Version 6.01

03 March 2021

David March © 2014

ARCHIE SHAFER

Born May 30, 1918 in Eau Claire County, Seymore Wisconsin USA

Archie Samuel Shafer lived with his parents John & Harriet Shafer and 6 siblings on a dairy farm in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

1924 the family sold their holdings and immigrated to Canada . His father rented 1120 acres of land in the Bladworth area of southern Saskatchewan, a prairie town . The farm was 5 1/2 miles from the nearest school. They farmed with 40 work horses and horse drawn equipment. The boys all helped with farming duties. The children were driven to school by horse and buggy in the summer and horse and caboose during the winter months. Archie attended school not missing one day until his parents could no longer afford his schooling , he finished grade 11. He took on a variety of jobs including jobs on farms, drag line operator which took him to Alaska to the gold mines, this being 1939.

Back in Canada he joined up with the Mobile Recruiting Unit of the Royal Canadian Air force for aircraft pilot training. Posted in Edmonton, Alberta for extensive training then onto Prince Albert

Saskatchewan for flying school (1943). Archie had the misfortune of fracturing his wrist, having had operations this set him back. He commenced his training of aerobatics, cross country and formation flying in Dauphin Manitoba(1944). Archie achieved the rank of Pilot Officer. In 1945 his posting came to report to 122 squadron at Port Hardy and Coal Hardy, British Columbia.

Flying PBY5 Canso Flying Boats, carrying a crew of 8 personal, 4000 pounds of bombs, depth charges, ammunition and 2200 gallons of gasoline, Archie flew in 15 hour patrols over the Pacific Ocean searching for enemy submarines.

When the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan that ended the war. Archie was granted his Honorable discharge on Oct 25, 1945 from the Royal Canadian Air force. His discharge rank was Flying Officer.

Archie took on many interesting jobs after his discharge, amongst the various jobs he wrote exams for a commercial pilot license in 1955. He flew a variety of aircraft (some on floats) in northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba doing charters to outpost hospitals and camps. Flying RCMP, doctors/nurses on their regular circuits, trappers and tourists. He averaged 800-1000 hours of flying time per month.

Archie received his Canadian citizenship in 1960. He was very proud of his achievements in his commercial flying record of the north. He put in over 22000 hours of flying time under all conditions of weather with only a few minor accidents---broken ski leg-- motor failure. He did his job with pride and made many lifelong friends during this time of his life.

Archie was  happily married to Elaine and together they raised a family of 2 boys and a girl. They enjoyed their family which gave them 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, they travelled and Archie passed on April 25, 2001 in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta at the age of 83.

Informant: Jean Tiegen (niece) by email

LAC
A168707