Flying Officer John Lawrence O'Neill

John Lawrence Pashindale O'Neill was born at Valleyfield, Quebec, on 30 December 1918. He attended the Gault Institute and studied mechanics and welding at Montreal Technical School. His civilian work included textile work, mechanical repairs and restaurant management. His parents, John and Mary O'Neill, lived at 6 East Park Street in Valleyfield. He completed a month of military training at Farnham before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force at Montreal on 29 November 1940, service number R81548. Initially engaged as a motor mechanic, he remustered to General Duties and then trained as a Wireless Operator Air Gunner. After No. 1 Manning Depot in Toronto and No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School at Jarvis, he attended No. 4 Wireless School at Guelph. He qualified as a wireless operator in February 1942 and received his Air Gunner's Badge and promotion to Sergeant on 16 March. He sailed for Britain on 1 May 1942 and trained at Madley, Prestwick and No. 1 Coastal Operational Training Unit at Silloth. In March 1943 he went to North Africa to serve with No. 608 Squadron RAF, flying Hudson aircraft. His service took him to North Africa, Sicily and Italy and included anti-submarine patrols. He advanced through Flight Sergeant and both warrant officer classes. His operational-badge declaration records 80 sorties and 497 hours 20 minutes of operational flying. He later performed signals-briefing duties at La Senia and with No. 337 Wing. O'Neill was commissioned Pilot Officer on 14 April 1944, receiving officer number J87176, and became Flying Officer on 14 October. He returned to Britain in June 1944 and left Greenock for special aircrew leave in Canada on 29 August, landing at New York on 7 September. A recurrent eye and sinus infection prevented his intended return overseas. He underwent sinus surgery during hospitalization at Lachine from October to November 1944 and subsequently performed ground and administrative duties in Canada. During 1945 he served at Trenton, St. Johns, No. 12 Equipment Depot in Montreal and Centralia, and completed a special officers' administrative course in Toronto. He married B. Marjorie Cudmore at St. Malachy's Church in Montreal on 7 July 1945. His awards included the 1939–45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with clasp, War Medal 1939–45 and Operational Wings. He was honourably released as a Flying Officer at Lachine on 5 December 1945, on completion of voluntary emergency service, and transferred to the RCAF Reserve, General Section, Class E. He received General Service War Service Badge 705549 and planned to seek manufacturing employment. He later owned O'Neils on Boulevard du Havre in Valleyfield. He died at Valleyfield on 25 August 1986, aged 67.

1918-12-30 — Born at Valleyfield, Quebec
1924 to 1935 — Attended Gault School / Gault Institute; completed Grade IX; Valleyfield, Quebec.
1936 to 1937 — Studied mechanics and welding at Montreal Technical School; Montreal, Quebec.
1937 to 1938 — Civilian employment included general repairs at Battery & Electric and mechanical work at Modern Motors; Montreal, Quebec.
1938 to 1940 — Worked as a fixer for Montreal Cottons, followed by restaurant-management employment with Lawrence Shea; Montreal, Quebec.
1940-07-11 — Initial medical and trade assessment; Motor Mechanic M.T. trade test passed; height 63.5 inches, weight 110 pounds; temporarily unfit because underweight; Valleyfield, Quebec.
1940-08-15 — Medical recheck still found him underweight, approximately 110 pounds
1940-10-09 to 1940-11-07 — Completed 30-day military training as a Private at Training Camp No. 40; Farnham, Quebec.
1940-11-18 — Medical recheck normal; weight 117 pounds
1940-11-25 to 1940-11-26 — Medical assessment and negative X-ray recorded before enlistment
1940-11-29 — Attested in RCAF Special Reserve as Aircraftman Second Class, R81548, for the duration; applied-for trade Motor Mechanic M.T.; single, restaurant manager, Roman Catholic; Montreal, Quebec.
1940-11-29 — Declared father John O'Neill and mother Mary O'Neill living at 6 East Park Street; father a storekeeper; no wife, children or other supported dependants; Valleyfield, Quebec.
1940-11-29 — Employment and character references supplied by Modern Motor Sales Limited and Lawrence Shea, proprietor of Melrose Tobacco Shop; Montreal, Quebec.
1940-11-30 — Posted to No. 1 Manning Depot; Toronto, Ontario.
1940-12-02 to 1940-12-16 — Vaccination, T.A.B. series and tetanus inoculation recorded; Toronto, Ontario.
1940-12-03 — Dental examination found prophylaxis required and partial dentures / restorative needs; Toronto, Ontario.
1941-02-24 — Voluntarily remustered to General Duties at No. 1 Manning Depot; Toronto, Ontario.
1941-02-28 — Advanced to Aircraftman First Class; Toronto, Ontario.
1941-03-19 — Taken on strength of No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School, following previous unit SOS 18 March; Jarvis, Ontario.
1941-05-28 — Advanced to Leading Aircraftman; another record gives 29 May; Jarvis, Ontario.
1941-06-12 to 1941-06-26 — Granted annual leave
1941-07-02 to 1941-08-18 — Dental extractions and fillings recorded; Jarvis, Ontario.
1941-07-05 — Applied from Drogue Flight, No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School, to remuster as Wireless Operator Air Gunner; squadron commander supported request if replaced; Jarvis, Ontario.
1941-07-22 — Aircrew medical board considered him thin and underweight; suitable leg length in Fairey Battle but further conditioning needed; Jarvis, Ontario.
1941-07-23 — John Lowe of Gault Institute supplied educational recommendation for aircrew training; Valleyfield, Quebec.
1941-08-03 — After athletics and physical training, reassessment found him suitable for aircrew; categories A1B and A3B
1941-08-30 — Remustered to Wireless Operator Air Gunner training and reclassified Aircraftman Second Class; ordered from Jarvis to No. 4 Wireless School, TOS recorded 31 August; Guelph, Ontario.
1941-09-01 to 1942-02-13 — Completed Wireless Course No. 25; passed ground training with 787/1,000, ranked 93rd of 146; assessed above average as air operator; No. 4 Wireless School, Guelph, Ontario.
1941-09-25 to 1941-10-14 — Diphtheria toxoid inoculations recorded; Guelph, Ontario.
1941-10-01 — Reclassified Leading Aircraftman; Guelph, Ontario.
1941-12 — Eight days' Christmas special leave entered; exact period not legible; Guelph, Ontario.
1941-12-17 — Annual T.A.B.T. inoculation recorded; Guelph, Ontario.
1942-01-18 to 1942-01-24 — Wireless flying instruction logged at Burtch; cumulative 10 hours 10 minutes; Burtch, Ontario.
1942-02-13 — Authorized to wear Wireless Operator's Badge on completion of wireless course; Guelph, Ontario.
1942-02-15 — Returned to No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School after wireless-school SOS 14 February; Jarvis, Ontario.
1942-02-16 to 1942-03-16 — Completed Armament Course 25/A; 7 hours 55 minutes gunnery flying in Battle aircraft; passed final air training at 73.3 percent, ninth of 31; Jarvis, Ontario.
1942-03-06 to 1942-03-13 — Partial lower denture fitted and further fillings completed; Jarvis, Ontario.
1942-03-11 — Medical recheck found fit for overseas duty; Jarvis, Ontario.
1942-03-16 — Promoted Temporary Sergeant and authorized Air Gunner's Badge; Jarvis, Ontario.
1942-03-17 to 1942-03-31 — Embarkation leave recorded
1942-03-18 — Taken on strength of Y Depot following Jarvis SOS 17 March; Halifax, Nova Scotia.
1942-04-02 — Signed embarkation statement naming mother Mary as legal next of kin; father John and Mrs. T. B. Shea also recorded; Halifax, Nova Scotia.
1942-04-30 — Transferred from Y Depot to RAF Trainees Pool; gratuity record counts overseas service from 29 April
1942-05-01 — Embarked from Canada for the United Kingdom
1942-05-12 — Disembarked in United Kingdom and posted to No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre; reception entry elsewhere gives 13 May, arrival interview 14 May; Bournemouth, England.
1942-05-19 — Night-vision test recorded; Bournemouth, England.
1942-06-05 — Posted to No. 4 School of Signals; training involved Dominie and Proctor aircraft; Madley, England.
1942-07-15 — Transferred to No. 3 R.D.F. School; completed A.S.V. training, using Botha aircraft; Prestwick, Scotland.
1942-08-18 — Transferred to No. 1 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit; Silloth, England.
1942-09-16 — Promoted Temporary Flight Sergeant; Silloth, England.
1942-09-19 to 1942-11-24 — Hudson operational Course No. 36 at Silloth; detailed report gives below-average assessment; Silloth, England.
1942-09-22 to 1942-09-28 — Granted privilege leave; Silloth, England.
1942-11-23 — Special medical examination found fit for overseas duty; retained aircrew categories; Silloth, England.
1942-12-04 — Further reporting/posting entry at No. 1 Coastal OTU; interview describes Lyneham period December–March, designation/location differ between records; United Kingdom.
1943-03-05 — Departed for North Africa by air from operational training; United Kingdom to North Africa.
1943-03-06 — Posted to No. 608 Squadron RAF for Hudson flying duties in North Africa; operational period starts 6 March; Blida, Algeria.
1943-03-16 — First operational sortie recorded; promoted Temporary Warrant Officer Class II; North Africa.
1943-04 — Lost airman's identification discs at Blida; later issued officer's discs; Blida, Algeria.
1943-08 — Service in Sicily and Italy recorded from August; Italy Star claim describes anti-submarine patrol west of Italy from Borizzo Airfield; Borizzo, Sicily, Italy.
1943-08-14 — Attached to RAF Station Bone; Bone, Algeria.
1943-09-16 — Promoted Temporary Warrant Officer Class I; Sicily and Italy.
1944-01-09 — Transferred from No. 608 Squadron to RAF La Senia for signals duties; Italy/Sicily period ended and North African service resumed; La Senia, Algeria.
1944-01-15 — Canadian Volunteer Service Medal ribbon and maple-leaf emblem authorized; Africa Star ribbon and rosette also recorded; La Senia, Algeria.
1944-04-10 — Taken on strength of No. 337 Wing from La Senia; signals-briefing duties recorded; another sheet gives preceding La Senia date 9 April; North Africa.
1944-04-14 — Commissioned Pilot Officer, General List, Wireless Officer Operator; new officer number J87176; airman service discharged 13 April on commissioning; North Africa.
1944-05-07 — Transferred from 337 Wing to a depot whose designation is read as No. 1 B.P.D. or R.P.D.; tour-expired status entered; North Africa.
1944-05-18 — Departed from Middle East / North African command for return to United Kingdom; North Africa to United Kingdom.
1944-06-01 — Disembarked in United Kingdom
1944-06-02 — Arrived at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Group 54; Bournemouth, England.
1944-06-05 to 1944-06-08 — Operational Badge eligibility certified after logbook examination; declaration records 80 sorties and 497 hours 20 minutes with No. 608 Squadron; other summaries give 82 sorties and 497.50 hours; United Kingdom.
1944-06-05 to 1944-06-19 — Granted disembarkation leave; United Kingdom.
1944-06-19 to 1944-06-24 — Additional leave entered; exact leave category unclear; United Kingdom.
1944-06-20 to 1944-06-25 — Air Crew Allocation Centre and RCAF R Depot entries recorded; detailed reception documents give R Depot temporary duty 25 June; United Kingdom.
1944-07-25 — Admitted to RCAF R Depot station sick quarters with left-eye pain and swelling, conjunctivitis and rhinitis; Warrington, England.
1944-07-26 to 1944-08-04 — Transferred to RAF Hospital, Padgate; acute dacryocystitis treated with penicillin, fomentations and ointment; improved and discharged to duty; Padgate, England.
1944-08-04 — Seven days' sick leave recommended on hospital discharge; Padgate, England.
1944-08-17 to 1944-08-23 — Sick leave entered; separate copy gives 14–22 August; United Kingdom.
1944-08-19 to 1944-08-22 — Recurrent infected left lacrimal cyst treated at R Depot and by Padgate specialist; granulation tissue removed 21 August; fit to travel 22 August; Warrington and Padgate, England.
1944-08-25 — Signed security declaration for return to Canada; RCAF R Depot, United Kingdom.
1944-08-29 — Embarked at Greenock for Canada on special aircrew leave; some copied entries give 22 or 28 August and name Ile de France; Greenock, Scotland.
1944-09-07 — Disembarked at New York; New York, United States.
1944-09-08 — Reported to No. 1 Repatriation Depot, Rockcliffe; proceeded on temporary duty to No. 3 Training Centre, Montreal; Rockcliffe, Ontario; Montreal, Quebec.
1944-09-09 to 1944-10-08 — Special aircrew leave at family home; intended to return overseas afterward; 6 East Park Street, Valleyfield, Quebec.
1944-10-09 — Reported to No. 1 Y Depot, Lachine, for intended overseas passage; medical retention prevented return; overseas HQ SOS effective 9 October; Lachine, Quebec.
1944-10-10 — Retrospective TOS at No. 1 Repatriation Depot ordered; father John remained next of kin and mother Mary designated to receive commission script; Lachine, Quebec.
1944-10-11 to 1944-11-28 — Hospitalized at No. 3 Command Medical Board Hospital for chronic left ethmoiditis with bone destruction and left frontal sinusitis; underwent radical ethmoidectomy and removal of frontal-sinus floor; Lachine, Quebec.
1944-10-14 — Promoted Temporary Flying Officer; several later documents continued to call him Pilot Officer; Lachine, Quebec.
1944-10-25 to 1944-10-26 — Sinus operation recorded: nursing record places operating-room visit on 25 October, temperature chart on 26 October; Lachine, Quebec.
1944-11-28 — Discharged from hospital improved; two weeks' sick leave recommended; Lachine, Quebec.
1944-11-29 to 1944-12-12 — Sick leave following surgery; Canada.
1944-12-14 to 1944-12-19 — Neuropsychiatric review for pain and postural dizziness found no neurological complication; two weeks' reconditioning recommended; Lachine, Quebec.
1944-12-18 — Ophthalmology review found 20/20 vision in both eyes and no ocular cause for headaches; postoperative scar at inner left canthus; Lachine, Quebec.
1945-01-03 to 1945-01-16 — Further sick leave recorded; Canada.
1945-01-16 — Consultant diagnosed improved anxiety state after reconditioning; fit for home ground duties; Lachine, Quebec.
1945-01-18 — Medical board recategorized for home ground duties; category approval entered later in January; Lachine, Quebec.
1945-01-30 — Commission script forwarded to mother Mary at 6 East Park Street; receipt acknowledged 5 February; Valleyfield, Quebec.
1945-02-06 to 1945-02-20 — Headquarters correspondence regularized overseas SOS 9 October and repatriation-depot TOS 10 October; later purported Release Centre/Lachine staff postings were directed to be amended; Lachine, Quebec.
1945-02-09 to 1945-02-22 — Annual leave recorded; starting date somewhat uncertain
1945-02-20 — Reported to No. 1 Air Command, Trenton, after posting effective 19 February; Trenton, Ontario.
1945-02-23 — Posted to No. 9 Air Observer School / Air Navigation School, St. Johns; summary cards give 22 February; St. Johns, Quebec.
1945-03-08 to 1945-04-05 — Temporary duty at No. 1 KTS, Toronto, for No. 7 Special Officers' Administrative Course; course ran 9 March–5 April and was completed successfully; Toronto, Ontario.
1945-03-14 — Declared intended post-service residence at 6 East Park Street; Valleyfield, Quebec.
1945-03-31 — Taken on strength of No. 12 Equipment Depot, Montreal, after posting effective 30 March; supernumerary status; Montreal East, Quebec.
1945-04-19 — Signed officer's oath of allegiance; No. 12 Equipment Depot, Montreal, Quebec.
1945-05-25 — Posting to No. 4 Air Command Headquarters, Cartierville/Saraguay, explicitly cancelled; no actual posting adopted; Montreal, Quebec.
1945-06-03 — Posted to No. 1 Aircrew Unit, Centralia; supernumerary date on report is 2 June; Centralia, Ontario.
1945-07-07 — Married B. Marjorie Cudmore at St. Malachy's Church; Montreal, Quebec.
1945-07-09 to 1945-07-22 — Annual leave for marriage; leave address 4568 Earnscliffe Avenue, N.D.G.; Montreal, Quebec.
1945-07-23 — Dependants' allowance in lieu of separation allowance began after leave
1945-09-16 — Transferred from Aircrew Unit to No. 1 Flying Training School; Centralia, Ontario.
1945-09-20 to 1945-09-21 — Special report praised organizing and administrative ability and reliability; Centralia, Ontario.
1945-09-25 to 1945-09-29 — Italy Star, Defence Medal and 1939–45 Star entitlement certified and recorded; Centralia, Ontario.
1945-11-01 to 1945-11-14 — Centralia traced medical documents lost after Lachine and Trenton; RCAF Records supplied photostatic copies; Centralia, Ontario; Ottawa, Ontario.
1945-11-16 — Retirement authorized on completion of voluntary emergency service, with transfer to Reserve General Section, Class E; Trenton, Ontario.
1945-11-28 to 1945-11-29 — Posted from No. 1 Flying Training School to No. 2 Release Centre; effective 28 November, report/TOS 29 November; Lachine, Quebec.
1945-12-03 to 1945-12-04 — Release medical and dental examinations; persistent sinusitis, DVA treatment recommended; neuropsychiatric symptoms improved and full fitness on those grounds; fit for civilian employment; Lachine, Quebec.
1945-12-04 — Veterans' counselling: planned manufacturing employment and possible small holding under Veterans' Land Act; referred to employment services, DVA and VLA; Lachine, Quebec.
1945-12-05 — Honourably released as Flying Officer on completion of voluntary emergency service and transferred to RCAF Reserve, General Section, Class E; Lachine, Quebec.
1945-12-05 — Received War Service Badge, General Service Class, 705549 and discharge documents; Lachine, Quebec.
1945-12-06 to 1946-01-04 — Thirty days' special leave commuted; not added to qualifying active-service days
1945-12-20 — Original documents returned, including two wills, reference, baptism extract, military enrolment certificate and acetylene-welding education letter; Valleyfield, Quebec.
1946-01-04 — Deadline to report for DVA post-discharge treatment at 369 Common Street; Montreal, Quebec.
1946-01-10 — War-service gratuity calculated at $1,007.13, paid in four stated $251.78 instalments; 1,833 total qualifying days and 855 qualifying overseas days; Valleyfield, Quebec.
1949-09-24 — Medal-request correspondence postmarked Valleyfield; requested medals to 405 Boulevard du Havre and stated none held; Valleyfield, Quebec.
1986-08-25 — Died at Valleyfield, Quebec, aged 67