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SPURR, Lawrence Esmond (14415)

Parents

Birth

  • Born on June 15, 1923 in Middleton, Annapolis Co., NS

Death

  • Died on January 26, 1973 in Middlewood, Lunenburg Co., NS
  • Buried in Old Holy Trinity Anglican Church Cemetery in Middleton, Annapolis Co., NS

Marriages

Notes

  • Occupation: RCAF
  • Death: Accident 2 Car Collision Multiple Skull Fractures/ Trauma to Heart & Lungs
  • Military Service: WW2/ Korea RCAF Flight Lieutenant
  • Honors: SPURR, Flight Lieutenant Laurence Esmond (17807) \endash Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) \endash 25th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter Wing (USAF) \endash Awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 24 January 1953 and AFRO 55/53 dated 6 February 1953, for services in Korea. Born in Middleton, Nova Scotia, 15 June 1923; home there; enlisted in Halifax, 22 June 1942; trained at No.6 ITS (graduated 19 February 1943), No.12 EFTS and No.6 SFTS (wings on 20 August 1943). Attended No.1 OTU, Bagotville; served overseas with Nos. 41 and 416 Squadrons. Overseas he damaged one Me.262 and shared in the destruction of a Do.217. Attained rank of WO2, 20 November 1944; commissioned with effect from 8 October 1944; Flying Officer, 8 April 1945. Released, 13 May 1946; re-engaged in Halifax, 4 November 1948. Served in Korea, 10 April to 29 July 1952; flew 50 sorties (76 combat hours) plus ten non-combat hours; reported he had straffed several ground targets (troops, small factories), On strength of No.1 OTU, Chatham when award announced. On 14 July 1952 Flight Lieutenant Lawrence E. Spurr displayed extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. As flight leader of a unit of four (4) F-86 type aircraft, Lieutenant Spurr displayed superior airmanship and tactical ability while leading his flight near Sakchu, Korea as a screening force for fighter-bombers. After sighting condensation trails above him, Lieutenant Spurr pursued them and found ten (10) MIG-15s descending to his altitude. The flight became separated into elements with Lieutenant Spurr and his wingman pursuing two (2) MIGs for several minutes until well within range since they were as yet unnoticed by any of the enemy aircraft. The MIG broke left after his first burst which caused the MIG to lose power and forced Lieutenant Spurr to roll around the MIG until he was slowed enough to get into firing position again. Lieutenant Spurr continued to score damaging hits until the enemy fighter was burning and falling out of control. Lieutenant Spurr was then forced to break off and take evasive action from several MIGs pressing attacks. As a result of this mission, enemy fighters were prevented from breaking through to the fighter-bombers' protective screen and a MIG-15 aircraft was destroyed. As of this recommendation, Flight Lieutenant Spurr has flown a total of 45 (45) combat sorties in the Korean Theatre. Flight Lieutenant Lawrence E. Spurr distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot, 25th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter Intercept Group, from 29 April 1952 to 29 May 1952. During that period, Lieutenant Spurr completed twenty combat missions over North Korea. These missions were flown over areas heavily defended by anti-aircraft fire, where attack by enemy aircraft was at all times probable and expected. Lieutenant Spurr's exceptional flying ability and aggressive spirit against superior numbers of enemy aircraft contributed greatly to the mission of the United Nations Forces. Through his keen professional skill and outstanding devotion to duty, Lieutenant Spurr reflected great credit upon himself, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the Far East Air Forces.

Sources

  • Nova Scotia Deaths: Year 1973 #1720

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