I was only just finishing up my second year as a cadet when Air Commodore (retired) Birchall was my squadron's Reviewing Officer at our Annual Inspection. That Sunday, May 27, 2001, was rediculously warm. We were all formed up, standing at attention, and waiting for our R.O to take the podium to say a few words to us. I remember seeing Birchall. Then, from him, we heard the unexpected in a calm, aged, confident voice.
"I've stood on many parade squares in the heat. I understand duty and discipline, and I too have been where you are now, so Squadron, stand at ease!"
We weren't exaclty sure what to do, as I suppose the Annual R.O giving such an order wasn't a regular occurence. But, after a moment we listened because he then called out, "I gave you a direct order. Now Squadron, stand at ease!"
Our hands snapped behind our backs, before being told to stand easy. We then focused on the man before us...
Leonard Birchall was born and raised in St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada on July 6, 1915. He later attended the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), and upon his graduation in 1937, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. For the first few years of the Second World War, as part of the 413 Squadron, he flew flying boats in Canada and the Shetland Islands. In 1942, his squadron was transfered to the island of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).
On April 4, 1942, the Air Commodore was with his crew doing a routine patrol around the island when he spotted the same Japanese fleet that had devastated Pearl Harbor a few months earlier heading toward Ceylon to attack the island's naval base. He and his men gathered as much information as possible on the incoming fleet to send to the island. He was able to radio the ground crews with all gathered intel, and gave them time to disperse their fleets, and fend off the Japanese. Air Commodore Birchall, with this single act, changed the course of the Second World War.
While Birchall and his crew were warning the men on the island, his Canso aircraft was shot down. As a result, the Air Commodore and his men spent the remainder of the war in various Japanese P.O.W camps. I remember him telling us about the gruelling 100-mile marches that they had to endure, where if anyone fell down, or fell behind, they were killed on the spot. He would do his damndest to ensure that his men were well taken care of, and if his captors were to go at anyone, then to do their damage to him, and leave his men alone. He was always more concerned about the well-being of his crew than himself, though he was often known to say that everything was a team effort, and that not everything was the result of merely his own actions.
Because of Birchall's actions, Sir Winston Churchill dubbed our Canadian hero the Saviour of Ceylon, going so far to say that the Air Commodore, "made one of the most important, single contributions to victory."
After what he endured during the war, survived in the internment camps, and recieving numerous decorations, such as the Order of the British Empire, and the Distinguished Flying Cross, there was one battle that the Air Commodore just could not win. On September 10, 2004, at the age of 89, Air Comodore Leonard Birchall, the Saviour of Ceylon, lost his fight with cancer. The first time I heard that, my heart just broke. That's not the kind of passing a hero deserves.
On May 27, 2001, for the 779 Black Knight Squadron, Air Commodore Leonard Birchall was the Reviewing Officer. Though he was heavily involved with the Air Cadet program for many years, my squadron was the last one that he ever inspected. To know that makes me feel so proud and privileged.
Thank you, Air Commodore Birchall, for all that did for your men, your country, and for taking the time to inspect my former squadron. You were a hero, a human, and an inspiration. May you rest in peace.
For more, refer to the other posts in my series 11 Days of Remembrance, and the following links:
http://cfpilots.com/memory/birchall.htm
http://www.military-quotes.com/forum/passing-true-canadian-hero-savior-t3684.html
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