
















F/O Frank Skelly, 24, Kirkland Lake, ONT (second from the left)























Sgt. Doug Stapleton, 20, Hamiliton ONT
P/O Donald Sterling, 20, Ottawa, ONT
F/O Nicholus Stusiak, 24, Vancouver, B.C. (center with life jacket)
















F/L Dufferin Wakling, 23, Brantford, ONT
P/O Dean Whiteside, 24, Waterville, KS





Saturday, April 6, 2019

Different Side Of History


"Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything."

Napoleon Hill - 1883-1970 - Author

I recently traveled to Anchorage to do some long awaited research in John Cloe's old archive room at Joint Base Elmendrof/ Fort Richardson.  I was warmly greeted by a couple of his replacements, both like John, having arrived in Alaska from the southern regions of the United States.  One of them was able to recount all kinds of fantastic historical events in a series of successive stories that rolled smoothly out of his mouth like a walking American history encyclopedia.  Something I am always in awe of- how they remember so many facts and tactical details so easily.   Afterwards,  I began to reflect on how my interpretive delivery method of military history differs.  John, the previous 11th Air Force's Military Historian for 20 plus years, God love him, was the most thorough individual.  He knew the stuff he knew well.  His newest book Mission To The Kurils, which was the follow up to Aleutian Warriors, was a big one.    Reminiscent of my 10th grade history text book.  

In my writing, I try to blend the dry facts, thoroughly verified as John drilled into me "Make sure you have the facts correct," with the human side of war.  Because ultimately, war is about people.  Heck, everything is about people.  And what I think lacks in much of the literature out there is an emotional connection to the individuals who pay the price for our continued modern day comforts.  That is the gap I try to close with the work I do.  At the end of the day, every single one of us is human and relating to each other and seeing how we are more alike then different is what will aid in the elimination of conflict going forward.   Isn't that the ultimate goal of wars in the first place?  To somehow find a more permanent peace?



Sweet Allan is now 103 and still going strong! In this video he shares what it was like being faced with his first combat experience and his realization of what it all means in the end.


This year, one of my colleagues who is soon to take over the position of Historian for the  RCAF has initiated the process of me becoming an official Royal Canadian Air Force Associate Historian, for which I am extremely humbled.  It is hard for me to consider myself a historian especially when standing next to someone like the John Cloe's or Peter Coffman's of the world who have spent years in school studying and/or also in service but I suppose I am in my own right.  

Although the reason why I started this history filled blog journey may be different than those that study and act as military historians for a living, the work I do is equally as important and without a doubt, just as relevant. My work focuses specifically on a particular segment of WWII, a piece of the war often overlooked by most supposedly 'in the know' people.   It is this lack of awareness and recognition that deeply drives my desire to tell the forgotten story of my Grandfather and those he served with.  My mission is personal and for the 144, 000 troops who were stationed in this remote and isolated area, it means the world and clearly validates the need for my efforts.   


Nine surviving Aleutian Island veterans at the Attu75 Commemoration in Anchorage.  May 2018
BACK ROW (L-R): Allan Seroll (Signal Corps), Bob Hinsdale (USN), Joe Sasser (Army- 50th Combat Engineers), Paul Shaughency (Army), Bill Green (Seabees), Bob Brocklehurst (Pilot-Army Air Corps), Roy Dover (Co F, 50th Combat Engineers)   FRONT (L-R): Clint Goodwin (Co B, 807th Combat Engineers), Gerry Rusello (USN Pilot)
Sadly, we have already lost Bob Brocklehust and Clint Goodwin since this photo was taken.

I definitely miss John Cloe's guidance but I know he had faith in what I was doing.   As we were preparing the 75th Anniversary of the bombing of Dutch Harbor planning Committee, I had asked John if he wanted to be part of our group.  And his reply- "No Karen. You can cover for me."  was all I needed.  With that I knew I had his approval of the work I was doing and before he passed, I vowed to him that I would continue on with his legacy. John spent at least the last 25 years dedicated to Military History in Alaska. He was a legend.  You can read more about John here

As for me, take me or leave me- I am not going anywhere.  My mission will continue on and it will do so keeping these fine fellas in mind.   And so I write...


