BARR Willis Eric

Willis Barr enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force on 12th January 1942 at No 11 Recruiting Centre, Toronto.  He was born on 10th January 1921 at Toronto, Ontario, the son of Willis Frederic Barr and Annie Vera Barr, nee Webb.  Willis senior was born at Grimsby, Ontario and Annie was born in England.  At the time of his enlistment Willis was employed as a Warehouseman and he lived with his parents at 23 Glenmore Road, Toronto, Ontario.  His service records list the particulars of his education and a number of sports that he enjoyed participating in.  Willis was 6 feet tall with green eyes, ??? hair and a medium complexion.

Willis married Ruth Frances Alberta Selkirk on 12th October 1942 at Toronto, Ontario.  He embarked from Canada on 28th October 1942 and arrived in the U.K. on 5th November 1942 where he was posted to 23 OTU (Operational Training Unit) at Pershore, Worcestershire.  On 15th January 1943 he was part of the crew on board Wellington X3964 which overshot due to engine failure and crashed near Pershore.  Sergeant J.H. Robson, RAFVR and Flight Sergeant W.J. Duplin RCAF also died in the crash.  After the war his medals and Memorial Bar were sent to his widow, Mrs Ruth F.A. Barr, 33 Marlborough Avenue, Toronto, Ontario.

Sergeant Willis Eric Barr, age 22, serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force was buried in consecrated ground in Pershore Cemetery on 20th January 1943.  The ceremony was performed by the Reverend R.W. Frazier (S/L), No 4 District Headquarters, R.C.A.F. Birmingham.

Register of Burials in War Graves in Pershore Cemetery courtesy of Pershore Town Council.