Hello Alleyoop:

If you Downeasters would take note, we already have a memorial for the Canadians in RAF Bomber Command, and it is at Nanton, Alberta.  On the memorial is the names of tha almost 10,000 Canadians (and some 700 Americans) who died while with Bomber Command.  We had a ceremony last August to remember the Americans who died with the Command, and next August there will be another to remember those who flew the Lancaster after the war was over.

I don't know if I qualify, as we flew the Lanc in training for the Tiger Force after VE Day.  At that time, I was on 425 Squadron, and, as far as I know, it was the only Francophone squadron.  Having already learned my French during my evasion in France, I had no problems joining the squadron.

But, the choice of a Francophone squadron was a bit of a laugh; there were plenty of French Canadians in the R.C.A.F., but they were spread all over the various commands, including Bomber.  I don't remember meeting one French Canadian the few months while I was on #425 (save Old Joe LeCompte, the Commanding Officer, a fine Man).

So, come out to Alberta this Summer, and visit the Bomber Command Memorial at Nanton.  And, if you wish, help Karl Kjarsgaard bring that Halifax LW170 with him.  Maybe then we can compete with Trenton as to who has the best looking Halifax.

John