Legacy project aims to preserve the memory of fallen airmen trained in Goderich
By: Kate Smith
During the Second World War, Huron County hosted thousands of airmen and airwomen from across the British Commonwealth who trained to become aircrew in what General Eisenhower called the “Great Crusade” against Nazi Germany.
At least 65 aircrew during the Second World War trainees died during training in Huron County. Seventeen lost their lives in training accidents over Lake Huron and have “no known grave but the sea.”
After being approached by local historian David Yates to consider this as a legacy project, the Town of Goderich’s Bicentennial Committee is proposing a memorial to honour these 17 young airmen and ensure that their names and sacrifices are remembered.
“We have a responsibility to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect peace and safety around the world,” lamented Liz Petrie, Goderich Councillor and Chair of Goderich 2027 Bicentennial Committee.
“The men who trained here at the Goderich Sky Harbour Airport seem to be lost in history and we must remember them. We owe them more than a moment of silence. We owe them remembrance, respect and a commitment to understanding the cost of war.”
Although these Airmen were not local, Petrie says this does not matter as their lives meant something and their sacrifice must not become just another footnote in history.
“Goderich was integral in training these men, and it is our duty to honour them,” added Petrie.
An appeal has been launched to support the creation of a permanent memorial. The proposed monument will provide a lasting place for remembrance and reflection while recognising the service and sacrifice of these airmen and the contributions of Commonwealth aircrew during the Second World War.
The Town of Goderich and the Bicentennial Committee are in full support of the Legacy Project that will be located in Butterfly Park. There is a budget in place, but it is a bit short from the RFP received, according to the committee.
Petrie believes there are organisations and individuals who will find this project a true reminder of the ultimate sacrifice and perhaps wish to donate to this project.
By doing so, a permanent monument will be a reminder of the sacrifices made, plus also provide a history that many are unaware of.
“The Goderich Sky Harbour Airport was instrumental in training those who would take to the air,” Petrie explained.
“We seem to know about the training school in Port Albert but not so much about Goderich and sharing our history is extremely important.”
Donations to the airmen’s memorial project may be made payable to the Town of Goderich. Please note “Airmen’s Memorial” with your contribution.
The deadline for donations is December 31, 2026. An unveiling ceremony has a tentative date scheduled for September 2027.
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