On the night of February 19th 1944, the crew of Lancaster DS776, 426 Squadron, RCAF, suited up and as Edward liked to tell in his letters "headed east for some ops." They left RAF Linton-On-Ouse for Leipzig, Germany.
From what we know their bombing run was successful. Their job done, Edward's crew headed back to England. In the early morning hours of February 20th 1944, somewhere over Holland, Edward disappeared.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Feb 15 1944
Feb 15/44
Dear Mom-
I had a very nice letter from you today and from Nanny yesterday. I have an awful lot of writing to catch up on tonight so its going to get me bopping.
Sorry to hear Milton was so sick with a cold. I hope to goodness he is over it by now and back to school.
Things aren't going to bad ata ll except I'm grounded tonight on account of rheumatism in my shoulder but I will be okay tomorrow. The best treatment is a rub dow. I had a pretty bad cold perhaps Mildred told you about it but it's gone now.
Glad to hear that you and Daddy are both well and dandy. Keep that way-its cheaper.
I have a nice fit in our fit place and it's dandy and warm. I guess its the dampy weather over here that brought the rheumatism back. Remember I had it three years ago when I was at Domminon Wheel and Foundries. I thought I got rid of it but I guess it take this damp English weather to start things again.
Glad to hear you had a nice quiet New Years, I had it the same way. Frank and I weren't together at Xmas but I saw him two weeks ago while I was on leave and he was taken back in the hospital with the flu. He is fine and dandy now. He hasn't made it up with Marjorie and don't let anyone tell you that he has. I know that for a fact. I rather imagine he has told you the same by now.
I got robbed of 17 pounds while I was on leave some dirty individual took it out of my wallet while I was washing. It's gone now and there isn't much use worrying about it.
I guess you are just as glad its a mild winter, easier on the coal. Did you have a big tree for the kids or just a small one? Boy when Frank and I come home there will be the biggest and most heavily laden Christmas that we ever saw. Just like when Frank and I were young. We will need a big tree because the family is getting bigger you know what I mean.
Well I must close for tonight I'll write soon Mom. Love to all and God Bless you and hugs.
Your Son
Ed
New address and rank:
F/Sgt Dowe E.A.
R-188197
426 Squadron
RCAF Overseas
Dear Mom-
I had a very nice letter from you today and from Nanny yesterday. I have an awful lot of writing to catch up on tonight so its going to get me bopping.
Sorry to hear Milton was so sick with a cold. I hope to goodness he is over it by now and back to school.
Things aren't going to bad ata ll except I'm grounded tonight on account of rheumatism in my shoulder but I will be okay tomorrow. The best treatment is a rub dow. I had a pretty bad cold perhaps Mildred told you about it but it's gone now.
Glad to hear that you and Daddy are both well and dandy. Keep that way-its cheaper.
I have a nice fit in our fit place and it's dandy and warm. I guess its the dampy weather over here that brought the rheumatism back. Remember I had it three years ago when I was at Domminon Wheel and Foundries. I thought I got rid of it but I guess it take this damp English weather to start things again.
Glad to hear you had a nice quiet New Years, I had it the same way. Frank and I weren't together at Xmas but I saw him two weeks ago while I was on leave and he was taken back in the hospital with the flu. He is fine and dandy now. He hasn't made it up with Marjorie and don't let anyone tell you that he has. I know that for a fact. I rather imagine he has told you the same by now.
I got robbed of 17 pounds while I was on leave some dirty individual took it out of my wallet while I was washing. It's gone now and there isn't much use worrying about it.
I guess you are just as glad its a mild winter, easier on the coal. Did you have a big tree for the kids or just a small one? Boy when Frank and I come home there will be the biggest and most heavily laden Christmas that we ever saw. Just like when Frank and I were young. We will need a big tree because the family is getting bigger you know what I mean.
Well I must close for tonight I'll write soon Mom. Love to all and God Bless you and hugs.
Your Son
Ed
New address and rank:
F/Sgt Dowe E.A.
