Desmarais, Benoit
Killed in Flying Accident 1942-10-08

Birth Date: 1923-April-13
Born:
Louis & Marie Desmarais
Home: St Boniface, Manitoba (parents)
Enlistment:
Enlistment Date: Unknown
Service
RCAF
Unit
36 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)
Base
RCAF Stn. Greenwood, Nova Scotia
Rank
Sergeant
Position
Sergeant
Service Numbers
R/124068
First Burial

This incident involved multiple aircraft:
- Hudson Mk. III Serial: BW700
All the above aircraft in the above list are referenced in this report.
Hudson BW700
Lockheed Hudson A-28 A-29 AT-18

Source National Air Force Museum of Canada.
The Lockheed Hudson was an American-built light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft built initially for the Royal Air Force (RAF) shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War and primarily operated by the RAF thereafter. The Hudson served throughout the war, mainly with Coastal Command, but also in transport and training roles, as well as delivering agents into occupied France. They were also used extensively with the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) anti-submarine squadrons.National Air Force Museum of Canada.
36 OTU (36 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.
More information on the Air Force Station at Greenwood, Nova Scotia can be found at:
Greenwod Military Aviation Museum Video History Of Greenwood
Hudson BW700
Hudson Mk. III BW700
First assigned to No. 36 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS. Still with this Unit when it crashed near Port George, NS (on the Bay of Fundy, about 9 miles west of Greenwood) at 12:00 on 8 October 1942. Was reported missing on air to sea firing exercise, all seven crew missing assumed killed. Ownership to No. 4 Repair Depot on 13 October 1942 for write off.1942-03-25 Taken on Strength Eastern Air Command 2019-08-20
1942-October-08 Accident: 36 Operational Training Unit Loc: Port George Bay Of Fundy Names: Armstrong | Barrett | Desmarais | Knowles | Mcfarlane | Shackell | Woodman
1943-01-30 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20