Ottawa War Memorial
32 OTU, Patricia Bay, B.C.
Merrill, Harry (Flying Officer)
Killed in Flying Accident 1944-May-19
Birth Date: 1921
Born:
Parents: Son of Thomas and Dorothy Merrill, of Bethesda, Caernarvonshire, Wales.
Spouse:
Home:
Enlistment:
Enlistment Date: unkown date
Service
RAF
Unit
32 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)
Base
Patricia Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Rank
Flying Officer
Position
Service Numbers
129346
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Finadagrave.comCrew or Other Personnel
Expeditor HB129
Accident Card - Beechcraft Expeditor Mk. IIIT serial:HB129
This accident involved 1 aircraft on 1944-May-19. Beechcraft Expedtor I s/n HB129.
This accident involved 3 people. Fraser AJ, Machell ES, Merrill H
This accident had 3 fatalities. Pilot Officer Edward Bousfield Machell RAFVR Killed in Flying Accident service no:164428 Expeditor HB129, Sergeant Alexander John Fraser RAAF Killed in Flying Accident service no:430145 Expeditor HB129, Flying Officer Harry Merrill RAF Killed in Flying Accident service no:129346 Expeditor HB129
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