| Sidney Dennis Bird ~ Colin Ray Bird World War II |
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| Flight Srg. Sidney Dennis Bird RCAF R 115874 |
| Flight Srg. Colin Ray Bird RCAF R 115881 |
| Words from a Canadian Air Officer "We know their heroism, gallantry will see them through and that they are in the safe keeping of One who holds such treasures as being precious". |
| Sidney and Ray, twin brothers, were born at Lashburn Union Hospital, sons of Charlie and Nell Bird. The twins were educated at Wirral School #1407, Lashburn High and the University of Saskatchewan (Agriculture). They enlisted in 1941 and trained in several stations. August 1942 graduated from #3 Air Observers School #4 Training Command, Regina, Saskatchewan. They left together for overseas and joined their individual "air crews". They were attached to the R. A. F. Ray was reported missing March 3, 1943. He was navigator of a Wellington aircraft failing to return from a mission over Hamburg, Germany. Sid was missing three months later, June 15, 1943. He was navigator of a Lancaster aircraft which failed to retur from a mission over Okerhausen, Germany. Word was received that due to the nature of the crash, Ray was buried with his crew. He was later re-interred Saultau Becklinger Commonwealth War Cemetery. Sid was buried at Reichwald Forest Commonwealth Cemetery, Cleeve, Germany. Golden Operational Wings and Certificates in recognition for gallant services rendered were sent to Mrs. Charles Bird and the Memorial Crosses were forwarded by the Minister of National Defence for Air on behalf of the government. |