R-188197
426 Squadron
RCAF Overseas
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Another Letter to Frank
Feb 15 1944
Dear Frank-
Sorry for being as late in answering your letter of a couple of weeks ago but we have been busy at night flying and I am sure you will understand. The boys are out tonight and my crew has a spare gunner-I'm grounded for rheumatism in my shoulders and arms and believe me its plenty sore. I'll be okay in a day or so-I'll make damn sure of that.
I did wait all afternoon and evening in the Beaver Club so when you didn't show up I went back to the hotel and went to bed. Next morning I came back to camp to spend the rest of my leave here.
I got rolled for 17 quid on Thursday night- the night after the day I wrote to you up at your place. I got drunk on scotch and passed out and when I woke up all my money was gone.
I hate to ask you but if you can possibly [illegible] in the 25 bob you borrowed I would be much obliged. I guess you can appreciate the corner I'm in financially. Don't for God's sake write home and tell them I was drunk when I got rolled. I haven't had a drink since and I'm going to stay that way from now on. They don't know I drank and Mildred doesn't either so keep it quiet.
I certainly have an awful lot of letters to write to everyone. It will take me hours-so help me it will.
How are things with you? Say by the way-I think I wrote to you and explained everything about being rolled. If I did pay no attention to it now.
I have a memory like a sive. I had a letter from Mom and Dad and one from Nanny and one from Mildred a couple of days ago.
This is only a short note to tell you I am still here and will try to be that way for a long time to come.
Write soon
Your Brother
Ed
Dear Frank-
Sorry for being as late in answering your letter of a couple of weeks ago but we have been busy at night flying and I am sure you will understand. The boys are out tonight and my crew has a spare gunner-I'm grounded for rheumatism in my shoulders and arms and believe me its plenty sore. I'll be okay in a day or so-I'll make damn sure of that.
I did wait all afternoon and evening in the Beaver Club so when you didn't show up I went back to the hotel and went to bed. Next morning I came back to camp to spend the rest of my leave here.
I got rolled for 17 quid on Thursday night- the night after the day I wrote to you up at your place. I got drunk on scotch and passed out and when I woke up all my money was gone.
I hate to ask you but if you can possibly [illegible] in the 25 bob you borrowed I would be much obliged. I guess you can appreciate the corner I'm in financially. Don't for God's sake write home and tell them I was drunk when I got rolled. I haven't had a drink since and I'm going to stay that way from now on. They don't know I drank and Mildred doesn't either so keep it quiet.
I certainly have an awful lot of letters to write to everyone. It will take me hours-so help me it will.
How are things with you? Say by the way-I think I wrote to you and explained everything about being rolled. If I did pay no attention to it now.
I have a memory like a sive. I had a letter from Mom and Dad and one from Nanny and one from Mildred a couple of days ago.
This is only a short note to tell you I am still here and will try to be that way for a long time to come.
Write soon
Your Brother
Ed
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Two Letters to Frank
Jan 18/1944
Dear Frank:
Received your letter today and was rather surprised to hear so soon but I'm glad because we go on 9 days leave on or about the 25th of the month. This is not definite yet but we are pretty sure and if it is your 72 hour leave will fit in perfect for it.
Thanks for the wing, it was very nice of you to get it for me. I'll keep it and wear it on my good tunic when the other wears out. I have a wing on my battle dress as a matter of fact I put it on last night so I'll do as I said I'm doing with it-okay? Thanks a million.
Yes, I certainly shall come down when I get my leave no matter when it is. Don't forget to write and give me directions to get to the place. Do I have to go through London? I hope so I want to check up on my account at RCAF Hdqs so that may take me a day or so. You can forgive- if we leave here on the 25th on seeing me on the 27th sometime day or night.
About the boots, I'm trying but I'm afraid it might cause a little concern on some of the big boys- get what I mean? However I'll do my best nobody can do better than that okay? I'll defiantly bring the gloves. They won't be much use but I'll bring them. Don't mention about the time we had- it could and would have been better if we had have had a longer time together- oh well 9 days is pretty good.
