May 19, 1921 - August 12, 1986
William 'Bill' James Fowler was a member of 263 Squadron. He was born in Michel, British Columbia. After the war, he studied engineering at UBC, working in the oil and gas industry, then construction business.
Bill was commissioned 5th February 1943 whilst serving with 128 Squadron RCAF (flying Spitfires & Hurricanes) at Sydney, Nova Scotia. The squadron moved to Torbay, Newfoundland in June 1943 and Bill was detached to duty at the US base at Argentia, Newfoundland in September 1943 before being warned for overseas service in late October 1943.
He had 2 weeks embarkation leave in early November 1943 before proceeding to U.K. 16th November 1943. He arrived 24th November 1943 and spent almost 2 months at the Canadian Personnel Reception Centre in Bournemouth, England before he was posted to 57 Operational Training Unit in January 1944.
He had several short attachments at RAF bases in May and June 1944 before he was posted to 263 Squadron RAF 9th July 1944 and proceeded to Normandy with the Squadron in August 1944. He remained with 263 Squadron for the duration of the war and returned to Canada in August 1945. He was demobbed in September 1945.
The 263 Squadron photograph was taken in July 1944. Bill is standing at the far left of the standing row.
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