Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Memorial – Father J P Lardie's comments as inscribed on the Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton, AB … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens

Memorial – Flight Sergeant John Ernest Fitzgerald is also commemorated on the Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton, AB … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens

Memorial – Flight Sergeant John Ernest Fitzgerald is also commemorated on the Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton, AB … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens

Photo of JOHN ERNEST FITZGERALD – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Other – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Photo of JOHN ERNEST FITZGERALD – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Photo of JOHN ERNEST FITZGERALD – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Grave marker – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Other – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Letter – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Letter – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

Grave Marker – Excerpt of story and photos courtesy Airwar Over Denmark www.flensted.eu.com Lancaster III LM694 in 166 (RAF) Squadron was on Gardening (Mining) mission to Danzig Bay. When flying over the Jylland peninsula on the return flight LM694 was attacked by a German night fighter and crashed at 03:30 hours at Aastruplund northwest of Horsens 27 August 1944 with the loss of all onboard. The wreckage was spread over an area of 1000 x 500 metres. The remains of the crew were found in the general area. German soldiers from the Wehrmacht barracks in Brædstrup arrived under command of Hauptfeldwebel Hein and sealed off the area in search for survivors.The Canadian crew members were: F/S Fitzgerald, F/O James B. Russell and F/S Jacob Schafer. On 30/8 1944 they were buried in Gl. Rye cemetery by members of the Wehrmacht. DFM award commendation from www.airforce.ca - FITZGERALD, Sergeant John Ernest (R215210) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.166 Squadron (missing) - Award effective 3 October 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944. Born in New Westminster, 1925. Was in Army and Air Cadets before enlisting, Vancouver, 21 January 1943. Trained at No.3 BGS (graduated 12 November 1943). Killed in action with No.166 Squadron, 26/27 August 1944 (Lancaster LM694); buried in Denmark. This airman has participated in many sorties as a rear gunner. He has displayed the greatest keenness and has proved himself to be a most dependable member of aircraft crew. One night in August 1944, Sergeant Fitzgerald participated in a minelaying mission. Shortly after leaving the target area, this gunner sighted a Junkers 88. He opened fire and his first burst struck the enemy aircraft which went into a steep dive with both engines on fire. One more than one occasion his vigilance and good shooting have contributed materially to the safe return of his aircraft.

Cemetery – Photo of grave markers and memorial courtesy of www.flensted.eu.com

Memorial Cross – Cross made of aircraft remains commemorates site of crash. Photo courtesy of www.flensted.eu.com