| Rank | Flt. Sgt. |
| Service # | R187925 |
| Unit # | RCAF |
Born in Moose Jaw, Sask. the son of Mr. J. H. and Mrs. Beulah Schamahorn of 119 Lacroix St., Chatham, ON., who moved to Chatham when he was a boy along with his brother of Jack O. A23316. He attended Central School and the Vocational School in Chatham. Donald was working for Chrysler in Windsor, ON.
Donald enlisted in the RCAF on his 18th birthday in September, 1942 and went overseas in December 1944. After his training at Lachine PQ., Belleville, ON. and received his ‘Wings’ at Mont Joli, PQ. Donald began operational flying with the RAF. Transferring to the RCAF flying as a rear gunner in a Halifax bomber. He completed his thirty one operational missions over France, Norway and Germany with the same crew he started with, a remarkable record with none of the crew being injured, though they had some narrow escapes and “had to work their way out of exceedingly difficult situations. CCF-FD44, KCFA, VR.
It was reported in the CDN 5/02/45 that he expected some leave to return to Canada. In fact the CDN 28/02/45(P), reported that Flt. Sgt. Schamahorn did return after completing 31 operational flights as a rear gunner. His Halifax Bomber “Tommy Tinder” carried the same all Canadian crew on all 31 missions a remarkable record.
His operational flight took his crew over Germany, France and Norway. According to Don the flights were “the usual” though he admitted things were “pretty scary”, they did get home on three engines but their ‘kite’ got them back.
He said that they had not been bothered by German “Jet” fighters. “The Jerry flak however was a different story.” He said it was good and lots of it. He and his crew were attached to the RAF for all 31 missions. He praised FO Thomas “Spud” Murphy of Demerce Centre, Quebec attributed much of their success to their pilot.
Donald would marry Donna (nee Martin) and they raised four children in Chatham.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Sources | CFF-FD44, KCFA, IODE(N), VR, DMS |
Notice something wrong with this record? Or, do you have something to add? Report it using our online form.
