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Research in Other Countries => Canada => Topic started by: Finder68 on Thursday 15 May 14 00:06 BST (UK)
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Hi all, I am in need of some help in finding information about John Edward Strain. He was navigator on a Lancaster bomber(JB742 ar-d) and crashed 1944 In Stetten near Rottweil.
Many thanks,
Arnd
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I haven't been able to find much on JE Strain.
You could try to order his service file at
www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/index-e.html
If the site doesn't work try doing a search for Second World War at Library and Archives Canada.
John Edward Strain
b. May 26, 1922
d. Feb 25, 1944
Service # J86763
Ref: RG 24, Volume 28746, Item # 34397
I did find another site that listed the entire crew and more information about the mission they were on.
www.ozatwar.com/460sqdn/jb742.htm
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Hi,
I don't know if you can see/read this or not (for some reason, the page came up for me once - but not the other time I tried ??? ???).
http://newspaperarchive.com/ca/manitoba/winnipeg/winnipeg-free-press/1943/02-10/page-5
In case you can't see it - this is what it says.
Winnipeg Free Press, Feb 10, 1943, pg 5.
John E Strain, a Sgt in the RCAF, has arrived overseas, according to word received by his parents Mr and Mrs E J Strain, 855 Henderson Highway. He enlisted January 1942, and is serving as a navigator.
Could this be him?
RK
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And not forgetting the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2103238/STRAIN,%20JOHN%20EDWARD
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www.newspapers.com/newspage/37369545
Winnipeg Tribune, 1944 March 31, Page 7
RCAF 844th Casualty List
Strain, John Edward, FS, R152864, E J Strain (father) 855 Henderson Highway, East Kildonan
This is the same service number as the one in the ozatwar site that I listed previously.
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A family tree at Ancestry has John Edward Strain listed with parents Edward Strain and Viola Johnson. There is a marriage in Rosser, Manitoba for Edward James Strain and Viola Annie Johnson on 7 Jun 1921. This Edward Strain died in Vancouver, BC in 1955. According the registration, Edward was born in Ireland and had lived in Canada for 50 years. Here's a link to the registration: http://www.rootschat.com/links/0z8l/ (http://www.rootschat.com/links/0z8l/) Viola died in Florida on 20 Aug 1970 - her birth date was listed as 2 Jan 1884.
It appears Edward Strain was a veteran of WWI having enlisted in Winnipeg in 1916. Here is a link to his Attestation Papers: http://www.rootschat.com/links/0z8m/ (http://www.rootschat.com/links/0z8m/)
The family tree also lists John's brother who was named Douglas James Strain. He married Harriette Manning on 8 Jul 1944 according to a write-up in the Winnipeg Free Press. Douglas also died in Florida on 28 Jan 1970 - his birth date was 16 Jun 1923.
The 1944 Henderson Directory indicates Edward Strain, proprietor of of a grocery, was at the 855 Henderson Highway address. It also indicates he lived and worked at the same address. In the 1946 Henderson Directory, Edward is still at 855 Henderson Highway while Douglas is living at 163 Linden. In the 1949 Henderson Directory, E.J. Strain is listed as retired and his wife is listed as Annie V. and they are now living at 163 Linden while Douglas and his wife are living at a different address.
Jacquie
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Wow! So many posts and new information in just one day, thank you very much!
I live in the village where the Lancaser crashed in 1944. We want to install a memorial at our graveyard - the place were the crash happened.
I tried to find some descendants, but it seems that Harriette Strain in Fort Myers, FL was the last relative of John Edward Strain.
Arnd