NR 08.006 - November 2, 2008
OTTAWA – The life of Charley Fox, Second World War veteran and Honorary Colonel (HCol) for 412 (Transport) Squadron in Ottawa, was celebrated at a memorial service today at the Ottawa Airport.
The ceremony, held at the Transport Canada hangar located at the Ottawa Airport where 412 (Transport) Squadron is based, honoured the significant contributions of this iconic man and passionate promoter of Canadian military history.
"Charley was an extraordinary Honorary Colonel for us at 412 (Transport) Squadron – not just because he was a legendary hero who flew Spitfires with the 412 "Falcons" in the war, but because he genuinely loved every one of us and our families and went to such great lengths to get to know us personally," said Squadron Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Eric Volstad.
HCol Fox, D-Day veteran and double recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, died unexpectedly on October 18 at 88. He was perhaps best known for strafing German Field Marshall Erwin Rommel's staff car, which affected Rommel's ability to return to active duty, at a critical moment during the invasion of Normandy.
Before he died, HCol Fox spearheaded many causes including his "Torchbearers" project to honour Canadian Forces members, past and present. Among his most passionate desires was to have greater recognition of Canadian prisoners of war, notably those six Canadian airmen who died at Stalag Luft III Prisoner of War Camp during the "Great Escape." He was also adamant that all Polish combatants who served with Canadian air and ground forces be recognized.
A Second World War vintage Spitfire and Mustang, provided by Vintage Wings of Canada, as well as a CC-144 Challenger transport jet were on display during the memorial service.
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Note to editors/news directors: For further information, please contact Lieutenant Annie Morin, 8 Wing Public Affairs Officer, at 613-392-2811 extension 4565 or 613-243-7330.
