Johnson, James Mclean

Killed in Flying Accident 1942-09-13

Birth Date: 1918-May-07

Born:

Son of Alfred Edward and Mary Elizabeth Johnson, of Gore Bay, Ontario.

Home: Gore Bay, Ontario

Enlistment:

Enlistment Date: Unknown

Service

RCAF

Unit

31 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)

Base

Debert, Nova Scotia, Canada

Rank

Sergeant

Position

Sergeant

Service Numbers

R/115270

31 Operational Training Unit, Debert, Nova Scotia. Hudson aircraft AM 765 took off on a night cross-country exercise and went down in the sea. Sergeant D.R. Lagimodiere, 1310.5 J.A. Hackett, and R.A. Clarke (RAF) were also killed.

This incident involved multiple aircraft:

  1. Hudson Mk. V Serial: AM765

All the above aircraft in the above list are referenced in this report.

Lockheed Hudson A-28 A-29 AT-18

Lockheed Hudson
Source National Air Force Museum of Canada.
lockheed_hudson.jpg image not found

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.

YouTube Hudson

Wikipedia Wikipedia Hudson

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

Kestrel Publications Hudon - Kestrel Publications

31 OTU (31 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 RCAF Station at Debert, Nova Scotia can be found at

General History 31 OTU by Maj (Ret) G.D. Madigan

General Wall Of Honour NO31 OTU

Project 44 BCATP

General Project 44 BCATP

YouTube YouTube - Valour Canada Aerodrome of Democracy


Hudson AM765

Hudson Mk. V AM765

With No. 31 OTU at Debert, NS when taken on strength. The a/c went missing on a night navigations exercise on 13 Sep 1942. There were no anomalies reported and no wreckage was found. Pilot Officer R.A. Clarke (pilot), Flight Sergeant J.M. Johnson (observer), Pilot Officer J.A. Hackett (WAG) and Flight Sergeant D.R Legimediere (WAG) were lost. Assigned to workshop reserve at No. 4 RD on 17 Sep 1942.

1941-06-26 Taken on Strength Eastern Air Command 2019-08-20
1942-September-13 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Unknown Names: Clark | Hackett | Johnson | Lagimediere
1943-01-19 Struck off Strength Struck off, reduced to spares and produce 2019-08-20