Elwin Quantrill left his job as a bank teller to enlist in the RCAF. The Port Hope, Ontario resident received his Elementary Flying Training at Goderich and was assessed by S/L Ken Krug as: “Average pilot material. This student needed considerable encouragement due to an aversion developed from a scare in first solo flight. Aerobatics, airmanship and recoveries from unusual positions need more practice.” After completing his pilot training at Centralia, Quantrill received the following assessment from G/C Fullerton: “An above average pilot, has natural ability and confidence in his flying. Should make an excellent instructor. This pupil is recommended for a commission.” Quantrill received his wings and Commission at Centralia. Three days later he married Vivian Jennings. After finishing instructor training at Pearce, Alberta, F/O Quantrill was posted to No. 12 SFTS Brandon, where his wife joined him. On May 16, 1944, F/O Quantrill was killed when Cessna Crane 8162 he was piloting was in a mid-air collision – one day before his first wedding anniversary. His widow recalls Elwin Quantrill’s life: “Elwin was like many young men at the time – taken in the prime of their life and didn’t have too many years in which to have interests and hobbies. He went from High School into the Royal Bank and became an Assistant Accountant the year before he joined the RCAF. He was interested in sports and was on the tennis team which won the Kawartha Championship and was also interested in golf. He was an avid bridge player. “I know commemoration means so much to veterans celebrating their ‘war’ days but I find it sad – Elwin losing his life, and my second husband wrestling with bad affairs in Europe. I am interested in what you are doing to preserve the boys’ memories.”