Murphy, John Benedict (Pilot Officer)

Killed in Flying Accident 1944-March-17

Male Head

Birth Date: 1918

Born:

Parents: Son of Michael and Sarah Murphy, of Erris, Co. Mayo, Irish Republic.

Spouse:

Home: Erris, Co Mayo, Irish Republic

Enlistment:

Enlistment Date: unkown date

Service

RAFVR

Unit

32 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)

Base

Patricia Bay, British Columbia, Canada

Rank

Pilot Officer

Position

Observer

Service Numbers

55294

Home
Google MapErris, Co Mayo, Irish Republic
Memorial Location
Google MapOttawa War Memorial
Panel 3 Column 2
32 OTU, Patricia Bay, B.C. Dakota III aircraft FL 650 lost without a trace while on a night navigation training flight. Pilot Officer JB Murphy (RAFVR), FS RA Hodge (RNZAF) and Sergeant D Oliver (RAF) missing believed killed. An extensive search failed to find any trace of the aircraft or crew, although two oxygen cylinders were located near the Pearse Islands, BC of a type consistent with those carried on similar aircraft. (aircrewremembered.com)

Commonwealth War Grave Commission Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Find-A-Grave Finadagrave.com

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:

Royal Air Force RCAF.info - Patricia Bay, British Columbia

Museum BC Aviation Museum Video On History Of Pat Bay

Project 44 BCATP

Unvetted Source Project 44 BCATP

YouTube YouTube - Valour Canada Aerodrome of Democracy