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Kirsch, Abie (Sergeant)

Killed in Flying Accident 1941-October-23

Birth Date: 1920 (age 21)

Son of Moses and Sarah Kirsch, of Montreal.

Home: Montreal, Quebec

Service
RCAF
Unit
31 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)
Base
Debert, Nova Scotia, Canada
Rank
Sergeant
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
Wireless Air Gunner
Service Numbers
R/77425
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.

Canada Source Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Commonwealth War Graves Commission

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

Home
Google MapMontreal, Quebec
Burial
Google MapBaron De Hirsch Cemetery
Lot 6 Grave 8

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.

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

Wkikpedia Wikipedia Hudson

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

Kestrek Publications Hudon - Kestrel Publications

CASPIR Aircraft Groups:
RCAF Owned (247) RCAF 400 Squadrons (39) Canadian Crewed (245)
last update: 2021-12-21 01:36:53

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

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

RAF Roundel RCAF.info - Debert, Nova Scotia

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

General Wall Of Honour NO31 OTU

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