From Hugh Halliday's collection of RCAF Honours & Awards. Hope this snippet helps some.
SNIDER, S/L John Douglas (J15257) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.419 Squadron - Award effective 4 October 1943 as per London Gazette dated 15 October 1943 and AFRO 2610/43 dated 17 December 1943.Born in Hamilton, 1916; home in Grimsby, Ontario; enlisted in Hamilton, 2 July 1940.Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 14 September 1940), No.3 EFTS (graduated 25 November 1940) and No.6 SFTS (graduated 10 February 1941).Commissioned 1942.Award presented 21 September 1945.
This officer has a splendid operational record.He has completed a large number of sorties including attacks on Essen, Kiel and targets in the Ruhr.Throughout all his missions he has shown great determination, and his cheerful confidence has had an excellent influence on all younger members of aircraft crew.Squadron Leader Snider's organizing ability, together with his determination and courage, have been a valuable asset to the squadron.
Thank- you so much do you know of some place where we can find more info on where he flew. We do know that he died in 1963 in a crash while flying a commercial plane. we have those articles. I would like to write something up for the family, about all who had served our country. My son is on a medical from serving 12 years in the military. Both my husband and I have relatives that had served going back several generations and would like to give this history to our grandchildren.
Your best bet, is to get hold of a copy of the 419sqdn ORB (Operations Record Book). If in Canada, this would be from the Archives in Ottawa. The ORB will have details on the operations he took part in, including crew names, aircraft serials, targets etc. I have no RCAF ORB's in m
There were a series of books published and distributed by The Hangar Bookshelf P.O. Box 1513 Belleville, Ontario K8N 5J2 (613) 962-4652 on various RCAF Squadrons. I have the 433 Squadron history and I believe they also did ones on 408, 434 etc. Not sure if they did one on 419 "Moose"' squadron but if so it would be a very good resource with lots of pics and info. You might try to get ahold of a copy. Mine ran about $21 Can. likely out of print but if one exists or was published it may be possible to procure.
There may be some other info available on-line as well but it'll take a good course of research. Of course NOK may be able to apply for the Vet's Service Records through the Government of Canada as well. There is a form available on-line possibly through Veteran's Affairs to complete and send. Not sure if there is a fee to that but it may have some additional info as well.
