FLEMING, F/O James Grant (40380) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.201 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette 21 February 1941. Born in Calgary, 23 May 1917; home there. Gunner in Royal Canadian Artillery, 1936. Appointed Acting Pilot Officer on Probation, 9 January 1938. Directorate of History holds Ferry Command deliver cards (document 84/44-3) which include him, confirming his Canadian birth and address. He was active in Ferry Command from December 1940 (when he set out to deliver PBY AM266 to Britain) until September 1941 and again from January 1943 to September 1943. The card also has a photograph of him. Missing 6 September 1944. AFRO 2231/44 dated 13 October 1944 (reporting him missing) confirmed him as Canadian in the RAF. No citation other than "for gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations". Specifically listed in AFRO 1292/41 dated 7 November 1941 as a Canadian in the RAF who had been decorated as of that date. AFRO 1085/45 dated 29 June 1945 (confirming his death) identified him as a Canadian in the RAF. Air Ministry Bulletin 3067 refers, stating, "Some of the above officers have been on convoy escort duty in all kinds of weather by day and night." Public Record Office Air 2/9498 has recommendation drafted 29 October 1940 by W/C C.S. Richard, Commanding Officer, No.201 Squadron. The document is annotated, "A Canadian Officer". // Since the outbreak of war this officer has sone more than 700 hours operational flying, and has never failed to carry out his duties in the air in anything but an exemplary way, consistently showing courage and resource in his interpretation of his orders. // Although this officer has not taken part in any spectacular flight, it is thought that he is very worthy of consideration for reward, as his example as Captain of his aircraft has always been of the highest order. // The Group Captain in command of RAF Station Sullom Voe added his remarks: // The award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Flying Officer Fleming is recommended. A Canadian with three years in the Service, this officer has carried out a great amount of operational flying since the outbreak of war, and has always displayed keenness and resource. // On 31 December 1940 the Air Officer Commanding, No.18 Group, wrote: // This officer is an outstanding pilot in a very good flying boat squadron. He has flown with consistent gallantry, skill and devotion to duty throughout the first 16 months of the war and continues to set a very fine example to all ranks in No.201 Squadron. // Flying Officer Fleming's conduct in the execution of operational tasks has been proved over a long period to be pre-eminently of the type for which the Distinguished Flying Cross was instituted as public recognition and I strongly recommend that this be awarded to him. // The following appeared in Canadian Aviation, June 1942, pages 39 and 41 under the title, “CATALINA FLIES OCEAN WITHOUT ITS AILERONS”. Transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates: // Colourful yarns have been breaking into print through the veil of censorship which shrouds the flight of American bombers to England. Some of these are interwoven with pure invention. But the best story to come out, a tale even the fiction writers wouldn’t try to put over, happens to be sober truth. // Briefly, it is this: Out of Bermuda, bound for Britain, a 15-ton consolidated Model 28 Amphibian lost both its ailerons when the controls jammed. It dropped out of control from 18,500 feet to 400 feet. Then, unaccountably, it recovered, climbed precariously to 14,000 feet and flew on for six hours to touch down in an English harbor. // This is too fantastic for good fiction. But the British Air Ministry swears by it. The photographs on this page cannot be denied. Furthermore, we spent an afternoon with one of the Catalina’s pilots. He was there. He had landed in England, been flown back to Canada with other pilots in a Consolidated Liberator and arrived in Toronto for a short leave. // There were four Canadians in the six-man crew as the Catalina took off from Bermuda. F/L Grant Fleming, D.F.C., of Calgary and F/O J.J. Meikle, of Toronto, were at the controls. Both had joined the Royal Air Force long before the outbreak of war and had been transferred from coastal patrol duties in England to the ferry service early this year. Fleming had been on Sunderlands, Meikle on Saro Lerwicks. Ronald Hodgson, of Vancouver, and Charles Eyre, from somewhere in Ontario, were also in the crew. // Meikle’s account of what the British Ministry of Information calls “one of the greatest epics of flying” is necessary rather sketchy. This is partly because of the confusion prevailing when the big boat went wild. Also, the R.A.F. has some strict regulations about giving out details on aircraft accidents. // However, the 27-year-old Toronto pilot was able to amplify the official report to some extent. How did the plane lose its ailerons? Perhaps that question never will be answered conclusively. Meikle has several theories, but not for publication. Some published report blames the automatic pilot. This may be the truth, but the pilots had switched back to manual control when the accident happened. // The wheel jerked out of Fleming’s hands, whirling hard over to port, throwing the starboard aileron full