Military service
Burial/memorial information
He was the son of Gore Charles and Lottie May (née Tofflemire) Pastorius. Donald was one of thirteen children, and one of five sons who served in the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War. Donald's brothers who also served were - Francis Gore, Elihue Ira, Gordon Curry and Ralph Charles. Donald died one day short of his 21st birthday. His personal belongings were sent home to the farm on the 7th Concession outside of Essex, Ontario on the same day that his brother Ralph Charles returned home. Donald played guitar and took it with him overseas. The Halifax aircraft in which he flew, was shot down by Heinz Schnaufer, one of Germany's top night fighter pilots.
Pilot's Flying Badge earned 6 August 1943. Operational Wings awarded posthumously on 7 November 1946. 1939-45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, General Service Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp.
Digital gallery of Pilot Officer Donald Arthur Pastorius
Image gallery
-
-
Donald Arthur Pastorius 1923 - 1944
-
Gore Charles Pastorius with four of his sons who served in the Canadian Armed Forces. This picture was taken in Essex, Ontario in 1942 before the boys went overseas. From left, Ralph Pastorius, Gordon Pastorius, Hugh Pastorius, Gore Charles Pastorius and on the far right Donald Pastorius.
-
Donald Arthur Pastorius was born April 29, 1923 to parents Lottie May and Gore Charles Pastorius. In this photo Donald is the baby in his mother's arms. By 1935, Donald was one of thirteen children.
-
Erected in grateful recognition of valour and courage of these men of Cottam and Gosfield North who served in the First and Second World War. Cottam Women's Institute. This photo was taken November 11, 2000 at Cottam Cemetery, Cottam, Ontario.
-
Pilot Officer D. A. Pastorius Air Gunner, Royal Canadian Air Force, 28th April 1944. Buried at Heverlee War Cemetery, Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.
-
Heverlee War Cemetery, Leuven, Belgium, in August 2001.
-
This is to certify that Pilot Officer D. A. Pastorius has been posthumously awarded the Operational Wings of the Royal Canadian Air Force in recognition of gallant service in action against the enemy. Dated this Fifth day of November, 1946.
-
Pilot Officer Donald Arthur Pastorius is commemorated on the Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton, AB … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens
-
Pilot Officer Donald Arthur Pastorius is commemorated on the Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton, AB … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens
-
Father J P Lardie's comments as inscribed on the Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton, AB … photo courtesy of Marg Liessens
-
Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
-
Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
-
Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
-
Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
-
Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
-
Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
-
Submitted for the project Operation Picture Me
In the Books of Remembrance
Commemorated on:
Page 412 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance.
Request this page
Download this page
HEVERLEE WAR CEMETERY Belgium
HEVERLEE WAR CEMETERY is located 30 km from Brussels and 3 km south of Leuven.
Turn left out of Leuven railway station onto the Tiensevest(ring road R 23). Follow the Tiensevest through the junctions Tiensepoort and Parkpoort and along the Naamsepoort.
Turn left at the Naamsepoort onto the Naamsesteenweg (N251) signposted Namen, Waver & Heverlee. Continue until you cross the railway line at Heverlee and take the first left turn into the Hertogstraat. Follow Hertogstraat to the end and turn right at the Sport Hall onto the Kerpelstraat. Continue down the Kerpelstraat until you come to a crossroads at which the HEVERLEE WAR CEMETERY is located.
For more information, visit Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The Poppy Design is a trademark of The Royal Canadian Legion (Dominion Command) and is used with permission. Click here to learn more about the poppy.
Did we miss something?
Contribute information to this commemorative page
Do you have photographs, information or a correction relating to this individual’s virtual memorial? Learn more about the CVWM and the information we collect.