Members of 111(F) Squadrons. RCAF enjoying some downtime on Umnak after their rotation on Amchitka where they actively participated in missions over the Japanese occupied island of Kiska.  
BACK ROW (L-R):  P/O Ed Merkley, WO1 Joseph McLeod, P/O Delbert English, P/O Hal Gooding DFC AAM,  P/O Bill Peacock, P/O Alfred Harrison, P/O George Millar, P/O Jim Gohl. 
 FRONT ROW (L-R):  F/L John Clarke, P/O Frank Crowley, P/O Campbell  DFC, P/O Billy Weeks DFC, P/O Bill Williams, F/S Delaney, W/C David Ramsey (driving), P/O Frank Skelly, and an unidentified airmen.
**P/O Campbell,DFC, P/O Crowley, P/O Gohl, P/O Peacock, P/O Merkely, P/O Millar and P/O Skelly did not survive the war and were killed over Europe.


Sunday, March 17, 2019

Blue Skies And Tail Winds Bob Brocklehurst



When this project of passion began nearly seven years ago, I could not have imagined the lengths at which this endeavor would reach.  Although there have been numerous highlights, and I mean numerous- many of which have yet to make an appearance on this site,  my friendship with WWII Aleutian Island P-40 pilot Lt. Col (RET) Bob Brocklehurst has to be at the top. 

I am not sure what the odds are of meeting the last living Aleutian Island P-40 pilot just fifteen minutes from where I live by way of a client who, at the age of 85, is still cutting hair at the old timers barber shop five minutes from where I work and who just so happen to cut Bob's hair one day,  but they have to be in the range of 'winning the lotto' proportions.  This jackpot reunion between Bob and I would lead to a non stop host of adventures that neither one of us could have foreseen.  Funny how life does that.  There are no accidents, even at the age of 96.

Our first meeting.

Truth be told, I am not sure who was more excited- Bob or myself.  He thought he was going to bore me with his war time stories.   Little did he know what he was getting himself into.   I showed up at his house with all my grandfather's memorabilia in tow and ready to record every word that came out of his mouth.  From that point on the journey began and we never looked back.   Bob's contribution to the the Aleutian Campaign research effort was immense.  Through Bob I was able to get a better understanding of what my grandfather and his comrades were up against when flying in the Aleutians, what life was like being stationed in such a remote place and the challenges they faced day to day.  He became the voice and face of those airmen who are no longer with us.  And because of Bob's stories, I was able to connect faces and names to the literature I was researching creating an even stronger personal element to my work.  Here are just a few examples of the extraordinary connections that we discovered along the way.

In April 1943 while stationed at Fort Glenn on Umnak,  an RCAF Kittyhawk flown by P/O Thomlinson with No. 14 Squadron crashed killing the young pilot.  Bob, also stationed at Fort Glenn at that time with AAF's 344th squadron,  was the one who walked up the airstrip and found the Canadian airman.

RCAF airman P/O Thomlinson.  He is buried at Fort Richardson National Cemetery in Anchorage.


Bob also tells a story about his 41-G classmates, F/L Bacon, F/L Dunn and F/L Crisp and how they became the brunt of the joke at roll call (Bacon Dunn Crisp... ).  This was one of the first stories he told me actually and it was just recently while researching the RCAF squadron diaries during the time they were stationed at Fort Glenn and flying joint patrols with the 11th Pursuit Squadron, that I, low and behold,  discovered the names of both Lt. Bacon and Crisp as part of the days personnel on patrol with the Canadians- and with my grandfather I might add, who was also part of the days rotation!

Umnak
7-9-42
We flew six patrols this morning.  Lt. Bacon who substituted for P/O Gooding,  flew with S/L Boomer.  At noon W/C McGregor, P/O Orr, P/O English arrived from Elmendorf Field after spending the night at Cold Bay. bringing three P-40 K1's with them. Incidentally, a fair quantity of mail also arrived.  They also brought with them socks for the officers and men, games and playing cards.  These were donated by the American Red Cross and were greatly appreciated.  This is the first time in the history of a squadron that a donation of any kind has been received.  We take off our hats to the good ladies of the American Red Cross.  In the evening,  Major Ashkins' volleyball team defeated our sextet two games to three before a huge crowd of spectators.  Flying time today totaled 13:05 hours. 

