Carl Jhalmar Uno Erickson

Leading Aircraftman, Firefighter
Royal Canadian Air Force

Service Summary

Carl Jhalmar Uno Erickson enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in December 1941 at the age of 21 while living in Minnedosa, Manitoba. Born in Sweden in 1920, he underwent additional security screening because Sweden remained neutral during the Second World War.

He was sent immediately to Vancouver Island for guard duty during the tense period following Pearl Harbor.

Wartime Experience

Carl first served at Ucluelet, a seaplane base on Vancouver Island, before deploying overseas to the United Kingdom in the spring of 1942 aboard the Empress of Scotland.

He was posted to Yorkshire as a firefighter on an airfield crash crew, responding to aircraft accidents and fires. He later served at Wombleton with No. 6 RCAF Bomber Command, where crews trained on Halifax and Lancaster bombers.

Carl witnessed the dangers of wartime flying firsthand, attending numerous crash scenes where exploding ammunition and burning aircraft created perilous conditions.

Post-Service Life

Carl returned to Canada in late 1945 and settled in Minnedosa. In 1948, he married Brenda Downe of Yorkshire, England.

He worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway, later as custodian of the North School and the Court House. Carl and Brenda also operated a successful greenhouse business.

They raised two children, Martin and Melanie. Carl passed away in 1993 and is interred in Minnedosa Cemetery.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• 1939–45 Star

• War Medal 1939–45