Harrett, Donald Photo
Rank AC2, Corporal, LAC
Service # R116959
Unit # R.C.A.F.
Resident Dresden, Port Lambton, Ontario
Books Of Rememberance Page Available

Of Wallaceburg, ON. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Milton Harrett on the 1st Concession, Camden Twsp. Married. And the father of a two year old son Ronald. His wife and son were living at Mr. and Mrs VanSickle (her parents) at 7 Montgomery Crescent in the Wartime housing area.

Donald enlisted in the army in 1941 did his basic training at No.12 BTC he would later transfer to the RCAF. Prior to going overseas he trained as a Radio Mechanic.

The DT 9/04/42 reported that Donald, stationed at  RCAF-Clinton, had moved to Canadian Active Service. 

After arrival in Great Britain May 10th, 1942 and after two months service in Britain and Northern Ireland was sent to Egypt where attached to Royal Air Force in Western Desert.He received the C.V.S.M. with Clasp, 1939 to 1945 Medal, European Defence Medal, African Star and Clasp, and the United States Soldiers Medal.

 

 

1 July, 1943 while stationed in Egypt he help rescue crew members from a USAAF Liberator bomber that crashed and caught fire only a short distance from the RCAF base he was at.

According to the WN 17/08/44 account: “The Liberator, evidently in difficulties, swubg low over the airdrome and crashed about 300 yards from Harrett’s tent. Aroused by the crash, Harrett and others ran to the scene of the accident. The co-pilot of the crew was killed but some of the members of the crew were injured.

Harrett admitted, in a letter to his wife that he went in among the wreckage of the plane and that he brought out a member of the crew aho had a badly broken hip.”

His wife had been informed of ‘unofficialy’ of the award, Her husband said very little about it.      

 Reported arriving at Halifax, NS. aboard the S. S. “Nieu Amsterdam”, 9 Sept., 1945. Expected to arrive at Lachine, PQ on the 11th for leave to return to their homes. CDN 10/09/45. The DN 3/10/45 rep[orted that Donald, his wife and son Ronald were visiting with his parents at the 1st concession home.

Discharged October 22nd, 1945.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Awards C.V.S.M. with Clasp, 1939-1945 Medal, European Defence Medal
Sources CM-IODE (P), KCFA, CDN
Age 21
Birthplace Born- October 26th, 1919
When Enlisted August 26th, 1941
Next of Kin Parents- Mr. & Mrs. Milton F. Harrett

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