WALSH,
Archibald Philip
Flying Officer,
SEE DESCRIPTION,
43421
Distinguished Flying Cross
RAF WWII
Description (click to view)
WALSH, F/O Archibald Philip (43421) - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 24 December 1940. Born Toronto, 1912; home in London, Ontario; joined RAF 1936; served in No.9 Squadron, 3 May to 19 September 1940 when posted to No.214 Squadron. Later served with No.419 Squadron; killed in action, 2/3 September 1942. DHist file 181.005 D.270 listing Canadian airmen in the RAF, January 1940, identifies him as a Sergeant at the time (580138), which suggests he was commissioned about that time and rapidly promoted to Flying Officer. Specifically listed in AFRO 1292/41 dated 7 November 1941 as a Canadian in the RAF who had been decorated as of that date. Air Ministry Bulletin 2548 refers. AFRO 1653/42 dated 16 October 1942 (reporting him missing) and AFRO 455/43 dated 19 March 1943 (confirming his death) also identified him as a Canadian in the RAF. No citation published other than 'for gallantry and devotion to duty in the exection of air operations'. Public Records Office Air 2/9327 has recommendation dated 20 October 1940:
Pilot Officer Archibald Philip Walsh has taken part as Captain of aircraft in many important operations undertaken by the squadron since 10th May 1940, including low flying attacks in France and Flanders. In his 30 operational flights he has displayed great consistency and determination in finding and attacking his targets in face of severe enemy opposition. By his courage, persistent determination and skill as a Captain of aircraft, this officer has at all times set an example deserving of the highest praise.
This was further commented upon by the Commanding Officer of RAF Station Honington (21 October 1940):
Pilot Officer Walsh has consistently achieved satisfactory results, in particular on 18th June at Leverkusen, 29th June in the Black Forest, and 9th August near Cologne when he succeeded in starting large fires at his objective. He also delivered a very determined attack on the aerodrome at Waalhaven on 10th May, descending to 1,000 feet to drop the bombs which ignited four large fires in the hangars.
This was further refined for Air Ministry Honours and Awards Committee to the following (unpublished) citation:
Pilot Officer Walsh has taken part in 30 operational flights including raids on Leverkusen, on objectives in the Black Forest, near Cologne and on the aerodrome at Waalhaven. He has displayed great consistency and determination in finding and attacking his targets in the face of severe opposition. By his courage and skill as a captain of aircraft he has always set an example deserving of the highest praise.
WALSH, W/C Archibald Philip (43421) - Air Force Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 1 January 1942.
WALSH,
George Victor
Lieutenant,
SEE DESCRIPTION,
SEE DESCRIPTION
Brought to the Notice of the Secretary of State for Air in Respect of Valuable Service
British Flying Services WWI
Description (click to view)
WALSH, Lieutenant George Victor - Brought to the Notice of the Secretary of State for Air in Respect of Valuable Service - Air Ministry List dated 29 August 1919 (found in Flight, issue of 4 September 1919). Born in Liverpool, England, 24 May 1893. Educated there and Loyola College (Montreal). Secretary to General Superintendent of CPR, 1911-1914; Private in the Victoria Rifles, 1912-1914; served overseas with 24th Battalion; wounded4 May 1916; returned to duty, 12 May 1916; invalided to England, 19 June 1916, shell shock; granted leave to Canada, 13 July 1916; applied for transfer to RFC while recovering in Canada; struck off strength of CEF to RFC, 19 November 1916; appointed 2nd Lieutenant, RFC, 1 December 1916; posted to No.2 School of Aeronautics, 2 December 1916; to No.24 Reserve Squadron, 8 February 1917; appointed Flying Officer, 30 May 1917 and posted to Central Flying School, 30 May 1917; to No.66 Training Squadron, 9 June 1917; declared medically unfit for flying duties, August 1917; appointed Adjutant, No.91 Training Squadron, 28 September 1917; appointed Recording Officer of No.91 Squadron, 4 October 1917; to No.50 Training Depot Station, date uncertain; to No.54 Training Depot Station, 3 September 1918; admitted to Eaton Square Hospital, 7 November 1918; to Southeast Area (Non-Effective Pool), 17 November 1918; to Air Ministry, 17 January 1919; transferred to Unemployed List, 8 July 1919. He joined the postwar RCAF, regained aircrew status in 1922, and was an expert on Army Cooperation work between the wars. See RCAF Second World War awards data base for CBE, CB and Legion of Merit awards.
