Canadian WWII Pilot Recalls 90 Missions

Canadian WWII Pilot Recalls 90 Missions

Norm Howe and his childhood buddy Jack MacLean were both 19 years old when war broke out in 1939. The duo were inseparable. They spent time together in their hometown of Toronto, played competitive tennis together and decided to enlist together.

“We were getting a little antsy that we’d be called up to the army, so we decided to join the air force,” Howe, now 94, said. In December 1939, they began training for their pilot’s license. McLean was unable to complete his training after he burst his ear drum during a training exercise. “He was ruled out as a pilot and became a navigator,” Howe said. “I got my wings.”

Howe was sent overseas in 1941 and flew an impressive 90 combat missions in bombers and fighter planes over France, Holland and Belgium during the Second World War. In 1944 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his efforts.

For the complete story by Alison Langley of the Niagara Falls Review, click here.

Updated: June 6, 2014 — 11:28 AM
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