Sydney, Nova Scotia
31 Operational Training Unit, Debert, Nova Scotia. Hudson aircraft AM 773 lost during a patrol. Sergeants A. Langstaff (RAF), P.M. Burns (RAAF), and Pilot Officer J. Howard- Bangs (RAF) were also killed.
Gillis, John Archibald (Sergeant)
Killed in Flying Accident 1943-April-19
Birth Date: 1912-March-07
Born:
Parents:
Spouse:
Home: Sydney, Nova Scotia
Enlistment:
Enlistment Date: unkown date
Service
RCAF
Unit
31 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)
Base
RCAF Stn. Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Rank
Sergeant
Position
Wireless Air Gunner
Service Numbers
R/104470
Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Finadagrave.com
Library and Archives Canada Service Files (may not exist)Crew or Other Personnel
Hudson AM773
Accident Card - Lockheed Hudson Mk. V serial:AM773
This accident involved 1 aircraft on 1943-April-19. Hudson V s/n AM773.
This accident involved 4 people. Longstaff A, Howard-Bangs, Burns PM, Gillis JA
This accident had 4 fatalities. Pilot Officer J Howard-Bangs RAF Killed in Flying Accident service no: Hudson AM773, Sergeant A Longstaff RAF Killed in Flying Accident service no: Hudson AM773, Sergeant P M Burns RAAF Killed in Flying Accident service no: Hudson AM773, Sergeant John Archibald Gillis RCAF Killed in Flying Accident service no:R/104470 Hudson AM773
Unit Desciption
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.
Lockheed Hudson
RCAF.info - Debert, Nova Scotia
History 31 OTU by Maj (Ret) G.D. Madigan
YouTube - Valour Canada Aerodrome of Democracy