Duncan Cenotaph
As part of our project to document the names on the Duncan Cenotaph in Charles Hoey Park, here is a page about Pilot Officer Ernest Maurice Witt, who died 14 July 1943, while serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force 405 Squadron as a Bomb Aimer. He is buried in Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Netherlands.
In July 1943, Royal Canadian Air Force 405 Squadron was based at Gransden Lodge, U.K.
Here is the local Cowichan Leader newspaper report of the death of Pilot Officer Ernest Maurice Witt:
“Taught At Lake
P.O. Ernest Witt, Missing Flyer, Presumed Dead
PO Ernest Witt, R.C.A.F., a teacher for two years at Lake Cowichan High School, has been missing since June on active service over Europe, and is now presumed dead, according to word received at Lake Cowichan from his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Witt, North Vancouver.
He came to Lake Cowichan, his first teaching post, in September 1938, and enlisted shortly after leaving in June 1940. he went overseas as a sergeant-observer.
Well liked, and active in all community activities, PO Witt was an enthusiastic member of Lake Cowichan Pro-Rec. and enjoyed hunting and fishing”
(Source: Cowichan Leader, 30 September 1943, from Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives collections)
Here are some websites with more information about Pilot Officer Ernest Maurice Witt:
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission
- Jonkerbos War Cemetery
- Royal Canadian Air Force 405 Squadron
- Bomber Command Museum
Would you like to leave a comment or question about anything on this page?