Royal Canadian Air Force Squadron Diary


But best of all, is an entertaining recollection from his early days when he was with the 11th Pursuit Squadron in Oregon just before heading to Alaska.  It was early 1942 and the day's flight path was Portland to Medford, Oregon.  Bob somehow got lost and ended up landing his P-40 on a cub sized field in Grant's Pass, Oregon instead.  By the time he got to the hanger area, what looked like, the entire town was gathered around to welcome him.  He telephoned his supervisor, Major Al Aiken,  who drove over the next day to fly the P-40 out of there while Bob, much to his dismay, was sent to the back seat of the staff car.  Fast forward five months to the Aleutians- it is September 25th, 1942, the Americans and Canadians take off from Adak on their first joint offensive over Kiska Island and actually, the first P-40 escorted bomber mission of the campaign.   My grandfather is one of the Canadians flying that day.  As they approach, four zero's come up to meet them and one is hot on the tail of an American P-40 over Kiska Harbor.  RCAF Squadron Leader, Kenneth Boomer sees it, flies up underneath him and let's him have it.  The Japanese plane goes down and the American plane makes it home.  The pilot of that American ship.... was none other than Major Al Aiken.



Canadian artist, Rich Thistle paints his version of the battle over Kiska Harbor


THESE are the things I will miss about Bob.  The stories. The ability to call him up on a dime and ask him things or to share with him the latest discovery.  Research is research but it means so much more when you can connect it personally.

Most importantly though, above all of Bob's irreplaceable contributions to the Aleutian Campaign recognition efforts,  I will miss Bob's friendship the most.  Bob was a inspiration.  He epitomized what it means to live. To wake up every day with a plan and to pursue it with zest and with joy.  To speak honestly and frankly.  To be impeccable with your word.  To say what you feel.  Bob had a way to energize you.  He inspired you to be at your best.  His ability to remember names and details of things put me to shame.  I can barely even remember why I went in the darn kitchen!   His charisma and openness to all humans was magnetic. 

One of my favorite moments of Oshkosh.  Engaging the younger generations so the lessons and sacrifices from his era are not lost.

Another one of Bob's fans last year at the Venice Airport.  

My daughter Aly.  What a gift he was to her as well.


Bob also reminded me what a true gentleman looks like and the value in allowing a man to be just that; a gentleman.  You see, I grew up surrounded by elders so having respect for them is something that is important to me.  I remember vividly when Bob and I first met,  I would naturally attempt to hold the door open for him until one day he firmly exclaimed "Karen will you let me be a gentleman!"  I never held the door open for him again and I will always remember to allow the wonderfulness of gentlemanly behavior. 

Bob was a letter writer. This was the first of many notes I received in the mail form him.


The last time I saw Bob he was boarding a private jet as it's only passenger.   He was headed home after a fun and successful 2018 AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  Bob and I were part of an Aleutian Island Campaign P-40 Warbird in Review session where we got to represent those who flew in the most treacherous place on earth.  What an honor for me on so many levels to share the stage with Bob and to have his blessing over the work I do.  


Warbird in Review- Aleutian Campaign P-40 Session.  July 2018.  Watch it online here.

100 signatures later and still smiling.  National Park Service & the RCAF provided the books we were signing.


We spent the rest of the time tooling around in a golf cart courtesy of his good buddy Brian Norris and his amazing friends who took unbelievable care of us.  Bob had always wanted to go the world's largest air show and after 98 years- he finally made it!!  It just goes to show you that you are never too old for another first.   In fact, Bob had such a good time, he was going to return this year as a volunteer!!   I may have to go in his place.


Bob & Brian Norris.  Brian is the lucky pilot that gave Bob his P-51ride a few years back.  Check out that flight here and here.   They have been good friends ever since.

Another co-pilot opportunity for Bob- a helicopter ride over Oshkosh.


Two WWII legends: Bud Anderson & Bob Brocklehurst in the green room.

Modern day aviation legend Michael Goulian and his team were the ultimate hosts, opening their tents to us throughout the week.

Myself, David Frasca & Bob in front of my Papa's plane, AK905.  The Frasca family now own the RCAF Kittyhawk (painted as a Fighting Tiger).  David flew it to Oshkosh to be part of our P-40 Warbirds in Review session.  In fact- David was the one who first suggested we do WIR!  So glad he did!
Bob bidding farewell to my best friend Candice.  I am so thrilled she got to meet him.  She flew up from Winnipeg to join the fun and good thing- she is a professional photographer and one of her aviation photos from that weekend helped her win Photographer of the Year in Manitoba!


This blog journey has been chalked full of incredible synchronicities exactly like the ones that brought Bob and I together and I am certain they will continue to happen.  As I have said all along,  I am only the puppet following along the path being laid out by my grandfather,  who coincidentally is also named Bob (Robert).  Now, not only do I have my grandfather leading the way- Bob is up there as well.  One Canadian, one American- a reminiscent joint effort.  How fitting.  Looks like I better buckle up!




