The 971 Wing Newsletter is a bi-monthly publication of items gathered by our long suffering scribe George Sweanor. George flew Wellingtons and Halifaxes with 419 (Moose) Squadron in WWII. Shot down in March 1943 he spent 800 days as a POW and served on the committee of the “The Great Escape” of March 1944 while in the North Compound of Stalag Luft III, Sagan Germay. After compulsory retirement, in 1966 from the RCAF while serving here in Colorado Springs, he completed his degree programme. A second career as a teacher ensued until final retirement, but not without publishing a book on his life and a compilation of Port Hope veterans from United Empire Loyalist to Afghanistan. The newsletter is only possible thru the good graces of his “warbride” Joan, who often finds every flat surface in their home covered with newsletter drafts and clippings in preparation for the next edition.

Check out George's reflection on Christmas 1944