Born May 12, 1922, Edward the was second child for Jack and Alma Dow (my granddad Frank being the first.) I don't know much about his child hood except that he grew up in Toronto and graduated from one of the Polytechnic high school's there. In 1942, Edward followed his brother Frank (who had been in England since 1939) and joined up. Going against family tradition, Edward joined the RCAF instead of going into the army. In 1943, Edward was shipped overseas to England. Right before he left he married his girlfriend, Mildred.
As an air gunner, Edward participated in my bombing missions over Germany. On February 22nd 1944, while on one particular mission, Edward's plane was shot down over Germany. The RCAF had listed him as missing in action but it was soon changed to "persumed dead," he was 21.
My great-grandmother, Alma had carefully preserved all of the letters Edward had sent to her during his service. They are currently in the possession of my Dad, and as soon as I can get home again I will transcribed some. In 1947, the Ministry of Defence, presented Alma with Edward's medals along with the silver memorial cross. Every year on her birthday, Edward's widow, Mildred would send her a dozen flowers.
Edward Albert Dowe is buried in Eindhoven General Cemetery.
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