Family, friends, colleagues and admirers of the late Air Commodore Len Birchall, also known as the “Saviour of Ceylon”, gathered under clear, blue skies at the 413 Air Commodore Leonard Birchall Wing (Air Force Association of Canada) in Trenton on May 7 to unveil a memorial cairn to this outstanding Canadian war hero and exceptional Air Force leader.
The cairn was the brainchild of Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Gordon Ireland of 888 Wing Comox who served under A/C Birchall for a few short months with 413 Squadron in 1942. He wanted to erect a lasting tribute to the life, legacy and leadership of a man whose wartime experiences as a Japanese Prisoner of War have inspired generations of Air Force personnel.
“The consistent gallantry and devotion to his fellow prisoners which he displayed throughout his four years of interment in a Japanese POW camp was viewed as perhaps the highest example of leadership the Royal Canadian Air Force had ever, and has ever, known,” “said Ireland prior to the event.
WO (Ret’d) Ireland and his committee could not have organized a more fitting tribute. It was replete with pipes and drums, a lone Spitfire flying overhead, the laying of wreaths and messages of thanks and admiration from dignitaries such as Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, Chief of the Air Staff.
“We are here today to unveil a cairn commemorating the life and legacy of one of Canada’s greatest heroes of World War II,” said LGen. Lucas. “A/C Birchall was a true Canadian hero. He deserves our greatest admiration.”
As a young Canadian Squadron Leader flying his first reconnaissance mission over the tiny island of Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka) on April 4, 1942, A/C Birchall spotted a huge Japanese strike force headed for the British base. He managed to get a message through to the base alerting personnel of the impending attack. The attack went ahead despite Birchall’s signal, but because of him the British were prepared and inflicted heavy losses on the Japanese. A/C Birchall and his crew were captured and sent to various POW camps in Japan.
Few people can command the kind of respect and admiration bestowed upon A/C Birchall from so many of members of the Air Force. Fewer still are ever able to earn it. Air Commodore Birchall was one who could and did, not only through his words, but through his actions as well. His legacy will live on as long as Canada has an Air Force. His sacrifices and selflessness will not be forgotten.
