Choloy, France

1953 – AAFCE - Assorted Sources

Details:

25 November 1953 - S/L George Harley Aitchison

Comments from Doug Galloway:

Suadron Leader George Harley Aitchison was attached to AAFCE (Fontainebleau, France) at the time of his death. He was riding as a passenger with an American driving the vehicle at the time of his death. The right rear tire blew out near Essomes and caused the driver to lose control. The vehicle struck a tree and George Aitchison died as a result of head injuries. He was dead on arrival at the hospital. The driver was not injured. S/L Aitchison died on 25 November 1953 and he was buried at the Chambiere French military cemetery in Metz France on 30 November 1953. His remains were exhumed, along with an estimated 18 other RCAF military personnel, in August 1954, and relocated at the RCAF military cemetery at Choloy France.

George Aitchison was an Air Cadet and a reserve in the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) before he enlisted in the RCAF on 4 April 1941. S/L Aitchison had received the following awards during his career with the RCAF: Maple Leaf Clasp, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, War Medal, and the 1939-1945 Star.


Click on the description text to view the photograph.
  1. Death Certificate of S/L GH Aitchison - 5 April 1954.
    Courtesy Doug Galloway.

  2. Removal of casket from hearse in Chambiere military cemetery - 30 November 1953.
    Courtesy Doug Galloway.

  3. Funeral procession walking towards resting place in Chambiere military cemetery in Metz - 30 November 1953.
    Courtesy Doug Galloway.

  4. Funeral ceremony at the grave site - 30 November 1953.
    Courtesy Doug Galloway.

  5. Funeral ceremony at the grave site - 30 November 1953.
    Courtesy Doug Galloway.

  6. Grave of S/L GH Aitchison at Chambiere - 30 November 1953.
    Courtesy Doug Galloway.

  7. Grave site of S/L GH Aitchison at Chambiere - 30 November 1953.
    Courtesy Doug Galloway.

  8. Grave site of S/L GH Aitchison at Chambiere - 30 November 1953.
    Courtesy Doug Galloway.

  9. Grave site of S/L GH Aitchison at Chambiere - 30 November 1953.
    Courtesy Doug Galloway.

  10. S/L GH Aitchison - 1953.
    Courtesy Doug Galloway.

  11. F/O GH Aitchison - ca 1945.
    Courtesy Doug Galloway.


[S/L GH Aitchison Grave Marker]

[S/L GH Aitchison Grave Marker]

Grave marker photos courtesy of Malcolm Cromarty - February 2001