No, we missed Brunswick or however you spell or say it. Moe didn't go himself. So I don't know when we will get [illegible.] I hope its pretty soon because I'm thoroughly frowned off waiting and doing practically SFA I want to get really started and get home. Commission looks to be closer might get it before long.
We won\t get a copy of the picture we had taken as Paul's camera broke. So long doe now and write soon but immediately with the “gem” Okay?
Bye for now and God Bless
“Your partner in crime”
Ed
Feb 6/44
Dear Frank,
Received your letter the day I arrived back from leave- I have something rather unpleasant to write about. I was rolled for 17 quid while in London so I had to head back to here on Sunday. I waited for you all afternoon and night at the Beaver Club hoping to goodness that you would show up but no luck.
Very sorry to hear you are in the hospital again. I hope you are out by now, It would [sentence illegible]
Things aren't going to bad here not doing much but getting by okay. I have been writing letters all night and my arm is really sore so this won't be a long letter. I was glad to know everything is off between you and Marjorie as you know doubt would know.
Next leave if you are not available I was going to our Engineer's house with Moe, Ace and Jack by the way they bought a car, yes a car a '36 Moris two door, four seats, it's a pretty food little car. They wanted me to have a share in it but these car cooperations never work anyway.
Well so long for now Frankie and I hope to hear from you soon. Lots of Love
Your Brother
Ed
Dear Frank:
Received your letter today and was rather surprised to hear so soon but I'm glad because we go on 9 days leave on or about the 25th of the month. This is not definite yet but we are pretty sure and if it is your 72 hour leave will fit in perfect for it.
Thanks for the wing, it was very nice of you to get it for me. I'll keep it and wear it on my good tunic when the other wears out. I have a wing on my battle dress as a matter of fact I put it on last night so I'll do as I said I'm doing with it-okay? Thanks a million.
Yes, I certainly shall come down when I get my leave no matter when it is. Don't forget to write and give me directions to get to the place. Do I have to go through London? I hope so I want to check up on my account at RCAF Hdqs so that may take me a day or so. You can forgive- if we leave here on the 25th on seeing me on the 27th sometime day or night.
About the boots, I'm trying but I'm afraid it might cause a little concern on some of the big boys- get what I mean? However I'll do my best nobody can do better than that okay? I'll defiantly bring the gloves. They won't be much use but I'll bring them. Don't mention about the time we had- it could and would have been better if we had have had a longer time together- oh well 9 days is pretty good.
No, we missed Brunswick or however you spell or say it. Moe didn't go himself. So I don't know when we will get [illegible.] I hope its pretty soon because I'm thoroughly frowned off waiting and doing practically SFA I want to get really started and get home. Commission looks to be closer might get it before long.
We won\t get a copy of the picture we had taken as Paul's camera broke. So long doe now and write soon but immediately with the “gem” Okay?
Bye for now and God Bless
“Your partner in crime”
Ed
Feb 6/44
Dear Frank,
Received your letter the day I arrived back from leave- I have something rather unpleasant to write about. I was rolled for 17 quid while in London so I had to head back to here on Sunday. I waited for you all afternoon and night at the Beaver Club hoping to goodness that you would show up but no luck.
Very sorry to hear you are in the hospital again. I hope you are out by now, It would [sentence illegible]
Things aren't going to bad here not doing much but getting by okay. I have been writing letters all night and my arm is really sore so this won't be a long letter. I was glad to know everything is off between you and Marjorie as you know doubt would know.
Next leave if you are not available I was going to our Engineer's house with Moe, Ace and Jack by the way they bought a car, yes a car a '36 Moris two door, four seats, it's a pretty food little car. They wanted me to have a share in it but these car cooperations never work anyway.
