In memory ofFlight LieutenantOrville Ray Waterbury DFCwho died on 12 Mar 1943 |
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J7520 Flight Lieutenant (No. 83 Squadron RAF navigator) Orville Ray Waterbury DFC (b.1920) of Prince Albert was KIA 19430312 and is buried at Reichswald Forest war cemetery, Kleve, Germany. Waterbury was completing his second tour when his Lancaster did not return from a night raid. He was the son of Ray DeWolfe and Edna Grace (Dingman) Waterbury, farmers who came from Nebraska and Niorth Dakota, who moved to Birtle, Manitoba, just before their son enlisted. Orville was born at Virden, Manitoba, educated at Birtle and Prince Albert, and was employed by L.K. Liggett Co. as a druggist apprentice when he enlisted at Saskatoon in 1940. Waterbury received his Distinguished Flying Cross personally from King George VI just a month before his death. The citation: On two occasions, despite the most adverse weather conditions, in daylight attacks on Germany, Pilot Officer Waterbury has displayed skilful navigation and as a result has successfully carried out his mission and brought his aircraft safely back to base. One night in September, when returning from an operational sortie on Wilhelmshaven, his aircraft was fired on by hostile aeroplanes and the wireless operator was severely wounded. Pilot Officer Waterbury successfully administered first aid, thereby saving the life of his colleague. He has completed numerous operational sorties, including attacks on the enemy's most heavily defended targets, and by his exceptional keenness and efficiency has set a fine example. In 1995, Waterbury Lake south of Sisipuk Lake, Manitoba (63N12), was also named in his honour. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Links to other web pages | Memorial - Prince Albert | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Saskatchewan rural municipality for commemoration | 461 - Prince Albert | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cemetery or memorial location | Reichswald Forest war cemetery, Kleve, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Please click here to view the cemetery/memorial information on Commonwealth War Graves Commission | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Honour roll location(s) | Prince Albert | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Geo-memorial | Waterbury Lake, Saskatchewan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Geo-memorial location | 58.1667°N / 104.3667°W | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Geo-memorial NTS map reference | 74I1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Geo-memorial details | West of Wollaston Lake. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Date of birth | 19200612 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Place of birth | Virden, Manitoba | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Date of enlistment | 19400910 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Place of enlistment | Saskatoon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residence on enlistment | Prince Albert | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Occupation | druggist | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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