Reeve, John William Christopher

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The North American B-25 Mitchell is an American medium bomber that was introduced in 1941 and named in honor of Major General William "Billy" Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation. Used by many Allied air forces, the B-25 served in every theater of World War II, and after the war ended, many remained in service, operating across four decades. Produced in numerous variants, nearly 10,000 B-25s were built.

The North American B-25 Mitchell was flown by the RCAF during and after the Second World War. The RCAF flew the B-25 Mitchell for training during the war and continued flying operations after the war, in Canada with most of 162 Mitchells received. The first B-25s had originally been diverted to Canada from RAF orders. These included one Mitchell Mk. I, 42 Mitchell Mk. IIs, and 19 Mitchell Mk. IIIs. No 13 (P) Squadron was formed unofficially at RCAF Station Rockcliffe in May 1944 and flew Mitchell Mk. IIs on high-altitude aerial photography sorties. No. 5 OTU (Operational Training Unit) at Boundary Bay, British Columbia and Abbotsford, British Columbia, operated the B-25D Mitchell in a training role together with B-24 Liberators for Heavy Conversion as part of the BCATP. The RCAF retained the Mitchell until October 1963.

No. 418 (Auxiliary) Squadron received its first Mitchell Mk. IIs in January 1947. It was followed by No. 406 (Auxiliary), which flew Mitchell Mk. IIs and Mk. IIIs from April 1947 to June 1958. No. 418 Operated a mix of Mk. IIs and Mk. IIIs until March 1958. No. 12 Squadron of Air Transport Command also flew Mitchell Mk. IIIs along with other types from September 1956 to November 1960. In 1951, the RCAF received an additional 75 B-25Js from USAF stocks to make up for attrition and to equip various second-line units..Wikipedia and Harold Skaarup web page

Mitchell Bomber

Wikipedia Mitchell Bomber

Harold A Skaarup Web Page

5 OTU (5 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.5 Operational Training Unit was established at RCAF Station Boundary Bay, British Columbia. The former station is now the Boundary Bay Airport. More information on the RCAF Station at Boundary Bay can be found at

RCAF.Info

A Detachment of 5 Operational Training Unit was established at RCAF Station Abbotsford, British Columbia. The former Station is now the Abbotsford International Airport. More information on the RCAF Station at Abbotsford can be found at

RCAF.Info

Project 44 BCATP

Project 44 BCATP

YouTube - Valour Canada Aerodrome of Democracy

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Mitchell HD319

Mitchell Mitchell II series ii HD319

Ex USAAF B-25D-35-NA serial number 43-3787, ex RAF Mitchell Mk. II HD319. Officially identified as a B-25D in RCAF records. Delivered to stored reserve. Issued on 9 March 1944 to No. 5 Operational Training Unit at Boundary Bay, BC. Reported missing on operations, 14 July 1944. Allocated to No. 3 Repair Depot at Vancouver for write off on 22 July 1944. Later found to have struck the side of Skihist Mountain (about 40 miles east of Whistler, BC), at the 700 foot level. Wreckage was reported in 1960, but crash site was not visited until 1961. No human remains were identified. Wreckage field suggested the aircraft struck high ground at high speed, and the pilot's seat was probably occupied when it crashed.

1944-02-21 Taken on Strength Western Air Command as a new aircraft 2019-08-20
1944-July-14 Accident: 5 Operational Training Unit Loc: Unknown Names: Hannah | Johnston | Reeve | Waters
1944-08-03 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20