down, jamming it there and tipping the plane at a suddenly steep angle. Peering out of his window, Fleming shouted, “My aileron’s gone!” Meikle checked his side. “So is mine!” he reported. // Meantime, the big boat was spiralling wildly, losing altitude so rapidly the altimeter was practically spinning. Both pilots fought hopelessly for control. Meikle kept looking down out of his window in the desperate hope of finding some evidence of a ship on the sea which might come to the rescue. Suddenly, he saw scattered lights through the clouds and reported to Fleming. His report was instantly corroborated, both pilots saw the lights below the wings, through broken clouds. Surely they couldn’t have drifted far off their course and over the mainland of Europe! // “We talked about that afterwards. The only sensible answer seems to be that we were at the top off a loop, looking up through clouds and seeing the stars.” F/O Meikle told the writer. “It couldn’t have been a roll, because we weren’t strapped to our seats and we stayed put. They say you can’t loop those boats, but we must have on the way down. I know we did just about everything else.” In the seconds while the Catalina plummeted 18,100 feet toward the sea, the rest of the crew were trying to hang on, at the same time struggling to get the pneumatic life rafts ready for launching. // LIKE RIDING A FENCE // The pilots had tried everything. One engine. Both on. Both throttled back. They tried to use the aileron stubs but, “it was like riding a fence.” Meikle explained. “If you got her out of a right spiral she’d drop off to the left,” he said. // At last, resigned to the prospect of a crash in the ocean, everybody was amazed when the Catalina levelled off at 400 feet and the pilots managed to hold her there, hardly daring to breathe. It seems that by a mere freak, the leading edges of both ailerons, all that was left, had finally broken off even, creating a semblance of equilibrium on the two wings. // At 14,000 feet, the pilots were breathing more easily, but they still weren’t headed toward England. They had found that right rudder would throw them into a spiral but that easy left rudder, with some accent on the right engine would bring her around to the left. // They were just a few degrees in the north of their northeasterly course, but had to swing to the left through 270 degrees to get on their course. The trouble had started at 5.00 a.m. It was now 6.00 a.m. From then until noon, the pilots flew toward England, never daring to relax their tense vigilance for a moment never entirely sure of their balance from one moment to the next. // Finally, the English coast showed up and the delicate job of setting her down confronted the crew. Fleming and Meikle, now veterans at aileronless aviation, worked out a system. One handled the throttle quadrant while the other manipulated the tail assembly. // When one wing dipped, Meikle with one hand on each engine throttle, gave the corresponding engine a burst while his companion put on opposite rudder. They landed in a choppy sea about three miles from their mooring. “We didn’t want to risk flying in because of the danger of crashing into a ship or something having practically no control, and with the visibility bad,” Meikle explained. However, the sea was heavy and taxiing proved to be the greater of two evils, so they managed to ease the Catalina into the air again, “steam-boating” along just above the waves until they could land in more sheltered water. // Thus, ended an epic of flying. F/O Meikle is now back on the job. As this is written, he is over the Atlantic again. He has one souvenir of the flight without ailerons. It is the log sheet of the Catalina, stained with soup spilled as the amphibian began its memorable spiral.

FLEMING, F/O Mervyn Matthew (39975) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.58 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette 17 January 1941 - Born in Ottawa, 23 December 1914; educated there. Obtained private pilot’s license at Ottawa Flying Club, October 1934. Appointed Acting Pilot Officer on Probation in RAF, 31 May 1938; served in No.58 Squadron, 23 June 1940 to 8 October 1940; promoted to Squadron Leader, 1 March 1942; Ferry Command delivery cards (Document 84/44-3, Directorate of History and Heritage) show him with Ferry Command as a Specialist Navigator from at least 23 January 1942 and delivering Hudson FH262 from Canada to Britain between 25 March and 2 April 1942; returned to operations as CO, No.419 Squadron, 8 September 1942. Photo PL-19113 is portrait painting by F/L L. Kenyon, RAF. Photo PL-22444 shows W/C M.M. Fleming, G/C D.A.R. Bradshaw and S/L Philip G. Weedon. Joined Department of Transport after the war. No citation other than "for gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations." AFRO 166/44 dated 28 January 1944 (reporting his DSO) describes him as Canadian in the RAF but on this occasion spells his name as "Flemming". Air Ministry Bulletin 2784 refers. Public Records Office Air 2/9250 (Non-Immediate Awards, Bomber Command, November 1940) has recommendation by W/C K.B.F. Smith dated 25 November 1940. This officer completed 27 trips with over 200 operational hours to his credit. He set a fine example to his squadron as an unspectacular but most reliable captain. I have flown with Flight Lieutenant Fleming and was very