Son of James Martin McGregor (Township Engineer), he died of a heart attack following confirmation of the death of his son overseas) and of Gladys Idella McGregor (nee Tassie), of 1119 Elgin St., Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada.  He has a younger brother Ralph. Charles attended Wallaceburg High School prior to his enlistment in the RCAF in  March, 1941. Charles applied for enlistment three days after war broke out. He was called up in March 1941.  

Charles applied for enlistment three days after war broke out. He was called up in March 1941. He trained at the Toronto Manning Pool, Malton, Jarvis and Penfield Ridge Field, NS and New Brunswick for astral navigation. After initial training at Fengal and Malton air schools he received his Wings at Jarvis on New Years Eve, 1942. He received his commission on New Years Day 1942.

Age: 23, KIA – Date of Death: 17/09/1942, in Boston bomber made forced landing in sea off Essex, England. Also in that crew FS (WAG) C. E. Stuart of Wallaceburg. Tassie was a veteran of many air battles having made many flights over enemy territory. In October of 1942 Mrs. McGregor, formerly of Orford Twsp. Had been notified that her son was missing in action prior to the unveiling of the Roll of Honour at the Mount Zion Church in Ridgetown. RIN 31/10/12.

A letter from P/O McGregor’s commanding officer the Wing Commander of RCAF No. 418 Squadron  followed the official notification, but details in it were very meager. The plane, was damaged over enemy territory on 17 September and failed to reach its home base. CDN29/10/42

The Wing Commanders letter, reported in part in the CDN 5/11/42 was more personal.

“Your son was popular with all personnel and his loss is especially felt in the Officer’s Mess where his devotion to duty set a high example. The loss is more deeply felt for your son and his crew, since they comprised one of the best and in these times it will be difficult to replace them with men of the same caliber and initiative.” 

The CDN 22/06/43 reported that: “Is now presumed dead for official Purposes in the RCAF. He was listed as MIA in the fall of 1942 while on patrol over the English Channel.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources	“Orford Story 1827 – 1977”. Index of Overseas Deaths. They Shall Grow Not Old.
Supplemental Information	Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead, Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 101. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL.

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