William Christie MAXWELL (1920-

Name:	MAXWELL, William Christie
Nationality:	Canadian
Regiment/Service:	Royal Canadian Air Force
Rank:	Flying Officer
Service No.:	R/93153 and J/35980
Date of Birth:	03 July 1920 - Mount Dennis, York, ON

MAXWELL, WO1 (now F/O) William Christie (R93153/J35980) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.10 Squadron - Award effective 8 June 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1380/44 dated 30 June 1944. Born 03 July 1920 at Mount Dennis (Toronto suburb); employed by a motor shaft company; enlisted in Toronto, 12 February 1941. Trained at No.3 ITS (graduated 21 June 1941), No.6 BGS (graduated 07 November 1941), No.9 AOS (graduated 29 September 1941) and No.2 ANS (graduated 8 December 1941). To No.10 (BR) Squadron, 1 January 1942. To No.11 (BR) Squadron, 31 August 1942. To No.20 EFTS, 12 December 1942. Returned to No.11 (BR) Squadron, 05 March 1943. To No.10 (BR) Squadron, 29 April 1943. Commissioned 12 July 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 12 January 1944. To No.11 (BR) Squadron, 04 August 1944. To No.121 Squadron, 13 November 1944. To No.4 Release Centre, 03 March 1945. Retired 12 March 1945. Rejoined Interim Force almost immediately, being retained by No.121 Squadron. Flight Lieutenant as of 1 August 1946; promoted Squadron Leader, 1 September 1947 (300076). Appears to have been released in Guelph area, late 1949. Legion Magazine of December 1986/January 1987 reported the death of “Wing Commander Padre William Maxwell, DFC” in London, Ontario, 19 August 1986, age 68. It is not clear if this is William Christie or William Mead Maxwell. Medal presented 6 March 1945. As of award had flown 1,087:15 hours (630:40 operational, 86 sorties).

This navigator has completed many operational flying hours in the North Atlantic area. Upon one occasion when participating in an attack against an enemy submarine, he was wounded in the head and leg by anti-aircraft fire. He kept the bomb doors open to ensure release of the depth charges and, after first aid was administered, successfully navigated his aircraft over 700 miles back to base in very bad weather. He has at all times proved himself to be a navigator of exceptional ability.