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Abbey, James Ernest

Date of birth:
January 5th, 1916 (Ottawa, Canada)
Nationality:
Canadian (1931-present, Constitutional Monarchy)

Biography

Service number R82627.

James Abbey was a former shipper who enlisted in Ottawa January 20th, 1941 and trained at No.2 Wireless School (graduated 14 September 1941) and No.7 Bomber Group Squadron (graduated 13 October 1941).

Promotions:
October 25th, 1941: Sergeant
October 25th, 1942: Flight Sergeant
April 25th, 1943: Warrant Officer 2nd Class
October 25th, 1943: Warrant Officer 1st Class
March 7th, 1944: Pilot Officer
September 7th, 1944: Flying Officer

October 1944: Repatriated to Canada
February 5th, 1945: Released from the RCAF

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Warrant Officer
Unit:
No. 58 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
January 25th, 1944
Citation:
"One night in January 1944, Flight Lieutenant Sladen, Flying Officer Starr and Warrant Officer Abbey were pilot, navigator and wireless operator/air gunner, respectively, of an aircraft which attacked a fully surfaced U-Boat. In the face of considerable anti-aircraft fire, Flight Lieutenant Sladen pressed home his attack from a low level and straddled the vessel with his depth charges. In the operation, which was executed with great skill and accuracy, Flying Officer Starr and Warrant Officer Abbey co-operated excellently with their pilot. Three nights later this crew attacked another U-Boat which was straddled with depth charges from a low level. Flight Lieutenant Sladen, who has completed an extremely large number of sorties, has invariably displayed great skill, courage and leadership of a high order. Flying Officer Starr and Warrant Officer Abbey have also completed very many sorties and have rendered most valuable service. They are highly efficient and have set a fine example of determination and devotion to duty."

Presented 1 April 1949
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Sources

Photo