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| PERSONALIA |
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| Name: |
Sproule, John Alexander |
| Date of birth: | November 23rd, 1917 (Brandon, Manitoba)
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| Nationality: |
Canadian |
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BIOGRAPHY:
Service number: 39693.
Sproule, joined the R.A.F. in March, 1937. Before that he had received his first flying lessons at the Brandon Flying Club. He was placed with the No. 58 Squadron at Boscome Down in November 1937. The squadron then flew with Armstrong Whitley bombers. Sproule took part in the first raid on Germany at night on September 3rd 1939.
After some time being placed as a Specialist Navigation Instructor at St Athans (Wales) and Port Albert (Ontario), he started Trans Atlantic and Middle East flights with No. 24 Squadron, that flew Douglas Dakota’s.
During D-Day he acted as Second in Command of the Airborne Invasion with No. 48 Squadron that also flew Dakota’s, pulling gliders.
During Market Garden he was shot down on September 17th 1944 while resupplying Polish Airborne troops. During this he was wounded. In 1944 he was transferred from the RAF to the RCAF (Service number 89500). As Commander of No. 437 RCAF Squadron he also took part in the Rhine Crossing on March 24th 1945. He stayed with the RCAF until his retirement in 1969.
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DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (DFC)
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Awarded on:
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October 20th, 1944
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Action:
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Awarded as per London Gazette dated 20 October 1944.
AFRO 2684/44 dated 15 December 1944 (announcing his award) also confirmed him as a Canadian in the RAF. Air Ministry Bulletin 16017/AL.899 refers.
“One morning in August 1944, Wing Commander Sproule led his squadron on a
vital supply mission to France. While over the target his aircraft was hit by light
anti-aircraft fire in many places. Although the aircraft had sustained much
damage and the rudder was useless, a course was set for a landing ground which
was safely reached. Almost as the aircraft touched down it collided against a tree.
Even so, a successful crash landing was effected. This officer displayed
exceptional skill and great determination in the face of most adverse
circumstances.”
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BRONZEN LEEUW (BL)
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Rank:
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Wing-Commander (Wing Commander)
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Unit:
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No.437 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
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Awarded on:
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July 31st, 1945
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Action:
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Awarded 1 January 1946 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO
183/46 dated 22 February 1946
Public Records Office Air 2/9642 has recommendation.
“On the 1st September 1944 this officer was appointed to command a newly
formed transport squadron. Despite the short time available the squadron
attained a very high standard of efficiency and participated fully in every phase of
the airborne operations in the Arnhem theatre. Wing Commander Sproule led the
squadron on the first sortie of the operations and throughout he has displayed
good leadership and determination which contributed materially to the success of
many sorties.”
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Details:
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Royal decree no.29
London Gazette of 1 jan. 1946
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Provide alterations or additional information |
| Picture source: |
- Robert Sproule |
| Information source(s): |
- Nederlandse Onderscheidingen
- BL/BK/ P.Sproule
- Allison, L., Canadians in the Royal Air Force, Roland, MB, Les Allison, 1978
- Coughlin, T, The Dangerous Sky, Toronto, The Ryerson Press, 1969
- Royal Canadian Air Force
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