Smooth Seas To Our Captain Billy

Captain Billy Choate or as I called him, Captain Q.  Billy was not only our boat Captain for the Aleutian History Expeditions, he was an inspirational human and my friend.  His calm demeanor at sea was always soothing to myself and our tour goers.  In rough water, he remained undisturbed, I can remember several instances when the rest of us were barely keeping our stomachs down and dishes were crashing onto the floor of the galley causing our chef extraordinaire, Nicole (Puddin Pants) to swear loudly, Billy at the helm, sat there serenely and ate his dinner without a care in the world.  Nothing he had not see before. 

Captain was 71 when I met him in 2016. I was always in awe of his zest for life and his quiet way of going about it. During random times of the year when we’d talk, he’d be busy roller blading, cross country skiing, hiking or playing granddad to the light of his life, his granddaughter, Sienna.  Billy had a very rare cancer that returned four years ago.  He handled his diagnosis and treatments admirably.   We spoke several times this year and I am so happy we did,   "Good to hear you." he'd always say.  I can hear his voice clear as day, a voice that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. 

 
This is one of my favorite photos of Billy at the helm.  I believe we were prepping for our Summer Solstice party on the deck of his beloved boat, the M/V Puk Uk, while just off shore of Umnak Island in 2017.  He built the Puk Uk (Inupiat for ‘Poking Around’) boat by hand in St. Augustine, Florida then sailed it through the Panama Canal and up to its home in Homer, Alaska.  He was always up for anything we wanted to do, as crazy as it was, including these ridiculous bow ties we make everyone where during our Old Salt cocktail/poem reading party ;  this old Bering Sea crab fisherman was a lover of poetry and all things arts.  Billy was one of the few who would venture as far wast as Attu and he loved it, he loved the Aleutians.  He was always willing to try new things for the sake of history, like getting us to Chichagof Harbor, docking at the rock dock on Umnak, or dropping us off at Jeff’s Cove on Kiska.  But he always did so safely.  He knew those waters like no one else. 

Not sure what this means for the future of the Puk Uk or our Aleutian History Expeditions.   I know he was trying to sell it.  Whoever buys it will have some enormous shoes to fill. Truthfully, no one can replace Billy Choate    I will miss you Captain Q and our trips will never be the same without you.  RIP friend. 

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. 

  

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...  

 

---

For The Love Of Flying!

One of the areas I worked diligently on during the planning of the Commemoration of the 75^th Anniversary of the Bombing of Dutch Harbor and Aleut Evacuation in Unalaska (Dutch Harbor) this past June, was making sure we had some period planes attend the event.   For the first eleven months, the Aleutian campaign took place primarily by air in some of the most dangerous flying conditions in the world.  It was important for the airmen and the planes that they flew, to be represented.   I may be stating the obvious by saying that I could possibly be slightly biased but that really is a fact, these planes serve to be an important living history item at any event and people truly love seeing these old birds!  Just take a look at Richard... he just got off the Harvard! 

Richard,  Unalaska resident.

With the help of PenAir, Alaska Airlines, APIA (Aleutian Pribilof Island Association), Alaska Humanities Forum and numerous other community sponsors, we were able to bring the CAF (Commemorative Air Force) Alaska Wing’s Harvard Mk lV (AT-6) and a privately owned 1942 Grumman Goose to Unalaska for the community to enjoy.  And enjoy they did!  Those planes had line ups the entire weekend flying gleeful community members well into each night and far exceeding anyone’s expectations of their participation.    

Happy Goose fliers on the left and on the far right
Goose owner, John Pletcher & pilot Burke Mees beside him. 

