Capt. Ken's comments

By Ken Armstrong

A book review

Flying Officer Jim Moffat was a WWII tail gunner in an RCAF 427 (Lion) Squadron Halifax bomber which collided with a RAF Lancaster. He miraculously survives while the other crew members perish.
The initial glimpses into his Northern Ontario life that lead him into the cramped confines of the tail gunner’s position and the subsequent mid air collision are poignant reminders of life and death a half century ago.
The remainder of the book details Moffat’s efforts to elude capture by the Nazi’s in Belgium and France and the heroic efforts of the country and town folk to protect him from their mutual enemy.
Lives were lost and martyrs made to save Moffat and they eventually secure his escape to a neutral country after many fascinating challenges.
During one period of the six months in hiding, Moffat effectively joins the French Maquis during covert operations against the occupying German forces. This segment not only injects the humour of war but also brings us in contact with the intimate death of comrades.
The foreword is by LCOL Daniel Guertin, former CO of 427 Squadron, a man who was greatly entertained by Moffat’s wartime stories.
Mary Thomas, the author and a journalist with Quinte Broadcasting, takes these interesting tales and creates a very readable set of yarns that are both informative and entertaining.
This 225 page memoir is available from Thomas at 36 Meadowvale Ave, Belleville, ON K8N 2L4 or from Jim Moffat at 810-49th Ave, Lachine, Que. H8T 2T2 for $19.95 plus $2.50 for shipping.