Showing 11 results

Archival description
Item · 1960-10-01 - 1967-10-30
Lieutenant Woods, A.J was born in Los Angeles, California on December 21, 1922, to Stanley Clifford Woods and Kathaleen Maude Sheperd. He was appointed as an AC 2/c RCAF with seniority dated May 4, 1943. In 1943, he served in RCAF Edmonton for #4 Initial Training School. He was then appointed as a LAC RCAF with seniority dated September 19, 1943. In the same year, he served in RCAF High River for #5 Elementary Flying Training School, and then in RCAF MacLeod AB for #7 Service Flying School, where he was awarded his wings on October 4, 1944. He was then appointed as a Sergeant Pilot RCAF with seniority dated October 4, 1944. In 1944, he served in RCAF Calgary for #2 Aircrew Graduates Training School and was released from RCAF Special Reserve to RCAF Class E Reserve on December 1, 1944. He was transferred to RNVR on June 14, 1945, and appointed as a Sub-Lieutenant (A) (Temp.) RNVR with seniority dated June 14, 1945. He served in the RN College Greenwich for Courses in 1945, RAF Colby Grange for Service and Advanced Flying Courses in 1945, and H.M.S. Premier for Training in the same year. He was then transferred to RCN(R) on October 1, 1945, and appointed as a Sub-Lieutenant (P) RCN(R) with seniority dated October 1, 1945. In 1945, he served in RNAS Peplow for 758 RN Squadron for Advanced Instrument Flying School, RNAS Rattray for 717 RN Squadron, and RNAS Inskip for 766 RN Squadron.In 1946, he was appointed as a Lieutenant (P) RCN(R) with seniority dated April 6, 1946, and served in RNAS Eglinton for 719 RN Squadron for Strike Forming Training Unit, RNAS Arbroath for 783 RN Squadron for Anti-submarine homing Radar Training, and H.M.S. Implacable for Deck Landing Training. In 1947, he served in RCAF Pat Bay for 825 Squadron and HMCS Warrior for Carrier Qualification, where he was appointed as a Lieutenant (P) (SSA) with seniority dated April 6, 1946, for Short Service Appointment commencing April 30, 1947. He then served in RCNAS Dartmouth for 825 Squadron, HMCS Stadacona for Officers Divisional Course, and HMCS Magnificent for 19 Carrier Air Group as Pilot in 825 Squadron in 1948. In 1948, he served in RCAF Trenton for Central Flying School for Flying Instructor School, and in 1949, he served in HMCS Shearwater for Instructor Duty in #1 TAG. In 1950, he served in HMCS Naden for Duty with Reserve Training Commander and HMCS Antigonish for Watchkeeping Training. In 1951, he served in HMCS Shearwater for Flying Refresher, 803 Squadron, 870 Squadron, and 880 Squadron, as well as in RNAS Lossiemouth for Maintenance Test Pilot Course. He also served in HMCS Shearwater as Naval Air Test and Liaison Officer and in RNAS Anthorn for #1 Aircraft Receipt and Dispatch Unit. In the same year, he served in RCAF Centralia for Instrument Flying School.In 1953, he survived a ditching of a Sea Fury at the entrance to Musqudoboit Harbour NS on July 1. He was then selected for permanent commission and served in NHQ for Special Duty at Naval Detachment Central Experimental Proving Establishment at RCAF Station Edmonton. He also served in RNAS Gosport for 705 RN Squadron for Helicopter Conversion Course and RCAF Edmonton for Special Duty as Officer-in-Charge of Naval Detachment Central Experimental Proving Establishment at RCAF Station Edmonton. In 1954, he was appointed as a Lieutenant-Commander (P) RCN with seniority dated April 6, 1954. In 1955, he served in HMCS Niagara for Duty at USNAS Boca Chica for Fighter All-Weather Training Unit, USNAS Cecil for Banshee Trainer, USNAS Oceania for F2H-3 Conversion, and HMCS Shearwater for 870 Squadron as Senior Pilot. In 1956, he served in HMCS Stadacona on Staff of Flag Officer Atlantic Coast as Staff Officer (Air Training). In 1958, he served in HMCS Naden as Commanding Officer VU-33 Squadron, and in 1960, he served in HMCS Hochelaga for #6 Officers Management and Logistics Course. In 1961, he served in NHQ on Staff of Director of Naval Aircraft Requirements, and in 1963, he served in CFB Borden for Senior Officers NBCD Course. In 1964, he served in HMCS Chippawa for Duty as Liaison Officer RCAF Training Command, and in 1965, he served in HMCS Chippawa on Staff of Deputy Chief of Staff as Staff Officer Multi-Engine Pilot Training. He was retired on July 1, 1968.Lt. Woods