Garland, Stewart Foster (Flight Lieutenant)

Born in Ottawa, 1918; home there 6 enlisted 22 October 194L Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 25 September 1941), No.20 EFTS (graduated 6 December 1941) and No.16 SFTS (graduated 27 March 1942). 142 Squadron (Determination). Target - the Lambrake Marshalling Yards at Milan, Italy. Wellington aircraft ME 120 was shot down near Pizzigheltone, Craum, Cremona, Italy. Four of the crew, not Canadians, were also killed. Addendum: Flight Lieutenant Garland was 26 years old at time of death, not 23. GARLAND, Pilot Officer Stewart Foster (.116208) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.40 Squadron Award effective 24 September 1943 as per London Gazette dated 15 October 1943 and AFRO 2386/43 dated 19 November 1943. The citation reads - "This officer is an extremely keen and efficient captain who has earned many successes. One night in July 1943 he executed a most successful attack on the marshaling yards at Reggio di Calabria, although his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire during the bombing run. Pilot Officer Garland pressed home his attack starting many fires. He also secured an excellent photograph. His high morale and fine record have set an excellent example." Detail provided by H. Halliday, Orleans, Ontario. 142 Sqn. Wellington X MF120 "Q" collided with a 70 Sqn Wellington LN806 "S" over Italy attacking the rail yards at Milan, Flight Lieutenant S.F. Garland DFC, Flight Sergeant P. Cashin RAF, Flight Sergeant D.M. Maughan-Taylor RAF, Flying Officer S.C. Ware RAF and Warrant Officer D.M.R. Purdue RAAF killed. On the 70 Sqn. aircraft 2 were killed and 3 taken PoW (www.aviationarchaeology.org.uk, A. Storr).