WALSH, Lieutenant George Victor - Member, Order of the British Empire - awarded as per London Gazette dated 10 October 1919. Award not mentioned on card; listed by Dodds; confirmed in Flight which copied from London Gazette. No citation other than 'in recognition of distinguished services rendered during the war'.
NOTE: As an army co-operation expert between the wars, it is worth noting some of his work. On 21 October 1925, Colonel George Roy (Royal Canadian Artillery) wrote to the Deputy Chief of the General Staff as follows:
On my return from Halifax where I attended the Aeroplane Co-operation and Battle Practice, I wish to bring to your notice the most helpful assistance rendered by Flight Lieutenant Walsh as well as the keen and cheerful way he performed his duties.
To his untiring efforts may be attributed to a large extent the success of the Co-operation of Aircraft with Artillery, the result of which, with the addition of minor details to predict the course and range of ships, has proved entirely satisfactory.
WALSH,
Alexander Hamilton
Flying Officer,
No.4 Bombing and Gunnery School,
J14098
Commended for Valuable Services in the Air
RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
Description (click to view)
WALSH, F/O Alexander Hamilton (J14098) - Commended for Valuable Services in the Air - No.4 Bombing and Gunnery School - Award effective 14 November 1944 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 2684/44 dated 15 December 1944. Born 25 July 1923. Home in London, Ontario; enlisted there 15 September 1941. To No.31 ANS, 14 October 1941 (guard). To No.1 ITS, 4 January 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 27 February 1942 but not posted to No.10 EFTS until 14 March 1942; graduated 22 May 1942 and posted next day to No.16 SFTS; graduated and commissioned 11 September 1942. To No.2 Flying Instructor School, 9 October 1942. To No.5 SFTS, 6 December 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 11 March 1943. To No.4 BGS, 17 April 1943. To No.8 OTU, 27 July 1944. To “Y” Depot, 24 October 1944. Taken on strength of No.3 PRC, Bournemouth, 24 November 1944. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 December 1944. Repatriated 7 August 1945. To No.4 Release Centre, 14 August 1945. Retired 6 September 1945.
This officer, as pilot instructor (armament), has administered the conversion flight efficiently and introduced an excellent training programme for the conversion of staff pilots. He has shown himself to be a keen and efficient officer at all times.
WALSH,
Clifford Arthur
Warrant Officer,
No.77 Squadron,
R107273
Distinguished Flying Cross
RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
Description (click to view)
WALSH, WO Clifford Arthur (R107273, later J19706) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.77 Squadron - Award effective 30 November 1943 as per London Gazette dated 10 December 1943 and AFRO 297/44 dated 11 February 1944. Born 9 February 1919. Enlisted in Saskatoon, 10 June 1941 and posted to No.2A Manning Depot. To No.8 SFTS, 2 June 1941. To No.2 WS, 15 September 1941; to a BGS, 31 January 1942. To “Y” Depot, 10 March 1942. To RAF overseas, 21 March 1942. Later commissioned. Repatriated 20 October 1944. Died 30 June 2002 in St.Catharines, Ontario as per Royal Canadian Legion “Last Post” website and Legion Magazine of November/December 2002.
Warrant Officer Walsh has completed many successful operations against the enemy in which he has displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty.
