Robert O Lumgair
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), 1939-1945 Star, Aircrew Europe Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM) and Clasp, 1939-45 War Medal
Royal Canadian Airforce
408 Squadron
27 August 1919 – 02 July 2012
RO was the 4th son born to parents Robert W. and Hanna L. Lumgair (Ching) in Free Masons Hospital Morden, Manitoba.
He was educated in Orangehill School (near Thornhill) and Wellington Junior High School, graduating grade 11. RO was by all accounts a typical boy enjoying baseball, hockey, and by some accounts getting into mischief with friends. After graduation he farmed with his father and brothers, Wallace, John, Jim and Norman west of Thornhill.
He enlisted with the RCAF, 20 December 1940 and spent the next 15 months training as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner in Canada and England. While on a training flight in England, summer of 1942, his aircraft crashed. The aircraft had a crew of 4 and RO was one of two survivors. He survived a second crash in July 1943.
RO flew with 408 Squadron and by 1943 had achieved the rank of Warrant Officer. In December 1943 his parents received a letter advising them that their son had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The citation on which this award was made reads as follows:
“As Air Gunner Warrant Officer Lumgair has taken part in a large number of sorties involving attacks on industrial centres in the Ruhr and many other targets of importance. He is a most conscience member of the aircraft crew whose vigilance and skill have played a good part in the successes obtained during an operation against Hanover. In October, 1943, his aircraft was attacked by a fighter. In the ensuing combat Warrant Officer Lumgair displayed excellent judgement in directing the necessary evading tactics, afterwards using his guns to such good effort in unison with the rear gunner that the attacker was shot down in flames. His efforts contributed materially to the success of the sortie.”
Signed by Charles G. Power the Minister of National Defence for Air.
Shortly after being awarded the DFC, RO was commissioned to the rank of Flying Officer and by 10 June 1944 had completed his, “Tour” of 30 operations and was moved to the reserve list and was struck of RCAF strength 22 August 1944.
When RO returned home from the war one of his first priorities was to marry the lady he could not forget about. Robert O. Lumgair and Isobel Kunzelman were married 06 July 1945 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They raised 3 children Robert P. (deceased) G. Murray and Lori G. They were happily married for 47 years until Isobels passing 18 November 1992. This loss was very hard on RO.
RO lived his entire life, except for his wartime service, in the Thornhill Morden area. In addition to farming, he and Isobel cleaned the Thornhill School for many years and he also delivered the mail. He was involved in the community and served on Thornhill Coop, Manitoba Pool Elevator Board, Thornhill Curling Club, Morden Curling Club, Morden Handi Van and Legion building committee for the Legion as well as Legion I, where he and Isobel lived after retiring from the farm.
RO loved to play his “Squeeze Box” for his children and later for the grandchildren, and anyone else who cared to listen. Later he moved to the Tabor Home and had many great years there enjoying playing the squeeze box for the people and playing crib.
Robert O. Lumgair passed away 02 July 2012, he was 92.
Information supplied by son Murray and daughter Lori.