Honors and Awards
N – R (21)
NICKERSON, S/L George Edward (J13067) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 96) - Award effective 5 April 1945 as per London Gazette dated 13 April 1945 and AFRO 824/45 dated 18 May 1945. Born 1917 in Kenora, Ontario; home there. Trained at No.3 ITS, No.12 EFTS and No.5 SFTS . In postwar RCAF; W/C Nickerson (CO of No.445 Squadron) and F/L K.M. Eyolfson, DFC, killed 10 November 1953 in crash of a CF-100. No citation other than "completed... numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 10 December 1944 when he had flown 35 sorties (172 hours 25 minutes), 18 February to 27 November 1944.
Squadron Leader Nickerson has successfully completed a tour of operations totalling thirty-five operations. Throughout his tour he has set an example of skill, gallantry and devotion to duty of a very high order. He has recently been employed as a most efficient Flight Commander and as such has set a sterling example to all in the squadron, inspiring his pilots with the utmost confidence. He has played a large part in the training of new crews and the success of his unit is in no small measure due to him.
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O'GORMAN, F/O Howard Wainwright (J19731) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (Crew 28 /) - Award effective 2 October 1944 as per London Gazette dated 13 October 1944 and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born 1920 in Sudbury; home there; enlisted in North Bay, 30 July 1941. Trained at No.9 AOS (graduated 23 May 1942), No.4 BGS (graduated 4 July 1942) and No.1 ANS (graduated 21 August 1942). Commissioned 1943. Medal presented 5 October 1946. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". In F/L Keane's crew. DHist file 181.009 D.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation dated 20 July 1944 when he had flown 36 sorties (197 hours 24 minutes), 22 September 1943 to 18 July 1944 (111 "points"). On his first sortie (Hanover, six hours five minutes) his aircraft was attacked by a Do.217 and coned for six and three minutes. Second sortie (27 September 1943, Hanover) not completed when starboard inner engine became unserviceable. Third sortie completed (Bochum) with seven guns unserviceable and one engine "ropey". Many enemy aircraft seen on fifth sortie (4 October 1943, Frankfurt) and sixth sortie (23 October 1943, Kassel). On seventh sortie (3 November 1943, Dusseldorf, five hours 35 minutes) aircraft hit by six incendiaries; starboard inner engine knocked out, three-foot hole in outer port wing, holed in outer starboard fuel tank and starboard tail plane. On ninth sortie (Leipzig, nine hours 25 minutes) hit by 14 incendiaries and a propeller knocked off.
This officer has completed a tour of thirty-six operations, twelve of which have been to heavily defended German targets. This officer is an exceptionally capable and efficient navigator whose courage and devotion to duty have been an inspiration and example to all crews.
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PAYNE, P/O Robert. / DFC 19 Jan. 1945, (crew 86)
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PERKS, F/L G.D. / DFC 2 June 1944
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PETERSON, F/O Benjamin Lane (J85778) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 97) - Award effective 5 April 1945 as per London Gazette dated 17 April 1945 and AFRO 918/45 dated 1 June 1945. Born 1923 in Victoria, British Columbia; home there (student); enlisted Vancouver 7 July 1942. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 1 January 1943), No.5 EFTS (graduated 19 March 1943) and No.3 SFTS (graduated 23 July 1943). Commissioned April 1944. Medal sent by registered mail 7 June 1950. No citation other than "completed... numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 10 December 1944 when he had flown 33 sorties (167 hours 50 minutes), 14 June to 16 November 1944.
Flying Officer Peterson has completed a tour of operations, the majority of which were attacks against heavily defended German targets such as Sterkrade, Stuttgart, Essen and Cologne. Flying Officer Peterson has proven himself a fearless captain who always presses home his attacks with great tenacity despite the opposition. He has displayed skill and devotion to duty of a high order, his keenness being worthy of emulation by all pilots in the squadron.
