Thousands poured into TD Station in Saint John, N.B. for their annual Remembrance Day ceremony, which was done under the watchful eye of 99-year old Second World War Veteran Victor Burrill who served as the reviewing officer.
It was a fitting role for the tail gunner in the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 100th anniversary year.
“I’m honoured,” says the Second World War veteran. “I have never had my picture taken so many times as today.”
Burrill, who laid a wreath in honour of the fallen during the near-hour-long ceremony, served as a tail gunner during the Second World War. It was widely regarded as one of the most dangerous positions at the time.
His smaller stature made him the perfect man to sit in the back of the Lancaster Bomber aircraft. The average life expectancy for tail gunners at the time was five mission. Burrill exceeded the amount greatly, completing …