Arthur Paul BLACKBURN

Name:	BLACKBURN, Arthur Paul, DFC
Nationality:	Canadian
Regiment/Service:	Royal Canadian Air Force
Rank:	Wing Commander
Service No.:	C/846
Unit Text:	No.434 Squadron
Date of Birth:	1916 - Aylsford, Kings, NS

BLACKBURN, W/C Arthur Paul - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.434 Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per London Gazette dated 16 January 1945 and AFRO 508/45 dated 23 March 1945. Born 1916 in Aylsford, Nova Scotia; home in New Glasgow (ex-COTC at St.Francis Xavier University); enlisted Halifax, 4 July 1938. Commissioned 1938. Received wings at Trenton, 17 June 1939. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 August 1941. To No.2 ANS, 3 October 1941. To No.10 AOS, 25 May 1942. To "Y" Depot, Halifax, 12 December 1942. Taken on strength of No.3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth, 20 January 1943. Promoted Wing Commander, 30 August 1944. Repatriated 18 June 1945. To No.8 OTU, 19 June 1945. Reverted to Squadron Leader, 1 October 1946. Regained Wing Commander rank, 1 January 1949. Award presented 1 April 1949. Photo PL-56971 shows him as a Wing Commander, Staff College, 22 May 1953. No citation other than "completed... numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty." Public Records Office Air 2/9038 has recommendation dated 26 October 1944. No details of first tour; credited with 15 sorties (73 hours ten minutes) on second tour.

14 July 1944 - Leipzig (6.40)	18 August 1944 - Bremen (5.40)
15 July 1944 - Diversion (4.20)	25 August 1944 - Calais (4.10)
17 July 1944 - Caen (4.35)	27 August 1944 - Sterkrade-Duisburg (5.20)
18 July 1944 - Weseling (6.10)	10 September 1944 - Le Havre (4.25)
23 July 1944 - Donges (5.45)	12 September 1944 - Le Havre (4.25)
24 July 1944 - L'Hey (3.40)	12 September 1944 - Dortmund (5.05) damaged by flak)
1 August 1944 - Acquet (4.05)	14 September 1944 - Duisburg (6.05)
3 August 1944 - Foret de Nieppe (4.30)	18 September 1944 - Domburgh (3.45)
16 August 1944 - Kiel (5.35)

Since this officer's enlistment in the Royal Canadian Air Force early in 1939 he has distinguished himself as a forceful and courageous leader. His operational efficiency during the tour of operations with Coastal Command and his work as an instructor at an Air Navigation School has brought him the praise of all his Senior Officers and the men who have worked with him.

Since joining the bomber squadron, Wing Commander Blackburn has proven himself a highly skilful and courageous captain whose fine example and untiring work both in the air and on the ground has led his squadron to an outstanding high standard of operational efficiency.

SOURCE: Air Force Association of Canada website and Hugh Halliday (July 30, 2010).