Barrette, A J ()

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.

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Hudson BW653

Hudson Mk. III BW653

Taken on strength by Eastern Air Command, for the Home War Establishment. Noted on 12 February 1942 as one of 55 Hudsons released off a British Lend Lease contract. With No. 119 (BR) Squadron at RCAF Station Sydney, NS. Category C damage at 15:00 on 3 May 1942. Ground looped in "variable wind condition". Originally classified as Category A. Assigned to Clarke Ruse Aircraft for repairs on 13 August 1942, delivered there on 17 August 1942. Returned to Eastern Air Command on 27 November 1942. Delivered to No. 11 (BR) Squadron at RCAF Station Dartmouth, NS on 29 January 1943, still with this unit when lost. Aircraft took off at 17:00 on 24 February 1943, and became lost while attempting to return in bad weather. Crew eventually jettisoned depth charges, damaging a building in Charlottetown, and then bailed out. Crew came down on ice pan in Northumberland Strait, rescued 5 days later by the Charlottetown ferry. Aircraft carried on and crashed in New Brunswick, near Shediac. Ownership to No. 4 Repair Depot at Scoudouc, NB on 26 February 1943, some wreckage delivered there on 12 March 1943. Rear fuselage shipped to RCAF Station Mountain View, Ontario. This is one of two Squadron aircraft lost in bad weather that evening, see also BW453.
Kestrel's report states "The a/c took off at 17:00 hrs on 24 Feb 1943 with five other a/c on an ASW sweep. The weather deteriorated and the a/c were recalled. The crew of BW 653 became lost and ran out of fuel. They successfully bailed out of the a/c from 3,000 ft. The a/c subsequently landed itself relatively intact on a frozen lake"
August 25, 2020
Gentlemen,
Thank you kindly for the information and prompt response. I believe that the Walker and Bradley accounts hold up with what I have. All are consistent on bailout just prior to 2400 hrs, not sure what to make of Bradley's 0220 reference. I have used newspapers.com where possible and photocopied contemporary newspaper accounts held by the family. Additional information:
Pilot: Squadron Leader Kenneth Campbell Wilson (C1217)
Crew: Flying Officer Albert J Barrette, Pilot Officer William A Richardson (navigator, US national), Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph Alfred Dobson (R62890, WAG)
Pilot and WAG received Mention in Despatches (Supplement to London Gazette, 1 January 1944, pp 55-56, no citation)
RCAF association website, honours and awards division for Wilson claims that his aircraft (i.e. BW653) was repaired insitu at crash site and flown to Moncton. This is at odds with Walker account and documentation. Bradley mentions light damage so some cause to wonder at the exact sequence of events which could involve No.4 Repair Depot near Moncton. On balance, Walker data seems sound.
Thanks again.
Lt. Col (ret'd) Ronald Dobson

1942-02-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1943-February-24 Accident: 11 Squadron Loc: Shediac New Brunswick Names: Barrette | Dobson | Richardson | Wilson
1943-04-30 Struck off Strength Struck off, reduced to spares and produce 2019-08-20