Allan Christian Bjarnason
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM), 1939-45 War Medal
Royal Canadian Air Force
Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm
WW II
Allan Christian (Barney) Bjarnason was born in Brandon, 19 June 1923. His siblings were Herman, Jonas, Kjartan, Carl, Runa, Helen, Margaret, Dora and Martin. Barney was the youngest of the 10 children born to Sigudur and Sifa (Grunnlaugson) Bjarnason. He went to school in Brandon and completed grade XI at Brandon Collegiate in 1941. He served one year as a plumber’s apprentice prior to enlisting. At the time of his release from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) he had a desire to complete his matriculation and continue his education as an engineering student at university.
Barney enlisted in the RCAF 22 December 1942 and reported for duty 19 May 1943. He did initial aircrew training on the Cornell, a single engine aircraft, in Virden, Manitoba beginning in September. His “Pilot’s Flying Log Book” indicated he took his first flight 5 January 1944 and received his Pilot’s Flying Badge (Wings) 04 March. He next went to Gimli and trained on the Anson, a twin engine aircraft, finishing in October. He served until 15 January 1945 when he was transferred to the Aircrew Reserve as a Sergeant Pilot. He was considered “as an intelligent student and a good flyer.” Sergeant Bjarnason remained with the RCAF Reserve until discharged and then immediately transferred to the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and reported to HMS Seaborn at Halifax, Nova Scotia. Records indicate his release from the RCAF and entry into the Royal Navy happened on 01 June. He was given the rank of Petty Officer (PO) and embarked on the S.S. Louis Pasteur on 11 June 1945, landing at Southampton U.K. on the 17th. PO Bjarnason reported to HMS Macaw, a Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Base, on 19 June and remained there until he departed Southampton on the R.M.S. Queen Elizabeth on 14 November arriving back at Halifax on the 18th. PO Bjarnason’s discharge became final 19 January 1946.
After discharge Barney did attempt to continue his education, for a short time, however life and responsibilities took over and he went to work with Manitoba Hydro, which turned into a lifetime career. His work with Manitoba Hydro, in time, required a move to Arborg, Manitoba in 1956. He was there a short time when he met Eleanor Goodman. Three months later, on the 25th of September, they were married. They spent 14 years at Arborg and had 2 children, Warren and Cheryl while living there.
In 1970 Manitoba Hydro transferred Barney to Morden, Manitoba where, the family quickly felt at home and immersed themselves in the community. Barney was extremely active and served the community on many committees over the years. He served on the executive of the Royal Canadian Legion, Legion House and also the Minnewasta Golf and Country Club. The Legion awarded him a Lifetime Membership for his service to the organization and his fellow veterans. The family has suffered a the loss of family members over time, on 20 October 1990 son Warren passed away, son-in-law Wayne on 12 December 2022 and Eleanor, Barney’s wife, on 24 August 2019. Barney is remembered as a gentle, kind and giving man by his family, daughter Cheryl, 3 grandchildren as well as 5 great grandchildren.
Sergeant / Petty Officer Allen Christian Bjarnason passed away 12 December 2014 and his ash internment took place at the Wiebe Funeral Home Columbarium, Morden, Manitoba.
Information provided by the family and Library and Archives Canada (Sergeant Bjarnason’s WW II Records)