WALSH,
Edward Henry Michael
Flight Lieutenant,
No.413 Squadron (AFRO says only ,
J5088
Mention in Despatches - Medal of Merit (Czech)
RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
Description (click to view)
WALSH, F/L Edward Henry Michael (J5088) - Mention in Despatches - No.413 Squadron (AFRO says only "Overseas") - Award effective 8 June 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1729/44 dated 11 August 1944. Born 15 May 1920 (13 May 1920 according to obituary). Home in Quebec City; enlisted there 22 August 1941. Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 7 November 1940), No.1 AOS (graduated 1 February 1941), No.1 BGS (graduated 15 March 1941) and No.1 ANS (graduated 25 April 1941). Remained in postwar RCAF (19569). Awarded Queen's Coronation Medal, 23 October 1953 (Wing Commander, RCAF Staff College). Retired as a Group Captain, 22 February 1970 in Ottawa.. Joined Ministry of Transport to 1975 when he became President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Association of Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing, Died in Ottawa, 30 December 2012. No citation in AFRO; DHist file 181.009 D.1751 (PAC RG.24 Vol.20608) has recommendation dated 12 November 1943 when he had flown 1,044 hours 15 minutes on operations: // This officer has completed over 1,000 operational hours on flying boats. He is a brilliant navigator and is senior navigator on the squadron. He has acted as navigator on the most difficult sorties. // On a recent night flight of over 1,000 miles, continuous rain was encountered over the entire route, and only two astro plots could be obtained. Flight Lieutenant Walsh reached his objective, a very small island in the Eastern Indian Ocean, at dawn, within thirteen minutes of E.T.A. // He is an excellent instructor and his high standard has furnished an excellent example for junior navigators in the squadron. // WALSH, S/L Edward Henry Michael (J5088) - Medal of Merit, First Class (Czechoslovakia) - No.9 (T) Group HQ - November 2nd, 1946. // A website dedicated to Diego Garcia has the following from him respecting events of 25 April 1942. // A large Japanese fleet, after having launched bombing raids on Colombo and Trincomalee in early April 1942 were still roaming somewhere on the Indian ocean. Around the 20 April wireless contact with Diego Garcia was lost and it was feared that the Japanese had raided the island. Our Catalina crew was dispatched to determine what had happened. No chart of the DG area was available but we were given the Latitude and longitude and set off. We warily circled the atoll, saw no ships or activity on the islands and so alight. A motor boat took us ashore and we found all was well except that their transmitter was on the fritz. The only strange thing to see was the large number of crabs running up and down the coconut trees !
WALSH,
George Victor
Air Vice Marshall,
Air Member Canadian Joint Staff,
C41
Commander, Order of the British Empire
RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
Description (click to view)
WALSH, A/V/M George Victor, MBE (C41) - Commander, Order of the British Empire - Air Member Canadian Joint Staff - Award effective 26 May 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1380/44 dated 30 June 1944. Born in Liverpool, England, 24 May 1893. Educated there and Loyola College (Montreal). Secretary to General Superintendent of CPR, 1911-1914 until he joined Canadian Expeditionary Force (twice wounded), later serving in Royal Flying Corps. Joined RCAF at Camp Borden, 1 April 1924. A writer of some merit; one of those who wrote a revue, "Aces High" presented in Montreal in May 1922. Managed concert parties at Camp Borden. AOC in Britain early in war; largely responsible for new RCAF ensign, unveiled overseas in early 1940 by Air Marshal Bishop. Air Commodore as of 30 September 1940; brought back to Canada; assigned to Washington in September 1941. Promoted Air Vice Marshal, 1 May 1942. To AFHQ, 6 August 1945. Retired 5 October 1946. Died in England, 4 June 1960. Award presented 21 November 1944. RCAF photo PL-2344 taken 1940 as Air Commodore. RCAF photo PL-28390 (ex UK-9093 dated 22 March 1944) shows A/V/M G.V. Walsh, normally in Washington, visiting No.6 Group, chatting with W/C W.P. Pleasance and Air Commodore A.D. Ross.
Air Vice-Marshal Walsh has rendered untiring and devoted service to the Royal Canadian Air Force. Since the commencement of hostilities he has served successively as Air Officer Commanding, Overseas Headquarters and Air Member, Canadian Joint Staff, Washington. This officer's display of energy, leadership and integrity, combined with a pleasing personality, is an inspiration to all those with whom he comes in contact. His knowledge and experience, combined with his good judgement, has been of an inestimable value to the Royal Canadian Air Force.
