Ernest Leslie Shuttleworth

Flying Officer (Pilot/Navigator)
Royal Canadian Air Force
Killed in Action – June 30, 1943

Service Summary

Ernest Leslie Shuttleworth was the third son of Norman and Sadie (Cameron) Shuttleworth, whose family settled in the Rural Municipality of Odanah from Ontario in 1883. He completed schooling at Rookhurst and later pursued agricultural studies at the University of Manitoba.

Leslie enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Brandon in 1942 as aircrew.

He trained at Brandon, Regina, Elementary Flying Training School, and No. 11 Service Flying Training School at Yorkton, Saskatchewan, where he earned his wings and was commissioned as Pilot Officer.

He later completed Navigation School at Summerside, Prince Edward Island, qualifying officially as Pilot/Navigator (P/N).

Wartime Experience

Leslie deployed overseas to the United Kingdom and joined No. 407 Squadron (“Demon Squadron”) of the RCAF.

The squadron converted to Wellington aircraft and joined Coastal Command, conducting anti-submarine patrols over the Bay of Biscay.

These aircraft carried:

• Depth charges

• Leigh searchlights

• Advanced radar systems

On the night of June 30, 1943, Leslie and his crew departed RAF Chivenor on patrol toward the Spanish coast and Bay of Biscay.

The aircraft failed to return, and no distress signal was ever received. It was believed the Wellington was destroyed suddenly, likely by a German JU-88 night fighter.

Leslie was 23 years old.

Commemoration

Flying Officer Shuttleworth has no known grave and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.

His loss was deeply felt in the Minnedosa district.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• War Medal 1939–45