Rourke, Clyde Burton
Killed in Flying Accident 1941-12-13
Birth Date: 1921-January-02
Born:
Son of Thomas Burton Rourke and Mary E. Rourke, of Allenford, Ontario.
Home: Allenford, Ontario
Enlistment:
Enlistment Date: Unknown
Service
RCAF
Unit
31 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)
Base
RAF Debert, Nova Scotia
Rank
Sergeant
Position
Sergeant
Service Numbers
R/90074
Home
Allenford, Ontario
First Burial
Ottawa War Memorial, Ottawa, Ontario
Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
www.findagrave.comThis incident involved multiple aircraft:
- Hudson Mk. III Serial: BW382
All the above aircraft in the above list are referenced in this report.
Hudson BW382
Lockheed Hudson A-28 A-29 AT-18
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.
Hudson
Wikipedia Hudson 
Harold A Skaarup Web Page 
Hudon - Kestrel Publications31 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.
Hudson BW382
Hudson Mk. III BW382
With No. 31 Operational Training Unit at Debert, NS. Reported missing on 14 December 1941, while still on RAF books. Had taken off at 18:25 for one hour local flight, last radio contact at 18:29. Wreckage presumed to be from this aircraft washed up on beach at Cape Pleasant, NS (40 miles west of Debert, at the entrance to the Minas Basin off the Bay of Fundy) on 24 December 1941. All 4 crew missing. Allocated to No. 4 Repair Depot for write off, still not located, on 2 February 1942. Note that aircraft could have come down in salt water as close as 6 miles south-west of Debert aerodrome, with wreckage being carried by strong tides through Cobequid Bay to the Minas Basin.1941-December-13 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Atlantic Ocean Names: Bird | Blyth | Pickles | Rowke
1942-01-26 Taken on Strength paper transfer only 2019-08-20
1942-04-16 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20