impressed by the time and pains he spent in making sure that he identified his target. On one flight his second pilot lost control in cloud and in righting his aircraft the ailerons were completely stripped of all fabric. Flight Lieutenant Fleming returned and landed safely. On another occasion he took off a fully loaded aircraft at night when, through no fault of his own, the pilot [sic, "pitot"] head cover had not been removed. Flight Lieutenant Fleming landed, removed the obstruction and resumed his sortie. In addition to this example of steady valuable flying this officer was in charge squadron navigation and in this capacity rendered valuable service to the other crews. I consider his activities well merit the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. To the above, the Commanding Officer of Station Linton-on-Ouse adds (25 November 1940): Flight Lieutenant Fleming has just those qualities of dogged perseverance and imperturbability that go to make the ideal heavy bomber pilot. I consider his long spell of operational work is well worthy of recognition. Public Records Office Air 2/9251 has a further refinement of the recommendation: This officer has completed 27 operational missions involving over 200 hours flying and has proved a reliable captain of aircraft, taking great pains to ensure accurate identification of his targets. He was officer in charge of squadron navigation and in this capacity rendered valuable service. FLEMING, W/C Mervyn Matthew (39975) - Distinguished Service Order - No.419 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette 30 November 1943. Air Ministry Bulletin 12170/AL.709 refers. Wing Commander Fleming has displayed outstanding skill, courage and devotion to duty. He has undertaken a large number of sorties during which he has attacked many important targets with success. Wing Commander Fleming is an ideal leader, whose example has contributed materially to the operational efficiency of the squadron he commands. Public Record Office Air 2/5020 has recommendation drafted 15 October 1943, stating he had flown 43 sorties (17 since previous award) and 294 hours 25 minutes on operation (100 hours ten minutes since previous award). It also listed his sorties. Times shown as hours/minutes; 8.40 signifies eight hours 40 minutes, etc. The number of sorties is actually 44 including two early returns which presumably count as half-sorties.. First Tour 23 June 1940 Cologne 8.40 25 June 1940 Cologne 6.50 28 June 1940 Cologne 7.40 3 July 1940 Rotterdam 5.35 5 July 1940 Wilhelmshaven 8.35 7 July 1940 Mannheim 7.45 11 July 1940 Cologne 6.55 13 July 1940 Cologne 7.10 20 July 1940 Wismar 4.10 22 July 1940 Bremen 7.10 24 July 1940 Hamburg 6.10 29 July 1940 Hamm 6.25 1 August 1940 Dusseldorf 6.50 10 August 1940 Essen 8.30 13 August 1940 Milan 9.15 16 August 1940 Jena 8.40 25 August 1940 Berlin 9.25 30 August 1940 Berlin 9.40 2 September 1940 Frankfurt 8.30 5 September 1940 Regensburg 9.50 8 September 1940 Bremen 7.05 10 September 1940 Hamburg 7.30 13 September 1940 Dunkirk Docks 4.45 15 September 1940 Hamburg 4.30 23 September 1940 Berlin 2.15 - early return 26 September 1940 Le Havre Docks 6.25 2 October 1940 Kiel 7.30 Second Tour 13 October 1942 Kiel 6.40 15 January 1943 Lorient 5.50 29 January 1943 Lorient 6.30 2 February 1943 Hamburg 3.40 4 February 1943 Turin 10.00 13 February 1943 Lorient 4.30 16 February 1943 Lorient 6.05 19 February 1943 Wilhelmshaven 5.00 24 February 1943 Wilhelmshaven 4.30 1 March 1943 Berlin 7.15 22 March 1943 St.Nazaire 5.55 4 April 1943 Skaggerrak 6.10 - gardening 4 May 1943 Dortmund 4.50 23 May 1943 Dortmund 5.00 11 June 1943 Dusseldorf 5.05 13 July 1943 Aachen 6.30 27 July 1943 Hamburg 6.40 During the past year Wing Commander Fleming has led his squadron on 17 offensive sorties over enemy territory and flown a further 100 hours on operations. These operations included sorties to the Ruhr cities, Berlin and other heavily defended targets. He has carried out these attacks with a consistently high degree of skill, determination and courage. These qualities, with his exceptional leadership, have contributed in no small measure to the reported successes of his squadron which for some months has been the top squadron in the Group. This recommendation was endorsed by the Officer Commanding, Middleton St. George (15 October 1943), the Air Officer Commanding, No.6 Group (26 October 1943) and the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Bomber Command (16 November 1943).

FLEMING, Lieutenant Austin Lloyd - Military Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 13 May 1918. Home in Toronto (stock broker). Accepted as RFC candidate and sailed from Montreal, 7 November 1916. Appointed 2nd Lieutenant (on probation) with RFC, 17 November 1916; appointed Flying Officer, 13 May 1917. With No.46 Squadron, 8 June to 4 July 1917. Injured 11 September 1918. Not clear what unit he was with when he won MC. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He attacked a formation of three enemy machines and forced the leading machine, which was a two-seater, to land, although the other two were attacking him from behind. He then attacked and destroyed another of the enemy machines and engaged the third, which succeeded in escaping. He destroyed four enemy machines during one month and showed splendid courage and skill on many occasions.

