In memory of

Flight Lieutenant

Orville Ray Waterbury DFC

who died on 12 Mar 1943

Service details
  Conflict WWII
  Service RCAF
  Unit No. 83 Squadron, Royal Air Force
  Rank Flight Lieutenant
  Service number J7520
  Date of death 19430312
  Cause of death killed in action
  Decorations Distinguished Flying Cross
Narrative history
  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.
       A Glossary of abbreviations to help understand the terms used is available.
Images
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Attestation
Service record
Service record
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Additional information
  Links to other web pages Memorial - Prince Albert

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Memorial information
  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.
Personal information
  Date of birth 19200612
  Place of birth Virden, Manitoba    
  Date of enlistment 19400910
  Place of enlistment Saskatoon    
  Residence on enlistment Prince Albert    
  Occupation druggist
Copyright Information
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