405 www.on.legion.ca ONTARIO COMMAND MERTZ, Ray S. Ray was born in Leamington on February 8, 1941. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1958 and served with BEC 94 in Canada during Peacetime. He was discharged in 1960. Ray has been a member of Legion Branch 628 for 42 years. MIDDLETON, James E. James was born in Claremont, Ontario on December 16, 1896. He enlisted in the Army on January 24, 1917 and served in France and Belgium during World War I. He saw action at Vimy Ridge and was wounded in action while holding Vimy Ridge from German counter attack. He served as a gunner using captured German guns to beat off the enemy. After his discharge on May 12, 1919, he returned home, made a living as a tinsmith, married and raised four children, two sons and two daughters. One son served in World War II and also returned home. James was a member of Bowmanville Legion Branch 178 until his death on June 18, 1986. MIDDLEMISS, Robert G. “Bob” L/Col (ret’d) Robert “Bob” Middlemiss DFC CD SSM was born in Montreal, Quebec on July 30, 1920. Following his father’s footsteps, Edwin J. Middlemiss, who served in WWI and WWII, with the RCH, Bob enlisted right after high school in 1940, serving his country in the RCAF. Flying Spitfires and accredited with 4 ½ enemy aircraft destroyed, he fought in the defence of Britain with 145 and 41 Sqn, was shot down and wounded in the height of the Siege of Malta with 249 Sqn, and 2nd tour with 403 Sqn. After the war, the Colonel continued his duty as 1st Exchange Officer to RAF at CFE, W/C with 421 and 441 Sqn, with the OFU Ferrying CF-86 Sabres to Europe as part of NATO. Bob ushered in the Mach II jet age with the CF-104 Star Fighter as Commander of 427 Sqn. Bob retired from the RCAF in 1969. However he continued to serve his community and country as H/Col of 427 Squadron from 2003 until his passing in 2013. Bob will be remembered for his contributions to our community, 16 Wing at CFB Borden, unswerving dedication to mentoring our youth and supporting our Veterans and beloved Lion of 427 Squadron. His incredible life story is written in his memoirs entitled, “After All… I am a Fighter Pilot”
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