FLEMING, F/L Alan Edward (J16332) - Mention in Despatches - Overseas - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 388/46 dated 12 April 1946. Born 26 October 1921 in Newboro, Ontario. Home in Toronto (deckhand and watchman); enlisted there 13 November 1940. To No.35 SFTS (guard), 16 December 1940. To No.2 ITS, 27 January 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 3 March 1941 when posted to No.8 EFTS; graduated 22 April 1941 when posted to No.2 Manning Depot; to No.10 SFTS, 2 May 1941; to Trenton, 23 May 1941; to No.14 SFTS, 30 August 1941; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 21 November 1941. To “Y” Depot, 22 November 1941. To RAF overseas, 12 December 1941. Posted on arrival to No.17 (Pilots) AFU. To No.56 OTU, 17 March 1942. To No.421 Squadron, 17 May 1942. Commissioned 13 October 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 13 April 1943. To No.9 Group Headquarters, 20 December 1943. To No.1 Tactical Evaluation Unit, 7 January 1944. Repatriated 3 September 1944. Embarked for Britain again, 23 September 1944; disembarked in Britain, 1 October 1944. To Overseas Headquarters, 1 October 1944. To No.83 Group, 20 October 1944. To No.443 Squadron, 28 October 1944. To No.416 Squadron, 30 October 1944. To No.403 Squadron, 3 February 1945. Attained rank of Squadron Leader, 16 May 1945. From Belgium to UK, 28 July 1945. Repatriated 7 September 1945. Release date uncertain. Rejoined postwar RCAF Auxiliary (120034), 17 February 1949 with No.400 Squadron in rank of Flying Officer. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 January 1951. Promoted Wing Commander, 8 May 1951. Killed in flying accident, 8 March 1952, while a Wing Commander in RCAF Auxiliary. Commanding Officer of No.400 Squadron at the time; flying Vampire 17005 he collided with F/O R.C. Yeates (Vampire 17057). Accident report in National Library and Archives, microfilm T-12356. At the time of his death, his flying times were given as follows: Vampire, 62.30; Harvard, 323.55; Tiger Moth, 66.20; Master, 27.25; Hurricane, 84.30; Spitfire, 627.40; Blatcher (?), 3.48. Photo PL-19811 (ex UK-5599 dated 18 October 1943 is of F/L W.E. Harten (Sault Stre, Marie, left), S/L R.E. McNair (North Battleford, centre) and F/L Alan Edward Fleming (Smith Falls, Ontario, right), CO and flight commanders of No.403 Squadron. Photo PL-19812 (ex UK-5600 dated 18 October 1943 shows F/L W.E. Harten (Sault Stre, Marie) and F/L Alan E. Fleming (Smith Falls, Ontario). Caption says he arrived overseas on Christmas Eve, 1941. His brother, Pilot Officer John Peerless Fleming, was a prisoner of the Japanese (see award entry). Photo PL-45190 show him and LAC Norm Trembath. July 1943. // Training: Interviewed in Montreal (no date on form) - “Fair type, keen, recommend for non-commissioned rank.” // Course at No.2 ITS was 28 January to 26 February 1941. Courses in Mathematics (97/100), Armament, practical and oral (77/100), Signals (50/50),Hygiene and Sanitation (36/40). Drill (90/100), Law and Discipline (57/60). Placed second in a class of 214. Described as “Potentially good material. Inclined to be sloppy. Former watchman (Coastwise Steamship). Not particularly energetic. Sports - baseball, outdoor sports, fishing (acted as guide).” // Course at No.8 EFTS was 5 March to 22 April 1941. Tiger Moth aircraft (22.50 dual, 31.10 solo, plus 5.40 on instruments). Also logged ten hours in Link. “High average in all respects.” Ground school courses in Airmanship (190/200), Airframes (92/100), Aero Engines (76/100), Signals (96/100), Theory of Flight (86/100), Air Navigation (163/200), Armament, oral (176/200). Placed second in a class of 32. “Conduct excellent. Above average ability in flying and class work. Is immature and should improve with more service experience.” (F/L W.F. Poag, 21 April 1941). // Attended No.10 SFTS, 4-22 May 1941. Flew 17.05 dual and 8.55 solo plus six hours in Link. Ceased training on medical grounds - “During aerobatics, due to low blood pressure, this pupil becomes unconscious. His flying training was therefore discontinued on medical grounds.” This had followed a report by P/O J.H. Baird (instructor) on 21 May 1941, reading as follows:, “In Wednesday, May 21st, while demonstrating a ‘Roll off the top of a loop’, Fleming blacked out to such an extent that he lost consciousness for an estimated period of 5 or 6 seconds. During the maneouvre I did not experience any great strain on myself and therefore felt that the student should not have experienced any more than a slight black out condition at the most. On completion of the maneouvre I noticed Fleming slumped in the front seat with his head hanging over the back of the seat. This being the second time that Fleming became unconscious during aerobatics, I felt that he should be medically examined. On the previous occasion I noticed him slumped in the seat after I had completed a loop but as he straightened up almost immediately I thought no more of the incident at the time. // Regarding Fleming’s flying ability, I have found him to be very good. General flying is good. He was very quick to learn aerobatics and seemed to be alright while doing them himself. His instrument flying has been exceptionally good and very accurate considering that he has only had 6.25 instrument flying at this station.” // Consideration was given to remuster to Air Observer, but he was eventually allowed to resume pilot