Pilot Officer
JAMES WALDRON (J W) CREEDEN

Pilot Officer
JAMES WALDRON (J W) CREEDEN

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Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Born at Brantford, Ont., Schs at Paris, Ont., Empl. Gypsum, Lime and Alabastine Co. Ltd., Paris, Ont., Enl. Aug 1940. Trained at Manning Pool, Toronto, Eglinton, Dunnville, and was awarded his wings at the latter post on 10 Feb 1941.,Then carried out further training in England., Posted to the Canadian Hudson (Demon) Squadron of RAF Coastal Command, he saw much action in the days and nights that followed. He was credited with the destruction of three Axis ships, playing a brilliant part in the attack upon the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau on their flight through the English Channel. He drove his machine to within two hundred feet of them to release his bombs and took part in the filming of propaganda pictures. At 20 he was one of the youngest fliers in the RCAF and his daring and ability had been early recognized. He was made Flt Sgt., then WO., and a few days before his death was commissioned Pilot Officer. For his daring he was congratulated by Air-Vice-Marshall Edwards and the Honourable Vincent Massey, the High Commissioner for Canada in London, and by others. He was buried at Bircham, Newton, King's Lynn, Norfolk with full military honours. His story was published internationally. He was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. James Walter Creeden of 100 Grand River St. S., Paris Ont., by whom he was survived.

**His DFM citation reads: "On the afternoon of February 12th, 1942, a forced Beaufort and Hudson aircraft carried out an attack on an enemy naval force including the Scharnhorst and the Gneisenau off the Dutch coast. In face of harassing fire from screening destroyer attack was pressed home with utmost determination at very close range. Although it has not been possible to assess damage effected owing to extreme visibility it is believed that several hits were obtained. The operation demanded a high degree of skill and courage."