News Release

Second World War Canadian Airmen to be buried with full military honours

Ottawa, ON – At 9:00 a.m. on November 27, 2002 at the Wilnis General Cemetery, in Wilnis, The Netherlands, Flight Sergeant Joseph Evariste Adrien Thibaudeau, Flight Sergeant Joseph White, and Warrant Officer Class I Robert Benjamin Moulton will be buried with full military honours. Family members of the crew members will travel from Canada to attend the service. The widow of Flight Sergeant Howard Hoddinott, one of two survivors of the aircraft attack (both of whom are now deceased), will travel from Scotland. On behalf of the Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Carmen Provenzano, M.P. and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs will represent the Government of Canada.

“Canada is very thankful to have the opportunity to properly honour these three brave Canadian men,” said Minister Pagtakhan. “We are deeply grateful to the people of The Netherlands for their commitment to this recovery effort. May we continue to dedicate ourselves to the human values for which these three, along with their comrades, fought so bravely and which today we cherish and protect.”

The three airmen were killed on May 5, 1943, when their Vickers Wellington Bomber was intercepted and shot down by a German fighter aircraft. Flight Sergeant Gordon Carter and Flight Sergeant Howard Hoddinott were also on board the burning aircraft, but parachuted out and were taken prisoner.

The recovery effort was initiated by the Salvage Vickers Wellington 1943 Foundation and carried out by the Royal Netherlands Air Force Salvage Team with the support of the Canadian Embassy, the community of Wilnis and municipality of De Ronde Venen. The Royal Netherlands Army Identification Unit identified the remains using records provided by the Government of Canada.

For additional information about the airmen, the burial and the salvage operation, please visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.

More information

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Media Enquiries:

Janice Summerby Media Relations Advisor Veterans Affairs Canada (613) 992-7468	Amy Butcher A/Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs (613) 996-4649

All Other Enquiries:
information@vac-acc.gc.ca