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Hannah, Lionel Richard (Flying Officer)

Killed in Flying Accident 1944-July-14

Male Head

Birth Date: unkown date (age )

Service
RAFVR
Unit
5 OTU- Operational Training Unit
Base
Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Rank
Flying Officer
Marshal
Air Chief MarshalA/C/M
Air MarshalA/M
Air Vice MarshalA/V/M
Air CommodoreA/C
Group CaptainG/C
Wing CommanderW/C
Squadron LeaderS/L
Flight LieutenantF/L
Flying OfficerF/O
Pilot OfficerP/O
Warrant Officer 1st ClassWO1
Warrant Officer 2nd ClassWO2
Flight SergeantFS
SergeantSGT
CorporalCPL
Senior AircraftmanSAC
Leading AircraftmanLAC
Aircraftman 1st ClassAC1
Aircraftman 2nd ClassAC2
Position
Service Numbers
159853
5 Operational Training Unit, Boundary Bay, British Columbia. Mitchell Aircraft was reported missing 1944-07-14. Later found to have struck the side of Skihist Mountain (about 40 miles east of Whistler, BC), at the 700 foot level. Wreckage was reported in 1960, but crash site was not visited until 1961. No human remains were identified. Wreckage field suggested the aircraft struck high ground at high speed, and the pilot's seat was probably occupied when it crashed. Sgt E.G. Waters, F/O L.R. Hannah, P/O D. Johnston, P/O J.W.C. Reeve were apparently killed in the crash, no bodies were recovered.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Find-A-Grave.com Find-A-Grave.com

Canada Primary Source Library and Archives Canada Service Files (may not exist)

Flying Officer Lionel Richard Hannah has no known grave.

Crew on Mitchell B-25D HD319

North American Mitchell B-25 B-25D B-25J

North American B-25J Mitchell Mk. III
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

The North American B-25 Mitchell is an American medium bomber that was introduced in 1941 and named in honor of Major General William "Billy" Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation. Used by many Allied air forces, the B-25 served in every theater of World War II, and after the war ended, many remained in service, operating across four decades. Produced in numerous variants, nearly 10,000 B-25s were built.

The North American B-25 Mitchell was flown by the RCAF during and after the Second World War. The RCAF flew the B-25 Mitchell for training during the war and continued flying operations after the war, in Canada with most of 162 Mitchells received. The first B-25s had originally been diverted to Canada from RAF orders. These included one Mitchell Mk. I, 42 Mitchell Mk. IIs, and 19 Mitchell Mk. IIIs. No 13 (P) Squadron was formed unofficially at RCAF Station Rockcliffe in May 1944 and flew Mitchell Mk. IIs on high-altitude aerial photography sorties. No. 5 OTU (Operational Training Unit) at Boundary Bay, British Columbia and Abbotsford, British Columbia, operated the B-25D Mitchell in a training role together with B-24 Liberators for Heavy Conversion as part of the BCATP. The RCAF retained the Mitchell until October 1963.

No. 418 (Auxiliary) Squadron received its first Mitchell Mk. IIs in January 1947. It was followed by No. 406 (Auxiliary), which flew Mitchell Mk. IIs and Mk. IIIs from April 1947 to June 1958. No. 418 Operated a mix of Mk. IIs and Mk. IIIs until March 1958. No. 12 Squadron of Air Transport Command also flew Mitchell Mk. IIIs along with other types from September 1956 to November 1960. In 1951, the RCAF received an additional 75 B-25Js from USAF stocks to make up for attrition and to equip various second-line units.. Wikipedia and Harold Skaarup web page

YouTube Mitchell Bomber

Wkikpedia Wikipedia Mitchell Bomber

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

CASPIR Aircraft Groups:
RCAF On Strength (164), Canadian Aircraft Losses (73), Canadian Ferried (5)
last update: 2021-09-23 15:53:49

Mitchell B-25D HD319

Ex USAAF B-25D-35-NA serial number 43-3787, ex RAF Mitchell Mk. II HD319. Officially identified as a B-25D in RCAF records. Delivered to stored reserve. Issued on 9 March 1944 to No. 5 Operational Training Unit at Boundary Bay, BC. Reported missing on operations, 14 July 1944. Allocated to No. 3 Repair Depot at Vancouver for write off on 22 July 1944. Later found to have struck the side of Skihist Mountain (about 40 miles east of Whistler, BC), at the 700 foot level. Wreckage was reported in 1960, but crash site was not visited until 1961. No human remains were identified. Wreckage field suggested the aircraft struck high ground at high speed, and the pilot's seat was probably occupied when it crashed.
1944-02-21 Taken on Strength Western Air Command as a new aircraft 2019-08-20
1944-July-14 Accident: 5 Operational Training Unit Loc: Unknown Names: Hannah | Johnston | Reeve | Waters
1944-08-03 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

5 OTU- Operational Training Unit (5 Operational Training Unit)

The Operational Training Unit (OTU) was the last stop for aircrew trainees. They spent 8 to 14 weeks learning to fly operational aircraft (Hawker Hurricane or Fairey Swordfish, e.g.). The instructors had experience in actual operations, and often were posted to OTUs after their operational tour. 5 Operational Training Unit was established at RCAF Station Boundary Bay, British Columbia. The former station is now the Boundary Bay Airport. More information on the RCAF Station at Boundary Bay can be found at

  • RCAF Roundel RCAF.Info

    • A Detachment of 5 Operational Training Unit was established at RCAF Station Abbotsford, British Columbia. The former Station is now the Abbotsford International Airport. More information on the RCAF Station at Abbotsford can be found at

  • RCAF Roundel RCAF.Info

    • 1944-04-01 Primary Location Boundary Bay Canada
    1944-04-01 Detachment Abbotsford Canada

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