In memory of

Leading Aircraftman

Thomas Jaroslav Kvapilik

who died on 13 Dec 1942

Service details
  Conflict WWII
  Service RCAF
  Unit No. 34 Elementary Flying Training School, Royal Canadian Air Force
  Rank Leading Aircraftman
  Service number R225056
  Date of death 19421213
  Cause of death died in a training accident
Narrative history
  R225056 Leading Aircraftman (RCAF pilot) Thomas Jaroslav (Gerald) Kvapilik (b.1921) of Limerick died 19421213 and is buried at Hillcrest cemetery, Limerick. Kvapilik's Tiger Moth crashed at Lillestrom during a training flight to Caron from No. 34 Elementary Flying Training School, Assiniboia. His father Frantisek (Frank) came from Senica, Moravia (Czech Republic), his mother Felicia (Pajek) was Polish and Gerald was born on a farm in Poland. He came with his family to the Limerick area in 1929 and was educated at Conifer school and Limerick. His brother Bob served with No. 408 Goose Squadron RCAF.

Interestingly, Kvapilik joined the Artillery (L10070) at Yorkton on the outbreak of the war and served as an anti-aircraft gunner in London during the blitz. He re-mustered to the RCAF at London early in 1942 and was sent for training to the BCATP base east of Congress, scant five minutes flying time from his parents' farm. He reportedly terrorized his mother by buzzing her home during his training.
       A Glossary of abbreviations to help understand the terms used is available.
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Memorial information
  Saskatchewan rural municipality for commemoration 73 - Stonehenge
  Cemetery or memorial location Hillcrest cemetery, Limerick    

Please click here to view the cemetery/memorial information on Commonwealth War Graves Commission
  Honour roll location(s) Stonehenge
  Geo-memorial Kvapilik Lake, Saskatchewan     
  Geo-memorial location 56.6167°N / 106.75°W
  Geo-memorial NTS map reference 74B10
  Geo-memorial details Southeast of Black Birch Lake.
Personal information
  Date of birth 19210409
  Place of birth Poland    
  Date of enlistment 19390909
  Place of enlistment Yorkton    
  Residence on enlistment Limerick    
  Occupation student
Copyright Information
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