Date of birth:

November 3rd, 1920 (Legal/Alberta, Canada)

Date of death:

December 20th, 2000 (Calgary/Alberta, Canada)

Service number:

J/16317

Nationality:

Canadian

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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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 424 (Tiger) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

March 15th, 1945

Recommendation (dated 20 November 1944 when he had flown 30 sorties (155 hours five minutes), 18 July to 4 November 1944):
"Flying Officer Lefebvre has proved himself to be a pilot and captain of exceptional ability. He has completed a large number of operational sorties over the most heavily defended targets in Germany, raids on precision targets in enemy-occupied territory and several important mining sorties in enemy waters. He has consistently displayed a high standard of courage and determination and his airmanship has been an example to all other pilots on the squadron. His fine crew spirit has made itself felt in all sections of the unit and his keenness and skill as a pilot is an inspiration to all aircrews. Flying Officer Lefebre has at all times been willing to do more than his share of routine work in the Flight and his help to new pilots has been invaluable. "

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• Photo: Caroline Lefebvre (daughter)
• - Caroline Lefebvre (daughter)
  - http://www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk/aircraft/planes/dales/w1146.html
  - https://www.rcafassociation.ca/