Squadron Leader W. H. Adams, DFC
SAC 1928-1935

J5783 Squadron Leader William Houghton Adams was born in Toronto, 1917 and attended St. Andrew's College from 1928 to 1935.

  • Enlisted in Toronto 19 September 1940. 
  • Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 23 January 1941)
  • No.2 EFTS (graduated 1 April 1941)
  • No.7 SFTS (graduated 20 June 1941). 
  • Joined No. 415 Squadron 29 December 1941
  • Was with it off and on until 26 July 1943 when posted to Royal Canadian Air Force Overseas Headquarters. 
  • Photo PL-7905 shows him with F/L J. R. Sumaner of Hamilton.
Upon his return from the war, Bill completed his law degree at Osgoode Hall in Toronto, and served on the Board of Governors of St. Andrew's. He spend most of his working career in the residential real estate business. He was married to Dorothy Margaret and had two sons, and one daughter.

He died on August 17, 1989 in Muskoka, Ontario.
 

Distinguished Flying Cross

"In May 1943, this officer was pilot of a bomber detailed to attack a convoy off the Frisian Islands. The largest merchant vessel in this convoy was successfully attacked in spite of anti-aircraft fire.  In July 1942, this officer attacked and sank an enemy merchant vessel near the Dutch coast and in November 1942 he made a successful attack on an escorted merchant vessel in the Bay of Biscay. Throughout all his operational missions this pilot has displayed keenness and devotion to duty." 
Award effective 1 July 1943 as per London Gazette dated 9 July 1943
and AFRO 1724/43 dated 27 August 1943