The son of Rev. and Mrs. H. B. Parnaby of Wheatley, formerly of Merlin, ON.  The brother of Clayton.  Married his wife was living with his sister Mrs. Ralph Kent of 57 Victoria Ave., Chatham. Prior to his enlisting he worked at the Royal Bank. He was also a noted softball player.   Prior to his enlistment ‘Hap” was on the staff of the Royal Bank in Chatham, ON.

Hap enlisted in the RCAF in August, 1940. The Merlin Standard 24/04/41 reported that Rev. and Mrs. Parnaby ‘motored’ to Toronto to spend the weekend with their son, Clayton and his wife and Walter before going overseas.  His mother and father along with Misses Madeline Simpson and Reta Reynolds were on hand at RCAF – Fingal Bombing School for Walters graduation ceremony. MS 16/01/41  He was commissioned in 1943. FO Parnaby had been serving for three and a half years overseas serving with the RAF as part of the Air and Sea Rescue in Africa and Palestine. He had been in three flying accidents and escaped unharmed while playing a leading role in rescuing downed airmen and other members of Allied forces before he returned from overseas.

Prior to his leaving for overseas Walter was transferred to No.1 Wireless Crew at Montreal, PQ for a twenty week course.MS 16/01/41 The MS 3/04/41 reported that Walter was home for a few days before returning to Montreal. The MS 22/05/41 reported that LAC W. N. Parnaby spent a few hours at his parents. He expected to complete his Wireless course in about a month and from there to Bombing School for a brief period of training. In June Walter was in deed at the Fingal Bombing School taking instruction in bombing. MS 26/06/41.

He did have an unfinished mission in late July Sgt. (AG) and bride Miss Reta Reynolds were in Merlin visiting Mrs. R.O. Simpson and Mr, and Mrs. Charles Dent. MS 31/07/41 

The WJ 10/07/41 reported LAC Parnaby of the RCAF-Fingal was visiting his parents were at Goldsmith parsonage over the weekend.  He did have an unfinished mission in late July Sgt. (AG) and bride Miss Reta E. Reynolds The youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Burton Reynolds of Harwich Twsp. The ceremony was performed by the father of the groom. WJ 24/07/41 were in Merlin visiting Mrs. R.O. Simpson and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dent. MS 31/07/41 

He went overseas in September of 1941, a cablegram confirmed his safe arrival to England.  He was commissioned as P/O and then to F/O in 1943. FO Parnaby had been serving for three and a half years overseas serving with the RAF as part of the Air and Sea Rescue in Africa and Palestine. He had been in three flying accidents and escaped unharmed while playing a leading role in rescuing downed airmen and other members of Allied forces before he returned from overseas. 

The CDN 22/06/43 reported that Walter had been awarded a commission along with 50 other Canadians. Service no. now J177339. The commissions were granted for efficiency, meritorious service and leadership qualities.  

Prior to his return he served in Africa, and he was an instructor in Palestine where he met F/O. “Scotty Emans also from Chatham.  The CDN 7/11/44 reported that F/O. Parnaby was back in England after his service in Palestine and served in other theatres of war. He returned home 6 Dec. 44. CDN 7/12/44

The MS.14/12/44 were Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Deny.

He returned home 6 Dec. 44. CDN 7/12/44.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

CFF-FD44, PA/GWI, MD-RH, DMS, CDN 3/12/44.

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