Book of Remembrance - Volume  I

 

Flying Officer E J Allen

Royal Canadian Air Force

Son of Ernest and Mary Anne Allen; husband of Zella Marguerite Allen, of St. James, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, age 23, Died on 12-Aug-1944 while based at Lantheuil, France.

The following entry is from 439's War Operations Record Book (Form 540): Good weather all day which paved the way for another three operations. The tough day cost our Squadron two pilots, J/22034 F/O Dickie Moen and J/20587 F/O Ernie Allen. Ernie Allen, a good clean living pilot, and we hope to see him again soon, if and when the encirclement of the Jerries' Armoured Divisions is affected. it is only a few days ago since he ferried an aircraft from England and was able to see his wife, LAW Allen, ZM, who is employed in the RCAF Overseas Records Section. 

The following entry is from 439's War Operations Book (Form 541): As soon as our Squadron arrived over the target area, all the flak boys gave us a very generous reception. The aircraft flown by F/O Ernie Allen in No. 2 position was struck in the starboard wing and main tanks at about 5000 feet and fell out of control . F/O Stelter, No. 3, saw Ernie's wing being chipped by flak, then enveloped in smoke and the aircraft turn to starboard. Ernie managed to clear the ship and was last seen swinging safely down to earth under a gleaming white parachute. It was presumed that Ernie reached ground near the second target at  Le Pont des Vers, and near Segrie Fontaine, map reference 985288, and is now in enemy territory.

It was learned later ( 9 days later) that he had not made it. He was temporarily buried at Menchieluit sur Orne, France by the 21st Army who had found his remains.

Following entry is from The Canadian Virtual War Memorial website  courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

J/20587 F/O Ernie Allen is buried at BRETTEVILLE-SUR-LAIZE CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY, France. Grave Reference: XVII. F. 16.

 

Back to Index

Copyright ©1998-2016 Michael T. Melnick. All rights reserved

the unofficial homepage of Tiger Squadron 

. .

. .