The son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman P. Guertin of 311 King St., Wallaceburg.  William was educated in Windsor, Chatham and Wallaceburg.   Prior to his enlistment Bill was employed at the Dominion Glass Co., in Wallaceburg.

Spent time as a POW. Reported missing in November of 1942 while he was on a bombing run to Tobruk, Lybia. He was reported a POW in February of 1943 and was moved from Italy to Germany when the Allies invaded Italy

While flying a “Milk Run” in the Tobruk, North Africa in November, 1942. One of the survivors, Flt. Lieut. Watts of Hamilton who survived the incident where he an Flt. Sgt. Guertin baled out of the aircraft and he swam to shore. 

According to Watts they had dropped their heavy bombs but were also carrying incendiaries when, “a chance direct hit exploded the incendiaries, jamming the controls and setting fire to the two port engines. Blown out about five miles over the sea the men had to bale out.” Watts said he saw Flt. Sgt. Guertin bale out – “the last he saw of the former Londoner.”  

William was reported returned from overseas duty. CDN 11/06/45.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

W-RH, WHSSC, WHS-RH, KCFA, CDN(3), WN (28/06/45)

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