Houle, Albert Ulrich "Bert"

Date of birth:: March 24th, 1914 (Massey, Canada)
Date of death:: June 1st, 2008 (Manotick/Ontario, Canada)
Service number:: J/4887
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

RCAF 213 Squadron. Wing commander.

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flying Officer
Unit:: No. 213 (Ceylon) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: December 1st, 1942

Citation:
"One evening in October 1942, Flying Officer Houle was flying with his squadron on patrol over El Alamein when a formation of enemy dive bombers was sighted. The enemy aircraft jettisoned their bombs and flew west in an attempt to avoid the combat. With great tenacity and determination, Flying Officer Houle pursued them far over the enemy's lines and, in the rapidly failing light, engaged and destroyed at least two of the hostile bombers. This officer is a skilful pilot who has always displayed exceptionally cool courage in action. His fine example has been a great inspiration to all personnel in his unit."

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Squadron Leader
Unit:: No. 417 (City of Windsor) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
Awarded on:: May 30th, 1944

Recommendation (drafted by the Officer Commanding, No.244 Wing and dated 4 February 1944 when he had flown 815 hours (133 in previous six months), 338 sorties (400 operational hours, of which 240 had been flown since previous award)).

"This officer has now completed 150 hours on his second tour and has commanded No.417 Canadian Squadron since November 21st 1943. Previous to this appointment he commanded a flight in the same squadron, and has fought throughout the Sicilian campaign and to date in the Italian invasion.
He has proved himself a most aggressive and capable fighter pilot and an excellent leader. Since fighting in Italy he has destroyed five enemy aircraft and damaged three more, bringing his total score to nine enemy aircraft destroyed, one probably destroyed and six damaged.

On 7 February 1944 the Air Officer Commanding, Desert Air Force, added his remarks:
Squadron Leader Houle is a very gallant fighter pilot and has done magnificent work, particularly since he took over command of No.417 Squadron. I strongly recommend him for the award of a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross."

Awarded as a bar