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O'Connell, Lawrence James DFC (Flight Lieutenant)

Killed in Flying Accident 1944-January-18

Birth Date: 1918-December-21 (age 25)

Son of William John and Stella Grace O'Connell, of Halifax; husband of Irene B. O'Connell, of Middleton.

Husband of Irene B. O'Connell, of Middleton.

Home: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Decorations: DFC


Distinguished Service Cross
Service
RCAF
Unit
36 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)
Base
Greenwood, Nova Scotia, Canada
Rank
Flight Lieutenant
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
Pilot
Service Numbers
J/15311
36 Operational Training Unit, Greenwood, Nova Scotia. Oxford aircraft EB 506 crashed at Kingston, Nova Scotia, presumed engine failure on take-off. Flight Lieutenant H.W. Church, F/Os R.J. Walls (RNZAF), and J.D. Walsh (RNZAF) were also killed.

Canada Source Canadian Virtual War Memorial

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 MapHalifax, Nova Scotia
Burial
Google MapGate Of Heaven Cemetery
Sec 4 Plot L Grave 59

Oxford EB506

Airspeed Oxford

(Bob Brown Photo)(Source Harold A Skaarup Web Page)
Airspeed A.S. 10 Oxford Mk. II, RCAF (Serial No. AS277), 25, in flight over Saskatchewan, 1942.

The Airspeed AS.10 Oxford was a twin-engine monoplane aircraft developed and manufactured by Airspeed. It saw widespread use for training British Commonwealth aircrews in navigation, radio-operating, bombing and gunnery roles throughout the Second World War.

The Oxford was developed by Airspeed during the 1930s in response to a requirement for a capable trainer aircraft that conformed with Specification T.23/36, which had been issued by the British Air Ministry. Its basic design is derived from the company's earlier AS.6 Envoy, a commercial passenger aircraft. Performing its maiden flight on 19 June 1937, it was quickly put into production as part of a rapid expansion of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in anticipation of a large-scale conflict.

As a consequence of the outbreak of war, many thousands of Oxfords were ordered by Britain and its allies, including Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, Poland, and the United States. Following the end of the conflict, the Oxford continued to achieve export sales for some time, equipping the newly formed air forces of Egypt, India, Israel, and Yugoslavia. It was considered to be a capable trainer aircraft throughout the conflict, as well as being used a general-purpose type. A large number of Oxfords have been preserved on static display. Wikipedia

YouTube Oxford Trainer

Wkikpedia Wikipedia Oxford Trainer

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

last update: 2021-09-27 15:31:03

Oxford Mk. V EB506

Taken on strength early in the war, for use with BCATP. Retained RAF serials.

1943-03-26 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1944-January-18 Accident: 36 Operational Training Unit Loc: Kingston Nova Scotia Names: Church | O'Connell | Walls | Walsh
1944-04-03 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07

36 OTU (36 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 Air Force Station at Greenwood, Nova Scotia can be found at:

RAF Roundel RCAF.info - Greenwood, Nova Scotia

General NO36 OTU Roll Of Honor

Museum Greenwod Military Aviation Museum Video History Of Greenwood

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