training (based in part on his excellent EFTS record). Course at No.14 SFTS was 1 September to 12 November 1941. Harvard aircraft (37.05 day dual, 38.00 day solo, 2.50 night dual, 9.10 night solo - of this, 20.00 on instruments). Also logged 20 hours in Link. “An average pilot. More attention to landings required. Weak in navigation.” (S/L E.R. Johnston). Ground courses in Airmanship and Maintenance (162/200), Armament, written (83/100), Armament, practical (72/100), Navigation and Meteorology (169/200), Signals, written (69/100), Signals, practical (48/50). “An industrious student, but one who requires considerable assistance and encouragement.” (S/L G.E. Creighton, 5 November 1941). Placed 32nd in a class of 51. // Course at No.17 (Pilots) AFU was 8 February to 15 March 1942. Flew Tiger Moth and Harvard (81.40 day dual, 83.40 day solo, 2.50 night dual, 9.10 night solo). Of these times, 12.00 in formation and 32.05 on instruments. Also 36 hours 30 minutes in Link. Also flew Masters (5.55 day dual, 11.55 day solo, 1.15 night dual, 1.25 night solo). The Master times included 1.10 in formation and 1.10 on instruments. // Course at No.56 OTU was 17 March to 19 May 1942. Flew 45 minutes dual, 50.45 solo (1.15 on instruments and 13.00 in formation). Logged 3.45 in Link. Fired 3.515 rounds air-to-air and 1,490 rounds air-to-ground. Average in all categories. “His formation and general flying are quite sound, and he is very keen. Ground discipline is quite good. May be suitable for a commission a little later.” // Notes: Accident, 2225 hours, night of 28 July 1943 during No.421 Squadron move - Spitfire IX, serial MA416, letters AU-L, in a formation of four landing at Coltishall. At that time he had 61 hours on type, 560 hours on all types.. “As I levelled off, my right wing hit the top of a pole at the end of the approach on the right hand side of the runway. The right wing was sheared off at the centre. The left wing hit the ground and tore off at the root. The aircraft skidded sideways and wiped off the undercarriage and propellor. I was carrying a full jettison tank but there was no fire. After warning other Relish aircraft in the circuit, by radio, to go round again, I switched off all switches and lefty the aircraft. To my knowledge there were no lights showing on the totem pole.” He was exonerated of blame. // On 21 July 1944 in preparation to Canada, and while on strength of No.1 Tactical Evaluation Unit (Spitfires, Hurricanes), he stated that he had flown 84 operational sorties (convoy patrols, sweeps), for 173 hours 45 minutes operational time. Total overseas flying was 574 hours 30 minutes. He stated that his preferred next posting would be No.421 Squadron, “Normandy or wherever they are, please.” Under “Civil Occupation” he wrote, “Sailor (not again).” // Selected Assessments: “This officer discharged his duties as a subordinate commander quite ably. He was fairly well liked and should be satisfactory in any other capacity of a non-operational nature.” (S/L W.A.G. Conrad, No.421 Squadron, 8 January 1944, when he had flown 653 hours ten minutes, 119 hours 35 minutes in previous six months.” // “Improves his knowledge if not too much effort.” (W/C G. Haywood, No.1 Tactical Evaluation Unit, 23 July 1944). // “Has proved himself a competent leader to his squadron and asset to the wing by his duties on the ground and in the air.” (W/C J.F. Edwards, 23 July 1945, on his duties with No.403 Squadron). To this, G/C P.S. Turner added, “A new squadron commander, he was just finding his feet. Will do very well, as such, with a little more experience. Works very hard and well in the interest of the unit. A very good type of officer and pilot.” // “This officer is comparatively young in years but mature in judgement. He is thoroughly reliable and capable and intensely interested in fighter work, at which he has had considerable experience during the war and peace time. He is logical, concise and possesses qualities of leadership far beyond his years. In civilian life he is a graduate engineer. He definitely should be promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader.” (W/C C.A, James, No.400 Squadron, 7 December 1950)

FLEMING, P/O Donald James Cheal (J85087) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.103 Squadron - Award effective 5 August 1944 as per London Gazette dated 18 August 1944 and AFRO 2101/44 dated 29 September 1944. Born in Montreal, 13 June 1923; home in London, Ontario. Enlisted in London, Ontario, 12 December 1941. To No.5 Manning Depot, 15 January 1942. To No.3 ITS, 9 May 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 4 July 1942 but not posted to No.4 EFTS until15 August 1942; ceased training 21 September 1942 and posted to No.1 Composite Training School; to No.8 BGS, 10 October 1942; graduated 30 December 1942 and posted on 2 January 1943 to No.5 AOS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 19 February 1943. To \"Y\" Depot, 5 March 1943; to RAF overseas, 8 March 1943. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 19 August 1943. Commissioned 1 January 1944; promoted Flying Officer, 1 September 1944. Repatriated 8 April 1945. Retired 5 June 1945. Postwar he took Engineering at Queen?s University and thereafter followed a career in metallurgy. He was a member of the team designing the engine for the Avro Arrow. Also worked on Canadian nuclear power units with General Electric of Canada. In retirement he took a degree in History at Trent University. Inducted into Canadian Hall of Valour (Carleton Place), 2006. Died in Peterborough, Ontario, 18 October 2006. No citation other than \"completed ...many successful operations against the enemy in which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty.