Keith Pratt Gemmel Sergeant R/ 180825 Royal Canadian Air Force August 6, 1924 Markdale, Ontario August 10, 1942 No. 12 RCAF Recruiting Centre, Ottawa, Ontario Ottawa, Ontario 18 5 feet, 11 ½ inches Medium Dark Brown Blue Single Student Presbyterian Margaret Olive Gemmel (Mother) July 3, 1943 18 Kinloss Abbey Burial Ground, Moray, Scotland Row C, Grave 60

Name: Rank: Service No: Service: Date of Birth: Place of Birth: Date of Enlistment: Place of Enlistment: Address at Enlistment Age at Enlistment: Height: Complexion: Eye Colour: Hair Colour: Marital Status: Trade: Religion: Next of Kin: Date of Death: Age at Death: Cemetery: Grave Reference:

Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Keith Pratt Gemmel was the son of Squadron Leader Kenneth Shaw Gemmel (b. 1896) and Margaret Olive (Pratt) Gemmel (b. 1901), of Markdale, Ontario, and the brother of Irene Margaret Gemmel (b. 1922). Keith’s father was born in Toronto and worked as an Administrative Officer at the RCAF Recruiting Centre in Ottawa. His mother was born in Suffolk, England. Prior to RCAF enlistment, Keith had served as a Private in the Reserves with the 2nd Battalion of the Grey and Simcoe Foresters since December 1, 1941, in Markdale, Ontario. Keith enjoyed model planes, stamp collecting, hunting, and swimming. From April to June of 1941, he was employed as an assistant steward with CN Steamship between Halifax, Nova Scotia and the West Indies, and a wireman with the National Steel Company from August to October 1941. Keith successfully completed his training in Canada, which included the No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School in Mont Joli, Quebec. It was observed Keith was cooperative and willing to help others. On May 4, 1943, he embarked in New York and arrived in England on May 11th. He was assigned to No. 19 Operational Training Unit (19 OTU) on May 25, 1943. Serving with the same on July 3, 1943, Keith was aboard Whitley V aircraft No. LA 877 which was completing night flight training. The Whitly crashed seven miles south-west of Solwinnie, Scotland. All five crew members were killed.

April 27, 1943, Graduation at No. 9 Bombing and Gunnery School, F/L K.S. Gemmell presents the Air Gunners wings to his son Sgt. K.P. Gemmell (RCAF Photo PL-16144)