Burma Star Association - B.C. Chapter
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With thanks to Ivor's widow, Ann, who excerpted these items from Ivor's log book and personal rememberances. |
Ivor enlisted in the RCAF in Toronto in March 1942. He took his basic training at Quebec City and Belleville, Ontario. Advance training was at Jarvis Ontario, Chatham, New Brunswick, Summerside, Prince Edward Island, as well as at Debert, Nova Ssotia and Lachine, Quebec.
He flew with RAF Squadrons 353 and 52 out of Dum Dum, (Calcutta). Ivor flew 17 flights over the "Hump", flying supplies to the Chinese forces.
On one of these flights, a jeep that was part of their cargo, broke loose from the restraints and began to roll about. With a three man crew - pilot, navigator (Ivor), and w/op, - it fell to Ivor and the w/op to attempt to secure the jeep. The two of them could not handle the problem alone, so the pilot had to engage the automatic pilot and lend a hand. Finally the cargo was secured, and only then did it dawn on the crew what a risk was involved in having "George" fly them over the Himalayas !
Another scary incident was having to abort a takeoff when sparks began shooting out of the radio panel while carrying a cargo of fuel drums. The pilot quickly put the plane back on the tarmac and the crew successfully got out, but the plane was a write off.
Ivor was posted back to the UK to take a Staff navigation course. While there the war ended just as Ivor was about due to return to India. He returned to Canada and was discharged at Toronto in Dec. 1945
