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
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Sold out Rally in Hialeah. People rushed from bleachers to field area. Got almost everyone in. Thank you to Police and Fire Departments. GREAT JOB!!!
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Brought over from Festival posted by Cleebie Grums
Very interesting take on the true nature of Hamas from on-the-ground in Israel, Douglas Murray:
https://twitter.com/ReichmanShmuel/status/1722754621557350845
Great tribute to an even greater man. Be very proud Gymbeau.
Very nice!
Wow! That was beautiful! And tearful. Thanks for sharing a wonderful tribute to a hero and your Dad. My condolences.
TC
RIP Pilot Officer Bray. 103 is a good run but he will still be missed by all who love him.
Thanks for sharing!
35 missions. Brave man and hero.
Amazing man.
I am sure you are very proud of your father’s service and rightfully so.
My condolences on his passing.
Thanks for posting and keeping his memory alive!
a Hero!
Vaya con dios, Pilot Officer Bray.
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
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
My dad served in the 454th air squadron
After the war, he attended several summer reunions.
I’m glad you got to spend so much time with your dad & I respect his service
I noticed one of the pins on his cap was a maple leaf. So there had to be some canadian airmen attending??
Beautiful.
ThankQ for posting.
RIP and may God bless and comfort your family.