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Operation: Patrol
Date: 05th October 1940 (Saturday)
Unit: No. 1 Squadron RCAF
Type: Hurricane I
Serial: P3873
Code: NA-?
Base: RAF Northolt
Location: Deering Farm, Smarden, Kent
Pilot: F/O. Hartland de Montarville Molson RCAF Age 33. Baled out (1)
We are extremely grateful to Francois Dutil (438 Squadron Archivist) for supplying photographs and information to Aircrew Remembered in September 2017.
REASON FOR LOSS:
During a patrol engaged enemy fighters over Canterbury in Kent. Hit 3 times in the leg, he baled out of his Hurricane. The pilot dropped safely at Smarden, Kent.
Above: As C/O. 118 Squadron C. 1942
Above L-R: F/O. Hartland de Montarville Molson, F/O. Paul Brooks Pitcher, F/O. Peter Locknan (2), F/O. Otto John Peterson (3), F/O. Charles Warren Trevena, and F/O. Gordon Roy McGregor at Northolt, 1940.
Following treatment at Chartham Hospital he was posted to 112 (RCAF) Squadron, a holding unit, on 5th October as non-effective sick. On 7th November 1940 Molson was notified of an impending posting back to Canada. This came in early 1941. After returning home he went on a speaking tour of Canada and America.
(1) For further details see his obituary - courtesy of the Daily Telegraph (reprinted with permission)
(2) F/O. Peter Locknan C/997 RCAF - killed on the 21st May 1941 whilst with 400 Squadron.
(3) F/O. Otto John Peterson C/900 RCAF - killed on the 27th September 1940 whilst with 1 Squadron.
Burial details:
None - survived the war. Died in 2002 age 95, now rests at Mount Royal Cemetery, Montreal, Canada. Grave C.4.
Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this pilot with thanks to Francois Dutil and sources as quoted below:
KTY -- 25.09.2017
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember
them. - Laurence
Binyon
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Last Modified: 12 March 2021, 12:28