They touched down at the Tom Madsen airport around 10:30pm completing their long nine hour flight from Anchorage.   We, along with around 20 other community members who had heard the undeniable sound of their radial engines flying overhead, came out to the airfield to welcome them.  This was a big deal for the community.  It was the first time that the Commemorative Air Force had ever traveled to Dutch Harbor. That alone is a big feat.  The trip from Anchorage is no ordinary journey, even now with all the modern technologies, and it involved some serious risks. The flight path which was drawn out by local Goose legend and Alaska Airlines pilot Burke Mees, was similar to that which my grandfather and his squadron followed on their way to Umnak, July of 1942.   The breathtaking route is over remote unforgiving mountainous terrain with the last leg mostly over the equally unforgiving water.  Couple that with rapidly changing weather, very few emergency landing strips, old aircraft and... enough said, you get the picture- it's risky.  And even though the CAF pilots are all experienced commercial airline pilots familiar with Alaskan skies, this was still some uncharted territory for them in these 75 year aircaft.  To say it was a beautiful sight to see those war birds flying in formation over the Unalaska skies is an large understatement… Sigh.   Oh the memories…

From that point on, those guys did not stop flying with wait times reaching three hours at one point! You know, there is something quite special about seeing the wonderment on the faces of those witnessing the magic of aviation, eyes as big as gumballs, or maybe those were mine….  anyways, I see it time and time again at airshows.  There is something so special about a warbird.  It has a story to tell. I guess that is why I enjoy them so much.   I want to hear their story. 

Headed home.  
Photo credit: Toby Harriman & the CAF Alaska Wing

The eagles have landed in Dutch Harbor. 

Aleutian terrain.

Just another road sign in an aviation community.

The Harvard, the Canadian or British name for an AT-6, was a two seat trainer aircraft used by all branches of military to prepare their pilots for flying the more advanced fighters like a P-51 Mustang or P-40 Warhawk.  The Canadian squadron had them in Alaska and used them to check out new pilots who had come up to join the squadron and also according their squadron diary, used them for transport of squadron members to different bases.  111 (F) veteran, LAC Harold Cross,  told me a great story about how they used them for a target training exercise.  While stationed in Pat Bay (Victoria Airport),  just before deployment to the Aleutians, the LAC's (Leading Aircraftmen) would take the back seat loaded with barrels filled with aluminum dust stacked six high on their laps. One by one, they would throw them over the side of the plane into the water. The pilots and their P-40's would then use the floating barrels as target practice.  A cloud of dust indicated a direct hit.  We actually found Harold's name as the second pilot (back seat) in my grandfather's flight log book during one of these exercises!  

Date        Aircraft  No.   1st Pilot   2nd Pilot     Duty      Time
42-Apr 29   Harvard  3332    Self      LAC Cross  Drop Target   :35  

My grandfather P/O R.W. Lynch, RCAF and his Harvard, 1941.

Me and the CAF Alaska Wing Harvard in Dutch Harbor, June 2017

The Grumman Goose is a twin engine amphibious plane that started out as a luxurious eight seat flying commuter plane.  Come war time, it morphed into the ideal U.S. military transport plane and ended up serving with many other air forces including the RAF and RCAF. It was ideally suited for commuting around Alaska and continues to be well known around the Dutch Harbor area. In fact, Burke used to fly the Goose in Unalaska right up until 2012.   

Credit Jack Lindsay, City of Vancouver Archives, CVA 1184-1561T  

RCAF 440 (T) Sqd- Maj. Muckosky & David Shears with 
Goose owner John Pletcher & pilot Burke Mees, Dutch Harbor 2017

Aside from warbird rides for the community, the aircraft also teamed up for some formation flying during our fly overs with WWll Aleutian veteran pilot Lt. Col (RET) Bob Brocklehurst in the right seat!  To some of you, this name may sound familiar, this is the same young man who just flew the TF-51 Mustang in Florida this past February!  Talk about an inspiration.  Bob turned 97 in July. 

Our Co-pilot, WWll Aleutian Island veteran pilot,  Lt. Col (RET) Bob Brocklehurst.

Formation flying is the bomb! 
 View from the Goose during the fly over.

If you want to see some video of footage of all things aviation, including the water landing in the Goose (oh baby, was that awesome..) during the 75th, you can check out the eight minute montage I created.    


 


And most importantly, if you enjoy warbirds then joining the CAF (Commemorative Air Force) is a great way to keep the legacies of these airmen and the planes they flew alive!  They are the ultimate living museum and they endeavor to keep at least one of every type of warbird flying so that the lessons of what these planes represent will always be remembered. They have local chapters (Wings) all over the country with dedicated and passionate volunteers who could use your support.  Being part of the CAF is one of the best things I have done in the last few years!    Click on the link to find the wing nearest to you, tell them I sent you!