Details:
24 November 1956 - F/O JEY "Yvon" Ratelle
Comments from Don Norrie:
F/O JEY Ratelle was the Wing Security Officer at 2 (F) Wing, Grostenquin France. He had a heart attack at the wheel of his vehicle while driving to Metz and crashed into a brick wall. His wife was with him in the vehicle at the time and she suffered minor injuries.
It is not known if F/O Ratelle died from the heart attack or the impact with the brick wall.
Additional Comments from Gaston Migneault:
F/O Yvon Ratelle was an ex RCMP Constable who joined the RCAF with a Commission. He was the Assistant of F/L Maurice (Moe) Labrosse - the Wing Security Officer - working out of the Guard House near the main gate. F/O Ratelle died as a result of a car crash near St. Avold. I believe he was driving and got a heart attack and did not pull through. His wife was seriously injured but she survived. He was driving a very powerful French car (a Caravelle) at the time of the accident.
Extracts from 2 Wing Historical Report
24 November 1956 - The station suffered a loss today when our WSecO, F/O JEY Ratelle, died as a result of a heart attack. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday.
27 November 1956 - Mr. F Ratelle, father of F/O Ratelle (deceased) arrived on the station for the funeral of his son tomorrow.
28 November 1956 - Funeral parade held this morning for F/O Ratelle.
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Grave marker photos courtesy of Malcolm Cromarty - February 2001