Well so long for now Frankie and I hope to hear from you soon. Lots of Love
Your Brother
Ed
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Return of the Air Gunner
In the skies over Afghanistan, Army Reserve soldiers selected from the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group have revived an old Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) aircrew trade: the air gunner. Flying as helicopter door gunners, these soldiers are the first Canadian air gunners to go in harm's way since 1945.
Gunners have flown as aircrew since the First World War, and rose to their greatest prominence during the Second World War with the Halifax and Lancaster heavy bombers. A Lancaster crew included two gunners, one on top of the fuselage and one at the tail, and the Halifax carried three, with a nose turret as well as the tail and mid-upper positions.
In recent times, technology has replaced the air gunner in fixed-wing aircraft. Rotary aircraft are another matter, however, and the deployment of the CH-146 Griffons and CH-147 Chinooks to Kandahar has brought gunners back as integral members of helicopter crews. Helicopters flying missions in the outback of Afghanistan need gunners to protect the aircraft and their crews and cargoes. The gunner aboard a Griffon tactical helicopter also defends the transport helicopters and road convoys the Griffon escorts.
"Normally, in Canada, we operate CH-146 Griffons with a three-person crew: the aircraft captain, the first officer and the flight engineer," explained Captain Joe Rehberg, the deputy operations officer of the Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan. "It is the job of the flight engineer to control and operate the machine-gun on the Griffon back in Canada. Now, we are using an actual Army gunner on the machine-gun, giving us more flexibility and the maximum protection that is required for the aircraft, crew and passengers."
The term "door-gunner" comes from the placement of two machine-guns in the doors of the Griffon, and three in the doors of the Chinook. In both types of helicopters, flight engineers handle the guns not operated by the door-gunner.
More here
Monday, March 9, 2009
December 10th 1943
December 10/43
Dear Mom-
Well today I had a pleasant surprise. I received your Christmas parcel. Boy it sure was a swell lot. Thanks a million for the contents. Everything shall be devoured with much jest and relish. I have yet to receive my wife's lot and then everything will be completed. First off thank Grandpa and Grandma for the cigarettes they shall be appreciated to no end- I enjoy Savat Caps very much so thank them for me. We were quite busy or else I would have wrote to Nanny before this. I'll try to find the time pretty soon. The cards were lovely indeed- did you receive mine yet? I hope you did. I only sent out 4 so I hope nobody is disappointed on that account. You will know who they were. I really needed a new tie and handkerchief thanks for those too.
Well things aren't going to badly. We have been moved to couple of stations since I last wrote. I hope you don't get any ideas about no news from me. Remember no news is good news and don't worry about me. I'm okay and can take care of myself. I have quite a cold at least it was. Its on the mend now so I'll be okay to fly. We have had quite a bit of flying again and the [illegible.] Perhaps you have read about the Lancaster well that is what I'm flying in now.
I hope everyone is in good health for Christmas. You won't get this until after Christmas now so I hope everyone had a real good time as far as possible. I hope nobody made themselves sick by eating to much turkey. I know that will be quite impossible for us to to do that here. Oh well cheer up Mom! Frank and I shall be back by Christmas '44 and the war will be over by then and everyone will have cause to celebrate and the families shall have a real old time re-union. As you know I can't say much about what I'm doing so don't worry. Mildred was telling me Dad looks after her every time she goes visiting. I'm glad to hear that. Tell him to keep up the good work for me until I return.
Bye for now Mom and lots of love to everyone and the best new year. Your loving son-
Ed
Dear Mom-
Well today I had a pleasant surprise. I received your Christmas parcel. Boy it sure was a swell lot. Thanks a million for the contents. Everything shall be devoured with much jest and relish. I have yet to receive my wife's lot and then everything will be completed. First off thank Grandpa and Grandma for the cigarettes they shall be appreciated to no end- I enjoy Savat Caps very much so thank them for me. We were quite busy or else I would have wrote to Nanny before this. I'll try to find the time pretty soon. The cards were lovely indeed- did you receive mine yet? I hope you did. I only sent out 4 so I hope nobody is disappointed on that account. You will know who they were. I really needed a new tie and handkerchief thanks for those too.
