WONNACOTT BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sqn. Ldr. Gordon Wonnacott DFC & Bar RCAF No.J9868

Sqn. Ldr. Gordon Wonnacott DFC & Bar RCAF No.J9868
Gordon was born 10th October,1914 in Edmonton,Alberta,Canada. He attended Olds School of Agriculture and worked on his fathers farm before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force in June 1940. He was also a teamster and mill worker in the winters of 1936-37 and 1937-38.
He trained at No.1 ITS (24 June to 19 July 1940), Edmonton Aero Club (graduated 16 September 1940) and No.1 SFTS (14 September 1940 to 11 January 1941, although graduation date is also given as 21 November 1940).
He qualified as a pilot in January 1941, and was commissioned in December 1941. As a sergeant he became an instructor, attending a course at CFS Trenton. Retained in Canada as instructor at Nos.10 SFTS Dauphin (20 February 1941 to 19 February 1942) and 7 SFTS, Macleod (20 February to 28 December 1942). In September 1942 while carrying out instrument flying practice, he and another officer landed an Anson at an unauthorized field. The aircraft was damaged on takeoff. Wonnacott was reproved and his overseas posting delayed two months
He was posted to the UK in Feb 1943 where he was further trained at No.14 (P) AFU and No.5 (P) AFU, No.41 OTU (13th April to 14th July 1943 including attachment to School of Artillery, 5-27 June 1943) before joining 414 Sqn. in July 1943 as a tactical reconnaissance pilot and Flight Leader. During these duties he was able engage enemy aircraft on several occasions, being promoted Flt. Lt. in December 1943 and Sqn. Ldr. in October 1944. In November of that year, he was awarded a DFC. On New Years Day 1945 during the German attack on Allied airfields in Belgium and Holland, he was in the air on a reconnaissance. Returning to see his airfield being strafed he engaged immediatley,claiming three destroyed for which he was awarded a Bar to his DFC in February.
In Nov 1944 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (effective 24th November 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1/45 dated 5th January 1945) and promoted to Squadron Leader. He once again showed gallantry and in Feb 1945 was awarded the associated Bar to his existing DFC. He returned to Canada 9 March 1945 and was demobilised 9th October 1945.

Distinguished Flying Cross the following is noted:
Aerial victories as follows: 2nd November 1943, one FW.190 destroyed south of Cambrai (shared with F/O R.O. Brown)
28th January 1944, one Bf.109E destroyed, Chartres plus one unidentified enemy aircraft (possibly a Bf.109) shot down in company with F/L G.W. Burroughs
1st January 1945, two Bf.109s destroyed, Heinsberg plus one FW.190 damaged. Phot PL-22755 shows him in flying gear.
Both DFC and Bar sent by registered mail, 12 March 1949.

Flight Lieutenant Wonnacott has completed a large number of operational sorties of low level photography and tactical reconnaissance. In the initial stages of the liberation of Normandy this officer twice flew long sorties directing naval bombardments. His day intruder activities have resulted in the destruction of two enemy aircraft and numerous trains and barges damaged. He has shown exceptional keenness and devotion to duty throughout a long period and has set a magnificent example to all. He is an outstanding officer who shows great qualities of leadership as a flight commander.

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross
WONNACOTT, S/L Gordon, DFC (J9868) - - No.414 Squadron - Award effective 23 February 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 625/45 dated 13 April 1945. This officer continues to show great gallantry in air operations. His keenness to engage the enemy was well in evidence on one occasion in January 1945 when, on returning to base at the completion of a reconnaissance, he saw the airfield was being attacked by a large force of enemy aircraft. Squadron Leader Wonnacott immediately engaged the enemy. Before all his ammunition was expended, this resolute pilot had destroyed three of the attacking force. This officer has displayed devotion to duty of a very high order.

We are indepted to Sgt. Chris Wonnacott , Royal Canadian Air Cadet, 60 Confederation Squadron, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island who has provided much of the updated information for this page.

For more details go to Aces of WW2

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