Sgt L.S.C. Tait RAF and Sgt R.A.W. Tait RAF Canadian?

[Paul Squires]

Hi All,

Been busy back-checking previous entries in the They Shall Grow Not Old Errata.

Found two RAF Airman whose connection to Canada needs confirming.

First is Sgt Lionel Stanley Cross Tait 1312832 RAF, who is listed from Edmonton, Alberta. However he was born in England, and adopted by his aunt in England, and there is no apparent connection with Canada.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/112 ... anley-tait

It is possible he is entered in error in confusion with F/O Leonard James Tait 82967 RAF, also listed from Edmonton, Alberta. Both might be connected to Edmonton, England.

Second (or possibly third) is Sgt Richard Albert William Tait 751664 RAF, from Empress, Alberta. In his case he is buried in the Brookwood Military Cemetery, Surrey, England, which might indicate a connection, but this might be a collective grave as 4 of the 5 crew from his Whitley aircraft P4982 are also buried at Brookwood, P/O S.P. Swensen RAF (Can.) [from Brooks, Alberta], Sgt A.K. Dawson RAF and Sgt J.B. O'Brien RAF.

P/O Swensen was married, to Edna Daisy Swensen, of Calgary, so that connection seems correct.

[How I wish Library and Archives Canada included files on Canadians killed in foriegn service!]

Can anyone provide any information on these 2 (or 3?) Airmen?

All the Best,

Paul Squires
Wetaskiwin, Alberta