22 Creeden Street

Pilot Officer James Waldron “Wally” Creeden

Wally was born in Brantford but lived in Paris for most of his life with his parents, James and Elsie Credden, at 100 Grand River Street South (now known as 22 Creeden Street, which was renamed after James). He delivered the Evening Telegram newspaper. He was educated in Paris and worked at Gypsum, Lime and Alabastine Co. Ltd. until he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force in August 1940. He received his training in Toronto and Dunnville and was awarded his Wings in February 1941. He was the youngest graduate in a class of 51 airmen, four days after his 19th birthday.

He went overseas and continued his training. He was posted to the Canadian Hudson “Demon” Squadron of the Coastal Command. He was one of the youngest fliers in the RCAF and his daring and ability were soon recognized. He was credited with the destruction of three Axis ships, playing an important role in the attack on the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau off the Dutch coast. For his courage and skill, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal during the Battle of Dover. He was congratulated by Air-Vice-Marshall and the Honourable Vincent Massey and the High Commissioner for Canada in London for his actions. A British film company made a movie Coastal Command in which his squadron played a major role.

He was made Flight Sergeant, then Warrant Officer and then Pilot Officer a few days before his death. He was killed in active service on May 16, 1942. He was 20 years old. He is buried in Great Burcham (St. Mary) Churchyard in Norfolk, England. Mount Creeden in the Yukon has been named after him.

(This information has been taken from the Canadian Virtual War Memorial created by Veterans Affairs Canada)