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VANCE, Tommy

Stats:

rank: F/O
status: survived
airforce: RCAF
born: Canada

added by: kurtis
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All Images:

Bio / Text:

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A pilot whose main role was ground support from D-Day on. Tommy Vance flew through considerable flak but came out unscathed. He also landed a spitfire on one wheel (fairly dangerous) while ferrying an aircraft. Calling up the control tower, he performed various manoeuvres to try to unstick the undercarriage; flying upside down, rolls, etc. Finally, the ground crew inspected the aircraft on a low flypass. Successfully landed it with minimal damage and the aircraft flew a week later. Later on, he provided support as the allies moved into Germany.

Later in life Tom worked for E.R. & Fisher in Ottawa.

Squadrons:

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AirforceSqdrnDate
RCAF 411 1944-06-20

Aircraft:

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SerialNoteDate
NH341 DB-E 1944-10-01

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Comments / Questions:


by: kurtis Serial Matched to Marking - previously only known as DB-E no serial 2017-08-24 03:53:36

In the video, a picture is shown of Tommy Vance in a lead aircraft -- with marking DB-E. Subsequent internet research (2017) shows restored aircraft of 411 "Grizzly" Squadron aircraft NH341 - with same marking, with remarks in the link attached (above) that this aircraft was flown by nine different RCAF pilots. We've now added that serial -- and it's exciting to know that this aircraft is now flight ready again.
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