Pilot. Warrant Officer, Class 2. Service no. 2285.
Ernest was born on February 3, 1916 at Walpole, Saskatchewan in Canada, the only son of Andrew and Betrande Glass. He left school at the age of 17 in 1933 and was a resident of Moosomin. He spoke English and French and started as an apprentice pharmacist with J.G. Wright. On June 5, 1937 he attested for three years in the Royal Canadian Air Force at Regina in Saskatchewan. He was single, 21 and almost six feet tall with interests in athletics and track events. He worked his way steadily up the ranks as an airframe mechanic for the next three years of his service and his annual appraisal described him as a good potential instructor and Warrant Officer. He married Corinne May Davis of St. Vital, Manitoba, on November 16, 1940 with their wedding taking place at St. Vital United Church.
Ernest was recommended for pilot training on April 28, 1942 as an above average applicant for aircrew mustering, he was described as an ambitious lad who had worked well in the service and showed exceptional qualities for aircrew. He wanted to become a pilot and was put forward for either pilot or observer and suitable for an officer’s commission. By March 5 of 1943 he had qualified as a pilot and achieved the rank of Flight Sergeant on April 1. His ambition after the war was to enter civil aviation or return to his job as a pharmacist. He was promoted to Warrant Officer Class 2, in December 1943 and was killed just a few weeks afterwards. He was 27 when he died.
He is buried at Stonefall Cemetery in Harrogate.
Canada honours the fallen from both world wars by naming natural features after them and Glass Lake is named after Ernest. His nephew Max Friebel had a cast metal sign placed on the shore of Glass Lake in Saskatchawen as a permanent tribute from his family.
Max was a regular attendee at the Oakworth Village Society ceremony each year to remember the six crew members and always spoke of his appreciation for the efforts of Oakworth village in remembering his Uncle.
Information sources:
Veteran’s Affairs Canada.
WW2 service records.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Oakworth Village Society.
Max Friebel.