\" Public Records Office Air 2/9632 has recommendation dated 19 May 1944 when he had flown 26 1/3 sorties (191 hours 18 minutes), 22 November 1943 to 9 May 44. 22 November 1943 - Berlin 26 November 1943 - Berlin 2 December 1943 - Berlin 3 December 1943 - Leipzig 16 December 1943 - Berlin 20 December 1943 - Frankfurt 29 December 1943 - Berlin 1 January 1944 - Berlin 2 January 1944 - Berlin 3 January 1944 - Stettin 14 January 1944 - Brunswick 20 January 1944 - Berlin 21 January 1944 - Magdeburg 27 January 1944 - Berlin 28 January 1944 - Berlin 30 January 1944 - Berlin 20 February 1944 - Stuttgart 24 February 1944 - Schweinfurt 25 February 1944 - Augsburg 22 March 1944 - Frankfurt 24 March 1944 - Berlin 26 March 1944 - Essen 30 March 1944 - Nuremburg 30 April 1944 - Maintenon 3 May 1944 - Mailly le Camp 9 May 1944 - Merville 19 May 1944 - Lyons Pilot Officer Fleming, a Canadian, was posted to this squadron on 7th November 1943, since when he has completed 26 1/3 sorties. comprising 191.18 hours on his first operational tour. He joined the squadron as a Flight Sergeant, being appointed to commissioned rank on 1st January 1944. Throughout his time in the squadron, this officer has ever shown an intense enthusiasm for operational flying, which he has carried out with competence and zeal of a very high order. His sole object, in spite of frequent heavy enemy opposition both by anti-aircraft fire and fighter attacks, has been to present the target with the full weight of his bomb load, and his cool courage under these circumstances has been an inspiration to the remainder of his crew. His cheerful demeanour and dogged courage and determination to press home his attacks have enabled him to direct his pilot on each occasion to the very heart of the target, and I recommend him most strongly for the non-immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

FLEMING, F/L John Peerless (J15051) - Mention in Despatches - No.232 Squadron - Award effective 29 December 1945 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 183/46 dated 22 February 1946. Born 1 June 1920 at Newboro (Chaffey's Locks), Ontario; educated there and at Smiths Falls. Home either Ottawa or Smiths Falls, Ontario. Prior to war he was prominent in local hockey and a guide around Chaffey's Locks, conducting tourists on hunting and fishing trips. Enlisted in Montreal, 1 October 1940. To o.34 SFTS (guard), 25 October 1940. To No.2 ITS, 29 November 1940; graduated and promoted LAC, 2 January 1941 when posted to No.10 EFTS; graduated 21 February 1941 when posted to No.1A Manning Depot. To No.6 SFTS, 5 March 1941; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 16 May 1941; to Embarkation Depot, 17 May 1941; to RAF overseas, 4 June 1941. Commissioned 29 November 1941. Missing 7 March 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 1 October 1942. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 24 November 1943. Liberated and then repatriated, 10 October 1945. Retired 23 January 1946. A brother, P/O Allen E. Fleming, was also in RCAF overseas and Mentioned in Despatches. Flight Lieutenant Fleming was captured by the Japanese early in the war and was transferred to the Prisoner of War Camp in Kuching, Borneo, in 1942. At an obvious risk, a plan was laid to build a small wireless set. Those responsible were faced with severe punishment and perhaps death if discovered. A Royal Air Force Warrant Officer elected to build the set with the aid of a few selected volunteers who obtained scraps and bits and pieces of makeshift materials and finally the valves. Flight Lieutenant Fleming undertook the task of officer in charge of security and organized an ingenious scheme of warning fuses, lookouts, and hiding places for the set which despite vigorous searches, successfully avoided discovery. During a period of over two years Flight Lieutenant Fleming guarded the tiny set. As the responsible officer, his punishment if caught was certain. By his disregard for his own safety he won the admiration of his fellows and contributed materially to their high standard of morale. FLEMING, Sgt John Peerless (R77070, now F/L, J15051) - Mention in Despatches - No.232 Squadron. Award as per London Gazette dated 1 October 1946 and AFRO 1059/46 dated 8 November 1946. Award earlier announced, effective 29 December 1945, with details; the 1946 citation reads only: ...in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst prisoners of war in Japanese hands. Public Records Office Air 2/8774 has a citation for Air Ministry Honours and Awards Committee which appears, in fact, to be a digest of that for the earlier Mention in Despatches: At considerable risk to himself, this officer obtained spare wireless parts with which he assisted in building a secret wireless receiving set at Kuching camp. When the set was in operation, together with Corporal Beckett, he received and organized the distribution of news to various camp commanders, thus assisting them to keep prisoners in contact with world affairs and the progress of the war. This service was of great value in maintaining morale in the camp.

