| Rank | Private, W02 |
| Service # | A470273, R137287 |
| Unit # | RCAF |
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Buchan of R. R. #1 Merlin / Valetta, ON. Brother of Stanley J. Prior to enlisting Alex was employed on the staff of G & R. Zakoor of Chatham, ON.
Alex joined the RCAF in October of 1941, trained at Brandon, Manitoba, Toronto and Malton, Ontario where he received his wings.
Alex was reported to have left Valetta after being on leave from the RCAF Training School at Brandon, Manitoba in November of 1941 TT 27/11/41. In July of 1942 Alex was reported at the Service Flying Training School at No. 12 Brandon, MN. when he was granted a three weeks leave to visit his family before reporting to Malton. TT 9/07/42 An article in the TT 5/11/42 that Alex had his “Wings Parade” at No.1 Air Observer School in Malton. He left for overseas in December of 1942. TT 30/09/43. It was reported that Alexander was commissioned Navigation Officer. CDN 23/06/44 Word was received by Mr. and Mrs. Buchan that their son was missing in action after air operations on 25 September, 1943.
Prior to joining the RCAF Alex had served 18 months with the Kent Regt., Pte. A470273. Appears on the “Muster Roll” of the 2nd Bn., Kent Regiment (MG), N.P.A.N.
He joined the RCAF in October of 1942. He trained at Brandon, Manitoba, Toronto and Malton where he received his wings. He left for overseas in December of 1942 TT 30/09/43. Alex went on to be a Spitfire pilot (J. Currie-notes).
On 22 Sept. 1943 Alex was the navigator on Wellington bomber serial # LN554 on a mission to Hanover, Germany. During this mission, their planes were damaged from multiple shrapnel holes in the wings and losing fuel. They also ran out of fuel over the North sea and one of the pilots had to flee the aircraft. The pilot and the radio operator perished but Buchan and the two gunners were able to climb into their dinghies. They were rescued the next day by air sea rescue aircraft.
Word was received by Mr. and Mrs. Buchan that their son was missing in action after air operations on 25 September, 1943.
Alex had his “Wings Parade” at No.1 Air Observer School in Malton. It was reported that Alexander was commissioned Navigation Officer CDN 23/06/44.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Sources | 2KRMR, CFF-FD44, IODE(P), VPC-RH, MCS42/43, MD-RH, TT 30/10/41, 1/01/42, 30/09/43,23/06/ RCLM.44, |
| Supplemental Information | Appears on the ‘Muster Roll’ of the 2nd Bn., Kent Regiment (MG), N.P.A.N. (date unknown). |
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