Philip Felix Gonroski

Flight Sergeant, Air Gunner
Royal Canadian Air Force
Killed in Action – March 6, 1945

Service Summary

Philip Felix Gonroski was born in Rivers, Manitoba, on August 25, 1925, and grew up in Moore Park. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force shortly after his eighteenth birthday as an Air Gunner.

He trained in Rivers, Gimli, Macdonald, and later in England.

Wartime Experience

Phil completed advanced training on Wellington and Halifax bombers before joining 429 “Bison” Squadron in Yorkshire.

He flew operational missions over Mannheim, Cologne, and Chemnitz, Germany.

Returning from his third mission on March 6, 1945, his Halifax bomber crashed near Halling, Kent, during dense fog. All crew members were killed.

Commemoration

Philip is buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery, Woking, Surrey, England. A northern Manitoba lake was later named Gonroski Lake in his memory.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• War Medal 1939–45