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PETSCHE, Sergeant Joseph (R216097) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.434 Squadron - Award effective 18 April 1944 as per London Gazette dated 21 April 1944 and AFRO 1020/44 dated 12 May 1944. Born 1922 in Yugoslavia; home in Ville Lasalle, Quebec (machinist); enlisted Montreal, 8 January 1943. Trained at No.3 BGS (graduated 20 August 1943). Medal presented by Governor General, 24 May 1946.
In March 1944, this airman was the mid-upper gunner of an aircraft detailed for a sortie. Whilst over the target area the aircraft was hit by bullets from a fighter. Sergeant Petsche was wounded. Although in much pain and suffering from the loss of blood, he displayed great devotion to duty and gallantly assisted in extinguishing a fire which had commenced in the rear of the aircraft. Not until then did he inform his captain of his injuries. On this first sortie this airman set a worthy example.
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PHILLIPS, F/O C.J. / DFC 13 Oct. 1944, (crew 22)
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PITTMAN, F/O Hubert Joseph (J35762) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 106) - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London Gazette dated 25 September 1945 and AFRO 1768/45 dated 23 November 1945. Born 1917 in Montreal; home there (bookkeeper); enlisted Halifax, 9 September 1939. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 20 February 1943) and No.4 AOS (graduated 1 October 1943). Commissioned September 1943. Medal sent by registered mail 8 September 1949. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.9 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 17 April 1945 when he had completed 32 sorties (208 hours five minutes), 12 July 1944 to 20 March 1945. Tour was interrupted, 12 September to 21 November 1944.
Although his tour was interrupted by serious illness, Flying Officer Pittman showed a keen desire to carry on and has now completed a full tour of operations against the enemy. As a navigator he displayed outstanding skill during attacks against many heavily defended targets which included Kiel, Bremen, Duisburg and Hannover. At all times this officer has proved himself to be thoroughly dependable and showed great devotion to duty.
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POPPLESTONE, F/O Donald Harold (J17792) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 12) - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London Gazette dated 17 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945. Born 1921 in Viking, Alberta; home there or Pilot Mound, Manitoba; enlisted Winnipeg 7 March 1941. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 3 October 1941), No.5 AOS (graduated 15 March 1942), No.7 BGS (graduated 25 April 1942) and No.1 ANS (graduated25 May 1942). Commissioned 1943. Joined unit 15 June 1943; screened from operations 2 August 1944; posted 23 August 1944. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation dated 4 August 1944 when he had flown 31 sorties (184 hours eight minutes), 29 January 1943 to 1 August 1944). Aircraft coned and hit by flak on 3 March 1943 (Hamburg). Rear gunner shot down Bf.110, 3 October 1943 (Kassel). No sorties between 8 October 1943 and 29 April 1944, and only seven sorties in this latter part of tour.
This officer has completed a tour of 31 operations and has a fine operational record. A great many of these sorties have been against targets in the Ruhr Valley, Berlin, Mannheim, Kassel and other German cities. His fine fighting spirit, dogged determination and devotion to duty have always been apparent and he has set a most commendable example.
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PORTER, Sergeant Donald Fraser Callin (R89119) - Mention in Despatches - No.9, 434 Servicing Echelon (No.64 Base in AFRO) - Award effective 1 January 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 425/45 dated 9 March 1945. Home in Truax, Saskatchewan; enlisted Galt, Ontario, 14 February 1941. DHist file 181.009 D.4364 (RG.24 Vol.20648) has recommendation dated 26 July 1944. Service number may be R89189.
This Non-Commissioned Officer enlisted 14th February 1941, and has served in the United Kingdom as a rigger since 9th August 1941. He is in charge of modifications in the Repair and Inspection Squadron. He has at all times carried out his duties with exceptional tenacity of purpose, and has set an excellent example to his men by his unswerving loyalty and dogged determination and devotion to duty.
