| 26" x 20" | "Unpassioned Beauty" Don Connolly Countersigned Edition Size: 475 |
$75.00 (Cdn) |
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411 "Grizzly Bear" Squadron was one of the longest serving (mid 1941 to mid 1945) RCAF Spitfire units, and was equipped with several successive marks of this famous aircraft. A number of well-known pilots served with the "Grizzlies", including Buck McNair, Dal Russell, Ian Ormstrom and Dick Audette. Numerous other aircrew and groundcrew contributed to the outstanding record of this squadron, among whom was … DOUGLAS R. MATHESON. Edmonton born Douglas R. Matheson joined the RCAF in 1940. In February 1942, he joined 411 Squadron at Hornchurch, Essex, as a Sergeant-Pilot, and was commissioned just after the Dieppe raid of August 19, 1942. Early the next year he became a flight commander and served under two of Canada's outstanding Wing Commanders, B.D. "Dal" Russell and R.W. "Buck" McNair. He flew continually on operations until December 1, 1943, when, on that day - operating out of Biggin Hill - he was shot down by FW 190 over northern France, near Vimy Ridge. Then, after evading capture for six months, he eventually became a prisoner in Stalag Luft 111.  Following the war, Matheson studied law at the University of Alberta and then practiced in Edmonton until his appointment as a Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench in 1985, a position he still holds. Since 1984, he has served as Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of 418 Reserve Squadron, and serves on the National Board of Directors of Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame. He remains an active pilot, enjoying until recently his float equipped DeHavilland Beaver, and currently his Beechcraft Bonanza.
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