• Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)

Date of birth:

February 23rd, 1918 (Sault Ste Marie/Ontario, Canada)

Date of death:

September 1st, 2004 (Sault Ste Marie/Ontario, Canada)

Service number:

10160

Nationality:

Canadian

David Rodger, born in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario on 23 February 1918, attended technical school before working for Algoma Steel. He joined the RCAF in October 1941, training as an air gunner before heading to the UK, where he was commissioned.

In September 1942, he flew one mission with 97 Squadron but was sidelined by a broken kneecap.

After 15 operations in 97 Squadron, Rodger transferred to 617 Squadron in March. He participated in the Dams Raid.

Rodger became 617 Squadron’s Gunnery Leader in September 1943, earning a promotion to Flight Lieutenant and receiving the DFC in 1944 for his composure under fire. After being stood down from operations, he returned to Canada as an instructor, where he married his girlfriend, Nell Barbet—having secretly taken dance lessons to impress her.

Post-war, he resumed work at Algoma Steel, raising nine children with Nell.

Rodger passed away on 1 September 2004. His ashes were scattered in his garden and at the family cabin on Lake Superior.

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• Photo 1: Bomber Command Museum of Canada
• - Dambusters

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