F/O Rooney Hodgins RCAF
 

I am looking for information regarding F/O Rooney A. Hodgins (j41894. If there is anyone here who can help PLEASE do so. I am his son and he died before I was born and I know nothing or next to nothing about him. RCAF 443 Squadron

HODGINS, F/O Rooney Alexander (J41894) Distinguished Flying Cross -No.443 Squadron - Award effective 2 February 1945

He was born in Cambell's Bay Quebec Canada 3 April 1923. Enlisted in Ottawa 17 April 1941. Trained at No.6 ITS (graduated 19 June 1942); No.10 EFTS (graduated 25 september 1942) and No.2 SFTS (graduated 22 January 1943); wings on 22 January 1943. Further trained at No.2 OTU, Bagotville (January to May 1943) before posting to HJome Defence squadrons. Arrived in Uk, 31 January 1944. No.443 Squadron, 13 February to November 1944. Repatriated to Canada, December 1944, reeleased 20 Septimbber 1945, rejoined 2 May 1946. Killed in the crash of a Vampire at Rockcliffe, 11 June 1948.

Re: F/O Rooney Hodgins RCAF
 

F/O Rooney Hodgins is mentioned on http://www.acesofww2.com/canada/aces.ockenden.htm

It appears that your father downed two German Bf-109 fighters near Nijmegen, Holland on 29 September 1944. This was in Spitfire ML417.

Over all, he was credited with three kills, one damaged and one probable.


Regards,

Leendert
Brugge/Belgium

Re: F/O Rooney Hodgins RCAF
 

Leendert; Thank you for this information and the link. I very much apprecate your help.

Regards

Joseph (Rick) Quesnel

Re: F/O Rooney Hodgins RCAF
 

Hi Rick,

Spitfire 2I+T, ML417 is alive and well and is currently airworthy in California. I might have copies of the combat reports your father filled out for the three and probable. I'll check my files this weekend to see if I do or not.

Also, I have two period photos of 2I+T on the beach head at St. Croix-sur-Mer but these are being held in reserve for my book on No. 144 Wing. RCAF.

All the best,

Stephen

Re: F/O Rooney Hodgins RCAF
 

Stephen; Thank you for the time and effort. I am slowely gathering information. With a great deal of help which is deeply appreciated.

Sincere regards,

Rick

Re: F/O Rooney Hodgins RCAF
 

I have been able to attain my fathers diary which he used from flight school through to the end of his tour. I also received his flight logs. There are pictures of him and of his Spitfires; Bessie 1 and Bessie 2. These I got from the Air Force Museum at Trenton Ont. I was sent his personal combat reports, inre: his shooting down of several aircraft. Thanks to all who helped me in my search.

Kind Regards,
Rick Quesnel