Jack Henfrey
Wireless Operator/Air Gunner – Jack Henfrey – Rank: Warrant Officer, Class 2. Service no. R119823.
1919: Birth on 30th November, at Ninette, Manitoba. Father: Harry Henfrey. Mother: Norah Henfrey (neé Whetton). Address: 709, 4th Avenue South, Kenora, Ontario.
Years before enlistment: Worked as a photography apprentice at Lakewood Studio, First Street South, Kenora, Ontario. Jack’s brother Harry Henfrey was a partner in this business. Letter of recommendation from L. Johnson of Johnson’s Pharmacy, Kenora, Ontario, dated 20th February 1941. Stated that Jack was of reliable character. Letter of recommendation from Bergman and Nelson Ltd, General Contractors. Builder’s supplies. Kenora, Ontario. Stated that Jack was a young man of good character and recommended as an excellent citizen of the town. Dated 20th February 1941. Signed, C. A. Bergman, Alderman, Town of Kenora.
1941: Application to serve in R.C.A.F. on 19th February. Served in Army [C.A.(R)T.C.] at Fort William, Ontario, from 19th April until 25th May. Rank: Private. Enlisted in R.C.A.F. on 26th June. Assessment: Approach: Confident. Carriage: Athletic. Dress: Neat, Clean. Physique: Slender. Speech: Clear Response: Quick. Manner: Alert, Confident, sincere. Assessed as ‘Above Average’. Education: Grade X. High School Cadet for 2 years. University: Plus part grade XI. Marital Status: Single. Trade or occupation: Photographer’s apprentice (3 years), (Photography Portrait Commercial). Religion: Anglican. Blood Group: O. Sports: Hockey, Football. Baseball. Character: Sincere and Keen. Good appearance. Will make good aircrew material. Recommended. Considered suitable for commission (with training) Best fitted for: Wireless Operator (A.G.). Issued with ID Card on 11th September. Age: 21. Height: 5 feet 8 inches. Weight: 152 lbs. Hair: Blond. Eyes: Blue. Hair on face: light. Family: Father, Mother, 2 brothers, 2 sisters.
1942: Became Wireless Operator/Air Gunner and awarded Flying Badge on 20th July. Rank: Sergeant at same time.
1943: Promoted to T/Flight Sergeant on 20th January. Appointed Warrant Officer Class 2 (Temp/Paid) 29th July. Posted to No. 32 O.T.U. Patricia Bay, British Columbia on 28th May. Effective 14th August. Awarded Air Gunner’s Badge on 20th August. Has trained on Anson and Hampden aircraft. Posted on 18th September to U.K. Arrived (posted) at RAD Ossington No. 82 O.T.U. (Operational Training Unit) on 12th October.
1944: Whilst serving at 82 O.T.U., he was killed as crew of Wellington Bomber BK387, on a training flight which crashed at Tewitt Hall Wood, Oakworth Yorkshire, on 2nd January, killing all those aboard. Buried at Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery on 8th January. He was 24 years of age.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone for Jack Henfrey.
