Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Letter – Letter from Wing Commander explaining the details of the crash. LAC Ottawa

Photo of Walter Colin Ahrens – Walter Colin Ahrens joined the ranks of the RCAF in October 1940 at the age of 20. After flight training in Canada he was posted to England to fly fighter aircraft. He flew with No.197 squadron, a Spitfire Squadron, and was later promoted to Flight Lieutenant. In June of 1944 he was made Squadron Leader and given command of No. 257 to fly Typhoon airplanes.

Photo of Walter Colin Ahrens – Walter C. Ahrens was a farm boy from Rosetown, SK. He left his family of two brothers and four sisters to join the RCAF as a patriotic gesture. A fellow pilot referred to Walter as having "complete disregard for all danger". He flew Typhoons in low level strafing and bombing attacks on trains, transports and artillery positions. It was a dangerous and high risk job for the pilots of the powerful and well armed aircraft.

Photo of Walter Colin Ahrens – Squadron Leader Walter C. Ahrens flew both Spitfire and Typhoon aircraft. On July 16, 1944 he was flying a Typhoon over France and attacked an army motor transport at not more than 100 feet from the ground, dropping twin 1000 pound bombs. His aircraft was caught in the wake of the explosions and his fighter was crippled. He radioed that he would try to make it home but he had to ditch the plane. He bailed out just east of Caen but his parachute failed to open properly. He was listed as missing in action and it was 10 months before his family received word that he was confirmed dead at the age of 23.

Medals – Medals of Walter Ahrens

Ahrens Lake – Ahrens Lake in Saskatchewan

Detailed information – Ahrens Lake in Saskatchewan-detailed information

Plaque – Information plaque

Memorabilia – Framed Memorabilia

Sketch – Sketch of Walter Ahrens done by friend

Grave Marker – The grave marker at the Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery located approximately 5 km. from the beach of Dieppe, France. May he rest in peace. (J. Stephens)

Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery – The Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery, located just outside Dieppe, France. (J. Stephens)

CWGC Sign to Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery – Sign to Hautot-Sur-Mer Cemetery where Walter is buried.

Sign – Sign to Hautot-Sur-Mer Cemetery where Walter is buried.

Entrance – Hautot-Sur-Mer Cemetery where Walter is buried. (taken by his niece, L. Pommen,in Sept 2011)

Memorabilia – Honouring Walter (left by his niece, L. Pommen, in Sept 2011)

Grave Marker – Walter's grave (L. Pommen,Sept 2011)

Grave Marker – Walter's grave (L. Pommen,Sept 2011)

Newspaper Clipping – Obituary from Rosetown Eagle, Rosetown, SK.

Newspaper Clipping – Article from Rosetown Eagle,November 1994, in memory of Walter Ahrens

Group Photo – Walter Ahrens is the 6th from the left.

Photo of Walter Colin Ahrens

Newspaper Clipping – Submitted for the project, Operation: Picture Me