received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the air when a British 'Attacker Jet Aircraft' was being ferried from RCAF Station Namao to Halifax for loading on board HMCS Magnificent to return the aircraft to Britain. Lt. Woods had an engine flame-out at 30,000 feet, 60 miles from Sault Ste Marie, and despite only having a 2,000 foot ceiling, he made a successful dead stick landing. The fault was repaired, and he headed for Ottawa where once again, at approximately 60 miles out, the engine failed again, and all attempts at a relight failed. The plane had an ejection seat, but Lt. Woods chose to save a valuable aircraft and made a successful belly landing.Lt. Woods retired with the rank of Lieutenant-Commander (P) (RCN)in 1968. Sadly he passed away on the 19th of January 1980 in New Westminster BC. 1996.56.1c
Item · 1965-11-03 - 1978-07-22
Larry Zibitnew was born on November 7th, 1933, in Canora, Saskatchewan. He was appointed as a Midshipman (SSA) RCN in 1952 and served in various locations, including HMCS Cornwallis, HMCS Ontario, and RNAS Culdrose, for operational flying training. He was awarded Pilot Wings on November 1st, 1953, and was then appointed as a Sub-Lieutenant (P) (SSA) RCN. He served in different squadrons, including VS-880 Squadron, VS-881 AEW Squadron, and HU-21 Squadron Detachment. He was also trained as a test pilot and served in various positions, including Helicopter Recovery System Program Manager for the USN Naval Air Systems Command. After retiring from military service, Zibitnew joined INDAL Technologies in Mississauga, where he served as director of programs and later as Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand. He was presented with the Order of Military Merit by the Governor General of Canada on behalf of the Queen for his work on the development of the Helicopter Recovery System. Zibitnew retired from the RCN at the rank of Lieutenant-Commander and passed away on May 3rd, 2015, in Barrie, Ontario. SAM.2016.0041.002
Item · 1953-04-07 - 1965-10-30
Larry Zibitnew was born on November 7th, 1933, in Canora, Saskatchewan. He was appointed as a Midshipman (SSA) RCN in 1952 and served in various locations, including HMCS Cornwallis, HMCS Ontario, and RNAS Culdrose, for operational flying training. He was awarded Pilot Wings on November 1st, 1953, and was then appointed as a Sub-Lieutenant (P) (SSA) RCN. He served in different squadrons, including VS-880 Squadron, VS-881 AEW Squadron, and HU-21 Squadron Detachment. He was also trained as a test pilot and served in various positions, including Helicopter Recovery System Program Manager for the USN Naval Air Systems Command. After retiring from military service, Zibitnew joined INDAL Technologies in Mississauga, where he served as director of programs and later as Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand. He was presented with the Order of Military Merit by the Governor General of Canada on behalf of the Queen for his work on the development of the Helicopter Recovery System. Zibitnew retired from the RCN at the rank of Lieutenant-Commander and passed away on May 3rd, 2015, in Barrie, Ontario.
Item · 1948-03-18 - 1961-03-27
Donald John Sheppard was born on 21 January 1924 in Toronto. After graduating, he joined the RNVR Fleet Air Arm and started Pilot Course 38 at HMCS St. Vincent in May 1942. He was then selected for pilot training with the US Navy and was winged in the summer of 1943. He was posted to 1835 Squadron in October but it was disbanded in December. He was then transferred to 1836 Squadron, part of the 47 Naval Fighter Wing, and they boarded HMS Victorious in March 1944. Donald was involved in the first successful attack on the Tirpitz on 3 April. Around this time, he transferred to the RCNVR (on paper). Victorious left for the Indian Ocean in June 1944 and was involved in several attacks on Sumatran oil refineries in December 1944 and January 1945. It was here where he made his first claims and was awarded his DSC in March 1945. Victorious then headed East to join the British Pacific Fleet and operated with the US Navy during the invasion of Okinawa. Here he claimed his last victory. Donald was sent on leave to Canada when the fleet returned to Australia. He saw no further combat as the war was drawing to a close. After the war, he transferred to the RCN and was promoted to Commander in 1958. He was CO of the Escort Destroyer HMCS Fraser in the early '60s and retired in January 1974 after serving at NATO HQ.Don Sheppard served in the Navy, and afterwards, he farmed in Nova Scotia and Ontario between 1974 and 1984. He was one of the sixteen Fleet Air Arm pilots from World War II who achieved five or more air victories, which earned him the title of an 'ace'. Sadly, he passed away on May 2, 2018.Don Sheppard's logbook contains handwritten notes about his missions during World War II and his comrades who never made it back. SAM.2017.0019.103
