Thoughts and Stories ...

As I continue researching for my next book on Canadian fighter pilots, I am always delighted by the thrill of discovering new things, or piecing together bits that perhaps have never been been put together before or (more likely) have been forgotten for many decades. Let me share a few recent discoveries about Canadian...

Shortly after the declaration of war, the Canadian government sent a note to the British Government to determine what Canada could send right away.  The British government hoped that Canada’s contribution would eventually be as great as that of the 1914 war but requested a division of infantry immediately. They could complete...

Harry T. Hionides was a first-generation American, born in Ohio to Greek immigrants who arrived in the U.S. in 1912. He was a brilliant student, an exceptional mathematician, a dedicated scholar of Greek literature, and a member of the National Honor Society. His congressman had nominated him for both the U.S. Naval Academy...

Canada’s Exceptional and Nearly Forgotten Fighter Leader. Wing Commander Lloyd V. Chadburn was more than a fighter pilot – A natural leader, a fighter ace, and a fierce defender of the bombers that struck at occupied Europe. It was often felt that Chadburn’s presence made the difference between life and death for...

1939-Nov-6 | Able Seaman James Westcott, RCN | HMCS Fraser James Westcott had lived in Victoria, BC all his life.  The town of Esquimalt, next door, was host to the major Royal Navy and then Royal Canadian Navy base on the Pacific coast.  Although the RCN was small in those days, Jim knew he wanted to be part of it. ...