Well things aren't going to badly. We have been moved to couple of stations since I last wrote. I hope you don't get any ideas about no news from me. Remember no news is good news and don't worry about me. I'm okay and can take care of myself. I have quite a cold at least it was. Its on the mend now so I'll be okay to fly. We have had quite a bit of flying again and the [illegible.] Perhaps you have read about the Lancaster well that is what I'm flying in now.
I hope everyone is in good health for Christmas. You won't get this until after Christmas now so I hope everyone had a real good time as far as possible. I hope nobody made themselves sick by eating to much turkey. I know that will be quite impossible for us to to do that here. Oh well cheer up Mom! Frank and I shall be back by Christmas '44 and the war will be over by then and everyone will have cause to celebrate and the families shall have a real old time re-union. As you know I can't say much about what I'm doing so don't worry. Mildred was telling me Dad looks after her every time she goes visiting. I'm glad to hear that. Tell him to keep up the good work for me until I return.
Bye for now Mom and lots of love to everyone and the best new year. Your loving son-
Ed
Thursday, March 5, 2009
November 10th 1943
November 10/43
Dear Mom-
I have had 3 letters from you in the past two weeks so things are picking up. I have had one from Pat so I shall be writing to her today, one from Nanny and about 20 from Mildred in the past two and a half weeks so I have done pretty good, haven't I?
Well at last one posting has come through and I hope its definite. We are supposed to leave here on the 29th of November but now we leave this coming Sunday the 14th. It is a very good posting so I hope it turns out that we go. It wouldn't surprise me if it was canceled because we have had so many postings canceled lately it would be only natural. Oh well I'll just hope for the best and expect the worst.
The weather has been always foggy for the past two weeks and it has rained nearly everyday- Last Sunday was the nice and today has been quite nice. I hope the weather holds up so we can get going and gets some ops finished. I have one finished now so that's the first one completed.
This Battle School course which have been taking while waiting for the posting has proved to be a waste of time and thank goodness there is only 3 more days left of it or I would go eggey.
The wedding pictures turned out to be pretty good didn't they? I never take a real good picture but the one of Mildred is beautiful isn't it? I have a smaller one of Mildred and myself for my photograph album in colour, boy I really like it.
How is everyone? The latest letter from you shows everyone is in good condition and I hope everyone stays that way this winter. I hope Grandpa doesn't take sick again to be a big burden on Nanny.
I am fine and dandy I think I have put on some weight since I started this course- I hope I lose it before I get home. I should only weight around 145 but I guess I weight close to 160 now. A few weeks hard study will soon take all that off I hope.
How is the Army treating Dad? Every letter I get from you he is either down at the armouries or at Long Branch or Bolton Camp. I guess he is really taking his training in earnest. I hope he doesn't over do it because after all he isn't as young as when he was Overseas and you cannot fool yourself about that angle.
So Mr Lovich won't get out of the apartment without three months notice. Well, they can't put him out because the law-the housing law states that at least 3 months notice has to be given so he has them. But they certainly can charge him next for the [illegible] they were foolish not to charge him.
He has made plenty out of that Church believe me.
Well Mom I hope this finds everyone still in good health. I hope you quit your job pretty soon because the war is nearly over so I think you and our family have done there full share of carrying the load for our country and the draft dodgers.
Well so long for now and keep your chin up for it won't be long. God Bless you Mom
Love to all
Ed
Dear Mom-
I have had 3 letters from you in the past two weeks so things are picking up. I have had one from Pat so I shall be writing to her today, one from Nanny and about 20 from Mildred in the past two and a half weeks so I have done pretty good, haven't I?
Well at last one posting has come through and I hope its definite. We are supposed to leave here on the 29th of November but now we leave this coming Sunday the 14th. It is a very good posting so I hope it turns out that we go. It wouldn't surprise me if it was canceled because we have had so many postings canceled lately it would be only natural. Oh well I'll just hope for the best and expect the worst.
