I am trying to do some research on a WO1 Kenneth John Bongard. He was a Canadian flying with 78 Squadron as an Air Gunner. I am looking for any information on this individual, including the other members of his crew and which specific aircraft he flew in. Thank you for any assistance.
You may find this useful (if you haven"t already found it) http://rcafassociation.ca/uploads/airforce/2009/07/ALPHA-BO.html BONGARD, WO1 Kenneth John (Can 186) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.78 Squadron - Award effective 4 November 1944 as per London Gazette dated 17 November 1944 and AFRO 239/45 dated 9 February 1945.� Home in Westboroug, Ontario; enlisted in Ottawa, 13 May 1939.� Trained at 6 ITS (graduated 19 February 1943) and No.9 BGS (graduated 26 April 1943).� Presented 19 November 1948.� Died in Ottawa, 3 April 1985.� No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty."� Public Records Office Air 2/8823 has recommendation dated 20 July 1944 when he had flown 28 sorties (173 hours eight minutes).� NOTE: The citation does not agree with the remainder of the document respecting sorties and hours flown. 22 Sep 43����������������� Hanover (7.05)��������������������������������� 15 Mar 44����� Stuttgart (7.16) 23 Sep 43����������������� Mannheim (8.30)������������������ 18 Mar 44����� Frankfurt (5.45) 27 Sep 43����������������� Hanover (6.50)��������������������������������� 22 Mar 44����� Frankfurt (5.49) 3 Oct 43�������������������� Kassel (7.25)������������������������ 24 Mar 44����� Berlin (7.14) 23 Oct 43������������������ Dusseldorf (5.00)����������������� 26 Mar 44����� Essen (4.50) 3 Nov 43�������������������� Kassel (7.15)������������������������ 9 Apr 44�������� Lille (4.21) 3 Dec 43������������������� Leipzig (8.45)����������������������� ����������� 18 Apr 44������ Tergnier (4.28)��� 20 Dec 43����������������� Frankfurt (6.46)��������������������������������� 20 Apr 44������ Ottignies (4.29) 14 Jan 44������������������ GARDENING (3.51)������������ 24 Apr 44������ Karlsruhre (7.05) 30 Jan 44������������������ Air/Sea Rescue (6.45)�������������������� 27 Apr 44������ Montzen (4.24) 15 Feb 44����������������� Berlin (5.42)�������������������������� 1 May 44������� Malines (3.42) 19 Feb 44����������������� Leipzig (6.49)����������������������������������� 11 May 44����� Trouville (3.38) 24 Feb 44����������������� Schweinfurt (8.20)���������������� 19 May 44����� GARDENING (5.30) 25 Feb 44����������������� Augsburg (8.05)������������������� 21 May 44����� GARDENING (5.09) This NCO has now completed his first operational tour consisting of 29 sorties, involving a total of 185 hours. As Air Gunner he has taken part in attacks against the most heavily defended targets and has always shown himself to be possessed of the greatest courage and coolness in the face of the enemy. His watchfulness on operations and his skill as an Air Gunner have played an outstanding part in the success of his crew.� His personal leadership and his unfailing cheerfulness and willingness have been of inestimable value not only to the Gunnery Section but to the whole squadron. For his courage and devotion to duty, he is strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Thank you Skipper. I had already found his DFC citation along with an obituary for his step sister. I would really like to get more information on his crew mates and if possible which aircraft he flew in. Thank you very much for your time and effort though, it is much appreciated. Eric
I'm still looking for information on WO1 Bongard. Does anyone know if Michael Moores LeBlanc is still active on this site, he seems to have a wealth of knowledge on 78 Sqn. Thanks.