Robert L. Brocklehurst, you are truly one of a kind and I will miss you tremendously here on earth.  I know you are still with me though and my work will continue in your honor and in honor of those who served with you.   Enjoy your eternal wings and the freedom you now have to do all the loops and rolls you want.   No restrictions- let 'er rip and give my Papa a hug for me. 

  





AK905- Needle In A Haystack

I used to think that finding an aircraft that my grandfather flew during the war would be the pinnacle of this journey so when we found the first one, AK875 currently painted like a Fighting Tiger (aren't they all??) at the entrance to the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center,  it was almost too good to be true.  Seriously- of all the places for it to wind up, it had to be at one of the most prestigious aviation museums in the country?  Can it get much better?  I didn't think so.  That is until I got word of a second one...

That discovery came just days after returning from Washington to see the first one.  Some random email from someone I didn't know appeared in my inbox letting me know of a P-40E (AK-905) that was still around.   This one though, was still air worthy!!  Ohhh baby,  the level of excitement at that moment could not have been measured.  After doing some research to confirm the accuracy, I immediately emailed the owner, introduced myself and attached a photo of my grandfather sitting in the plane in 1941.


AK905 then, with P/O Lynch seated inside, and the now.  David Frasca gifted me this photo which now hangs in my dining room.

AK905 LZ-D, flying over the Alaskan range, 1942.

They were equally thrilled to hear from me because just as it is rare to find a family member's plane from the war, it is equally as rare for warbird owners to find their plane's original wartime pilots.  To put it in perspective,  the Smithsonian's Air and Space Aeronautics Department chair told me he can count on two hands the number of times they have been able to make a personal connection to one of their aircraft.  And he's been there 30 plus years with thousands of aircraft in their collection.   Actually, the Smithsonian Air and Space collection ranks as the largest collection of aircraft on display in the world!  So yeah, rare.

Part of the challenge of reuniting pilots with planes is that so many of the planes were lost during the war and if the machines were lucky enough to make it through, the aircraft were hastily sold or scrapped shortly afterwards.  A horrifying thought for restorers or aficionados now a days.   Couple that with the fact that many airmen do not have their logbooks anymore so determining which aircraft they flew becomes even more difficult. Fortunately for me, my grandfather was a meticulous record keeper and kept both of his flight log books; a good copy with photos and notes and the one he went to war with.  This book has become my war bible of sorts, I reference it constantly.   And because of that book we have miraculously been able to find THREE of the aircraft him and his squadron flew during the war!    Truly astounding.


P/O Lynch's log book AK905 entry.  You can see he flew AK905 in Anchorage for several days right before flying, and crashing the Smithsonian's AK875.

The current owner of AK905, as I call it,  is the none other than the aviation pioneer Rudy Frasca (Frasca International- Flight Simulators) and I could not think of a better family to have it!  It is immaculate (although painted, again.. like a Fighting Tiger).  Rudy is an aviation legend and his name sits on the Smithsonian's Air and Space Hall of Fame wall recognizing his enormous contribution to the development of aviation over the last 60 years.   He purchased the Kittyhawk near his hometown in Illinois in 1976 and it has been his pride and joy ever since bringing it regularly to Air Venture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  Rudy has been an active member of EAA's Warbirds of America since it's inception and at the suggestion of his son David, who now flies the plane, we were invited to participate in this year's Warbirds In Review session dedicated to the P-40 and it's contribution during the Aleutian Campaign.  You can watch that session by clicking the link below the second photo. What an honor to be part of and to represent those who flew in the most treacherous and unpredictable of airspace around- the Aleutian Islands.


Myself, David and WWII Aleutian Campaign AAF pilot, Bob Brocklehurst, AirVenture Oshkosh, WI 2018

Watch it online here.




HISTORY OF KITTYHAWK AK905

After it's service with the Royal Canadian Air Force in Alaska (1941-1946) AK905 was struck off strength and by 1948 was for sale by Walter Motor Harris Dealership near Champion, Alberta.  It was one of fifteen Kittyhawks available.  A lucky Albertan named Bob Wardon scrounged up the $150 they were asking for it and using an old military jeep, towed the Kittyhawk back to their farm where they slowly starting working on it finally getting it back up in the air in 1962. 

In the early 1960's, the P-40 flew in airshows around the area even making an appearance at the Abbotsford Airshow, the largest air show in Canada.   In 1968,  the Wardon's sold the Kittyhawk to Bill Ross from Chicago who owned it from 1968-72.  It then sold again to Don Plumb from Ontario who did a lot of restoration work on it from 1972-1976 only to sell it to a fella from Colorado named Max Hoffman who turned around and sold it finally to Rudy Frasca where it still lives today. 







