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Flying
Officer Jim O’Neil RCAF was born on July the 28th 1921
in London, Ontario.
After
enlistment and basic training Jim attended No. 5 Air Observer School
from August 22nd 1943 to January 14th 1944
based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Jim
graduated at the rank of Sergeant as a qualified Air Navigator
having flown nearly 100 hours in Avro Anson Mark I and II aircraft.
On
posting overseas he attended No 7(O) Advanced Flying Unit Course No.
95 (RAF Bishops Court) from August the 9th 1944 to
September the 3rd 1944 also on Ansons. Receiving
commission as a Flying Officer, Jim joined the Sumner crew in
September 1944 at No. 20 OTU as their Navigator. The crew always had
great confidence in Jim’s abilities as their Navigator knowing
that he kept them plotted on course and on track about the skies.
At the time of Jim’s service Gee and H2S were available as
plotting tools and Jim was proficient in the use of these
navigational electronic aids and airborne radar.
Jim’s wit and sense of humour was exceeded only by his
skill and ability in the art of aerial navigation and he was a
valued member of the Sumner crew.
The crew consisted of:
|
Name |
Service |
Trade |
Hometown |
|
F/O “Bill” Sumner |
RCAF |
Pilot |
London, Ontario |
|
Sgt Jim “Jock” Oliver |
RAFVR |
Flight Engineer |
Edinburgh, Scotland |
|
F/O Jim O’Neil |
RCAF |
Navigator |
London, Ontario |
|
F/Sgt William Lloyd Fulford |
RCAF |
Bomb Aimer |
Clinton, Ontario |
|
F/Sgt T. "Yogi" Merchant |
RCAF |
W/Op/AG |
Toronto, Ontario |
|
W/O Harry Armstrong |
RAAF |
M/U Gunner |
Allendale, Australia |
|
F/O Bill Gordon |
RCAF |
Rear Gunner |
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario |
Jim
was married to Audrey (MacDonald).
Predeceased by his wife, Jim passed away on June the 30th
2003 in Goderich, Ontario.
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