F/L Alfred "George" Rowe (12 missions)

George was born in Toronto 24th March 1920 to parents Alfred and Agnes Rowe, and one of 3 children. “George” enjoyed hockey, rugby and baseball, once out of high school he took vocational night classes in typing, also working on a 3 year associates course. He was employed by the Bank of Nova Scotia as a Junior Clerk/Ledger Keeper.

George enlisted in Toronto 3rd May 1941, awarded “Air-Observers” badge on 31 Jan. 1942, two months later in March he married Pearl Cranstoun.

Pearl and George Rowe

Pearl Rowe in her "going away outfit", this photo was taken shortley after thier wedding on the 7th March 1942.

George and Pearl went for a brief honeymoon as he would be required back in England by the end of March.

Over the next three and a half years he would serve on 3 RCAF squadrons.

425 Squadron 19 Aug. 1942 – 30 April 1943

432 Squadron 1 May 1943 – 24 July 1944.

Promoted to Flight Lieutenant-1st Jan. 1944 and during this time he would complete his required 30 “Op’s” (awarded DFC) also completing an Instructional tour. On special leave “George” returned to Canada July 25th- Sept. 25,

George went back to England in the fall and was taken on strength with 434 Squadron on 31 Dec. 1944. He and five other members of the crew were were killed on the 11th March 1945 on an “Op” to Essen, Germany.

Additional photos of George and his crewmates in "Individual" and "Crew" galleries (crew - 151)

Courtesy Linda Ibrom