Belatedly I learned of the passing of F/O John S. "Jack" Carver RCAF Pilot on April 2, 2010 in his 96th year.  Jack enlisted in the RCAF in 1940 and served overseas with No. 408 Goose Squadron.  He initially flew on the Handley Page Hampden and then the H.P Halifax.  I had the distinct pleasure of befriending this very pleasant gentleman in his late eighties by chance as he worked for years with the former Navigator of my own father's aircrew though neither knew for decades that the other had served.  It was an amazing privelege to hear flying stories of the early Operational days of Bomber Command and the challenges and difficulties faced by the aircrew during this trying period.  Once he described his worst flight as being a mine-laying operation to the Kattegat where they flew for hours through cloud and foul weather in zero visibility on instruments yet somehow managed to make a safe return.  Jack always believed a high number of Bombers were lost coming home, overflying England and running out of fuel over the ocean because navigational and radar aids were lacking.  His crystal clear recollections and memories told of the sacrifices of the many young airmen and it was and is an honour to have heard them from someone who was there.

I will miss our "fireside" chats over a cup of tea and the warmth this kind-hearted gentleman always extended to me whenever we had the opportunity to visit.  His is truly the passing of the greatest generation.

Per Ardua Ad Astra, Jack.  I hope Helen, the love of your life, and a whole host of mates and chums are there to greet you on the other side but I will miss you here.