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Vincent, Howard James (Sergeant)

Killed in Flying Accident 1942-August-10

Birth Date: 1916-March-31 (age 26)

Born: Canna, Saskatchewan

Son of Hedley W. Vincent and May (nee Hawthorne. Vincent, of Canora, Saskatchewan.

Husband of Phyllis Effie (nee Drake) Vincent. Father of Darryl James and Bonnie Lynn of Canora, Saskatchewan.

Home: Canora, Saskatchewan

Enlistment: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Enlistment Date: 1941-05-01

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/98849
31 Operational Training Unit, Debert, Nova Scotia. Hudson aircraft BW 401 was on a cross-country navigation exercise when the weather conditions deteriorated unexpectedly at base. The aircrew acknowledged an r/t message diverting the aircraft to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The Hudson struck high ground while in level flight and completely disintegrated. P/O P.A. Rogers, Sgts J.K. Hobson, A.W. Cooke, and P/O J.A. Bursill (RAAF) were also killed.

Canada Source Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Find-A-Grave.com Find-A-Grave.com

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

Burial
Google Map Canora Cemetery, Canada
SW Corner Soldiers (Protestant)

Crew on Hudson Mk. III BW401

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

CASPIR Aircraft Groups:
RCAF On Strength (247), RCAF 400 Squadron (2), Canadian Aircraft Losses (245), Canadian Ferried (1)
last update: 2021-12-21 01:36:53

Hudson Mk. III BW401

With No. 31 Operational Training Unit at Debert, NS when taken on RCAF books. Crashed on Dalhousie Mountain, near Scotsburn, NS in the early morning on 10 August 1942. On cross country exercise, ordered to divert to Charlottetown, PEI due to deteriorating weather at Debert. Acknowledged order, struck mountain top at cruise speed en route to Charlottetown and completely disintegrated. All crew killed, including Pilot Officer J.A. Bursill (or Bursil?), RAAF; Pilot Officer A. Rogers, Sgt. A.W. Cooke; Sgt. J.K. Hobson; Sgt. H.J. Vincent. Ownership to No. 4 Repair Depot on 13 August 1942 for write off. Memorial service for victims held on 66th anniversary of crash, 10 August 2008, at crash site.
1941-12-22 Taken on Strength Eastern Air Command 2019-08-20
1942-August-10 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Pictou County Nova Scotia Names: Bursill | Cooke | Hobson | Rogers | Vincent
1942-11-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20

31 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF) (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

    • 1941-06-03 Primary Location Debert NS Canada Currently site of Delbert Airport Ident CCQ3

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