Wellington City, New Zealand
32 OTU, Patricia Bay BC Dakota III aircraft FL 650 lost without a trace.
FS RA Hodge (RNZAF) among crew of three missing believed killed.
FS Hodge had been with 149 Sqn on Stirling III aircraft BF530 OJ-B lost on an operation to Koln, Germany. Six of his fellow crew members were killed, 1 taken Prisoner of War but FS Hodge evaded and returned to England four months later. He was later posted to 32 OTU at Patricia Bay BC as an instructor.
(aircrew remembered.com)
Hodge, Roy Alexander (Flight Sergeant)
Killed in Flying Accident 1944-March-17
Birth Date: 1919
Born:
Parents:
Spouse:
Home: Wellington City, New Zealand
Enlistment:
Enlistment Date: unkown date
Service
RNZAF
Unit
32 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)
Base
Patricia Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Rank
Flight Sergeant
Position
Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
Service Numbers
413756
Crew or Other Personnel
Dakota FL650
Unit Desciption
32 OTU (32 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.
Avro Anson
More information on the RCAF Station at Patricia Bay, British Columbia can be found at:
RCAF.info - Patricia Bay, British Columbia
BC Aviation Museum Video On History Of Pat Bay
Project 44 BCATP
YouTube - Valour Canada Aerodrome of Democracy