Date: 16th July 1942
Unit: No. 111 Squadron R.C.A.F.
Type: Curtiss Kittyhawk I
Serial: AL166
Code: LZ-O
Base: Elmendorf Field, Anchorage, Alaska
Location: Aleutian Islands
Pilot: Fl/Sgt. Gordon Douglas Baird R/95331 R.C.A.F. Age 22. Killed (1)
(1) His younger brother was also killed later on in 1945 on a bombing mission in Germany - both have geographical features named after them.
REASON FOR LOSS:
On patrol to combat the threat of the Japanese who had occupied the island of Kiska in the Aleutian Islands.
This area is renowned for very fast moving fog and this caused the accidents of the 5 Kittyhawk's this day. All pilots were killed.
Fl/Sgt. Gordon Douglas Baird - pictured during training. (A.R.Society archives)
111 Squadron over Alaska 1942 (A.R.Society archives)
111 Squadron Anchorage Alaska 1942 (A.R.Society archives)
We are working very closely with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Manitoba geographical names project and the Saskatchewan Tourism Parks, culture and sports department to show with the aid of Google maps where many of the WW2 Aviators are being remembered. If you are also able to assist by sending other information please "Contact Us". To see the Google map locations for others "Click Here"
Ottawa War memorial (C.W.G.C.)
Burial Details:
Fl/Sgt. Gordon Douglas Baird. No named grave - Ottawa War memorial
Son of James H. and Sarah A. Baird, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Researched by David King / Kelvin T. Youngs (A.R.Society November 2009)
