Flying Skill Level of Squadron
Heroes Remember
Flying Skill Level of Squadron
Transcript
Description
Mr. Yarnell describes the skill level of the Squadron and their living conditions in North Africa and Italy.
Cyrill St. Clair (Cy) Yarnell
Mr. Yarnell was born August 9, 1920 in Carlow, Ireland. He moved to Canada when he was 8 years old. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940 at the age of 20. Mr Yarnell received his initial pilot training in Victoriaville, Quebec where he learned to fly the Fleet Finch, he then graduated on to the Harvard. He received flying instructor training in Trenton and trained pilots from many countries. After instructing for a year, Mr. Yarnell was sent overseas. He flew missions over North Africa, Italy and Germany and was involved in the battles at Liri Valley and Monte Cassino. Following the war, Mr. Yarnell continued with the RCAF, retiring in 1975 as a colonel. He is a member of the Air Force Association of Canada and is very active with the Air Force Museum in Trenton, Ontario. Mr. Yarnell and his wife, Phyllis, have three children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 02:01
- Person Interviewed:
- Cyrill St. Clair (Cy) Yarnell
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Location/Theatre:
- Europe
- Battle/Campaign:
- Italian
- Branch:
- Air Force
- Units/Ship:
- 601 Squadron
- Rank:
- Flying Officer
- Occupation:
- Spitfire Pilot
Related Videos
Student Freezes on Controls
Mr. Yarnell recalls that the instructors and the training were both excellent. He also recalls a story about one of his students freezing up at the controls and spinning at 10,000 feet.
Italian Operations
Mr. Yarnell describes the 601 Squadron’s operations in Italy in support of Monte Cassino and Anzio.
109's and 190's
Mr. Yarnell describes encounters with German ME - 109's and Focke Wulf 190's in Italy and talks about the differences between the planes.
How to Bail Out and Land
Mr. Yarnell describes some characteristics of the Spitfire. He explains how to bail out and how to do a ‘belly’ land in case of trouble.
Consorting with the Troops
Mr. Yarnell talks about how involved the ground crews were in the maintenance and watchfulness over what they considered to be ‘their’ birds.
Tour of Operations
Mr. Yarnell talks about all the flying they did. He also recalls what they did during downtime.
Flying Top Cover for General Clark (Part 1 of 2)
Mr. Yarnell describes flying top cover for General Mark Clark into Copenhagen, and the reception he received.
Flying Top Cover for General Clark (Part 2 of 2)
Mr. Yarnell continues to discuss flying top cover for General Mark Clark into Copenhagen, and the reception he received.
Where Are You?
Mr. Yarnell tells a funny story about the USAF 99th Pursuit Group, an all black and very much admired squadron.
- Date modified: