Henry Isaac Bergman

1939-45

France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, War Medal 1939-45

Royal Canadian Air Force

158 Squadron Royal Air Force

Henry was born 1 March 1925, in Russia and moved to his beloved Canada in 1926. After finishing high school he enlisted in the R.C.A.F. as a young lad of 18 years. He served as a Rear Air Gunner on the Hadley Page Halifax Bomber as one of a 7 member crew. They were assigned to fly, the soon to be famous Halifax Bomber, “Friday the 13th”. This bomber holds the record, among Halifax Bombers, for the most successful raids over enemy territory. It flew 128 missions and returned each time. Henry’s first bombing raid over Germany was an experience. To quote him, “The 8 hour flight from the air base of the 158 Squadron in Lisset, England, was a somewhat startling initiation for this farm boy from the prairies. It’s amazing how fast you grew up.” One of the missions he flew was an attack on an island in the North Sea which the German Navy used as a base for its U-Boats. The mission was important because the island allowed Germany to block off a supply route for Great Britain and the Allies.

A pleasant memory for Henry was, while on leave over Christmas of 1944 and staying in a hostel in England, he felt very much alone and was hoping to run into someone he might know. He was in an elevator with another Serviceman, and both stepped out on the same floor. They began going in opposite directions, but stopped, turned around, and looked at each other. It turned out the other Serviceman was Neil Penner of Morden, another Banner Boy. They spent 10 days together. They were both blessed by God’s unique gift to comfort them with a part of home for Christmas.

Upon his return home from England, Henry married 16 year old Midge Mosurinjohn, 15 September 1945, whom he met in Winnipeg. They were married for 57 years. He elected to stay in the Air Force after the war and became an Aero Engine Technician and a Flight Engineer, graduating from No.1 Technical Training School, R.C.A.F. Aylmer, Ontario, 14 August 1947. Henry and Midge moved their family 7 times before he left the Forces to settle in Morden in 1955. They were blessed with 5 children, Patricia Plett (deceased), Peggy Bergman, Kathryn Broughton, Wendy Penner and Wayne Bergman (deceased). They also enjoyed their two grandsons, Jeffery Bergman (Kathryn) and Shawn Bergman (Peggy). He proudly served in the R.C.A.F. for 12 years.

Henry loved Morden and served his community in so many capacities that he was awarded the Kinsman Community Service Award in 1989. He and Midge instilled the ethic of service to community deeply into their children and both Wayne and Patricia also received the Kinsman Community Award for Service to Morden, in later years. Midge proudly received the Senior Citizens Award for service to Morden.

Henry’s faith was the No. 1 aspect of his life and he served the Lord and Christ Lutheran Church in every way possible throughout his lifetime. He was constantly studying scripture and loved to share his faith with everyone. His earthly life ended 18 August 2001, age 76, at which time he received his promotion to be present with the Lord.

Henry’s, was a life of Service well lived.

Respectfully submitted by Wendy (daughter) and George Penner.