Clarke, Raymond Albert

Killed in Flying Accident 1942-09-13

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Birth Date: unkown date

Born:

Home:

Enlistment:

Enlistment Date: Unknown

Service

RAF

Unit

31 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)

Base

Debert, Nova Scotia

Rank

Pilot Officer

Position

Pilot Officer

Service Numbers

First Burial
Google MapOttawa Memorial Panel 1. Column 3.

31OTU carried out operational maritime patrols of the Western Atlantic from Dartmouth Nova Scotia.

Pilot Officer Clarke was the senior pilot - instructor on such a flight with three newly certified pilots.

Killed includes Clarke:Pilot Officer James Alfred Hackett RCAF pilot J/12097 KIFA Ottawa Memorial Panel 1. Column 4.Sergeant James Mclean Johnson RCAF pilot R/115270 KIFA Ottawa Memorial Panel 1. Column 5.Sergeant Donald Roderick Lagimodiere RCAF pilot R/101688 KIFA Ottawa Memorial Panel 1. Column 5.

This incident involved multiple aircraft:

  1. Hudson Mk. V Serial: AM765

All the above aircraft in the above list are referenced in this report.

Hudson AM765

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Pilot Officer Clarke, Raymond Albert (RAF)
pilot instructor
Killed in Flying Accident
1942-September-13
cemetery unknown

Pilot Officer Hackett, James Alfred (RCAF)
Wireless Air Gunner
Killed in Flying Accident
1942-September-13
Ottawa War Memorial, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Sergeant Johnson, James Mclean (RCAF)
Observer
Killed in Flying Accident
1942-September-13
Ottawa War Memorial, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Sergeant Lagimodiere, Donald Roderick (RCAF)
Wireless Air Gunner
Killed in Flying Accident
1942-September-13
Ottawa War Memorial, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Lockheed Hudson A-28 A-29 AT-18

Lockheed Hudson
Source National Air Force Museum of Canada.
lockheed_hudson.jpg image not found

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

Wikipedia Wikipedia Hudson

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

Kestrel Publications Hudon - Kestrel Publications

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

General History 31 OTU by Maj (Ret) G.D. Madigan

General Wall Of Honour NO31 OTU

Project 44 BCATP

General Project 44 BCATP

YouTube YouTube - Valour Canada Aerodrome of Democracy

Hudson AM765

Hudson Mk. V AM765

With No. 31 OTU at Debert, NS when taken on strength. The a/c went missing on a night navigations exercise on 13 Sep 1942. There were no anomalies reported and no wreckage was found. Pilot Officer R.A. Clarke (pilot), Flight Sergeant J.M. Johnson (observer), Pilot Officer J.A. Hackett (WAG) and Flight Sergeant D.R Legimediere (WAG) were lost. Assigned to workshop reserve at No. 4 RD on 17 Sep 1942.

1941-06-26 Taken on Strength Eastern Air Command 2019-08-20
1942-September-13 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Unknown Names: Clark | Hackett | Johnson | Lagimediere
1943-01-19 Struck off Strength Struck off, reduced to spares and produce 2019-08-20