Item · 1955-02-25 - 1980-12-29
Lieutenant (P) Alexander James (AJ) Anderson was appointed as a Midshipman (SSA) in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) with seniority dated 17/07/1953. He served in HMCS Cornwallis for the #6 Junior Air Officer Basic Training Course in 1953. In 1954, he served in HMCS Ontario for Sea Training and was appointed as an A/Sub-Lieutenant (SSA) in the RCN with seniority dated 24/07/1954.He served as a Sea Training Officer in HMCS Stettler in 1954 and then went to HMCS Niagara for USNAS Pensacola FL for Pilot Training. In 1955, he served in USNAS Corpus Christi (TX) for Advanced Flying Training and was awarded USN Wings on 01/04/1956. He was appointed as a Sub-Lieutenant (P) (SSA) RCN with seniority dated 24/07/1955.In 1956, he served in USN Fawtulant Key West for Radar Training and in VT-40 Squadron for Instrument Training Course. He then served in HMCS Shearwater for VF-871 Squadron as Pilot in 1956. He was appointed as a Lieutenant (P) (SSA) RCN with seniority dated 24/12/1956 and continued to serve in HMCS Shearwater for VF-871 Squadron as Pilot in 1958.In 1959, he served in VF-870 Squadron as Pilot and in 1960, he served in HMCS Bonaventure as Hangar Flight Deck Officer. In 1962, he served in HMCS Shearwater for VU-32 Squadron as Officer-in-Charge Jet Flight and qualified as a Jet Flight Instructor in 1963. He served in HMCS Naden for VU-33 Squadron as Pilot in 1965 and qualified with a Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate in 1966. He was selected for Permanent Commission and was appointed as a Lieutenant-Commander RCN with seniority dated 01/01/1965.In 1965, he served in HMCS Qu'Appelle as Deck Officer and in 1967, he served in HMCS Shearwater for VU-32 for Tracker Conversion and in HMCS Shearwater for VS-880 Squadron. In 1969, he served in CFRC Winnipeg as Commanding Officer and in 1972, he served in CFB Portage for Helicopter Conversion and VT-406 Squadron for Sea King Conversion.He served in HMCS Protecteur for STANAVFORLANT for HS-50 Squadron Detachment and Air Officer in 1972 and as Executive Officer in 1973. He served in CFB Toronto for Canadian Forces Command and Staff College Toronto for a course in 1974 and in NDHQ for PCO 4 as Pilot Career Manager in 1975.He served in 440 Squadron as Deputy Commanding Officer in 1978, and in 440 Squadron Detachment Yellowknife as Detachment Commander in 1980. He then served in Air Command HQ as Staff Officer Personnel Research in 1982 and in UNTSO as Military Observer in Beirut and Damascus in 1985. He was appointed as a Lieutenant-Colonel (PLT) in 1986 and served in AAFCE HQ Ramstein Germany as Staff Officer (War Plans) in the same year.A.J. Anderson retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 01 February 1990. He passed away on 08 November 2013. SAM.2022.0020.020a
Item · 1943-11-17 - 1945-07-12
Pilot Officer J. Donegani commenced flight training at No. 13 Elementary Flight Training School (E.F.T.S.) in St. Eugene, Ontario from November 14, 1943, to January 4, 1944. He then proceeded to No. 31 Service Flying Training School (S.F.T.S.) in Kingston, Ontario. Following this, P/O Donegani attended the Naval Air Instrument Flying School, Hinstock (N.A.I.F.S) and then moved on to No. 9 Advanced Flying Unit RAF Errol, near the village of Errol in Perth & Kinross, Scotland. Subsequently, P/O Donegani was posted to 717 Squadron at HMS Owl, which housed the Royal Navy’s Barracuda Operational Training Unit, No. 1 Barracuda Servicing Unit, No. 3 Barracuda Servicing Unit, and No. 1 Avenger Servicing Unit. He was then transferred to 769 Squadron at Royal Naval Air Station East Haven (RNAS East Haven, also known as HMS Peewit), a former Royal Navy, Fleet Air Arm station, located 3 miles (5 km) southwest of Arbroath, Angus, Scotland. This facility was specifically built as an airfield for a Deck Landing Training school. Donegani then proceeded to No. 1 Naval Air Gunners School (NAGS) in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. From there, he was stationed at HMS Goshawk, a Royal Naval Air Station in Trinidad, British West Indies. SAM.1998.87.6
