Last day as a Training Pilot
Heroes Remember
Last day as a Training Pilot
Transcript
Description
Mr. Doiron remembers how his world came apart when he failed as a pilot. He also recalls how insignificant his failure seemed when his friend killed himself while flying the very next day.
Leonard Doiron
Mr. Doiron was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on January 21st 1923. His father worked in wholesale and retail until he was injured and opened his own shoe repair shop. Mr. Doiron joined the Air Force on February 15th 1941 where he began his training in Chatham, New Brunswick. In June 1941 he was sent to Initial Training School in Victoriaville, Québec. Mr. Doiron was part of the top 10 aspiring pilots and was picked to become one. He was later sent back to Chatham where he was washed out for inconsistent flying. The RAFFC (Royal Air Force Ferry Command) noticed his Morse code abilities and had him transferred to Dorval, Québec. He was then stationed in Bournemouth, England. He did his Operational Training in Northern Ireland where he was assigned to a Wellington air plane crew. He flew many missions over the Gulf of Toranto (Italy) - about 300 hours of Operational Flying Time and was promoted to Warrant Officer Class 1. He then went to Cairo, Egypt and to Palestine for a short time before being sent back home on the Louis Pasteur. Mr. Doiron retired from the service in the 1970's.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 01:45
- Person Interviewed:
- Leonard Doiron
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Location/Theatre:
- Canada
- Branch:
- Air Force
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First Enlistment
Mr. Doiron and his cousin enlisted even though they were not old enough. It was discovered that Mr. Doiron was too young and he therefore had to wait to sign on again. His cousin remained in the forces.
Second Enlistment
Mr. Doiron turns 18 and enlists again wanting to become a pilot. He explains why he became a radio operator instead.
From Training in Mossbank to Being Bombed in Bournemouth
Mr. Doiron explains how his talent for morse code got him recruited by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and sent off to England.
An Eventful Cross-Atlantic Flight
Many things went wrong during Mr. Doiron's overseas flight to Prestwick, Scotland, but he notes that things could have been worse.
They Intended To Bomb Poole But Hit Us Instead!
Mr. Doiron and two of his buddies had a close call in Bournemouth when a German Bomber's aim was off by several miles.
Wellingtons
At the onset of WWII, the Wellington was Britain’s largest and heaviest bomber. Mr. Doiron gives us an in depth look at how things were made and done on board this canvas covered plane.
Booby Traps in Tobruk
Mr. Doiron's plane stopped in Tobruk. Though several months had passed since the end of the siege of Tobruk, the area was still booby trapped and this proved fatal to one of the crew.
Malta
Mr. Doiron explains the strategic importance of Malta for both Allied and Axis forces. He also recalls the hardships of the people of the island.
Convoy Duty near Malta
Mr. Doiron recalls that he survived an Axis air raid while protecting a convoy.
Missions and Deceit
Mr. Doiron describes the air reconnaissance missions he experienced while based in the Mediterranean Basin. He tells a tale of deceit that fooled the Germans and changed the outcome of the Sicilian Campaign.
Three Close Calls Over the Gulf of Taranto
Mr. Doiron describes how risky it was to fly out of Malta every night.
Fire On Board!
Mr. Doiron remembers his worst flight out of Malta; the plane caught fire and they had to crash land.
Malta Emptied for Invasion of Sicily
Mr. Doiron recalls the amazement he felt as an entire harbour was emptied of its ships in anticpation of the Invasion of Sicily.
Celebrities in Malta
Mr. Doiron recalls the biggest names in Allied command who visited Malta a few days before Sicily was attacked.
Lost and Found
Mr. Doiron recalls how Canadian Headquarters had lost track of 55 men posted in the Middle East and the lucky coincidence in which they were found.
The Way Home
Mr. Doiron talks about his difficult cross-Atlantic journey aboard the Louis Pasteur.
Back in Service
After leaving the service, a business bankruptcy enticed Mr. Doiron back to the military. He stayed in the services until he retired.
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