What a gift my family has been blessed with.  I still have to pinch myself.  It is one thing to have it hanging on static display in one of the best aviation museums in the world.   But it is a whole other experience to be able to hear the roar of the engines, smell the burning of the fuel,  see it speed past you and ultimately touch the controls of the very same aircraft your loved one went to war in.  Quite surreal.


If only it had a back seat...  My first visit to it's home in Urbana, Illinois.  2016

My grandfather, P/O Bob Lynch in AK905.  Notice how it is hand written on the wing. 1941

I have to give enormous props to the Frasca family.  They have been such a blessing welcoming me anytime to come and visit the plane.  I get to sit in it like it is my own and most of all- I get to share it's story of how it once served to defend this continent. 

In keeping with my mission, this blog is not just about my grandfather, it is also about those he served with.  To this date, here is a list of some of the other Royal Canadian Air Force 111(F) Squadron pilots who also flew AK905 in Alaska during the war.   This plane lives on in their honor as well. 

W02 Tom Orthman 
F/L   Arthur 'Art' Jared (did not survive the war, was killed in Alaska)
F/L   Delbert English
W02 Samuel 'Red'  McLeod
F/L   Clifford Hicks (did not survive the war, was killed over France)




Wednesday, January 2, 2019

New Years on Kodiak, 1943

Happy New Year!!  2018 has been a phenomenal year so much so that there was no way to keep up with writing about it all.   I never would have dreamed in a million years where this project of passion would have taken me but I am sure glad it has.  I am loving every minute of this work and feel incredibly honored to be able to do it on behalf of those who can not.  2019 will be no different with more of the same awesomeness on the horizon.

As for the guys in 111 (F) Squadron, New Year's Day 1943 brought a glimmer of jubilation for the squadron, now stationed on Kodiak Island, Alaska, with the announcement of their squadron leader, Battle of Britain veteran Kenneth Boomer, receiving  the Distinguished Flying Cross for his participation in the first successful fighter escorted bombing mission over Kiska. 

RCAF S/L Kenneth Boomer, DFC, AA

1- 1- 1943 
KODIAK 

Corporal Henley, E., A.F.M. "A", and Mitchinson, T.C. Armourer (guns), "A" appointed Acting Sergeants (Paid).  LAC's Blow, C.A., Armourer (guns) "A", Kellet, R. S., Armourer "A" and Fordham, J.G. A.F.M. "A", appointed Acting Corporals (paid).  Trade test results published.  Majority airmen on strength now have "A" grouping.  LAC Paquet, J.W. was admitted to post hospital at 2000 hours. At 1500 hours LAC Molar, N.J. and Tomkinson, F. and fifteen other airmen who are returning to Canada to proceed on leave, boarded the "USS Wallace".  Flying Officer R. Lynch has been appointed officer responsible the daily diary.  W.O.2. Merkely, E.A., made a reconnaissance flight to determine the best locality for a bomb sight.  The officers accepted an invitation to attend a steak dinner in the Airmen's Mess and during that meal the news was received that Squadron Leader K.A. Boomer had been invested with the D.F.C. by his Majesty, King George VI.  This was greeted with hearty applause.  Local training flights and one A & E test carried out.  Total flying time 6:10 hours.


It was during that joint offensive over Kiska, lead by Colonel Jack Chennault, son of Fighting Tiger fame, General Claire Chennault, where the Canadian Squadron Leader was able to down an enemy Rufe over Kiska Harbor forcing the pilot to bail out into the icy Bering Sea.  This turned out to be an important event in RCAF history as this Aleutian aerial victory would serve as the only RCAF victory of the Pacific Theater.     


Here is a Summery of the Operational Mission on Kiska written by S/L Boomer himself that appears in the Squadron Diary as Appendix Three, dated 29-9-1942.  Equally as interesting is Boomer's account on what tactics and characteristics he observed from the enemy encounter.   This written summary was to be distributed to other squadrons in an effort to help prepare the ally pilots should they encounter this type of opposition in combat.   Up until that point, the nimble Japanese fighters had dominated the skies.  It was these types of reports plus the U.S. recovery and the rebuilding of the Koga Zero found on the Aleutian Island of Akutan that allowed the allies to gain air superiority in the Pacific.


