----Remembrance Day: Flying Officer Charles Robertson Olmsted

 

The Second World War touched every aspect of life in Canada and shaped who we are today. This year during the 75th anniversary of V-E Day, we celebrate the end of the war in Europe and remember the fallen who fought to end it. More than 45,000 men and woman of Canada’s armed forces gave their lives and another 55,000 were wounded during the war. While we often think of the losses incurred in fighting overseas – our losses also included those serving in Canada itself.  The Aylmer Legion Branch 33 will honour our fallen by laying a wreath during a Virtual Remembrance Day Ceremony, on the grave of Flying Officer Charles Robertson Olmsted.

Charles (Chuck) Robertson Olmsted was born on 15 September, 1919. He graduated from the Glebe Collegiate Institute in 1939, finding employment in an Ottawa law firm immediately thereafter.  In December, 1940, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and received his wings in August, 1941, at Number 2 Service Training School at Uplands Airport.  In England a month later, he was commissioned in June, 1942, and flew Spitfires over France and Belgium, including providing air cover for ground forces during the Dieppe Raid.  

In February, 1943, he returned to Canada for medical reasons and reported to the Rockcliffe Repatriation Office, where he was assigned as officer in charge of navigation at the Bagotville operational training school. In September, 1943, he was married to Elizabeth nee Bartlett-Garrett. While conducting flight training, Flying Officer Olmsted was killed on 1 May, 1944. He is buried in the Olmsted family plot in Bellevue Cemetery, Aylmer, QC.  Lest we forget.  

On November 11, we invite you to watch the Aylmer Legion's Virtual Remembrance Day Ceremony which will be broadcasted on our Facebook page @AylmerLegion33 starting at 10:45 am.  On November 11: Honour.  Thank.  Remember.

Col Paul Fleury

Aylmer / Pontiac