Flight Sergeant Francis “Frank” Albert Dunn was born on February 24, 1907 to parents Albert Percival and Edna Frances Dunn.

Dunn enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force and served overseas with the 419 (Moose) Squadron.  On the night of May 23, 1943 Dunn was the flight engineer aboard a Handley Page Mk II (JB862) that left RAF Middleton St. George on a mission to Dortmund, Germany.  The plane was shot down early on May 24th.  According to the Operational Log of 419 Squadron, “This aircraft took off to attack Dortmund  with bomb load as above.  Nothing further was heard from it after take-off, and its failure to return is presumed to be due to enemy action.”  Dunn was the only survivor of the crew of seven and was subsequently taken prisoner.

Content notes:
The collection consists of a single letter written in early May of 1945 after his escape as a P.O.W. and his return to England.

Editor notes:
In addition to Dunn, the crew of the Halifax consisted of three other members of the R.C.A.F and three members of the R.A.F.V.R. (Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve). 

External links:
Aircrew flying with Dunn on May 23/24, 1943:
      R.C.A.F. W/O Arthur Stanley Green service record (Serv/Reg# R107004)
      R.C.A.F. F/S Joseph Prieur service record (Serv/Reg# R132590)  
      R.C.A.F.  F/S George Gowling service record (Serv/Reg# R139047)
      R.A.F.V.R. F/S Michael Harrison (Serv/Reg# 1194276) burial information at the Commonwealth War Graves
      R.A.F.V.R F/S Alfred Brockway (Serv/Reg# 1310694) burial information at the Commonwealth War Graves
      R.A.F.V.R.  F/O Douglas Gartery (Serv/Reg# 128972) burial information at the Commonwealth War Graves