#4143, George Edward Verdun HIDER

Like his grandfather befire him, he was born in Bow, London, England. His birth took place during a Zeppelin raid over London. With his father serving with the Canadian forces in France his mother took him back to Canada for safety reasons, when he was nine months old.

He grew up and was educated in Toronto and upon graduation from the Western Technology Institute he joined the RCAF on 11th May 1939. He served on many different bases in England, amongst them were Topcliffe, Linton-on-Ouse, Dalton, Oldenburg and Torquay. His speciality was firearms and explosives. He and his crew were responsible for keeping the bombers and fighter planes airborne and equipped during the 'Battle of Britain'. He also served as a gunnery instructor.

George was honorably discharged on November 15th 1945. The stress of these war years weakened his heart and he passed away at the age of 64. After his discharge he had had his fill of machine maintenance so he enrolled in a Business Management course. He then became Payroll and Personnel Manager with the Train Heating Co. of Canada. He worked there until early retirement due to his heart condition.

George was a comedian! He was also a decent, gentle, honest, loving person. With his terrific sense of humor, he always had a host of friends. His passions were his motor-bike, camping, fishing and baseball. Married to the late Eileen Creighton he had a son Wayne and a daughter Judy and many grandchildren. His sister Peggy still misses him greatly.

Peg Keeler 2009