Powell, Chester Owen

When P/O Chester Owen Powell was shot down over France on August 26, 1944, after completing a bombing run over Russelsheim, Germany, Brantford lost a promising citizen. As a young man, he had taken a prominent part in sporting activities and had developed into a staunch and active member of the Balfour Street United Church, where he served on the Official Board, was interested in the boys' work in the Sunday School and sang in the choir. Born in Brantford in January, 1911, he was very community minded, the type of resident any city can ill afford to lose. After going to Ryerson School, he went on to the Collegiate Institute and Vocational School. He will best be remembered by Brantfordites interested in sports as one of the city's finest ball and hockey players. He started when young and played in the junior and intermediate leagues and was equally adept at softball and baseball. In the winter seasons he starred on the ice and the

Inter-Factory brand of hockey was higher because of his skill. He was employed by Watson's Manufacturing Co. Limited, Brantford Cordage Co. Limited and Jackson's Bread Limited. Enlisting in November, 1942, in the Royal Canadian Air Force, he was ?winged" at Mont Joli, Que., the following September. Almost immediately he was sent overseas and became attached to the 101st Squadron, Royal Air Force. He received his commission on August 14, 1944, less than two weeks before he left on his 26th and last operational flight. He is buried in the village of Bault-Aux-Bois, France. He became a member of the Caterpillar Club following a plane crash over the south of England when returning from a mission. He is survived by his widow, his daughter, Lesley Patricia, and his mother, Mrs. Mary Powell.

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