LeFebvre, Edmond Raoul Herve Yvon

Date of birth:: November 3rd, 1920 (Legal/Alberta, Canada)
Date of death:: December 20th, 2000 (Calgary/Alberta, Canada)
Service number:: J/16317
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

Pilot - P/O Edmund Raoul Herve Yvon LeFebvre RCAF (J/16317)

Halifax W1146 near Thwaite, Swaledale

On 28th January 1943 the crew of this aircraft took off from Leeming airfield for a cross-country training exercise with 1659 Heavy Conversion Unit. On their return to the general area of Leeming they found their base and the area was shrouded in cloud. They became lost in the cloud and flew too far west, after letting down through cloud, probably to try and work out their position, the aircraft flew into the slopes of Great Shunner Fell to the west of Thwaite in Upper Swaledale at 12.28hrs. On crashing the aircraft caught fire. Although badly injured one of the crew, Sgt Pudney, who was suffering from severe cuts to his face and head, assisted by P/O LeFebvre returned to their burning aircraft several times to extract the crew who were trapped inside. Sgt Pudney then walked several miles to seek help. When help arrived those who had survived were taken to Catterick Military Hospital where sadly F/Sgt Askew died at 23.20hrs on 29th January 1943. For his efforts Sgt Pudney was awarded a richly deserved George Medal, the eighth such award to RCAF personnel in the War to date.

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