Canada. A Memorial Cross To Observer Macdonald, 1942

Canada; George VI cypher in center obverse, naming is engraved (SGT OBSERVER L.J MACDONALD R95565) on reverse, sterling silver, marked "STERLING", maker marked "BMCO" on the reverse, suspended from a sterling silver RAF Air Observer Sweetheart pin with locking C clasp and blue O, both dark patina, extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Louis John MacDonald was born on November 27, 1920 to John James and Susan MacDonald of Ottawa, Ontario. He attended the Ottawa Technical School and was employed as a file clerk for the Dominion Government of Canada, right up until he enlisted on February 2, 1941. He provided his high school principal W.B Wallen as a character reference who state that “while here he applied himself diligently and we found him to be a reliable and trustworthy young man.” MacDonald was a fit, basketball enthusiast and his interviewing officer's record states he came across as a “good clean cut type-keen-intelligent- should make a good member of Aircrew.” He was trained at Victoriaville, Ancienne Lorette and finally Mont Joli where he obtained his RAF Observer wing. However, his General Conduct Sheet noted that he was absent without leave for a total of 2 days and 50 minutes in October 1941 which resulted in 14 days C.B (Confined to Barracks). Upon his elementary training review, it was reported that he had “no ambition to be a precise pilot… takes advice reluctantly… [and] complained of getting dizzy on turns.” Scoring 724 of a possible 1200, MacDonald was considered unsuitable for a commissioned rank, but passed although he “lacked a vital interest.”

He was admitted to the Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary on September 21, 1942 for Catarrhal Jaundice. A laparotomy was performed on April 26 1942, which found acute yellow atrophy in the liver, ultimately the cause of his death that same day. He was survived by his sister Sam Goldie and her husband, Pte. S Goldie of Ottawa. Sgt MacDonald was buried in the Troqueer Cemetery, Ayrshire, UK, grave reference: Sec H. Extn 2. Grave 111. He is also commemorated on page 92 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance.