The Royal Canadian Air Force flew a CC-13oH Hercules aircraft over the home of a Winnipeg veteran Wednesday afternoon.
The flyover, which took place around 1:30 p.m. in the Linden Ridge area, is in honour of Richard Earl, a World War 2 veteran as a way to celebrate his 100th birthday.
Earl was a founding member of the 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron, he was a radio operator during supply missions between India and Burma, now known as Myanmar.
“It brings back wonderful memories,” said Earl. “I’m one of the original members of the 435, and I never realized they were based here in Winnipeg until a friend of mine told me so.”
Surrounded by friends and family, Earl was thrilled watching the Hercules pass overhead. It’s a moment he says he is honoured to share with others.
Current members of the 435 squadron, including its commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Josh Leveque joined Earl on his special day, presenting him with a number of honours, including a photo of him in the cockpit of the Hercules. Leveque explained how special it has been getting to know an original member of the squadron he now leads.
“We’re extremely humbled to celebrate with our veterans, for all their contributions made for Canada during the war,” said Leveque. “Being able to stand beside someone who was on the parade square November 1st 1984, when the squadron was formed in Burma in the second world war is a magnificent feeling.”