Date of birth:

August 2nd, 1921 (Melfort/Saskatchewan, Canada)

Date of death:

February 11th, 1995 (British Columbia, Canada)

Service number:

J.21372

Nationality:

Canadian

Charles George Ford was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan, on August 2nd, 1921. "Chuck" enlisted on March 20th, 1941 and received his commission on December 4th, 1942. Further flight training in England then he was posted to 428 "Ghost" Squadron in August 1943. Flying the 4-engine Halifax bomber. Suffering a back injury in the crash-landing of April 21st, 1944, F/L Ford was sent to Patricia Bay, Canada, to convalesce. After meeting and marrying Muriel Pearl Hall, he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, and together they raised a family of four children. "Chuck" worked for the Veterans Land Act and the Farm Credit Corporation, retired to British Columbia in 1978, and died on February 11th, 1995 of complications from CDIP.

Promotions:
September 12th, 1941: Aicraftman 2nd Class;
December 13th, 1941: Leading Aircraftman;
March 1942: Reveted to Aicraftman 2nd Class;
April 1st, 1942: Leading Aircraftman;
June 4th, 1943: Pilot Officer;
November 1943: Flying Officer;
December 1943: Flight Lieutenant.

Career:
March 20th, 1941: Aero Engine Mechanic, Regina;
?: No. 1 Manning Depot;
May 9th, 1941: Technical Training School;
September 17th, 1941: No. 15 SFTS;
?: No. 4 ITS;
May 8th, 1942: Graudation;
June 6th, 1942: No. 10 EFTS;
June 20th, 1942: No. 5 EFTS;
August 14th, 1942: Graudation;
Augusts 15th, 1942: No. 4 SFTS;
December 4th, 1942: Graduation;
December 27th, 1942: "Y" Depot'
January 14th, 1943: Overseas;
?: No. 428 Squadron.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 428 (Ghost) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

June 13th, 1944

Citation:
"Flight Lieutenant Ford is a fine captain and a skilful and resolute pilot. He has completed a notable tour of operations during which he has attacked such strongly defended targets as Berlin, Mannheim and Stuttgart with success. One night in April, 1944, his aircraft was badly damaged and several members of the crew were injured in an encounter with a fighter. Nevertheless, Flight Lieutenant Ford flew back to friendly territory.
Whilst attempting to land his crippled aircraft safely this brave pilot was injured. Despite this he did everything possible to extricate the members of his crew from the burning bomber before he collapsed. He displayed great courage and determination throughout."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Received with overseas clasp.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• Photo 1: Dave Ford
• - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 9th June 1944, Issue 36560, dated 13th June 1944