Shellshear, Thomas Douglas
Killed in Flying Accident 1941-10-25
Birth Date: 1921-November-04
Born:
Son of Thomas and Alice Shellshear, of Vancouver.
Home: Vancouver, British Columbia
Enlistment:
Enlistment Date: Unknown
Service
RCAF
Unit
31 OTU- Operational Training Unit (RAF)
Base
Debert, Nova Scotia, Canada
Rank
Pilot Officer
Position
Pilot Officer
Service Numbers
J/5500
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
www.findagrave.comThis incident involved multiple aircraft:
- Hudson Mk. V Serial: AM886
All the above aircraft in the above list are referenced in this report.
Hudson AM886
Lockheed Hudson A-28 A-29 AT-18
Source National Air Force Museum of Canada.
The Lockheed Hudson was an American-built light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft built initially for the Royal Air Force (RAF) shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War and primarily operated by the RAF thereafter. The Hudson served throughout the war, mainly with Coastal Command, but also in transport and training roles, as well as delivering agents into occupied France. They were also used extensively with the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) anti-submarine squadrons.National Air Force Museum of Canada.
Hudson
Wikipedia Hudson 
Harold A Skaarup Web Page 
Hudon - Kestrel Publications31 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.
Hudson AM886
Hudson Mk. V AM886
With No. 31 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Station Debert, NS when it crashed on night of 25/26 October 1941. Came down in marsh near Big Topper Lake near Malone, New York. (Also reported as near Tupper Lake, which is 50 miles south of Malone.) All 3 crew, Pilot Officer T.D. Shellshear, Pilot Officer A. Nowosad and Sgt. D.R. Gill killed. RCAF Record Card records crash location as Franklin City, New York, which is probably Franklin, 20 miles south of Malone. Wreckage salvaged by No. 6 Repair Depot. Aircraft may still have been on RAF books at time of crash, ownership to RCAF for scrapping.1941-October-25 Accident: 31 Operational Training Unit Loc: Big Tupper Lake Names: Gill | Nowosad | Shellshear
1941-11-13 Taken on Strength Eastern Air Command 2019-08-20
1942-03-16 Struck off Strength Struck off, reduced to spares and produce 2019-08-20