Flanagan, Beverly William (B. W.) Photo
Rank Sergeant Observer, Pilot Officer, Flying Officer
Service # R109827 - P.O./F.O., J18515 (DFC)
Unit # R.C.A.F.
Resident 187 Queen St., Chatham
Books Of Rememberance Page Available

The son of Patrick Joseph and Inez Aetna Flanagan of 187 Queen St., Chatham, ON.  Patrick Joseph and Inez Aetna Flanagan’s children are the following:

Robert Junior Flanagan 1929-1991
Jack Eugene Flanagan 1929-
Gerald Ivan Flanagan 1925-1925
Beverly William Flanagan 1923-2012
Clara Margaret Flanagan 1920-1996
Floyd Clifton Flanagan 1913-1992
James Patrick Flanagan 1911-1972

Reported in the CDN 11/08/42 that he arrived safely in England.

Enlisted  as AC2 and trained at Toronto, Belleville, Capdela Madelene Quebec., Portage La Prairie Manitoba, and Halifax.

Beverly enlisted 23/07/41 (his 18th Birthday) and received his “Wings” in May of 1942 at McDonald, Manitoba, he was then a Sergeant-Observer. He then went to Rivers MN. where he will receive additional training as an air navigator.  He also trained at Belleville, ON., Cap de la Madeline, PQ. Portage La Prairie. CDN 3/06/44(P) Reported in the CDN 11/08/42 that he arrived safely in England in June.   CDN 21/05/16.  Served in England, Yorkshire North Wales, Nottingham and the remaining time back in Yorkshire. Received sergeants stripes May 1942 in Canada. The CDN 8/10/43(P) reported that had been promoted to Pilot Officer and then to Flying Officer and in June of 1944 he was an instructor. Received commissioned Pilot Officer in 1943 overseas, and six months later the rank of Flying Officer.   In letters home F0. Flanagan intimated that he piloted Lancaster bombers and had flown missions over Germany including Berlin on a dozen missions. Received D.F.C. in 1944 (Written but not awarded till he reached Canada in 1945.  

The CDN 24/03/45(P) reported that FO. B. W. Flanagan had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, He was at home in Chatham when the award was announced after completing his “tour of  27 operational flights”.  F/O Flanagan along with his mother and father were on the front page of the CDN 28/02/45.

Discharged May 11th, 1945.

This link is Beverly’s Father’s site in GOH:  https://www.gatheringourheroes.ca/hero/flanagan-patrick-j/

This link is Brother James Patrick Flanagan site in GOH:  https://www.gatheringourheroes.ca/hero/flanagan-james-patrick/

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Awards Distinguished Flying Officer Medal
Sources CFF-FD44, KCFA, IODE(P), CCI-RH, CC-HR, CDN (11/08/42), Kevin Flanagan, nephew
Birthplace Chatham, Ontario
Religion Anglican
When Enlisted July 9th, 1941
Next of Kin Mother - Mrs. Inez Aetna Flanagan (Thomas) and Father- Patrick Joseph Flanagan

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