Item · 1943-11-22 - 1948-09-30
Sub-Lieutenant Stewart was appointed as a Naval Airman 2/c RNVR on May 16, 1943. He served in RNAS Lee-on-Solent for training in 1943, followed by service in HMS St. Vincent and USNAS Grosse Isle MI as an A/Leading Airman RNVR, with seniority dated October 6, 1943. In 1944, he served in USNAS Pensacola for NATC (CFR), and was appointed as a Sub-Lieutenant (P) (Temp.) RCNVR with seniority dated May 13, 1944. He served in NAAS Saufley Field, NAAS Whiting Field, USNAS Corry Field, and received his pilot wings on July 28, 1944. He then served in USNAS Jacksonville for US NAOTC, followed by service in HMS Saker for duty at USNAF Lewiston ME for 738 RN Squadron, USNAS Brunswick ME to form 1831 RN Squadron 1831 as Pilot, and USNAF Bar Harbour ME – all in 1944. In 1945, he served in RNAS Eglinton, then transferred to RCNVR on May 5, 1945, and was appointed as a Sub-Lieutenant (P) (Temp.) RCNVR with seniority dated May 13, 1944. He served in HMS Glory, RAF Halfar Malta, RNAS Dekheila Egypt, RNAS Katakukuranda, RNAS Schofields, RNAS Jervis Bay, and HMS Golden Hind. On November 10, 1945, he was appointed as a Lieutenant (P) (Temp.) RCNVR, and then transferred to RCN on the same date, with seniority dated November 10, 1945. He served in HMCS Bytown and Uganda in 1946, followed by service in HMCS Stadacona, RCNAS Dartmouth for 743 Squadron, HMCS Warrior for 883 Squadron (18th Carrier Air Group), HMCS Cayuga, HMCS Warrior and HMCS Niobe in 1947-1948. He also served in RAF Shawbury for Empire Air Navigation School for #28 Advanced Navigation Course, and HMCS Stadacona for RCN Barracks Halifax in RCNAS Dartmouth for #1 Training Air Group. Unfortunately, he was killed in a flying accident (mid-air collision with J.C.G. Stewart RCN) on December 6, 1948, over Halifax Harbour. SAM.2009.0003.045c
Item · 1943-09-19 - 1949-12-16
Lieutenant Woods, A.J was born in Los Angeles, California on December 21, 1922, to Stanley Clifford Woods and Kathaleen Maude Sheperd. He was appointed as an AC 2/c RCAF with seniority dated May 4, 1943. In 1943, he served in RCAF Edmonton for #4 Initial Training School. He was then appointed as a LAC RCAF with seniority dated September 19, 1943. In the same year, he served in RCAF High River for #5 Elementary Flying Training School, and then in RCAF MacLeod AB for #7 Service Flying School, where he was awarded his wings on October 4, 1944. He was then appointed as a Sergeant Pilot RCAF with seniority dated October 4, 1944. In 1944, he served in RCAF Calgary for #2 Aircrew Graduates Training School and was released from RCAF Special Reserve to RCAF Class E Reserve on December 1, 1944. He was transferred to RNVR on June 14, 1945, and appointed as a Sub-Lieutenant (A) (Temp.) RNVR with seniority dated June 14, 1945. He served in the RN College Greenwich for Courses in 1945, RAF Colby Grange for Service and Advanced Flying Courses in 1945, and H.M.S. Premier for Training in the same year. He was then transferred to RCN(R) on October 1, 1945, and appointed as a Sub-Lieutenant (P) RCN(R) with seniority dated October 1, 1945. In 1945, he served in RNAS Peplow for 758 RN Squadron for Advanced Instrument Flying School, RNAS Rattray for 717 RN Squadron, and RNAS Inskip for 766 RN Squadron.In 1946, he was appointed as a Lieutenant (P) RCN(R) with seniority dated April 6, 1946, and served in RNAS Eglinton for 719 RN Squadron for Strike Forming Training Unit, RNAS Arbroath for 783 RN Squadron for Anti-submarine homing Radar Training, and H.M.S. Implacable for Deck Landing Training. In 1947, he served in RCAF Pat Bay for 825 Squadron and HMCS Warrior for Carrier Qualification, where he was appointed as a Lieutenant (P) (SSA) with seniority dated April 6, 1946, for Short Service Appointment commencing April 30, 1947. He then served in RCNAS Dartmouth for 825 Squadron, HMCS Stadacona for Officers Divisional Course, and HMCS Magnificent for 19 Carrier Air Group as Pilot in 825 Squadron in 1948. In 1948, he served in RCAF Trenton for Central Flying School for