We regret to advise of the death of Major William Ward “Bill” Osborn, DFC, CD (Ret’d) on 13 January 2012 peacefully at home with his family at his side.
Bill was born in Preston ON and grew up in Hespler ON. His WW II Royal Canadian Air Force training started at No. 6 Initial Traing School (ITS) in Toronto where he completed the course in late November 1942. This was followed by postings to No. 20 Elementary Flying Training School EFTS) in Oshawa until February 1943 then to No. 6 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) in Dunnville until June 1943. William was commissioned to the rank of Pilot Officer in May 1943 and sent to the United Kingdom to complete his operational training. William and his crew were then posted to 419 (Moose) Squadron on 31 August 1944. They flew Canadian-built Lancaster bombers on 36 sorties with a combined flying time of 237 hours from 10 September 1944 to 15 March 1945.
While serving in 491 Squadron, William was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for valour. His medal was presented on 22 June 1949.
Flight Lieutenant Osborn commenced his tour on September 10th, 1944 by doing a trip to Calais. On this first effort he brought his aircraft back to base on two and one-half engines. As gaggle leader on a daylight trip to Cologne on March 2nd, 1945, he again lost an engine in the target area and returned to base on three engines. At all times during his tour of 36 trips this pilot has shown a high degree of courage, initiative and keenness. He has led his crew in bombing such difficult targets as Dresden, Munich and Nuremburg. This pilot's standard of crew captaincy has been exceptional. For fine record on operation, his coolness, skill and leadership this officer merits the award on a non-immediate Distinguished Flying Cross.
When the war ended in Europe, 419 (Moose) Squadron was chosen as part of Canada’s contribution to the war in the Pacific and returned to Yarmouth NS where it was disbanded when hostilities ended in August 1945. After being demobilized and returning home, William attended the University of Toronto and earned a a degree in Civil Engineering. He later went on to acquire a Masters degree.
William joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1950 and served with honour in the Korean War and later with the UN Peacekeeping forces in Egypt. He retired from the army as a major and went on to enjoy a second career with the Ministry of Transportation in London, Ontario.
A celebration of Bill's life will be held at 11 AM at St. James Anglican Church {58 Peter St. N., Orillia }on 17 January with interment at St. Andrew's - St. James' Cemetery in Orillia ON. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Veterans Wing at Sunnybrook Hospital. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com.
