January 12, 1922 - July 17, 1945
Charles Govan Middleton was the son of Charles Middleton (1891-1973), post office custodian, veteran of WWI, and Agnes Edward (nee Maxwell) Middleton (1894-1986) of South Burnaby, British Columbia. He had one brother James, plus another brother who died in infancy.
He married Edythe Hilda Butchart (1922-1989) on June 10, 1943. Hilda was an RCAF WD, based out of Lethbridge, Alberta. She later married Clarence John Klassen (1920-1991).
Charles received excellent evaluations as a pilot and officer, enlisting in the RCAF on May 12, 1941. He had been a business student previously.
No. 133 Falcon Squadron’s Mosquito KA109 out of Patricia Bay, BC was lost between Texada Island and Lasqueti Island in the Sabine Strait, British Columbia during a low level cross-country exercise. Flight Sergeant William McIldowie Turnbull, R268513, navigator, was also killed, of Verdun, Quebec. The aircraft sank in 1000 feet of water.
From the crash card: Error in judgement on part of pilot. Recommendations: Pilots use more care when flying on low level exercises, especially when flying over water which is glassy or smooth. Floating wreckage was discovered, “presumable Mosquito KA109.” Aircraft had been dispatched to the scene of the accident when Mosquito KA109 was two hours overdue. WAC received a report that an aircraft had crashed into the sea.
The full Court of Inquiry can be found on microfiche C-5938, image 1135. For more information about Charles, William, and what happened on July 17, 1945, please visit the links below.
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