WALSH, A/V/M George Victor, CBE (C41) - Commander, Legion of Merit (United States) - Award effective 15 March 1946 as per Canada Gazette dated 4 May 1946 and AFRO 473/46 dated 10 May 1946. NOTE: This was originally announced in AFRO 388/46 dated 12 April 1946, reference Canada Gazette dated 6 April 1946. AFRO 473/46 dated 10 May 1946 cancels and re-instates. Presented by American Ambassador, 29 March 1946 at Embassy Residence.
Air Vice Marshal George Victor Walsh, CBE, Royal Canadian Air Force, performed outstanding services in Washington from December 1941 to August 1945. As Air Attache and later as Air Member of the Canadian Joint Staff he was responsible for developing and supervising Royal Canadian Air Force supply procedures for the joint war effort. His skilful co-operation strengthened the bonds of friendship between the United States and Canada.
WALSH, A/V/M George Victor, CBE (C41) - Companion, Order of the Bath - AFHQ - Award effective 13 June 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 660/46 dated 5 July 1946. Joined RCAF at Camp Borden, 1 April 1924. Awarded CBE, 8 June 1944. Governor General's Records (RG.7 Group 26, Volume 60, file 190-I) has citation.
Air Vice-Marshal Walsh has rendered outstanding and devoted service to the Royal Canadian Air Force over a long period. Having served with distinction as Air Officer Commanding the Royal Canadian Air Force Overseas and later as Air Officer Commanding, No.3 Training Command, during the early development of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, he was appointed in 1942 as Air Member of the Canadian Joint Staff in Washington. In this capacity, he contributed greatly to the establishment of good-will and mutual understanding between the United States and Canadian Armed Services. Through his sincerity, diligence and tact, he enjoyed the confidence of those responsible for the exchange of information and procurement of equipment for the Royal Canadian Air Force. These efforts contributed in a large measure to the success of the Air Training Plan in Canada and the efficiency of anti U-Boat operations off the Canadian coast. At the end of hostilities, he returned to Canada where his extensive experience and sound judgement have continued to be of valuable assistance in the re-organization of Air Force establishments and the selection of senior personnel for the post-war Air Force.
WALSH,
Peter Thomas
Flying Officer,
No.192 Squadron,
J88998
Distinguished Flying Cross
RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
Description (click to view)
WALSH, F/O Peter Thomas (J88998) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.192 Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 19 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born 2 January 1923. Home in Toronto; enlisted there 27 March 1942 and posted to No.3 Manning Depot. To No.6 ITS, 19 July 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 11 September 1942 but not posted to No.7 EFTS until 10 October 1942; may have graduated 4 December 1942 but not posted to No.9 SFTS until 27 December 1942; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 30 April 1943. To “Y” Depot, 15 May 1943; to RAF overseas, 26 May 1943. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 30 October 1943. Promoted WO2, date uncertain. Commissioned 20 August 1944. Repatriated 9 December 1944. To No.3 Training Command, 20 December 1944. To No.16 SFTS, 16 January 1945. To No.4 Release Centre, 16 February 1945. Promoted Flying Officer, 20 February 1945. Retired 21 February 1945. Rejoined as pilot, 16 November 1948. To Toronto that date. To No.413 Squadron, 10 January 1949. To Rockcliffe, 14 May 1950. Resigned commission, 6 June 1950. Award presented at Government House, 7 November 1949.
Throughout his tour of operational duty this officer has shown high courage and keen determination. His fine fighting spirit and enthusiasm to operate against the enemy have been most praiseworthy. When returning from an attack against Brunswick in August 1944, his aircraft was damaged by anti-aircraft fire. It was then illuminated by searchlights and attacked by enemy fighters. The rear gunner was wounded, the rear turret wan rendered unserviceable and the port main plane petrol tanks and undercarriage were damaged. Despite the resultant difficulties further attacks were frustrated. Although Flying Officer Walsh was slightly wounded he flew his aircraft back safely and accomplished a masterly landing.
NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9038 has recommendation dated 18 October 1944 when he had flown 27½ sorties (148 hours 15 minutes), 2 December 1943 to 14 October 1944. The text differs in no substantaal way from the above; the sortie list is follows; apart from the Nickling (leaflet dropping) sortie on 2 December 1943, all operations are described as "Special Duty" (the unit, as part of No.100 Group, would have been involved in radar jamming and other countermeasures:
* counted as half-sortie
2 December 1943 - Chartres, Nickling (3.45)*
9 April 1944 - Paris (4.50)
21 April 1944 - Belgian, Dutch and Danish coasts (6.00)
27 April 1944 - Montzon (3.20)
9 May 1944 - Paris (4.55)
11 May 1944 - Louvain (2.20)
12 May 1944 - Hasselt (2.25)
18 May 1944 - North coast of France (5.15)
21 May 1944 - Duisburg (3.10)
27 May 1944 - Aachen (3.55)
7 June 1944 - Paris (3.45)
17 July 1944 - Dutch coast (1.45)
6 August 1944 -Dutch coast (4.10)
8 August 1944 - Aire, Pas de Calais (2.30)
10 August 1944 - Dijon (6.15)
12 August 1944 - Brunswick (5.10)
25 August 1944 - Russelheim (8.10)
29 August 1944 - Heligoland Bay (3.00)
1 September 1944 - Lofoten Island (10.00)
2 September 1944 - Lofofen Island (9.30)
15 September 1944 - East of Saarbrucken (4.40)
17 September 1944 - Dutch coast (8.10)
22 September 1944 - Dutch coast (7.15)
23 September 1944 - Munster (4.00)
26 September 1944 - Karlsruhe (6.30)
29 September 1944 - Dutch coast (7.15)
4 October 1944 - Oslo (7.25)
9 October 1944 - Bochum (4.20)
14 October 1944 - Duisburg (4.30)
WALSH,
Chris Allan
Master Corporal,
SEE DESCRIPTION,
SEE DESCRIPTION
Air Medal (United States)
CF Postwar Aviation Services
Description (click to view)
WALSH, Chris Allan, Master Corporal, CD - Air Medal (United States) - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 26 November 2011. No details.
WALSH
Description (click to view)
ARCHIBALD PHILIP W/C(P) 43421 D.F.C., A.F.C. - Royal Air Force. From London, Ontario. Killed in Action Sep 3/42 age 30. #419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). Wellington aircraft #X 3711 was shot down six miles north-west of Dinant at Warnant during an attack against Karlsruhe, Germany. F/O H.W. Thompson, P/Os G.C. Hart, J.H. Freestone, and FS F.W. Cassidy were also killed. W/C. Walsh was the Commanding Officer of #419 and was on his twenty-ninth operational flight at the time of his death. Wing Commander Pilot Walsh is buried in the Warnant-Lez-Dinant Communal Cemetery, Warnant, Namur, Belgium.
WALSH
Description (click to view)
CECIL STEPHEN SGT(FE) R54847. From Beaurepaire, Quebec. Killed in Action Jun 30/42 age 21. #405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus). Halifax aircraft #LL 771 failed to return from a night bombing attack against Bremen, Germany. FS R.A. Gorieu, Sgt E.K. Brennan, WO L Sidney, Sgts T.G. Gunn (RAF), and G.A. White (RAF) were also killed. One other member of the crew, not Canadian, missing believed killed. There were three #405 Sqdn. aircraft lost in the same area on this date. Please see FS W.J. Harrell and Sgt L.N. Dearlove for crew lists of the other aircraft. Sergeant Flight Engineer Walsh has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.
WALSH
Description (click to view)
JOHN JOSEPH F/O(P) 42547 - Royal Air Force. From Bassano, Alberta. Killed in Action Mar 2/41 age 23. #261 Squadron (Semper Contendo). Hurricane aircraft lost during operations. F/O Walsh had fought in the Battle of Britain operating Hurricane aircraft with #615 Squadron. Flying Officer Pilot Walsh is buried in the Capuccini Naval Cemetery, Malta.
