The Airmen's Stories - F/O P W Lochnan

Peter William Lochnan, of Ottawa, was born there on 3rd August 1913, the son of Frederick Michael Lochnan (1879-1974) and Lilian Mary Lochnan (nee Solloway 1885-1977).

After graduating from Queens University in Ottawa he worked as a surveyor of gold mines.

In May 1940 he married Jane Elizabeth Lumbers.

Lochnan joined the RCAF on 5th June 1939 and arrived in the UK on 20th June 1940 with 112 (RCAF) Squadron, an Army Co-operation Reserve unit.

He was attached to 5 OTU, Aston Down on 19th August and, after converting to Hurricanes, Lochnan was posted to No 1 (RCAF) Squadron at Northolt on 2nd September 1940.

Following an engagement with He111s over Tunbridge Wells on 11th September Lochnan crashed near Romney and his Hurricane, V6670, burned out. He was unhurt.

L to R: F/O H deM Molson, F/O PB Pitcher, F/O PW Lochnan, P/O OJ Peterson, F/O CW Trevena, F/Lt. GR McGregor.

On the 15th he claimed a He111 destroyed, on the 27th he shared a Me110 and on 7th October he claimed a Me109.

Lochnan was killed in on 21st May 1941 as a Flying Officer with 400 (RCAF) Squadron, aged 27.

After a Tiger Moth ditched in the sea he volunteered to join the search in Lysander V9361 but it crashed in bad visibility in South Wales.

He is buried in Brookwood Military Cemetery.