F/O H.P. Farr crew 37 (Fry pilot / 3 missions; Sept Oct 1943)

F/O H.P. Farr along with the rest of crew 37 piloted by F/Sgt. A.F. Fry "FTR" on the 22/23 Oct. 1943 on a mission to Kassel, Germany. All were killed.

Introduction: Harry Prior Farr made a difficult but heroic decision on August 20th, 1941. On this day, Farr enlisted in the Canadian Air Force. He put his life on the line to fight for our country. Because of what Harry Farr has done, he will be forever respected and never forgotten.

Enlistment/Attestation: This Canadian hero was born on August 14, 1915 in Oakville Ontario to Robina and Henry Farr. Farr had three sisters, Emily who was born in 1914, Agnes in 1918 and Elizabeth in 1924. Robina and Henry raised their four children as Presbyterians. Before he enlisted, Harry was very active and had many interests, some of these include first aid, music, field athletics, tennis, badminton, sailing and skating. When Harry Farr went to North Bay on August 20th, 1941 to enlist for the service, the medical examiner noted that Farr was incredibly healthy and that he would be fit for air crew. From this day on the life of this blue eyed Oakville High School graduate would change forever.

Occupational History: Harry Prior Farr worked three jobs before he enlisted for the service. First, he worked at the Toronto Daily Star as a reporter. He started working there in June 1935 and left this job in October 1936. Harry’s next job was at Westinghouse Radio Co. as a salesman but then he left for his next job, which he seemed to love. This next job was at International Nickel as a sampler and he was with them until he enlisted. He planned to go back to this company after the war.

Record of Service Canada: Harry trained in Canada and then headed overseas to the UK. Farr was recognized for his contributions in fighting for our country in World War II. Some of the medals that Harry received included 39-45 Star, A/C Eur Star, Defence Medal, General Service Medal, and 2 C.V.S.M medals.

Record of Service Europe: As a Flying Office Navigator with the #434 Bluenose Squadron Harry would have been involved in bombing raids over Germany.

What role was Canada playing in the war at the time of your soldier’s death? At the time of Harry P. Farr’s death many things were going on in the war. The Italian Campaign had been a success with the Canadians offering much of the driving force in pushing the Italians back. Also, the RAF and RCAF were having nightly raids on Germany.

End of Service: Harry Prior’s Halifax aircraft # EB 218 failed to return from night operations against Kassel, Germany. Although German decoy markers may have drawn off part of the bomber force, the main raid was exceptionally accurate and concentrated. The result was the most devastating attack on a German city since the firestorm raid on Hamburg in July and the results of the Kassel would not be exceeded again until well into 1944. The fires were so concentrated that there was a firestorm, although not as extensive as Hamburg. Farr was flying over Kassel, Germany when his plane was shot down; everyone in the plane went missing. Also involved in the accident were three other RCAF officers, and 2 Non-RCAF, all declared missing. Later Farr was officially presumed dead. Farr’s next of kin was his mother Robina. The circumstances of Farr’s death meant that his body was never found, however, his name is on the Runnymede War Memorial in Surrey, England, and he is recognized on the family grave in St. Jude’s Cemetery in Oakville.

Estate File: Anything that Farr left when he passed away was left to his family.
Lest We Forget: To think that 35 students from Oakville Trafalgar High School fought in the war for our safety and freedom is really inspiring. By enlisting for the service Harry Prior Farr put his life on the line, and there is no way to ever thank someone who would do such a courageous and noble thing. By doing this project, I feel like we are all somehow contributing, to not letting these stories die.

Harry Prior Farr
Age: 28
Lest We Forget
Story told by Katie, Oakville Trafalgar High School

Sgt Philip F. Wicks, crew 36