FLEMING, F/O Ronald Mitchell (J24920) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.415 Squadron - Award effective 19 December 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 293/45 dated 16 February 1945. Born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, 6 April 1912; home there. Salesman. Enlisted in Halifax, 22 April 1942. To No.5 Manning Depot, 13 May 1942. To No.13 SFTS, 9 July 1942; to No.5 ITS, 26 September 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 5 December 1942 when posted to No.9 AOS; graduated and commissioned on 2 April 1943. To \"Y\" Depot, 17 April 1943; to RAF overseas, 15 May 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 2 October 1943. Repatriated 18 November 1944. To Moncton, 9 January 1945. To Torbay, 14 January 1945. To \"Y\" Depot again, 6 March 1945. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 2 April 1945. To United Kingdom, 13 April 1945. Repatriated 18 June 1945. To Debert, 19 June 1945 from when he was posted again to United Kingdom as of that date. Repatriated 22 July 1945. To \"K\" Flight, 10 October 1945. To Release Centre, 12 December 1945; retired 17 December 1945. This officer was the navigator of an aircraft detailed to attack Bochum one night in October 1944. During the operation the aircraft sustained extensive damage when hit by anti-aircraft fire. Much of his navigational equipment was rendered useless. In spite of this Flying Officer Fleming navigated the aircraft home with his usual accuracy. He set a fine example of skill and devotion to duty in most difficult circumstances. This officer has participated in a large number of sorties involving attacks on a wide range of enemy targets. DHH file 181.009 D.1513 (Library and Archives Canada RG.24 vol.20600) has recommendation raised by W/C J. Lecompte, 26 October 1944 when he had flown 31 sorties (142 hours 15 minutes): This officer was navigator of the crew of the aircraft captained by F/O J.A. Weir which carried out a successful raid on Bochum in October 1944. He displayed courage of a very high degree on this sortie, being undeterred from his duties by the intense flak and extensive damage to the aircraft. By his extremely accurate navigation, despite the instruments being unserviceable owing to flak damage, the captain of his aircraft was able to return to a base in this country under difficult circumstances. Pilot Officer Fleming has always maintained an exceptional high standard of skill and efficiency as a navigator. During his operational career his devotion to duty, ability and enthusiasm have always been of the highest order. He has been an inspiration to his crew. It is most strongly recommended that his efforts be rewarded by the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. The Group Captain in command of Station East Moor added his comments on 27 October 1944: Pilot Officer Fleming has navigated throughout his tour in an exemplary manner. This navigation was a very large contributing factor to the great success achieved by his crew during the course of their operational tour. On the above mentioned occasion he showed exceptional courage and a fine disregard for the heaviest defences the enemy had to offer, carrying on with his work in a skilful and efficient manner despite fighter attacks and flak damage. I concur with his Squadron Commander’s recommendation in that his efforts warrant an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Immediate). Note: Incident, 27 August 1944, Halifax LL593 hit by flak, 27 August 1944 bombing flying bomb site at Mimoyecques; aircraft sustained flak damage to fuselage resulting in mid-upper gunner being injured. The pilot was able to return to East Moor with no further damage being sustained. Crew were as follows: Pilot - F/O James Allister Weir RCAF (J/24474), later DFC; Flight Engineer - Sgt J Potter; Navigator - F/O Ronald Mitchell Fleming RCAF (J/24920); Air Bomber - F/O P Bowen; Wireless Operator/Air Gunner - F/O H Lyons; Mid Upper Gunner - P/O J Thompson (injured); Rear Gunner - F/Sgt H Warner.

FLEMING, Mervyn Matthew, W/C, DFC (39975, Royal Air Force) - No.419 Squadron - Distinguished Service Order - awarded as per London Gazette dated 30 November 1943. Born in Ottawa, 23 December 1914; educated there. Appointed Acting Pilot Officer on Probation in RAF, 31 May 1938; served in No.58 Squadron, 23 June 1940 to 8 October 1940; promoted to Squadron Leader, 1 March 1942; Ferry Command delivery cards (Document 84/44-3, Directorate of History and Heritage) show him with Ferry Command as a Specialist Navigator from at least 23 January 1942 and delivering Hudson FH262 from Canada to Britain between 25 March and 2 April 1942; returned to operations as CO, No.419 Squadron, 8 September 1942. Joined Department of Transport (Canada) after the war. Wing Commander Fleming has displayed outstanding skill, courage and devotion to duty. He has undertaken a large number of sorties during which he has attacked many important targets with success. Wing Commander Fleming is an ideal leader, whose example has contributed materially to the operational efficiency of the squadron he