Please forgive the self-indulgent slide, but I feel compelled to post this letter to the editor from today’s Ottawa Citizen, in Canada’s capital city. I don’t know the letter writer but I do know the man he writes about. He was my father.
An Ottawa-born hero passes away
The brief obituary for John Reynold Bray, published recently in the Ottawa Citizen, stated that he was a veteran of the Second World War. I was curious about the military service of this gentleman.
Bray was born in Ottawa in 1920, the son of John and Agnes Bray. He enlisted in the RCAF on Nov. 30, 1940 as an equipment assistant. He transferred to aircrew and commenced training in April 1942 and graduated as a bomb aimer on May 1, 1943. He was promoted to Sergeant on June 18, 1942 and proceeded overseas on June 29, 1943 to #434 Squadron. He was commissioned on April 28, 1944 and promoted to Pilot Officer.
Pilot Officer Bray flew 35 missions over enemy territory, accumulating 1,170 hours and 40 minutes of flying time. His file states:
“He has at all times displayed a fine offensive spirit and his ability as a Bomb Aimer has contributed greatly to the success of his crew. His dogged determination, great courage and devotion to duty have been an example and inspiration to all ranks.”
Pilot Officer Bray was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross effective May 4, 1944.
Our Ottawa-born Canadian hero died Oct. 26 at the age of 103. Thank you for your service, Pilot Officer Bray. RIP.
Ron Gardner, Nepean
Touching picture. Thanks.