WALSH
Description (click to view)
JOHN SHERWOOD F/O(P) J35613. From Windsor, Ontario. Killed Jul 30/44 age 21. #3 T.E.U. F/O Walsh took off in Mustang aircraft #FX 934 and had engine failure at 100 feet. He was killed when the aircraft crashed one mile north-east of the East Chedworth Airfield, near Withington, Gloucester, England. Flying Officer Pilot Walsh is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Woking, Surrey, England.
WALSH
Description (click to view)
JOHN WILLIAM RICHARD F/O(P) J38040. From Montreal, Quebec. Killed Jan 14/45 age 20. #425 Alouette Squadron (Je Te Plumerai). Halifax aircraft crashed. Please see Simard J.J. for casualty list and flight detail. Flying Officer Pilot Walsh is buried in the Stonefall Cemetery, Wetherby Road, Harrogate, Yorkshire, England.
WALSH
Description (click to view)
OLIVE GODDARD LAW W301792. From Winnipeg, Manitoba. Died Jan 7/43 age 37. Leading AirWoman Walsh is buried in the Brookside Cemetery at Winnipeg, Manitoba.
WALSH
Description (click to view)
PATRICK CHARLES FS(P) R75183. From Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Killed in Action Mar 29/42 age 20. #83 Squadron (Strike To Defend). Manchester aircraft #R 5781 went down near Kiel, Germany. Sgts J.E. Burcher (RAF), W.L. Cox (RAF), J. Rooney (RAF), E. Thomas (RAF), and F/O T.A. Lumb (RAF) were also killed. One of the crew, not Canadian, missing believed killed. FS Walsh had been slightly injured on February 16, 1941 in an aircraft accident at #6 EFTS, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Flight Sergeant Pilot Walsh is buried in the Kiel War Cemetery, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
WALSH
Description (click to view)
RICHARD'. JAMES HARTLAND SGT(AG) R225386. From Newcastle on Tyne, England. Killed in Action Dec 29/43 age 25. #429 Bison Squadron (Fortunae Nihil). Halifax aircraft #JD 318 was shot down at Albergen during a night operation against Berlin, Germany. F/O C. Peasland, FSs A.G. Innes, E.N. Parker (RAF), and Sgt B.S. Ranson (RAF) were also killed. Two Canadians, F/Os Merkley and Marrion, were taken Prisoner of War. Sergeant Air Gunner Walsh is buried in the Albergen Roman Catholic Cemetery at Albergen, Tubbergen, Overijssel, Holland.
WALSH
Description (click to view)
WILLIAM CLAYTON P/O(NB) J18156//R82226. From Leonard, Ontario. Killed Aug 27/43 age 24. #194 Squadron. Hudson aircraft #FK 584 was in the landing approach when it stalled during a flat turn at 80 feet. The aircraft crashed at the Badrauli aerodrome. S/L R.L. Cartwright and seven airmen, not Canadians, were also killed. Pilot Officer Navigator/Bomb Aimer Walsh is buried in the Cantonment Cemetery at Allahabad, India.
WALSH
Description (click to view)
WILLIAM DUNCAN FS(AG) R76467. From Folly Lake, Colchester County, Nova Scotia. Killed in Action Jun 22/43 age 20. #408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom). Target - Krefeld, Germany. Please see Sebelius C.L. for casualty list and flight detail. Flight Sergeant Air Gunner Walsh is buried in the Oud Leusden General Cemetery, Amersfoort, Utrecht, Holland.
WALSH
Description (click to view)
WILLIAM LINDSAY BERNARD LAC(WAG) R91058 - under training. From Toronto, Ontario. Died Jul 19/42 age 21. #3 Bombing and Gunnery School, Macdonald, Manitoba. LAC Walsh died as the result of injuries sustained when he fell through a window while in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Leading AirCraftman Wireless Operator Air Gunner Walsh is buried in Our Lady Of Victory Cemetery, Toronto, Ontario.