commands. Public Record Office Air 2/5020 has recommendation drafted 15 October 1943, stating he had flown 43 sorties (17 since previous award) and 294 hours 25 minutes on operation (100 hours ten minutes since previous award). It also listed his sorties. Times shown as hours/minutes; 8.40 signifies eight hours 40 minutes, etc. The number of sorties is actually 44 including two early returns which presumably count as half-sorties.. First Tour 23 June 1940 - Cologne - 8.40 25 June 1940 - Cologne - 6.50 28 June 1940 - Cologne - 7.40 3 July 1940 - Rotterdam - 5.35 5 July 1940 - Wilhelmshaven - 8.35 7 July 1940 - Mannheim - 7.45 11 July 1940 - Cologne - 6.55 13 July 1940 - Cologne - 7.10 20 July 1940 - Wismar - 4.10 22 July 1940 - Bremen - 7.10 24 July 1940 - Hamburg - 6.10 29 July 1940 - Hamm - 6.25 1 August 1940 - Dusseldorf - 6.50 10 August 1940 - Essen - 8.30 13 August 1940 - Milan - 9.15 16 August 1940 - Jena - 8.40 25 August 1940 - Berlin - 9.25 30 August 1940 - Berlin - 9.40 2 September 1940 - Frankfurt - 8.30 5 September 1940 - Regensburg - 9.50 8 September 1940 - Bremen - 7.05 10 September 1940 - Hamburg - 7.30 13 September 1940 - Dunkirk Docks 4.45 15 September 1940 - Hamburg - 4.30 23 September 1940 - Berlin - 2.15 - early return 26 September 1940 - Le Havre Docks - 6.25 2 October 1940 - Kiel - 7.30 Second Tour 13 October 1942 - Kiel - 6.40 15 January 1943 - Lorient - 5.50 29 January 1943 - Lorient - 6.30 2 February 1943 - Hamburg - 3.40 4 February 1943 - Turin - 10.00 13 February 1943 - Lorient - 4.30 16 February 1943 - Lorient - 6.05 19 February 1943 - Wilhelmshaven 5.00 24 February 1943 - Wilhelmshaven 4.30 1 March 1943 - Berlin - 7.15 22 March 1943 - St.Nazaire - 5.55 4 April 1943 - Skaggerrak - 6.10 - gardening 4 May 1943 - Dortmund - 4.50 23 May 1943 - Dortmund - 5.00 11 June 1943 - Dusseldorf - 5.05 13 July 1943 - Aachen - 6.30 27 July 1943 - Hamburg - 6.40 During the past year Wing Commander Fleming has led his squadron on 17 offensive sorties over enemy territory and flown a further 100 hours on operations. These operations included sorties to the Ruhr cities, Berlin and other heavily defended targets. He has carried out these attacks with a consistently high degree of skill, determination and courage. These qualities, with his exceptional leadership, have contributed in no small measure to the reported successes of his squadron which for some months has been the top squadron in the Group. This recommendation was endorsed by the Officer Commanding, Middleton St. George (15 Ocober 1943), the Air Officer Commanding, No.6 Group (26 October 1943) and the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Bomber Command (16 November 1943).

ANDREW FS(P) R77881. From Calgary, Alberta. Killed in Action Aug 18/42 age 23. #214 Federated Malay States Squadron (Ultor In Urnbris). Stirling aircraft missing since take-off, one RNZAF and five RAF crew members missing believed killed. Flight Sergeant Pilot Fleming is buried at Manby, South Lincolnshire, England.

GEORGE HARVARD P/O(P) J4870. From Owen Sound, Ontario. Killed in Action Aug 15/41 age 24. #405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus). Wellington aircraft lost. Please see Dawson J.F. for casualty list and flight detail. Pilot Officer Pilot Fleming has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

JAMES GRANT S/L(P) 40380 - Royal Air Force. From Calgary, Alberta. Killed in Action Sep 6/44 age 27. #540 Squadron. Aircraft lost during operations over enemy territory. S/L Fleming had flown Sunderland aircraft with #201 Squadron from Sep 1939 through 1941 and then served with Ferry Command before going to #540 Squadron. Squadron Leader Pilot Fleming is buried in the War Cemetery at Rheinberg, Germany.

KEITH MAYNARD GERALD WO1(AG) R90861. From Temiskaming, Quebec. Killed in Action May 24/44 age 20. #422 Flying Yachtsmen Squadron (This Arm Shall Do It). Sunderland aircraft lost. Please see Seely J. for casualty list and flight detail. Warrant Officer Class I Air Gunner Fleming has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

MARSHALL DOUGLAS LAC R122618. From Port Dalhousie, Ontario. Killed Nov 3/42 age 22. #6 Service Flying Training School, Dunnville, Ontario. A Harvard aircraft was taking off for night circuit training when it swerved, struck and killed both LAC Fleming and P/O R.B. Klintworth who were standing at the side of the flare path. Leading AirCraftman Fleming is buried in Victoria Lawn Cemetery, St. Catharines, Ontario.

VINCENT BERNARD F/O(N) J40057//R187008. From Edmonton, Alberta. Killed in Action Feb 25/45 age 20. #429 Bison Squadron (Fortunae Nihil). Target - the Oslo area of Norway. Please see Piercy R.F. for casualty list and flight detail. Flying Officer Navigator Fleming has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

ARTHUR ALLEN STYLES F/O(N) J7788. From Vancouver, British Columbia. Killed in Action Apr 29/43 age 31. #407 Demon Squadron (To Hold On High). Wellington aircraft lost. Please see Cornwall J.R. for casualty list and trip detail. Flying Officer Navigator Flemington is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Woking, Surrey, England.