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Lafrance, Hubert Elias Joseph (Sergeant)

Killed in Flying Accident 1942-November-13

Male Head

Birth Date: 1917-May-01 (age 25)

Home: Coniston, Ontario

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
Air Gunner
Service Numbers
R/117314
31 Operational Training Unit, Debert, Nova Scotia. The crew of Hudson aircraft AM 892 were returning from a cross-county training exercise and their aircraft was seen to pass over the aerodrome. The aircraft crashed six miles north- east of the aerodrome at Debut. Sgt. J.L. Barber, Sgt. C.W. Stratton (RAF), and P/O. H.F. Willis (RNZAF) were also killed.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Find-A-Grave.com Finadagrave.com

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

Home
Google MapConiston, Ontario
Burial
Google MapLasalle Roman Catholic Cemetery

Hudson AM892

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

last update: 2021-12-21 01:36:53

Hudson Mk. V AM892

Cat "B" crash when the a/c swung on landing at Debert aerodrome at 20:20 hrs on 14 Oct 1941 while the a/c was doing practice circuits and landings. No injuries to the crew. Again taken on strength after this at No. 31 OTU at Debert, NS. To Clark Ruse Aircraft for crash repairs on 23 Jan 1942, with 232:50 airframe hours. To EAC on 13 Jul 1942. "A" Cat crash due to pilot error on 13 Nov 1942 at Debert while the a/c was on short final. All 4 crew, including Pilot Officer (RNZAF) H.F. Willis (pilot), Flight Sergeant (RAF) C.W. Stratton (observer), Flight Sergeant J. Barber (WAG), and Flight Sergeant H. Le France (WAG) were all killed. Assigned to workshop reserve at No. 4 Repair Depot at Scoudouc, NB on 16 Nov 1942, delivered on 20 Nov 1942. Scrapped there

1941-October-14 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Aerodrome Names: Brookman | Whittaker
1941-10-21 Taken on Strength Eastern Air Command 2019-08-20
1942-November-13 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Aerodrome Names: Barber | La France | Stratton | Willis
1943-01-22 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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