| Notes |
- Reward of Merit
Chilliwack rejoices this week in the announcement of honor conferred upon
one of her sons, Flying Officer Harvey A. Weeks. Award of Distinguished Flying Cross to him comes after a long and hazardous term of service, and if there has been some brevity about the news which has reached Chilliwack concerning Harvey's award there are few here who will worry.
An award to Harvey, whatever may be the terms of the official citation, is a well earned one. His friends here have little difficulty in recalling the story; a husky, friendly chap whose grin belied a strain of seriousness, whose modesty cloaked plenty of ability too. Three tours of operations over Germany, Italy, and Africa were highlighted by participation in the famous Ruhr Dam raid and the winning of his commission.
Harvey has gained both his commission and his decoration the hard way. It is true of war that more brave acts go unheralded than otherwise, and we would not forget the hundreds of undecorated Chilliwack chaps in all the armed services who are conducting themselves in the same brave, modest and efficient fashion. At the same time, all Chilliwack is happy to join in congratulating FO Weeks and his family on this merited distinction.
Source; Newspaper clipping
PO Harvey Weeks, son of Mr and Mrs O. A. Weeks of Chilliwack, has recently received his commission overseas. P/O Weeks arrived overseas in 1942, a year after his enlistment, and has taken part in more than 60 raids over enemy territory. he was one of the district's foremost basketball players and an enthusiastic golfer.
Harvey Alexander WEEKS, Rank of Pilot Officer, Official Number as J.19206; Command or Group was No. 5 Group, Bomber Command, Unit was No. 617 Squadron, Total hours flown on operations was 302 hrs., 20 min; Number of Sorties was 46, Recognition fo which recommended was D.F.C., Appointment held was Operational Air Gunner.
P/O Weeks has completed 46 operational sorties as an Air Gunner. He has taken part in attacks against such heavily defended targets as Berlin, Essen, Hamburg and has several times been in action over Northern Italy. He volunteered to join ...Duties Squadron in March 1943 and has since then carried out 20 sorties against specially selected targets in occupied Europe. He has been operating continuously since October 1942 and his magnificent devotion to duty and complete disregard of danger when his aircraft has been heavily engaged have materially assisted in those successful attacks against the enemy. He has been a source of inspiration to the remainder of his crew and he is strongly recommended for the award of the D.F.C. (Distinquished Flying Cross). Dated 10 .... 1944.
After the war, Harvey was married and returned home to Chilliwack. According to family sources, Harvey had a tough time making the adjustments to peace time living and finding employment. He suffered from depression, nerves, and often partook of alcohol. Harvey and his wife never left Chilliwack after this, as Harvey took a job 'slinging beer' at various local establishments. He is referred to by many locals today (2003) as a most colorful man. He worked feverishly for the Cadet program and the Flying Club in Chilliwack. He was happiest when reminiscing with the guys or veterans. Many exerpts from his military file such as log books, names of crew members etc are filed in a special folder (Flying Club) at the Chilliwack Archives.
Burial Plot Location: World Canadian Legion Cemetery, Chilliwack, B.C. - Plot D125 with room for Doris (his wife) in D126. Centre 2 plots were left for cremation and Harvey's monument is (?) East in direction of the flag/spire. Although death occurred Mar. 22, 1991, interment took place Mar. 11, 1992.
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My Scottish "Wilkie" Family
1919 - 1991 (71 years)
