memorial medal question

[pfrost]

hello,

I just picked this medal up at a flea market. It is to F/O William Rufus Swanson (RCAF), who was killed on 10/9/1940. That is as far as my research has taken me so far. I know he was an American (from Long Beach Ca).

Thanks

Front of medal

[pfrost]

back of medal.

The medal is mounted on a large silver/brass watch fob.

P. Frost

[Adam H]

This Canadian Memorial Cross, as it is officially known is interesting for a few reasons. First, although to a WWII casualty it is a George V obverse, which is the type issued during WWI. Next of Kin of early WWII casualties (approx the first 5,000) were given George V type crosses as the George VI issues were not ready until later in the war.

His service number is a low one, which makes sense considering he died in 1940.

Interesting that the CWGC does not give a unit/squadron, and that he is buried in California which to me suggests he died of sickness/disease or due to some kind of accident, training or otherwise.

Hope that's a start.

Cheers,

Adam

[Ed Tainton]

Memorial Cross

I got this info:

INGLEWOOD (PARK) CEMETERY - California

Commonwealth War Dead 1939-1945

CLARKE, Able Seaman, ALBERT JOHN, D/JX289284. H.M.S. President III. Royal Navy. 6th October 1943. Charter Oak. Lot 110.

SWANSON, Flying Officer, WILLIAM RUFUS, C/2409. Royal Canadian Air Force. 10th September 1940. Age 25. Son of Robert Clarence and Helen Swanson, of Long Beach; husband of Beatrice Arlene Swanson, of Long Beach. Myrtle Plot. Lot 109.

VOGT, Leading Aircraftman, JOHN RICHARD, R/137415. Royal Canadian Air Force. 1st September 1942. Age 22. Son of Edward and Mabel Lillian Vogt, of Inglewood. Green Lawn Plot. Div. A. Lot 131.

LAC(P) VOGT was killed in a flying accident in New BRunswick while flying a Harvard aircraft.

[Ed Tainton]

Memorial Cross

More info: Killed Sept.10,1940, age 25, Central Flying School, Trenton, Ontario. Fleet Fich Aircraft #1015 did not recover from an inverted spin and crashed 5 miles south of Belleville, Ontario,Canada. F/O F.L. Sims was also killed.He would be intitled to the CVSM (no bar) and War Medal.

[pfrost]

More info: Killed Sept.10,1940, age 25, Central Flying School, Trenton, Ontario. Fleet Fich Aircraft #1015 did not recover from an inverted spin and crashed 5 miles south of Belleville, Ontario,Canada. F/O F.L. Sims was also killed.He would be intitled to the CVSM (no bar) and War Medal.

Thanks for that information. It really helps! He is buried near me, and I think I will go to the cemetary and pay my respects.

Patrick