Kirsch, Abie

Killed in Flying Accident 1941-10-23

Birth Date: 1920

Born:

Son of Moses and Sarah Kirsch, of Montreal.

Home: Montreal, Quebec

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/77425

Home
Google MapMontreal, Quebec
First Burial
Google MapWorkmen's Circle Cemetery, Montreal, Quebec
31 Operational Training Unit, Debert, Nova Scotia. The crew of Hudson aircraft AN 895 were engaged in a final night training exercise when their aircraft crashed and burned when the pilot attempted a forced landing at D'Abord La Plouffe, near Cartierville, Quebec. P/Os AE. Wainwright, J.F. Boyd, and Leading Aircraftman A.J. Morris (RAF) were also killed.

Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Library and Archives Canada Service Files (may not exist)

This incident involved multiple aircraft:

  1. Hudson Mk. V Serial: AM895

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

Hudson AM895

Pilot Officer Boyd, John Fisher (RCAF)
Pilot
Killed in Flying Accident
1941-October-23
Memorial Cemetery, Huntsville, Ontario, Canada

Sergeant Kirsch, Abie (RCAF)
Wireless Air Gunner
Killed in Flying Accident
1941-October-23
Baron De Hirsch Cemetery, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Male Head

Leading Aircraftman Morris, A J (RAF)

Killed in Flying Accident
1941-October-23
cemetery unknown

Pilot Officer Wainwright, Alan Ewart Gilbert (RCAF)
Observer
Killed in Flying Accident
1941-October-23
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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 AM895

Hudson Mk. V AM895

Taken on strength at No. 31 OTU at Debert, NS. Cat "A" crash at L'Abord a Plouffe, QC (now part of Laval, QC) on 23 Oct 1941, while attempting a forced landing. Destroyed in post impact fire. Crash also reported as 22 Oct 1941, near St. Martin, QC (50 miles south of Laval). All 4 crew, Pilot Officer J.F. Fisher (pilot), Pilot Officer A.E. Wainwright (nav), Flight Sergeant A. Kirsh (WAG) and Leading Aircraftman (RAF) A.J. Morris, were killed. To No. 3 Training Command on 3 Nov 1941 for write-off.

1941-10-21 Taken on Strength Eastern Air Command 2019-08-20
1941-October-23 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Carterville Names: Boyd | Kirsh | Morris | Wainwright
1941-12-15 Struck off Strength Struck off, reduced to spares and produce 2019-08-20