RichB
Well-known member
JF Edwards passed away 14 May, 3 weeks short of his 101st birthday. He joined the RCAF in 1940 at the age of 19. He was posted to Egypt flying Kittyhawks with 94 Sqn as a Sergeant in 1941. When the North African campaign ended 13 May 1943 he was a Flight Lieutenant with 11.5 victories flying with 260 Sqn. He was assigned to the Middle Central Gunnery School for a rest period as an Instructor. Promoted to Squadron Leader in Nov 43, he returned to operations with 417 Sqn (RCAF) and 92 Sqn in Italy flying the Spitfire VIII. In March 1944 he was posted to command 274 Sqn when it was transferred back to the UK flying Spifire IX's to support the invasion of Europe. He was posted out "tour expired" in early August as 247 Sqn converted to the Tempest V.
Following leave in Canada, he was promoted to Wing Commander and took command of 127 Wing RCAF in March 1945. He flew his last mission on 03 May sharing a Ju 88 kill. He finished the war with an official score of 15+3 shared and 13 destroyed on the ground.
He remained in the RCAF after the war flying the Vampire, checked out on the Canso and Lancaster, formed and commanded 430 Sqn (the RCAF's first Sabre squadron) and finally the CF100 Canuck. After unification in 1968 he became Lt Col Edwards, retiring to Comox, BC in 1972.
RichB
Following leave in Canada, he was promoted to Wing Commander and took command of 127 Wing RCAF in March 1945. He flew his last mission on 03 May sharing a Ju 88 kill. He finished the war with an official score of 15+3 shared and 13 destroyed on the ground.
He remained in the RCAF after the war flying the Vampire, checked out on the Canso and Lancaster, formed and commanded 430 Sqn (the RCAF's first Sabre squadron) and finally the CF100 Canuck. After unification in 1968 he became Lt Col Edwards, retiring to Comox, BC in 1972.
RichB
