Language selection

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Search veterans.gc.ca

Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Cyril George Hutchings

In memory of:

Flying Officer Cyril George Hutchings

September 29, 1944

Military Service

Service Number:

J/16294

Age:

22

Force:

Air Force

Unit:

Royal Canadian Air Force

Division:

401 Sqdn.

Additional Information

Son of George and Margaret (Foster) Hutchings. Cyril was educated at Elrose Public School, Humboldt High School and University of Saskatchewan. He enlisted in February 1941. In 1942, he was attached to the 421 RAF Squadron, before being transferred to North Africa with the 93rd Squadron. He completed a tour of operations in North Africa and Sicily and returned to Canada. In July 1944, he volunteered for a second tour and was attached to 401 Squadron in France. He was reported missing after Air Operations, in which he was seen going to the aid of a squadron of Typhoons, being attacked by enemy aircraft. His body was found by a Dutch farmer, who buried him in his field. He was later moved to the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery. Cyrils' Squadron leader wrote of him, "he was regarded as an experienced, dependable and utterly fearless pilot." Submitted by his sister, Elaine Riches of Victoria, British Columbia

Commemorated on Page 341 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance. Request a copy of this page. Download high resolution copy of this page.

Burial Information

Cemetery:

REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY
Germany

Grave Reference:

2. D. 18.

Location:

The REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY is located 5 km south west of Kleve. From Kleve the cemetery is located, using the Hoffmannallee from the Town Centre, which becomes the Materbornerallee. This road enters Reichswald Forest and becomes the Grunewaldstrasse. Follow direction Gennep, entering Reichswald Forest the cemetery is situated 500 metres on the left. Alternatively from the motorway 57, take exit Kleve/Goch, which leads onto the 9 N road in the direction towards Kleve. After 3 km turn left on to the 504 direction Kranenburg. Reichswald cemetery is clearly signposted on the 504 at cross roads Grunewald. REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY is situated on the Grunewald Strasse direction Kleve on the right, 3 km from cross roads Grunewald.

Information courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Digital Collection

Send us your images

  • Grave marker– Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

    Details

    Grave marker
    Grave marker – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me
  • Correspondence– Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

    Details

    Correspondence
    Correspondence – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me
  • Document– Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

    Details

    Document
    Document – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me
  • Correspondence– Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

    Details

    Correspondence
    Correspondence – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me
  • Correspondence– Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me

    Details

    Correspondence
    Correspondence – Submitted for the project, Operation Picture Me
  • Photo of Cyril George Hutchings– Flying Officer Cyril George Hutchings, J/16294

    Details

    Photo of Cyril George Hutchings
    Photo of Cyril George Hutchings – Flying Officer Cyril George Hutchings, J/16294
  • Photo of Cyril Hutchings– Hutchings, Cyril George - Flying Officer. Born 6th January, 1922, at Swift Current, Sask. Educated at Eltose Public School, Humboldt High School and University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. Entered the service of the Bank 17th July, 1939. Served at North Battleford, Eston and Lacadena, Sask. Enlisted 17th February, 1941, from Eston in R.C.A.F. Sergeant Pilot in October, 1941; Pilot Officer in December, 1942; Flying Officer in July, 1943. Trained at Regina, Sask., Brandon, Man., and High River and Macleod, Alta. Overseas in January, 1942. Attached Spitfire Squadron, R.A.F., with a tour of operations in Mediterranean area and Northwest Europe. Returned to Canada in October, 1943, on instructional duties. Again overseas in June, 1944, taking special training on latest Spitfire fighters, and with action over Southern France. Reported missing after air operations near Arnhem, Western Germany, on 29th September, 1944, when his Squadron, returning from an attack, went to the assistance of Typhoons surrounded by between thirty and forty Messerschmitts. He did not return nor did he radio distress. Officially presumed dead 3rd July, 1945. His Squadron Leader wrote: "He was regarded as an experienced, dependable and utterly fearless pilot." From a memorial booklet prepared by the Canadian Bank of Commerce.

    Details

    Photo of Cyril Hutchings
    Photo of Cyril Hutchings – Hutchings, Cyril George - Flying Officer. Born 6th January, 1922, at Swift Current, Sask. Educated at Eltose Public School, Humboldt High School and University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. Entered the service of the Bank 17th July, 1939. Served at North Battleford, Eston and Lacadena, Sask. Enlisted 17th February, 1941, from Eston in R.C.A.F. Sergeant Pilot in October, 1941; Pilot Officer in December, 1942; Flying Officer in July, 1943. Trained at Regina, Sask., Brandon, Man., and High River and Macleod, Alta. Overseas in January, 1942. Attached Spitfire Squadron, R.A.F., with a tour of operations in Mediterranean area and Northwest Europe. Returned to Canada in October, 1943, on instructional duties. Again overseas in June, 1944, taking special training on latest Spitfire fighters, and with action over Southern France. Reported missing after air operations near Arnhem, Western Germany, on 29th September, 1944, when his Squadron, returning from an attack, went to the assistance of Typhoons surrounded by between thirty and forty Messerschmitts. He did not return nor did he radio distress. Officially presumed dead 3rd July, 1945. His Squadron Leader wrote: "He was regarded as an experienced, dependable and utterly fearless pilot." From a memorial booklet prepared by the Canadian Bank of Commerce.

Learn more about the Canadian Virtual War Memorial

To learn more please visit our help page. If you have questions or comments regarding the information contained in this registry, email or call us. For inquiries regarding the names and information found in the RCMP Honour Roll, please email the RCMP.

Date modified: