Douglas Ernest Paul

     In October 1940, Douglas enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. His decision to join the Air Force may have been influenced by many things. A desire to contribute to the war effort and defend his country may have been a reason. Propaganda encouraging young Canadians to enlist may have also been a reason to enlist.  Douglas initially tried to enlist in 1939 (or 1937 as the files aren’t clear) but was declared medically unfit due to being born with spina bifida that left him with a weak foot.  After being rejected by the RCAF Douglas went to school in September 1939 to become a radio/wireless operator and graduated in May of 1940.  After graduating, he made a round trip to South Africa as a wireless operator on a cruiser of the Canadian Navy. On his return to Ottawa he tried enlisting in the RCAF again.  This time he was successful.  Douglas was  described in his interview to be a “very good” type with a neat appearance, and based on his training was best fitted to be a wireless and electric mechanic. In November and December 1940, he did his basic training and trained to be a wireless operator. In early January 1941 he proceeded overseas to the UK.  Given the rank of Leading Aircraftman, he was first assigned to 4 Wing, 2nd Radio School in Yatesbury (January 17, 1941).  After a specialized radio course he was attached to the RAF from the RCAF.  He was assigned to the No 74 Wing of 60 Group in April of 1941 and worked at Radar Station Bawdsey.

He was injured in an air raid as he helped others into a pill box while they were under fire and died in the East Suffolk and Ipswich Hospital on May 6, 1941.  He was 23 years old.  His rank was an LAC (Leading Aircraftman). He was buried in Ipswich Old Cemetery, with “THY WILL BE DONE” on his headstone. He was a man of deep faith and conviction as evidenced by his multiple attempts to enlist in the RCAF.  He was also a poet and one of his poems, written just before he was killed, is called “An Airman’s Vision” and was published after his death.  Douglas was one of five cousins that served in World War II and the only who made the ultimate sacrifice.