Choloy, France

1954 – 2 (F) Wing – Assorted Sources

Extracts from Station Historical Record:

11 August 1954 - 416 (F) Squadron suffered a fatality when 44718 F/O GL Beaulac in Sabre 23119 crashed 1 1/4 miles northeast of Creutzwald, Moselle. The aircraft struck a mine slagheep and was buried in about 28 feet of soil and rock. Only small particles of the aircraft could be found. The body of the pilot could not be found. The accident occurred at 1215 hours and it wasn't until 1630 that his body was located in the dense woods near Falk. Search party of 100 airmen from the unit, plus civilian personnel under F/O BO Mayne combed the woods. Search and Rescue Group of US Air Force at Kaiserslautern provided assistance with helicopters and amphibian aircraft. The body was located by a civilian. Details are meagre and not complete. Pilot found in aircraft ejection seat, parachute partly opened. Body removed from wooded area and brought to station hospital for funeral direction from Metz. Deceased was 21 years old and a native of Neelin, Manitoba. He was unmarried.

12 August 1954 - Members of the Board of Inquiry convened re Sabre 23119, piloted by the late 44718 F/O GL Beaulac, reported in and commenced the taking of evidence. They are S/L DR Curthbertson, President - 1 (F) Wing, OC 441 Squadron, F/L A Sutherland, Tech/AE from 3 Wing, S/L CA Lamont, Med/MO from 3 Wing and F/O G Hunter, pilot of 444 Squadron from 4 Wing. Committee of Adjustment appointed locally with F/O DO Evjen as President and F/O DA Gillis and F/O J Robins as members. Copy of the Order of the Day covering the funeral being distributed and copies being passed to all officiating parties.

14 August 1954 - Funeral service held for late F/O Beaulac in RC Chapel. Officiating chaplain was assisted by Reverend E Robib, Cure of Lelling and members of his congregation who assisted in the choral portion of the requiem high mass. Aircraft of 416 (F) Squadron participated in a fly past as internment was made in Chambeire Cemetery in Metz.

Photo courtesy of Barry Beaulac