Rank & Name: W/O A.J 'Ace' Bailey - (later F/O)
Date of Death: 21/04/1989
Details:

Summary of Alfred J. Bailey’s Service Record

Service No: R115446
DOB: December 12, 1921, born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Occupation: Auto Mechanic
Sworn into RCAF: July 23, 1941


Basic Training: No. 1 Manning Depot, Toronto Canada; Assigned for Aircrew Training as a Wireless Air Gunner


Aircrew Training Completed in Canada:

· April 10, 1942: No. 4 Wireless School and Flying School in Guelph, Ontario
· May 11, 1942: No. 1 Bombing and Gunnery School, Jarvis Ontario


Advanced Aircrew Training Completed in Britain:
· July, 1942: No. 2 Advanced Flying Unit (A.F.U.), Millom, Cumbria
· August 26, 1942: No. 3 Radio School, Prestwick Scotland
· December 11, 1942: No. 1 OTU (Operational Training Unit), Silloth, Cumbria

 

Operational Service:
December 23, 1942- June 4, 1944
· Wireless Air Gunner, 59 Squadron, RAF; stationed at Thorney Island, Chivenor, St. Eval, Adlergrove N. Ireland, and Ballykelly, N. Ireland
· Flew in Mk, IIa B-17 Fortresses, December 1942- March 1943
· Flew in B-24 Mk. V Liberators, May, 1943- June 1944
· 46 operational sorties from January 26, 1943– June 4, 1944
· Took part in attack on U-223, March 1, 1943

Post 59 Squadron:
June 16, 1944- March 21, 1945
· Instructor, Wireless and Gunnery School, RAF Mona, Angelsey, North Wales
March 22, 1945: returned to Canada
May 19, 1945: struck off active duty list, transferred to reserves.


Enlisted Ranks:
Leading Aircraftsman 1: April 1942
Sergeant: June 1942
Warrant Officer 2: August 1943
Commissioned Ranks:
Pilot Officer: April 1944
Rank at Discharge: Flying Officer
Decorations: 1939-45 Star, Operational Wing, Canadian Volunteer Service medal and Clasp.
Injuries: none

Post War:
· Resided in Toronto, firefighter with Toronto Fire Department, 1945-1965
· Resided in Guelph Ontario, worked at Canadian Tire, Guelph, 1965-69, and City of Guelph, 1969-1981
· Retired 1981, moved to Port Sydney, Muskoka, Ontario
· Married Joyce Clarke of Toronto August 25, 1945; four children- Steven (1947), Mark (1951), Glenn (1953), Jennifer (1960)
· Died April 21, 1989 at age 67 from complications arising out of a brain tumour
· Buried in Stevenson Cemetery, Port Sydney Ontario

 

 

Further Information

Summary and picture for Ace Bailey provided by his son Steve, who has compiled an extensive and very compelling history of his fathers service, from which many interesting facts and images have been noted on this site. If you would like to get in contact with Steve, please drop me a line and I will pass on your details.

Rest In Peace