This site contains the work of grade 10 Canadian History students of Glebe Collegiate who have researched one of our former Glebe students who served in World War II and who fell in the line of duty. The site is constantly under construction and we welcome corrections, suggestions and contributions.
If you are a relative or a researcher and have more information/expertise to share with us, please contact me by requesting access to the site.
Anderson James Blain
Figure 1.1 - The Canadian Royal Air Force Logo
Background:
Born in March 13, 1919, James Blain Anderson was the son of Percy Mendell Anderson and Mary Thomas Blain. His father, Percy Mendell Anderson, was a former military major and a counsel in the Department of Justice. His mother, Mary Thomas Blain, was a house wife. They had their child in Regina, and later on they moved to 514 Driveway (now called Queen Elizabeth Driveway), Ottawa Ontario. James Blain Anderson was what you would call your typical Canadian at that time. His hobbies ranged from rugby, hockey, golf, baseball, and even studying. He came from a an Anglican family, who were relatively middle/upper class, and went to local schools in Ottawa. He went to Mutchmor and Hopewell for elementary, Glebe Collegiate for High School. He also worked in International Nickel Co. for 6 months before he had left to Queens University in 1938. He goes for one year in Queens in the Faculty of Commerce before he decides to enlist in the R.C.A.F. James was relatively in good health and had only one case of bronchitis in the past. According to the attestation papers, he was well built 5 feet 10 inches, with a ruddy complexion, and black hair and brown eyes.
Service:
James Blain Anderson enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force at Toronto in June 21, 1940 (when he was 21). There are many reasons that could have pushed him to enlist in the air force. I assume that since his father was a major in the army, he could have influenced his decision. Another potential reason for enlistment is patriotism. James Blain could have been very patriotic and loved his country so much, which is why he enlisted. Another potential reason for his enlistment is that, he was a young man and wanted to have an adventure. What better way than enlisting in the air force, where you would be able to be in a flying vehicle! After his medical examination was conducted, he had to do an interview. His interviewer saw him as a very confident and pleasant person and said he had what it takes to become a military officer. He was recommended the air gunner position. One thing to note is that at the beginning of the war, an air-gunner had the dual job of conducting wireless operations as well as managing the turret.Thus after his interview, he was all around the country training to become an air gunner. He trained for a period of nine months, in different parts of the country; such training locations were in Regina, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. The training for a wireless operator/air gunner was very difficult. James Blain was very lucky to spend most of his training during the summer, because most boarding schools at that time had one supply of coal delivered once a month. That supply usually ends before the month finishes, and the air force students have to go through Canada's freezing winter temperatures without a heating system. During his training, he had to learn Morse code really well. At days he would sit in a room for hours and hours practicing receiving and sending messages. For it was the duty of the wireless operator to do so, and any message he sends or receives during flight operations could be crucial for the survival and success of his air crew. Besides the mastery of the radio and the Morse Code, James Blain had to learn how to recognize enemy air crafts and working with turrets. He had to learn how to shoot the turret in various ways, and how to build and strip down the .303 turrets blindfolded. After James finished his training he was sent to different squadrons in England. He served in squadron 58 and 35. It was in squadron 35 that the first Halifax Bomber planes were used! During his serving in England he gets promoted to Sergeant. James Blain's job as an air gunner/wireless operator had to recognize enemy aircraft and warn the rest of the crew members, as well as shooting them down. I personally find this job as the most difficult than any other air force job at that time. According to the bomber command museum, James Blain or any other air gunner at that time would spend the mission (that could last up to 16 hours) in a tight Plexiglas dome shaped chamber where temperatures could reach -40 Celsius depending on the altitude of the operation. The only sound the air gunner would hear would be the engines, oxygen hiss, and once in a while the voices of the other air crew members in his earphones. Immediately after takeoff, the air gunner would rotate his turret slowly scanning for enemy aircrafts in total darkness, knowing that the lives of his crew members depended on him!
Figure 1.2 - Some air gunners removed some parts of the Figure 1.2 - This is the uniform that was worn by air gunners. Figure 1.3 - The 35 squadron was the first to use the
Plexiglas to have a better view It had an oxygen mask, a heating system , and inflation system. Halifax Bomber Planes.
Figure 1.4 - Picture of the .303 turrets used in the Halifax Bomber Planes Figure 1.5 - Air Gunner Badge
Video: Halifax Bomber in Action
Death & Memorial:
James Blain Anderson died during flight operations in August 25, 1941. He was buried in Chievres Communal Cemetery, Belgium at joint grave 1-2 and has a grave marker in his memory in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa ON.
Figure 1.6 - Grave marker in memory of James Blain Anderson in Beechwood Figure 1.7 - News Paper clipping related to James Blain's death.
Cemetery in Ottawa ON. Source: Globe and Mail 1941
Figure 1.8 - News Paper clipping related to James Blain's death. Source: Globe and Mail 1941
Works Cited:
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