 29-9-1942

"September 25, 1942

Summary of Operational Mission on Kiska 

4-RCAF Kittyhawks over Umnak en route to Fireplace (Adak), 22-9-1942




Squadron Leader K.A. Boomer, Flying Officers R. Lynch, J. G. Gohl, and Pilot Officer H.O. Gooding departed from Fort Glenn at 1330 hours, 22-9-42 to refuel at Fireplace,  then to strafe Kiska. The mission consisted of 9 B-24's, 12 P-39's and 20 P-40's.  The aircraft landed at Fireplace at 1600 hours, 22-9-42, refueling by all crews was carried out, and the following morning at 0900 hours the aircraft took off to complete the mission. Heavy rainstorms and poor visibility was encountered for approximately one hour's flying, and the aircraft were forced to turn back,  weather necessitating the aircraft ascending to 17,000 feet on the return trip. One American aircraft was lost, supposedly due to weather, and the planes landed at 11:45 hours. Continued bad weather prevented the operation from being carried out until the morning of the 25th. At 0800 hours, 25-9-42 the aircraft again took off, and the weather was good throughout the trip.  We arrived at Kiska harbour at approximately 10:00  hours.  The Canadian Flight crossed Little Kiska Island, experiencing little fire from that point. Crossing the north head of the Harbour they heavily  attacked naval gun emplacements and also several 50 caliber guns, continuing they attacked the main camp area and Squadron Leader Boomer with Pilot Officer Gooding also attacked enemy Radar Stations. Turning right the formation re-crossed the north head again attacking gun emplacements.  Inside the Harbour area one enemy zero fighter float plane was encountered and destroyed by Squadron Leader Boomer.  After circling the harbour, an enemy submarine was discovered also being attacked by American pilots. Canadians joined in this and made several attacks each.  The formation then joined the B-24's, five miles east of Segula Island and returned to the base at Fireside (sic), landing at 11:50 hours.
The Canadian Pilots expended their full load of ammunition and returned safely with no damage to the aircraft. The time of the trip was 3 hours and 50 minutes."


L-R- P/O Bob Lynch, General Corlett, P/O Hal Gooding and an American airman.
 

Three other Canadian pilots who participated in that joint mission also received American Air Medals making them, in all likelihood, the very first Allies (and definitely the first Canadians) to receive American Air Medals during WWII.  Yet another interesting factoid that this campaign provides.  Photo'd above, on the left is my grandfather P/O Lynch and his squadron-mate P/O Hal Gooding who is receiving his Air Medal ribbon from General Corlett.  General Corlett is the American Army commander who lead the joint landing on Kiska which was the final push to reclaim the territory and officially end the campaign.  Corlett must have been stationed at Fort Greely as he appears several times in the squadron diary, hosting dinners for the Canadian officers, conducting inspections and as you see him here, pinning ribbons.

SIDE NOTE: Incidentally, the zero that S/L Boomer shot down was in pursuit and actively firing at an American P-40 flown by Major Al Aiken.  Just weeks before I discovered the American account of this mission that listed Major Al Aiken as the pilot in that troubled Warhawk, my good buddy- Aleutian WWII P-40 pilot Lt. Col (RET) Bob Brocklehurst, just happen to be telling me a wartime story about when his not so happy Major had to rescue him from a farmers cub sized air strip in Grant's Pass, Oregon where he had accidentally landed his new P-40 (instead of the intended strip in Medford, Oregon). The next day, the Major showed up in a staff car and much to the dismay of Bob,  flew the P-40 out of there while Bob watched from the back seat of the auto.  This Major was none other than Al Aiken!  It took me all of a hot minute to get Bob on the phone so I could tell him that the Canadian Squadron Leader (who was also flying with my grandfather) saved Major Aiken's life during a mission over Kiska!



Canadian artist, Rich Thistle paints his version of the battle over Kiska Harbor.

It is stories like these that continually demonstrate how the pieces of this journey keep connecting itself to one another.  One would think I would be used to these happenings by now but nope- I am still awestruck by it with every single occurrence and find it most reassuring to keep on this path. 

Here is another-  from the first day I met Bob he would recount several stories about his good friends, American airmen Lt. Bacon and Lt. Crisp and how during roll call they would make jokes about crispy bacon... (get it..?).  And just the other day when researching the Canadian squadron diaries I came across an entry that actually had these two lieutenants, Crisp and Bacon,  listed as being on patrol duty with our 111 Squadron pilots, Jim Gohl and Hal Gooding while on Umnak!  Love love these connections.

And so I write...