Flying Officer Philip Labelle was the pilot and is the third airman on the right.
While searching for more information about him I had found his citation on Airforce.ca.
LABELLE, F/O Philip Albert (J85882)
– Distinguished Flying Cross – No.426 Squadron
– Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 16 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945.
Born 29 November 1916 in Vancouver; home there (bookkeeper).
Enlisted Vancouver 1 May 1941 and posted to No.2A Manning Depot, that date.
To No.10 Repair Depot, 7 June 1941.
To No.2 ITS, 3 July 1941.
Promoted LAC, 19 August 1941 and posted to No.6 EFTS.
Posted elsewhere, 20 September 1941.
He appears to have left the service for reasons unstated and then recorded as having re-enlisted at No.3 Manning Depot, Vancouver, 23 July 1942 with original rank of AC2.
Posted to No.5 BGS, 11 September 1942;
to No.7 ITS, 24 October 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 30 December 1942 but not posted to No.19 EFTS until 6 February 1943;
graduated 2 April 1943 when posted to No.17 SFTS;
graduated and promoted Sergeant, 13 1943.
To Y Depot, 6 August 1943;
to RAF overseas, 25 August 1943.
Commissioned 17 April 1944.
Posted from No.61 Base to No.426 Squadron, 25 June 1944;
from No.426 Squadron to R Depot, 27 September 1944.
Repatriated to Canada, 8 December 1944.
To Western Air Command, 20 December 1944.
To No.8 Release Centre, 1 March 1945.
Retired 5 March 1945.
Died in Vancouver, 1 May 1976 as per British Columbia Vital Statistics.
No citation other than “completed…numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.\” DHist file 181.009 D.4431 (RG.24 Vol.20649) has recommendation dated 16 October 1944 when he had flown 32 sorties (154 hours 40 minutes), 27 June to 12 October 1944. This officer has completed 32 sorties over enemy territory, many of them against heavily defended areas such as Metz, Wesselling and Kiel. He has always shown great keenness to press home the attack and through his example has been an inspiration to his crew. His eagerness to go on operations and his disregard for personal danger make him stand out among his fellows. He is recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate).
The sortie list was as follows:
19 March 1944 – Air Sea Rescue (5.40)
27 June 1944 – Foret d’Eawy (4.25)
28 June 1944 – Metz (6.50)
5 July 1944 – Biennais (4.05)
6 July 1944 – Conquereaux (4.40)
7 July 1944 – Caen (4.20)
12 July 1944 – Creil (4.25)
15 July 1944 – Nucourt (4.20)
18 July 1944 – Wesseling (5.40)
20 July 1944 – L’Hey (3.20)
30 July 1944 – Amaye Seulles (4.25)
31 July 1944 – Foret de Croc (4.00)
5 August 1944 – St.Leu d’Esserent (5.05)
7 August 1944 – Totalize 5 (5.05)
8 August 1944 – Foret de Chantilly (4.40)
9 August 1944 – Foret de Nieppe (3.25)
12 August 1944 – Montrichard (5.20)
12 August 1944 – Falaise (4.00)
16 August 1944 – Kiel (5.55)
29 August 1944 – Brest (6.05)
31 August 1944 – Cezembre (5.05)
10 September 1944 – Le Havre (4.20)
11 September 1944 – Castrop Rauxel (5.05)
12 September 1944 – Wanne Eickel (5.00)
13 September 1944 – Osnabruck (5.05)
15 September 1944 – Kiel (5.25)
25 September 1944 – Calais (4.30)
26 September 1944 – Calais (4.20)
27 September 1944 – Bottrop (5.05)
30 September 1944 – Sterkrade (4.40)
6 October 1944 – Dortmund (6.10)
12 October 1944 – Wanne Eickel (5.35)
Philip Albert Labelle survived the war as well as his crew and he seems to have left some relatives. I found that he was married after 1971 to Caroline Carrothers (nee Donati), a widow, which then led me to find her obituary…
https://obittree.com/obituary/ca/british-columbia/vancouver/kearney-funeral-services/caroline-carrothers-labelle/176797/
Caroline Catherine Carrothers – Labelle (nee Donati)
October 31, 1918 – March 26, 2008
Caroline (Mom/Nana) will be sadly missed by sons Bill, Elmer and Paul, daughter-in-law Michele, granddaughters Hannah and Eve, as well as extended family and many dear friends. Referred to by more than one highly respected friend as one of the last great Vancouver Ladies, Caroline could always be relied on to provide elegant, tasteful, appropriate advice on etiquette and/or attire for any situation. She will be lovingly remembered for her unbounded energy, immense sparkle and huge love for her family and friends.
To contact us you can write a comment or fill out this form…
Preserving the Past II 