In August 1940 Norman enlisted with the RCAF in Windsor, ON., completing his bomber training in June of 1941. Norman trained at Brandon, MN., Vancouver, BC., Regina, SK. Ft. William, ON. and Rivers MN, Mess Banks. before going overseas in October of 1941. Flt/Sgt. Boyce left for overseas duty in October of that year arriving in Bournmouth, Hamshire, England.

While at # 16 Operational Train Unit and flying in a Hampden aircraft # P 1221 flown by FS(P) R. C. Dobie, the aircraft crashed and burned near Polebrook, England, killing the crew of four.  Besides FS Boyce, FS Dobie, FS’s O’Leary and Lindsey were also killed.   FS N. G. W. Boyce.

Buried with his crew at Cemetery: OLD WESTON (ST. SWITHUN) CHURCHYARD, Grave/Memorial Reference: Sec. A. Grave 3. The Wallaceburg News 9/04/42 (P) reported on their “first casualty of the war”, 28 year old Sgt. Obs. Norman Boyce. The “popular young man in the town and widely known for his musical talents” was suddenly lost. It was reported in the CDN 28/10/42 that a picture of Segt. Boyce along with Pte. Daniel Ernest Franklin were unveiled at the Wallaceburg high School to commemorate his sacrifice.

The former employee of the Dominion Glass Co., in Wallaceburg honoured Flt. Sgt. Boyce by lowering the flags to half-mast and some employees stood for a moment in silence. Plant manager E. G. Davies said, “He was a very fine employee. He was also very popular among the his associates and all of us mourn the passing of a gallant and courageous airman who served his country.” CDN 28/03/42.

The First Baptist Church made a special reference to the lass of Flt. Sgt. Boyce. Flowers were sent by friends and neighbours, the Dominion Glass co. sent  an “air Force Pillow” and the Walaceburg Kiltie Band sent a wreath of roses. After the evening service the the flowers were taken to the cenotaph.

The CDN 30/03/42 reported that all of the employees at the “Glass” stopped work and stood in silence for two minutes at 9:30 a.m. to coordinate with the 2:30 p.m. burial of Norman in England. 

Dr. Charles Lawrence, chairman of the Board of Education paid the following tribute to the two fallen students:

“Nothing matters now but victory – Danny Franklin and Norman Boyce knew that, and they paid the fullest price in the sacrifice of their lives. They, who once walked these halls, did not die in vain. Their memory will live forever in our hearts and we have held this ceremony this afternoon to keep their memory forever green.” He declared.   

Also in attendance were Mrs. Ernest Franklin, mother of Pte. Dan Franklin and George L. Boyce, father, and Don Boyce, the brother of Norman Boyce.

Observer Norman George Wood Boyce is also commemorated on the Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton, AB.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

CDN (11/04/42, 28/10/42), CVWM(GM), CWGC,, NRT, W-RH, WHS-RH, IS-IODE, A. Mann – ‘No Return Ticket’.

Supplemental Information

Born 25/09/1913 at Wallaceburg, ON. Son of George and Christina (Wood) Boyce, brother of Donald of 851 Elizabeth St., Wallaceburg. Attended Central Public School and Wallaceburg High School. A member of 1st Baptist Church in Wallaceburg. Norman loved to play basketball. Prior to enlisting he was employed at the Dominion Glass plant in Wallaceburg. DOAA Date of Death: 26/03/1942 age 28 years and is buried with his crew at Cemetery: OLD WESTON (ST. SWITHUN) CHURCHYARD, Grave/Memorial Reference: Sec. A. Grave 3.

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