Gordon, E
Killed in Flying Accident 1944-11-13

Birth Date: unkown date
Born:
Home:
Enlistment:
Enlistment Date: Unknown
Service
RAF
Unit
3 OTU- Operational Training Unit
Base
Patricia Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Rank
Sergeant
Position
Sergeant
Service Numbers
Consolidated Canso Catalina PBY PB2B A-10 OA-10 Black Cat

The Consolidated Catalina and Canso were close cousins. The Canso was the true amphibious version of the design and therefore included a conventional undercarriage to allow for either water or land use. The Canso provided more than two decades of valuable service to the RCAF. The Catalina variant came first and was produced beginning in 1935 for the United States Navy. The amphibious version, designated PBY-5A, came in service early in 1941 and the RCAF began using the aircraft on anti-submarine patrols that same year. After the Second World War, the RCAF used Cansos for search and rescue, Arctic survey missions and various transport operations.RCAF
3 OTU (3 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.