James Frederick Proven

Flying Officer, Bomb Aimer
Royal Canadian Air Force

Service Summary

James Frederick Proven was from Basswood, Manitoba, and was living on the family farm when he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Winnipeg in March 1942 at the age of 18.

He trained at Brandon, Edmonton, High River, Dauphin, and Malton. Initially selected for pilot training, he later remustered to Bomb Aimer and received his commission as Pilot Officer.

Wartime Experience

James deployed overseas aboard the Aquitania in 1943.

After operational training in England, he joined No. 408 Squadron (“Goose Squadron”) flying Lancaster bombers.

He completed 30 operational missions over enemy territory, including raids on:

• Dortmund

• Essen

• Duisburg

• Kiel

• Caen

• Falaise

• Ruhr industrial targets

• V-1 launch sites in France

He survived fighter attacks, searchlight “coning,” emergency landings, aircraft fires, and a dramatic crash landing with a full bomb load aboard.

His final operation was over Essen on October 23, 1944.

Post-Service Life

James married Dorothy Bennett of Suffolk, England, in November 1944.

After returning to Canada, he completed Grade XII in Minnedosa, rejoined the RCAF for five years as an Armorer, and later worked in Calgary before returning to farming at Fairmount.

He later served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Rolling River School Division until retiring in 1985.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• Air Crew Europe Star with France and Germany Clasp

• 1939–45 Star

• Operational Wings

• War Medal 1939–45