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PRATT, F/O Robert Alexander (J19004) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 8 /) - Award effective 1 September 1944 as per London Gazette dated 19 September 1944 and AFRO 2373/44 dated 3 November 1944. Born 1921 in Vancouver; home in Toronto; enlisted there 10 April 1941. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 11 April 1942), No.9 EFTS (graduated 19 June 1942) and No.6 SFTS (graduated 9 October 1942). Commissioned 1943. Award sent by registered ail, 19 November 1948. No citation other than "completed...many successful operations during which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 22 June 1944 when he had flown 32 sorties (177 hours 45 minutes), 27 May 1943 to 14 June 1944.
This officer has been with the squadron since its formation and has flown a total of thirty-two operations, including ten heavily defended German targets. Flying Officer Pratt is an outstanding operational pilot, sets his mind on the task in hand, fearlessly and with a fine offensive spirit. His courage, exceptional qualities of leadership and coolness, in addition to his outstanding efficiency, zealous devotion to duty and dogged determination, are an inspiration to all crews on the squadron.
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QUARNSTROM, F/O Roland Gustaf (J36386) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 125) - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London Gazette dated 25 September 1945 and AFRO 1768/45 dated 23 November 1945. Born 1914 in McKees Port, Pennsylvania; home in Norquay, Saskatchewan (teacher and principal); enlisted in Winnipeg, 27 October 1942. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 15 May 1943) and No.7 AOS (graduated 15 October 1943). Commissioned October 1943. Navigator to F/L C.T. Alger. Award presented 11 June 1949 in Winnipeg. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.9 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 17 April 1945 when he had completed 31 sorties (215 hours 30 minutes), 20 September 1944 to 24 March 1945.
This navigator has successfully completed a tour of thirty-one operational sorties against the enemy. At all times he displayed an abundant knowledge of practical operational navigation and guided his aircraft to many heavily defended targets such as Munich, Zoitz, Hannover, Merseberg, and the industrial Valley of the Ruhr. His determination and skill throughout have been an inspiration to all.
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RAE, F/O Cuthbert David (J35124) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron - Award effective 5 April 1945 as per London Gazette dated 17 April 1945 and AFRO 918/45 dated 1 June 1945. Born 1922 in Cupar, Saskatchewan; home there; enlisted Regina 19 November 1940. Trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 19 March 1943), No.8 BGS (graduated 23 July 1943) and No.5 AOS (graduated 3 September 1943). Commissioned 1943. Award presented 18 June 1949. Bomb aimer for F/O N.E. Currie's crew. DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 10 December 1944 when he had flown 33 sorties (167 hours 45 minutes), 20 April to 28 October 1944. Sterkrade incident was 27 September 1944.
Flying Officer Rae has completed a tour of operations during which he has as bomb aimer participated in many operational sorties. At all times he has displayed great tenacity and a fine fighting spirit which combined with his outstanding keenness and devotion to duty have been most praiseworthy. On one occasion when engaged on a mission against Sterkrade his aircraft was subjected to intense anti-aircraft fire. During the bombing run the nose of his aircraft was shattered and Flying Officer Rae sustained cuts to his face and hands. Undaunted by these harassing circumstances this courageous officer returned to his position immediately and successfully completed the bombing run.
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RAWLYCK, P/O P.W. / DFC 25 Sept. 1945, (crew 141)
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REYNOLDS, F/O Gerard. / DFC 27 Mar. 1945, (crew 124 /)
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RICE, P/O Glen Alvin (J85844) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 28) - Award effective 2 October 1944 as per London Gazette dated 17 October 1944 and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born 1915 in Arcola, Saskatchewan; home in Roblin, Manitoba; enlisted in Winnipeg, 4 April 1942. Trained at No.9 BGS (graduated 19 March 1943). Commissioned 1944. Award presented 14 June 1949. In F/L Keane's crew. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.3080 (RG.24 Vol.20636) has recommendation dated 20 July 1944 when he had flown 38 sorties (202 hours 30 minutes), 22 September 1943 to 18 July 1944. He was in O'Gorman's crew (which see for many incidents early in tour).
This officer has completed a total of thirty-eight operations, twelve of which have been to heavily defended German targets. On several occasions his aircraft has been damaged due to enemy action, and this officer's efficiency, coolness and determination have been of great help to his crew. His courage and devotion to duty are an example to all crews.
