Douglas Warren
Encyclopedia
Douglas Warren, (b. May 28, 1922 - d. August 27, 2011) was a Canadian air force pilot and commander. He shared the nickname "Duke" with his identical twin brother, Bruce (Duke) Warren, who died in 1951. Douglas was known for participating as a pilot in the Dieppe Raid
in World War II, and won the Distinguished Flying Cross
in 1945. Doug's memoirs, titled "Gemini Flight" chronicled his and his brother's flying experiences.Wings over Alberta - Gemini Flight.
and went overseas in 1942. They both flew two tours of operations in Britain during World War II
with Royal Air Force
spitfire squadrons. In 1945 they both were awarded Distinguished Flying Cross by King George VI at Buckingham Palace
.Victoria Colonist newspaper.
In 1942, Duke flew during the Dieppe Raid
, the biggest single day air-operation of the war. He is credited with 1/2 a kill on his three Dieppe sorties, a Dornier 217. Of it he said, "I remember watching the crew bail out."National Post newspaper.
On their return to Canada, Douglas became a Flight Commander with 421 Squadron flying DH Vampire jet aircraft at Chatham, New Brunswick. On April 5, 1951, his brother Bruce was killed as a test pilot at AV Roe aircraft company in Toronto flying the prototype CF100.
In 1957, he was given a three year assignment as Chief Flying Instructor with the German Luftwaffe in Oldenburg. In 1961 he joined the Flight Safety Directorate at RCAF headquarters in Ottawa. He became Commanding Officer in 1965 to RCAF Station Baldy Hughes near Prince George, BC for two years. This was followed by three years at NORAD headquarters in Colorado Springs. In 1970 he accepted a final posting to CFB Comox as Operations Officer and retired in 1973.
Doug,(Duke), passed away in last August of 2011.
Dieppe Raid
The Dieppe Raid, also known as the Battle of Dieppe, Operation Rutter or later on Operation Jubilee, during the Second World War, was an Allied attack on the German-occupied port of Dieppe on the northern coast of France on 19 August 1942. The assault began at 5:00 AM and by 10:50 AM the Allied...
in World War II, and won the Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross
The Distinguished Flying Cross may refer to:*Distinguished Flying Cross , including Commonwealth countries*Distinguished Flying Cross...
in 1945. Doug's memoirs, titled "Gemini Flight" chronicled his and his brother's flying experiences.Wings over Alberta - Gemini Flight.
Biography and early flying career
Douglas and his identical twin, Bruce, were born in Nanton, Alberta on May 28, 1922. Both were called by the nickname, "Duke". In 1940 they joined the Royal Canadian Air ForceRoyal Canadian Air Force
The history of the Royal Canadian Air Force begins in 1920, when the air force was created as the Canadian Air Force . In 1924 the CAF was renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force and granted royal sanction by King George V. The RCAF existed as an independent service until 1968...
and went overseas in 1942. They both flew two tours of operations in Britain during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
with Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
spitfire squadrons. In 1945 they both were awarded Distinguished Flying Cross by King George VI at Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, in London, is the principal residence and office of the British monarch. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality...
.Victoria Colonist newspaper.
In 1942, Duke flew during the Dieppe Raid
Dieppe Raid
The Dieppe Raid, also known as the Battle of Dieppe, Operation Rutter or later on Operation Jubilee, during the Second World War, was an Allied attack on the German-occupied port of Dieppe on the northern coast of France on 19 August 1942. The assault began at 5:00 AM and by 10:50 AM the Allied...
, the biggest single day air-operation of the war. He is credited with 1/2 a kill on his three Dieppe sorties, a Dornier 217. Of it he said, "I remember watching the crew bail out."National Post newspaper.
On their return to Canada, Douglas became a Flight Commander with 421 Squadron flying DH Vampire jet aircraft at Chatham, New Brunswick. On April 5, 1951, his brother Bruce was killed as a test pilot at AV Roe aircraft company in Toronto flying the prototype CF100.
Post-World War II flying career
Douglas became Commanding Officer of 410 F86 Sabre Squadron at North Luffenham, England in 1952. During that time he flew with the United States Air Force during the war in Korea. In 1956 he became Chief Flying Instructor at Chatham, NB.In 1957, he was given a three year assignment as Chief Flying Instructor with the German Luftwaffe in Oldenburg. In 1961 he joined the Flight Safety Directorate at RCAF headquarters in Ottawa. He became Commanding Officer in 1965 to RCAF Station Baldy Hughes near Prince George, BC for two years. This was followed by three years at NORAD headquarters in Colorado Springs. In 1970 he accepted a final posting to CFB Comox as Operations Officer and retired in 1973.
See also
- Comox Air Force MuseumComox Air Force MuseumThe Comox Air Force Museum collects, preserves, interprets and exhibits artifacts relating to CFB Comox, its squadrons and its units. The museum is located at the main gate of CFB Comox, located in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The museum opened its doors in the current...
- Incredible Spitfire twins
Doug,(Duke), passed away in last August of 2011.