Birks, John Henry

After his naval service he flew for Air Windsor as Pilot. (He was retired in 1984.)

(Short Service Appointment 09/02/1951).

He was appointed as a Midshipman (SSA) RCN (With seniority dated 09/02/1951).

He served in HMCS Ontario for Sea Training 1951.

He served in USNAS Pensacola for Pilot Training 1951.

He served in USNAS Cabiness Field TX for Advanced Flying Training and Carrier Qualifications 1952, Instrument Flying Course 1953, He was appointed as A/Sub-Lieutenant (P) (SSA) RCN 17/09/1952.

He served in HMCS Shearwater for 31st Carrier Air Group for VF-870 Squadron 1953, Scoudouc NB for Traials as Auxilliary Naval Air Station 1953.

He was appointed as a Sub-Lieutenant (P) (SSA) RCN 04/09/1953.

He served in RCAF Summerside for Trials as Auxilliary Naval Air Station 1953.

He served in HMCS Magnificent for Carrier Qualifications 1953.

He was appointed as Lieutenant (P) (SSA) RCN 17/09/1954.

He served in HMCS Shearwater for VT-40 Squadron for Instrument Course 1955.

He served in HMCS Shearwater for 30th Carrier Air Group in VF-871 Squadron 1955.

He served in USNAS Boca Chica (FAWTU) for VT-40 Squadron for Jet Conversion 1955.

He served in HMCS Bonaventure for Duty With VX-10 Detachment 1957, (Selected for permanent commission).

He served in RCAF Trenton for ICP Course 1958.

He served in HMCS Shearwater for VU-32 Squadron as Officer-in-Charge Jet Flight 1959.

He served in HMCS Cayuga for Training and as Communications Officer 1962, CFB Portage and CFB Moose Jaw for 414 Squadron as Flying Instructor 1967.

He served in CFB Portage for 414 Squadron as Detachment Commander BICP and Target Coordinator 1969.

He served in International Commission for Control and Supervision (Viet Nam) for Peacekeeping Duties 1976. (He was retired 1976.) (He was qualified with a Watchkeeping Certificate.)

Total Flying Hours: approx 6,000 hours. Total Deck Landings: 141. Service Aircraft Flown: SNJ, F6F, C-45, T-33, F3D, F2H-3, F2M-3, CS2F, TBM, Tudor, Sea Fury, Harvard, F2H-3 Banshee