Flying Instructor School, and in 1949, he served in HMCS Shearwater for Instructor Duty in #1 TAG. In 1950, he served in HMCS Naden for Duty with Reserve Training Commander and HMCS Antigonish for Watchkeeping Training. In 1951, he served in HMCS Shearwater for Flying Refresher, 803 Squadron, 870 Squadron, and 880 Squadron, as well as in RNAS Lossiemouth for Maintenance Test Pilot Course. He also served in HMCS Shearwater as Naval Air Test and Liaison Officer and in RNAS Anthorn for #1 Aircraft Receipt and Dispatch Unit. In the same year, he served in RCAF Centralia for Instrument Flying School.In 1953, he survived a ditching of a Sea Fury at the entrance to Musqudoboit Harbour NS on July 1. He was then selected for permanent commission and served in NHQ for Special Duty at Naval Detachment Central Experimental Proving Establishment at RCAF Station Edmonton. He also served in RNAS Gosport for 705 RN Squadron for Helicopter Conversion Course and RCAF Edmonton for Special Duty as Officer-in-Charge of Naval Detachment Central Experimental Proving Establishment at RCAF Station Edmonton. In 1954, he was appointed as a Lieutenant-Commander (P) RCN with seniority dated April 6, 1954. In 1955, he served in HMCS Niagara for Duty at USNAS Boca Chica for Fighter All-Weather Training Unit, USNAS Cecil for Banshee Trainer, USNAS Oceania for F2H-3 Conversion, and HMCS Shearwater for 870 Squadron as Senior Pilot. In 1956, he served in HMCS Stadacona on Staff of Flag Officer Atlantic Coast as Staff Officer (Air Training). In 1958, he served in HMCS Naden as Commanding Officer VU-33 Squadron, and in 1960, he served in HMCS Hochelaga for #6 Officers Management and Logistics Course. In 1961, he served in NHQ on Staff of Director of Naval Aircraft Requirements, and in 1963, he served in CFB Borden for Senior Officers NBCD Course. In 1964, he served in HMCS Chippawa for Duty as Liaison Officer RCAF Training Command, and in 1965, he served in HMCS Chippawa on Staff of Deputy Chief of Staff as Staff Officer Multi-Engine Pilot Training. He was retired on July 1, 1968.Lt. Woods received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the air when a British 'Attacker Jet Aircraft' was being ferried from RCAF Station Namao to Halifax for loading on board HMCS Magnificent to return the aircraft to Britain. Lt. Woods had an engine flame-out at 30,000 feet, 60 miles from Sault Ste Marie, and despite only having a 2,000 foot ceiling, he made a successful dead stick landing. The fault was repaired, and he headed for Ottawa where once again, at approximately 60 miles out, the engine failed again, and all attempts at a relight failed. The plane had an ejection seat, but Lt. Woods chose to save a valuable aircraft and made a successful belly landing.Lt. Woods retired with the rank of Lieutenant-Commander (P) (RCN)in 1968. Sadly he passed away on the 19th of January 1980 in New Westminster BC. SAM.1996.56.1a
Item · 1941-07-01 - 1942-12-01
Geoffrey T. Sayre, also known as LAC Sayre, was born on June 12, 1916, in Saint John, NB. During World War II, he fought for his country as an Air Force Pilot from 1939 to 1945. After the war, he worked at F.E. Sayre Ltd. and Pollett River Lumber Co., which were owned by his family. Later on, he dedicated his life to the town of Rothesay, where he served as the first volunteer firefighter. He helped in forming the Rothesay Fire Department and eventually retired as its chief. He also served as Councilor and Mayor of Rothesay and created the Rothesay Regional Police Force.LAC Sayre's Pilot's Flying Log Book documents his service with #3 EFTS in London, Ontario, #113 Bomber Sqn in Yarmouth, NS, and #31 General Reconnaissance School in PEI. He flew Hudson's, Anson's, Harvard's, and Yale's from July 1941 to December 1942.LAC Sayre's Logbook also contains his flying assessments, RCAF application for enlistment, and his discharge certificate. SAM.2022.0024.001
Item · 1942-09-29 - 1944-10-13
Leading Aircraftman (LAC) William George Scott, also known as Billy, was originally from Glace Bay, Cape Breton. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as a pilot and underwent training on Tiger Moth, Harvard, and Anson aircraft from September 1942 to October 1944. On May 18, 1945, WO II Scott applied to join the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserves (RNVR). SAM.2009.0037.001