Mystery Object #4 Reveal

Curated by Dr. Colin Mitchell, Associate Professor & Department Chair- Department of History, Dalhousie University

Wing Commander John A. Duncan enlisted in the RCAF in 1941, and was trained in Edmonton, AB. He was sent to England and was promptly seconded to the RAF to start flying missions as a navigator in mid-range bombers called "Wellingtons".  In November, 1941, only months after training, he flew an extremely dangerous mission over northern France to try and destroy three German battleships which were being repaired in French port facilities in Brest and La Pallice. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by the King of England and was announced in the London Gazette (https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35263/page/5102/data.pdf)

During this and other missions, he carried the silk map which is pictured. For more on silk maps:

https://library.mcmaster.ca/wwii-escape-and-evasion-maps