BURTIS, Flight Sergeant Marvin Edson

Burtis, Marvin

Died on July 9, 1941 over Germany

Royal Canadian Air Force – 9 (R.A.F.) Sqdn

Service Number: R/65505

 At the outbreak of World War 2, 9 Squadron was flying Wellingtons and on the day after war began the squadron took part in the well-known raid against the German battleships at Brunsbüttel. Of the six No. 9 Squadron aircraft despatched two failed to return.

An outstanding example of courage and self-sacrifice was shown to the squadron in 1941 by its Commanding Officer, Wing Commander R Arnold, captain of a Wellington detailed to attack shipping off Flushing.  The Wellington was attacked and set on fire by enemy fighters. The CO ordered his crew to bale out, keeping the stricken aircraft straight and level while they jumped. It was then too late to get out himself and he went down with the aircraft. The crew were made prisoners.

Marvin is buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

He is commemorated on Page 25 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance.

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