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Shellshear, Thomas Douglas (Pilot Officer)

Killed in Flying Accident 1941-October-25

Birth Date: 1921-November-04 (age 19)

Son of Thomas and Alice Shellshear, of Vancouver.

Home: Vancouver, British Columbia

Service
RCAF
Unit
31 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)
Base
Debert, Nova Scotia, Canada
Rank
Pilot Officer
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/5500
31 Operational Training Unit, Debert, Nova Scotia. Hudson aircraft crashed.

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 MapVancouver, British Columbia
Burial
Google MapMountain View Cemetery
Block 26 Plot 41 Lot 14

Hudson AM886

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 AM886

With No. 31 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Station Debert, NS when it crashed on night of 25/26 October 1941. Came down in marsh near Big Topper Lake near Malone, New York. (Also reported as near Tupper Lake, which is 50 miles south of Malone.) All 3 crew, Pilot Officer T.D. Shellshear, Pilot Officer A. Nowosad and Sgt. D.R. Gill killed. RCAF Record Card records crash location as Franklin City, New York, which is probably Franklin, 20 miles south of Malone. Wreckage salvaged by No. 6 Repair Depot. Aircraft may still have been on RAF books at time of crash, ownership to RCAF for scrapping.

1941-October-25 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Big Tupper Lake Names: Gill | Nowosad | Shellshear
1941-11-13 Taken on Strength Eastern Air Command 2019-08-20
1942-03-16 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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