George Lawrence Tomlinson

Warrant Officer Second Class (Air Gunner)
Royal Canadian Air Force

Service Summary

George Lawrence Tomlinson enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Winnipeg on November 30, 1943, at the age of 17 while living on the family farm in the Cameron District northwest of Minnedosa.

He first trained at Edmonton and later completed educational upgrading in Winnipeg before entering aircrew training.

George graduated as a Sergeant Air Gunner on June 16, 1944, and received his Air Gunner Wings.

Wartime Experience

George sailed overseas aboard the Empress of Scotland in July 1944.

He trained in England at Operational Training Units flying Whitley and Wellington aircraft before converting to four-engine Halifax bombers.

He was promoted to Flight Sergeant in March 1945 and later posted to:

• No. 415 Squadron (Halifax aircraft)

• No. 424 Squadron (Lancaster aircraft)

• No. 427 Squadron

His duties after Victory in Europe included:

• Bomb disposal flights over the North Sea

• Returning British soldiers home from Naples and Bari, Italy

He was promoted to Warrant Officer Second Class on December 16, 1945.

George returned to Canada aboard the Ile de France and was discharged in Winnipeg on June 21, 1946.

Post-Service Life

George returned to farming in the Cameron District.

In 1966, he married Ann Ewachewski, and together they raised two sons, Jim and Scott.

He later worked as ice maker at the Minnedosa curling rink from 1967 to 1986.

George enjoyed reading, fishing, gardening, and curling.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp

• Defence Medal

• War Medal 1939–45