COMRADE ALLEN LATHEM

Comrade Lathem enlisted in the RCAF on Sept. 1, 1943 and was off to Lachine, Quebec for basic training, however, as Lachine was overcrowded, his troop was sent to Summerside, P.E.I. to complete their training. In 1944 after basic training he was posted to No. 2 ANS, Charlottetown, P.E.I. (BCATP). There he was selected to serve in the flying control trade, which consisted of tower duty, flight planning and operations. In 1945 he volunteered for Tiger Force Pacific and was posted to Yarmouth. On August 15, 1946 he was released from war-time service.

On January 1, 1947 Al re-enlisted in the R.C.A.F. at Eastern Air Command HQ and was posted to R.C.A.F. marine on January 8, 1947. Later in the year, he was posted to Greenwood tower where Canso aircraft were used for search and rescue, Goose Bay tower, 10 Group HQ, Halifax, Greenwood tower, Aylmer on a GCA course, and again Greenwood GCA.

In September 1960 Al was posted to Air Division HQ, Metz, France. Here he was employed as air traffic controller in a bunker at Moselle Control – a joint operation of French civilians, French military, U.S.A.F. military and R.C.A.F. military. It was known as Mosell control under 4^th A.T.A.F.

On August 30, 1960 he was posted to Greenwood, radar section. While stationed at Greenwood in February 1970 he received a “Good Show” award for controlling on radar at Belgian Air force DC6 with all three airspeed indicators U/S to a fast landing during a snowstorm with very high winds and poor visibility.

In 1972 he was posted to Gagetown, N.B., as NCO l/c tower where helicopters were used. Then, in 1975 again posted to Greenwood as NCO 1/c tower. On November 11, 1977 he retired from military service.

Al and his wife a still living in the Greenwood area.Royal Canadian Legion Branch 098, Kingston is proud to present Comrade Lathem as “VETERAN OF THE MONTH” Aug./2006