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RICHARDSON, F/O Wm. / DFC 12 Dec. 1944, (crew 89)
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RIDLEY, P/O Henry Penman (J85399) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 5) - Award effective 1 September 1944 as per London Gazette dated 19 September 1944 and AFRO 2373/44 dated 3 November 1944. Born 1914; home in Oakville, Ontario; enlisted in Toronto, 4 October 1940. Trained at No.5 BGS (graduated 25 September 1942). Commissioned 1914. Presented at Hamilton, 27 July 1949. No citation other than "completed...many successful operations during which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.3260 (RG.24 Vol.20637) has recommendation dated 20 June 1944 when he had flown 34 sorties (206 hours two minutes), 24 April 1943 to 7 June 1944.
This officer has been with the squadron since its formation. He has completed thirty-three operations, twenty-three of which have been against heavily defended targets in Germany. He has always displayed the highest degree of courage, and his dogged determination and outstanding devotion to duty are an example and inspiration to all gunners on the squadron.
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ROTHENBUSH, F/L Jack Warren (J13048) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 139 /) - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London Gazette dated 21 September 1945 and AFRO 1704/45 dated 9 November 1945. Born 1918 in Winnipeg; home in Vancouver (bookkeeper, labourer, ex-Royal Canadian Artillery). Trained at No.2 ITS, No.19 EFTS and No.10 SFTS. Commissioned July 1942. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.9 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 3 April 1945 when he had flown 24 sorties (164 hours 15 minutes), 28 October 1944 to 31 March 1945.
Flight Lieutenant Rothenbush has completed numerous operations against the enemy, the majority of which were attacks carried out against heavily defended major German targets. Throughout his tour, Flight Lieutenant Rothenbush has at all times displayed great keenness, determination and devotion to duty. On several occasions under harassing circumstances he has pressed home the attack with tenaciousness and unswerving determination. His skill, loyalty and gallantry has been an incentive and example to other members of the squadron.
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ROWE, F/O Fred Leon (J16034) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 22) - Award effective 19 September 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 2274/44 dated 20 October 1944. Born 1919 in Vancouver; home there. Trained at No.1 ITS, No.7 AOS and No.7 BGS. Commissioned 1942. Incident described was on air test, 25 February 1944; pilot was P/O Pollard; see also F/O R.H. James, bomb aimer.
Flying Officer Rowe has completed two tours of operational duty during which he has taken part in very many attacks on targets in Germany. Throughout he has displayed a high standard of navigational ability, combined with great determination and devotion to duty. On one occasion his pilot was temporarily blinded by particles of glass from the shattered windscreen. On reaching an airfield in this country, Flying Officer Rowe proved his resource by assisting another member of the crew to make a safe landing. This officer is a most valuable member of aircraft crew.
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RUBIN, F/O Harold (J27115) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron (crew 124 /) - Award effective 5 July 1945 as per London Gazette dated 20 July 1945 and AFRO 1619/45 dated 19 October 1945. Born 1911 in Minah, Russia; home in Ottawa (credit manager). Former member, Royal Canadian Artillery; enlisted in Halifax, 11 June 1943. Trained at No.6 ITS (graduated 30 December 1942), No.1 BGS (graduated 30 April 1943) and No.9 AOS (graduated 11 June 1943). Commissioned June 1943. Award presented at Government House, 7 November 1949. No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation dated 28 February 1945 when he had flown 31 sorties (184 hours 55 minutes), 17 July 1944 to 2 February 1945, Sortie list notes that on 12 September 1944 (Dortmund) he had backed up PFF, "few holes in wings and nacelles". Member of W/C Blackburn's crew.
Flying Officer Rubin as Bomb Aimer has completed a tour of operations, the majority of which were attacks against heavily defended major German targets. He has at all times displayed skill, devotion to duty and courage of a very high order. His fine offensive spirit and coolness under fire has proven a splendid example worthy of emulation by all. His helpful instruction and direction to new crews has contributed greatly to the operational success of the squadron.