The weather has been always foggy for the past two weeks and it has rained nearly everyday- Last Sunday was the nice and today has been quite nice. I hope the weather holds up so we can get going and gets some ops finished. I have one finished now so that's the first one completed.
This Battle School course which have been taking while waiting for the posting has proved to be a waste of time and thank goodness there is only 3 more days left of it or I would go eggey.
The wedding pictures turned out to be pretty good didn't they? I never take a real good picture but the one of Mildred is beautiful isn't it? I have a smaller one of Mildred and myself for my photograph album in colour, boy I really like it.
How is everyone? The latest letter from you shows everyone is in good condition and I hope everyone stays that way this winter. I hope Grandpa doesn't take sick again to be a big burden on Nanny.
I am fine and dandy I think I have put on some weight since I started this course- I hope I lose it before I get home. I should only weight around 145 but I guess I weight close to 160 now. A few weeks hard study will soon take all that off I hope.
How is the Army treating Dad? Every letter I get from you he is either down at the armouries or at Long Branch or Bolton Camp. I guess he is really taking his training in earnest. I hope he doesn't over do it because after all he isn't as young as when he was Overseas and you cannot fool yourself about that angle.
So Mr Lovich won't get out of the apartment without three months notice. Well, they can't put him out because the law-the housing law states that at least 3 months notice has to be given so he has them. But they certainly can charge him next for the [illegible] they were foolish not to charge him.
He has made plenty out of that Church believe me.
Well Mom I hope this finds everyone still in good health. I hope you quit your job pretty soon because the war is nearly over so I think you and our family have done there full share of carrying the load for our country and the draft dodgers.
Well so long for now and keep your chin up for it won't be long. God Bless you Mom
Love to all
Ed
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
October 30th 1943
Oct 30/43
Dear Mom-
I have been back off leave for a couple of days now and yesterday I recieved 16 letters- 12 from Mildred, 3 from home and one from Frank.
I didn't fo anything exciting this leave as I went down to London and played around the Maple Leaf Club for 4 days. I met a relative of Mildred's down there-she is working at the Club-she didn't have anything to say to me just asked me if I married Mildred Coulson, yep that's me I said.
We paid stop over visits to Manchester, Leeds and Aldershot. I am certainly glad to hear you haven't been doing very much overtime work-that is no good at all. How are you Mom, I hope you didn't get that pain in your side back again.
Grandpa is certainly keeping spray for his age and considering the state of his health he needs that work to keep his mind off his health. I hope he is still there when the war is over-that will mean 3 wars he has lived through-pretty good average.
Glad to hear Dad is keeping fine and that he got over his sore back. Climbing poles isn't so hot seeing he isn't getting any younger. He should be due for a foreman's job pretty soon. How is the army treating him? I hope he has got his third stripe. Have you heard about the 25 cent a day raise for us AG's? I believe it is back dated September 1st. I hope it is- it will mean all the more money for Mildred and I to save.
I had a letter from Pat so tomorrow I shall drop her line. I was glad to get it from her. I hope Milton hasn't lost his hand or anything like that-tell him to get busy.
Well Mom, I guess winter is fastly coming more home. I can imagine what it's like-it will be well into November when you do get this letter. I certainly wish I could get home for Christmas but our enemies don't know what that means to us in Canada so the war goes on.
Mildred told me in one of her letters how nice you looked the night she took out wedding pictures over to show you and Daddy and the rest. She is just crazy over you, Mom, so there is what your daughter in law thinks of you.
I am fine and dandy in every way, except I do wish we could get some flying done and some bombs dropped on Jerry. We came over to fly not to hang around.
I hope Nanny is not over doing herself in the fruit season. I know she will no matter what anyone says. I hope I am spared to see you all once again. I have a feeling I will be and I am sure Frank will be-he is well on his way with his commission course and I'm pretty certain he will make out okay.
Well Mother I have shall close for now and I hope to hear from you real soon.
Love to all
Ed
All of you are always in my thoughts and prayers.
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