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Cramer, Lawrence George

Date of birth:
September 29th, 1920 (Tisdale/Saskatchewan, Canada)
Date of death:
October 27th, 1988 (Chemainus/British Colombia, Canada)
Service number:
J/19373
Nationality:
Canadian (1931-present, Constitutional Monarchy)

Biography

Lawrence George Cramer was born in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, and raised in Arborfield Saskatchewan. He was the oldest boy, with one younger brother and 4 sisters. He was a rear gunner with the 77 squadron, RCAF. He flew 58 missions over Europe and won the Distinguished Flying Cross. He met his English born wife, Gwendolyn Haskell, at a dance. She also worked for the Air Ministry in England. They married in England, and the oldest brother was born there. He told his wife he was a land owner in Canada, but didn't tell her about having a wood stove, blankets for doors, and an outhouse with three holes and no door… Through it all, they stayed married and raised 5 children. They are both buried in Chemainus, BC on Vancouver Island.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Pilot Officer
Unit:
No. 77 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
June 30th, 1944
Citation:
"As rear gunner, this officer has participated in attacks against many of the major targets in Germany. On four occasions his aircraft has been engaged by enemy fighters. In June 1943, while on the way to the target, his aircraft was attacked by a Junkers 88. Pilot Officer Cramer opened fire, damaging the enemy fighter, thus enabling his pilot to press on to his objective which was successfully attacked. A capable and alert air gunner, this officer has always displayed coolness and devotion to duty of a high order."

LG 36589/3091.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Sources

Photo