RCAF -

CLB · Corporal

RCAF -

Date: Jul 12, 2010

About the only way I know of doing this is to contact relatives of the airman in the hopes that someone might possess some information. Veteran's Affairs Canada doesn't release information to anyone other than a relative regarding service records as far as I know. If you had any inkling of the airman's hometown it might be possible to trace some living relatives. Any idea what F/O Harper's trade or service number was or where he was from? Any of that might help as often local newspaper archives (some which are on-line, too) might have some info such as an article reporting something like Missing On Operations or POW status.

Sorry it's not much help but privacy laws are fairly pervasive in Canada.

CLB · Corporal

So far all I know is

F/O A.C.Harper RCAF PoW was interned in CampL1, PoW No.3819 with Sgt P.McDougall, PoW No.3828

I have identified him in the attached photo - he is the one at the front shaking hands with my grandda Sgt Joseph Robinson and the gentleman behind my Granddad is Sgt P McDougall.

I know they flew on the LM471 but this was not the first Lancaster they flew as a crew.

I'd really love to be able to trace this crew.

Thanks for your help.

Lizh · Leading Aircraftsman

Hi CLB,

Have you seen the listing on the Aircrew Rememberance Society site?

When I type in P McDougall without the Sgt and the listing comes up under

Collis Leslie.

It shows the same photo that you have, so maybe you have already been here but I thought it was worth a mention.

I do have a contact in Canada who I have been doing some research with regarding our respective uncles. I have no idea if he could be of any help and he seems to be away at the moment but if you would like me to try and put you in touch let me know.

Good luck with your hunting,

Regards,

Lizh

CLB · Corporal

Hi Lizh

I had the photo and story done on the aircrew remembrance site recently in memory of my Granddad and the crew. I was hoping someone who was a relative of any of the crew members would see it.

Thanks for you help!

CLB

Starman 1957 · Flying Officer

Hi CLB,
I don't know if you have tried any of the Canadian web forums? I use one myself and they are really helpful you could try posting on there. This is the link. http://wwii.ca/forums/
Good Luck.
Regards,
Gary

alieneyes · Group Captain

CLB wrote:

Does anyone know of any way I can trace F/O A.C.Harper RCAF

According to RCAF Casualty List 894 issued 28 May 1944, F/O Allan Charter Harper was from Nelson, British Columbia.

The Nelson telephone directory currently lists one Harper with initial "M".

Regards,
Dave

CLB · Corporal

Thanks Gary I'll give it a try

CLB

CLB · Corporal

Thanks for this, it's a great lead.

Date: Sep 15, 2010

CLB,

I have ordered RCAF service history files from the canadian library/archives for my father (passed away last year at 88) and my uncle (KIA 3/4 Dec '43 Leipzig raid). My father's file was about 30 pages and 2 photos - my uncle's file was almost 200 pages and 1 photo. Both files are a fascinating snapshot of history. Obviously in my case I am a relative however in going thru the process here is my understanding of how it works (operative phrase my understanding but it may help);

if serviceman is deceased more than 20 years and died during service or later (by 1947 or 48?) as a result of service injuries then the full file is open to public (need name and service number to order)

if serviceman is deceased more than 20 years and did NOT die during service then full file is open to public however more information is needed (proof of death - death certificate, newspaper orbit or photo of gravestone)

if serviceman is deceased less than 20 years you must be a relative and file is vetted so some information may be withheld (additionally proof of relationship and proof of death is required). This is where the privacy laws really kicked in.

I checked the following database and although many Harpers no A.C. Harper confirming he survived the war

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/war-dead/001056-100.01-e.php

Hope this helps

Cheers
Rodger

Date: Sep 15, 2010

Just found this - quoting

Second World War (1939-1945): Killed in Action only - open without access restrictions

You can search our online database Second World War Service Files: Canadian Armed Forces War Dead to identify a specific military service file. Please read the database online help pages to find out how to order a copy of a file.

Note that requests for copies must include an archival reference. The database includes those who died in service from 1939 to 1947.

For all other military service files (1919-1997), including Second World War (not killed in action), Library and Archives Canada applies access restrictions.

For individuals still living: Personal information cannot be released with out the written consent of the individual concerned.

For individuals deceased less than 20 years: Only limited personal information will be released to an immediate family member (spouse, parent, sibling, child or grandchild) of the individual concerned if proof of relationship and proof of death are provided. Proof of death is not required if the individual died while in service.

For individuals deceased more than 20 years: Personal information will be released on an individual deceased for more than 20 years if proof of death is provided. Proof of death is not required if the individual died while in service.

Please do not send original documents; photocopies are acceptable.

The following are examples of documents accepted as proof of death: death certificate, newspaper obituary, funeral notice or photograph of the gravestone. The following are examples of documents acceptable as proof of relationship: newspaper obituary, baptismal certificate, marriage certificate, full form birth certificate that indicates parents' names. A wallet-sized birth certificate is not acceptable. Documents must clearly show the relationship between the service

member and the requestor; both names must appear on the document.

From 1st January 1998 to the present: access restrictions apply
CheersRodger

Justplanedave · Warrant Officer

CLB,

I have a listing of RCAF personel dated Oct 1, 1944. It has an A.C HARPER J25585 AB (bomb Aimer). I have obtained records form The National Archives for personnel I am not realted to. As others have mentioned, unless 'died' on duty, or 'related' with proof of death, the information will be vetted - ie no date of birth, etc, but the records will clearly show date of enlistement, taken on strenth, squadrons, etc. Send me your email on my whiteboard and I willl forward a contact I have that has fairly quick access to the Archives who will be able to assist with your search, his rates are very very reasonable.

You can also got the route of the Squadron's Operation Records Book or ORB"s which lists all the day to day operations of the Squadron - it's not 'personal' though. It will have a listing of flights by time, plane, and also list crew and results or notes of the event. There are also daily and monthly logs showing postings in as well as out, promotions, stats etc. They really are fabuloius to view if you have an interest as it sounds like you do. If you have the Squadron number and approximate times this crew served in that squadron, you can get all the information you'd like.

I have copies of some ORB's I have made for other people I was interested in. Let me know what squadron you are looking at and I'll have a look and see if I have anything on hand I can help you out with. I'd be glad to return the favours/help I have received here.

Dave

P.S. This site is great for people helping out each other. Since my post of the Mosquito crew - can you Identify? - It was determined who the crew was, and tracked down and spoke on the phone with the pilot earlier today!

Date: Jun 16, 2013

The gentleman stood athe back looking down and smiling at the wedding party was my Grandfather, Sgt Edward Smith. Unfortunately he lost his life along with the Pilot on 24/25 March 1944,now remembered as the night of the strong winds

CLB · Corporal

Hi Julie,

good to hear from you.

I'm sorry your loss loss, my grandad always said the actions your grandfather and Leslie Collis took saved his life.

i spoke to Roy Roper a few months ago, he's still alive and living in Nottingham. He told me some stories about the Crew which I'd be happy to share with you if you'd like.

thanks again

Carpe Diem · Corporal

Julie: please contact me at matt.576.sqnATgmailDOTcom

I would like to talk to you about your grandfather Edward Smith who flew 3 missions for 576 before his tragic death on 24/25 March 1944. I am compiling the complete history of the Squadron.

Best regards

Matt