159 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca In February 1944, he was promoted to Wing Commander. The squadron flew innumerable missions, provided cover over the Normandy beaches, and attempted to keep the sky clear of enemy aircraft. In September 1944, Geoff was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). The citation in part read: “for inspiring leadership in fighter operations over the Normandy beaches”. He had also been presented with the Polish Eagle (Poland’s highest military decoration), by the Polish Government in exile, for his role in previously leading a squadron of escaped Polish airmen. Geoff commented that they were fearless fighters. By this time, he had completed 310 operational flights, and granted thirty days leave in Canada. After all of this, Geoff could have stayed in Canada to help with the sixth Victory Loan drive, however, this was not his liking, and two days after speaking to him in Winnipeg, his parents received a cable from him in England. In January 1945, Geoff took over 126 Wing as Commanding Officer. He was well accepted by his pilots, one of whom later said, “We would follow him to hell and back.” Their squadron was located in Nistelsode, Holland – commonly referred to as Heesch. They gave the ground forces as much support as possible, trying to keep the enemy aircraft fought off when flying was possible. Geoff was later presented with the Order of Orange of Nassau (highest decoration of the Netherlands government, by Queen Wilhelmina, for his part in the liberation of Holland. In May 1945, the wing moved to Fassberg as part of the British Army of Occupation. He made a trip to the recently liberated concentration camp of Bergen-Belsen where 115,000 people, mostly Jews, had perished. It was there that Anne Frank had died only weeks earlier. At an investiture at Buckingham Palace on July 3, 1945, W/C G.W. Northcott was presented with his DFC Bar to the DFC, and DSO by King George VI. This was the greatest number of medals presented at one time since F/L George (Buzz) Beurling. Geoff ’s brother, Sgt. Clive Northcott, was present at the ceremony. The greatest regret of his career was the loss of his friend and comrade W/C Lloyd Chadburn, who was killed in action on June 13, 1944. Geoff would later name his son Chad, in memory of his friend. On August 31, 1945, he married Corporal Dorothy Edwards, RCAF (WD). They had four children: Lynne, Trudy, Chadburn, and Dean. Geoff remained in the Royal Canadian Air Force for some time and was promoted to Group Captain. Following his discharge from the RCAF, he flew for Trans Canada Airlines until 1954, and several other Canadian companies, until he retired from flying in 1942 due to illness. He spent his time raising Morgan horses in Langley, British Columbia. Geoff passed away in October 1978 in Langley. His medals and decoration include the: Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-1945, Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal, Canadian Defence Medal and Bar, Alberta and Territories Branch Benefactor Medal, DSO (Distinguished Service Order), DFC and Bar (Distinguished Flying Cross), Polish Eagle, and Order of Orange of Nassau. NORTHCOTT, Geoffrey Wilson “Geoff”(continued)
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