Municipality : Hamilton
Community : Ontario

Description : Brad Walker was born in Hamilton, Ontario, on December 1, 1917. He enlisted in the Air Force, Fighter Command on May 27, 1940, and served in Canada until December 1st of that year, when he was sent to the United Kingdom. On December 21st, Walker was assigned to the 403 Squadron RCAF at Manston, Kent. He piloted a Spitfire, conducting Fighter Sweeps, escorting bombers and ships, carrying out ground strafing as well as keeping enemy runways out of commission. Squadron Commander Walker saw action in two tours of duty, making 203 operational flights against the enemy, in both the Hurricane, and Spitfire V to IX. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross at a Royal Investiture on June 6th, 1942, for Leadership and Meritorious Service in the Air, mentioned in Despatches twice, and awarded the American Air Medal from the U.S. government, in recognition of leading air combats against the Japanese invading forces. Brad Walker moved to Bradford in 1951.

Continuation of veteran biographies (see Related Description: "The noise of the aircraft, the guns..."): Gunner John Douglas Breeze, 1st Lieutenant Arthur Kneeshaw, Flight Officer James M. Booth, Corporal James G. McKinstry, Signalman Lester B. Woolven, Brigadier-General (Padre) Ormand A. Hopkins

Louis Graham Neilly, son of Louis Allen and Flossie Scott. He served as a pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II.

Lou Neilly (centre). Other two soldiers are unknown

Photograph of Jack Geddes, soldier in World War II who lost his life in battle. Jack was the son of George and Julia Ethel (Robinson) Geddes, born on May 13th, 1917 in Bradford, Ontario. . Jack worked as a Sub-Foreman for a Barrie construction company prior to marrying Mabel Elizabeth Copeland in May, 1940, and they had a daughter Gwendoline Elizabeth. He enlisted on November 27, 1942 specifically for the RCAF. Jack earned the rank of Sergeant in October of 1943 and was an Air Gunner for the RCAF. He and his flight crew did not return from their mission to Revigny, France. They were presumed dead until his body was found and registered through the Imperial War Graves Commission at Auger St Vincent Cemetery in Oise, France. He died July 19, 1944, and his wife received his Operational Wings recognition in honour of his service.

Memorial page for Hedley G. Dimock from the Madras War Cemetery in India where he is buried. It reads:
"Joined the R.C.A.F as an Avi Engine Mechanic, rising through the ranks to a Pilot Officer. He was born in Eston, Sask. on the 22nd April, 1922; moving to Bradford, Ontario he attended the Public and High School, passing the 12th Grade with honours. He died at Cochin India, the 27th June '44."

Photograph of Flight Sergeant Hedley G. Dimock of the RCAF, who died June 26, 1944 in a take-off accident in India.