Humphrys, Peter Robert

Peter Humphrys was born on January 10, 1920 in Vancouver, British Columbia to parents Noel and Kathleen Humphrys. He was raised and educated in Vancouver, graduating from Kitsilano School. Peter enjoyed playing rugby and at time of enlistment, he was single and apprenticing as an aircraft mechanic with Trans Canada Airways. He worked for Trans Canada at their Vancouver and Lethbridge locations. On December 10, 1941, Peter Humphrys enlisted for service with the Royal Canadian Air Force. The next fifteen months were spent training at bases in Calgary, Prince Albert, Fort William and Brandon. On January 22, 1943, he received his pilot’s wings. Flight Sergeant Humphrys arrived in the United Kingdom on March 17, 1943 and was posted to 433 Squadron RCAF in September of that year. This new squadron had the nickname the Porcupines. They were equipped with Halifax bombers in November 1943. On December 19, 1943, Flight Sergeant Humphrys was on a cross-country flight, when upon landing it crashed into a stationary aircraft at the aerodrome at Leeming. He was killed instantly and laid to rest at Stonefall Cemetery. For his wartime service, Flight Sergeant Humphrys was awarded 1939-45 Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp