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Air Vice-Marshal George Victor Walsh

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Air Vice-Marshal George Victor Walsh

Birth
Liverpool, Metropolitan Borough of Liverpool, Merseyside, England
Death
4 Jun 1960 (aged 67)
Liverpool, Metropolitan Borough of Liverpool, Merseyside, England
Burial
Brookwood, Woking Borough, Surrey, England Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Air Vice-Marshal George Victor WALSH, CB, CBE, CD.

BIRTH-1893 Sept Quarter birth registration-
Name: Walsh, George Victor
District: W. Derby (Volume & Page: 8b & 496)

DEATH- 1960 June Quarter death registration-
Name: WALSH, George V.---Age: 66
District: Liverpool N. (Volume & Page: 10d & 257)

*-Throughout his years as an RCAF Officer, George Victor WALSH witnessed and helped in the slow and steady formation of Canada's air force (RCAF).
*-According to Larry Milbery's book, "SIXTY YEARS-The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924-1984"----
"In the early days the RCAF was seen as contributing to popular policies—northern development in the 1920's, home defence in the 1930's. Its first strategic plan, drawn up in July 1932 by S/L G.V. WALSH, called for seven permanent air force squadrons, located throughout Canada, each keeping current with world technology and tactical thinking, while still staying prepared, if necessary, to defend Canadian sovereignty. WALSH also envisioned 12 non-permanent force squadrons (four bomber, four fighter, four army cooperational) to train personnel for future expansion and to provide the units that would support any overseas expeditionary force. RCAF evolution in the 1930's was based on this plan. Flights and detachments were expanded or amalgamated into something resembling squadrons, although they remained small and were seldom uniformly equipped, while the NPAAF (Non-Permanent Active Air Force) finally took shape."
*-George V. WALSH's early vision for Canada's RCAF helped to shape it into the effective force it is today.
*-Born in Great Crosby, near Liverpool, Lancashire, England—the WALSH family emigrated to Canada in 1904 when George was 11 years old.
*-Son of Captain John Thomas Walsh (a shipping agent, well-known in steamship circles, associated with the Canadian Pacific Steamships) and Florence (née Woods) Walsh of Montreal. Brother of Florence, Arthur, Catherine, Desmond and Noel. He was educated in Liverpool, England, in his early years and later at Loyola College in Montreal, Quebec. Upon completing his education, he worked in Montreal as the secretary to the general superintendent of the Canadian Pacific Railroad from 1911-1914.
*-First World War-Walsh enlisted in the Victoria Rifles of Canada (he received a commission in that unit in April 1915), and joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force; he served as a Lieutenant (twice wounded) with the 24th Battalion. He then served with the 5th Canadian Trench Mortar Brigade before he was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps in November 1916.
*-Following the war he took off his uniform for only a short time, becoming a writer of some merit, co-writing a revue, "Aces High", which was presented in Montreal in May 1922.
On 15 Feb 1923, King George V approved the designation "Royal Canadian Air Force". George Victor WALSH enlisted in the RCAF at Camp Borden, in Ontario, on 1 April 1924.
*-Second World War-In the early days of the war (March 1940) then G/C George V. WALSH of Ottawa was appointed commander, to head and manage the 'R.C.A.F. Overseas Headquarters' program. The major section of the new organization had already been established in Britain, but an experienced and competent group of Canadian airmen was needed to oversee the operation of the overseas RCAF headquarters. The establishment of an RCAF HQ in London marked an important stage in Canada's progressive contribution to the Empire's war effort.
*-His previous postings and responsibilities made G/C Walsh an ideal candidate for this overseas mission:- he had been Acting Member of the Air Council for Air Staff and as such was involved in the training, equipment, and despatch of No. 110 (City Of Toronto) Army Co-operation Squadron. He was also a 1929 graduate of the Royal Air Force Staff College in England, so understood RAF procedure, and thus could assist in maintaining close co-operation between the RAF and the RCAF. When the RCAF had earlier been engaged in civil government air operations, G/C Walsh had commanded the Lac du Bonnet sub-base in Manitoba, and later was made commander of the High River Air station in Alberta. He was also Officer in Command of the School of Army Co-operation in Trenton, Ontario. He filled a number of staff appointments such as Staff Officer for Organization, Staff Officer for Personnel, Staff Officer for Air Staff Duties and Air Staff Officer.
*-In 1941, Air Commodore G.V. WALSH was transferred back to Canada; his next assignment was in Washington where he went in September 1941 as Air Attache at the Canadian Legation. In July 1942 he was promoted to Air Vice-Marshal.
*-On 17 Jan 1946 Air Vice Marshall G.V. Walsh, MBE, had his proposal for a maple leaf RCAF roundel approved. Retiring from the RCAF on 5 Oct 1946, he went on to help found the RCAF Association; he was one of the Executive Members of the RCAFA at its first meeting in Montreal in Nov 1948.

**AWARDS and HONOURS-----
--Award presented on 21 Nov 1944:-
WALSH, A/V/M George Victor, MBE (C41) - Commander, Order of the British Empire -
"Air Vice-Marshal Walsh has rendered untiring and devoted service to the Royal Canadian Air Force. Since the commencement of hostilities he has served successively as Air Officer Commanding, Overseas Headquarters and Air Member, Canadian Joint Staff, Washington. This officer's display of energy, leadership and integrity, combined with a pleasing personality, is an inspiration to all those with whom he comes in contact. His knowledge and experience, combined with his good judgement, has been of an inestimable value to the Royal Canadian Air Force."
--Award presented on 29 March 1946 by the American Ambassador at the American Embassy in Ottawa, Ontario:-
WALSH, A/V/M George Victor, CBE (C41) - Commander, Legion of Merit (United States) WALSH, A/V/M George Victor, CBE (C41) - Commander, Legion of Merit (United States)-
"Air Vice Marshal George Victor Walsh, CBE, Royal Canadian Air Force, performed outstanding services in Washington from December 1941 to August 1945. As Air Attache and later as Air Member of the Canadian Joint Staff he was responsible for developing and supervising Royal Canadian Air Force supply procedures for the joint war effort. His skilful co-operation strengthened the bonds of friendship between the United States and Canada."
--Award effective 13 June 1946:-
WALSH, A/V/M George Victor, CBE (C41), Companion Order of the Bath, AFHQ Award-
"Air Vice Marshal Walsh has rendered outstanding and devoted service to the Royal Canadian Air Force over a long period Having served with distinction as Air Officer Commanding the Royal Canadian Air Force Overseas and later as Air Officer Commanding No 3 Training Command during the early development of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan he was appointed in 1942 as Air Member of the Canadian Joint Staff in Washington In this capacity he contributed greatly to the establishment of good will and mutual understanding between the United States and Canadian Armed Services Through his sincerity diligence and tact he enjoyed the confidence of those responsible for the exchange of information and procurement of equipment for the Royal Canadian Air Force These efforts contributed in a large measure to the success of the Air Training Plan in Canada and the efficiency of anti U Boat operations off the Canadian coast At the end of hostilities he returned to Canada where his extensive experience and sound judgement have continued to be of valuable assistance in the re organization of Air Force."
Air Vice-Marshal George Victor WALSH, CB, CBE, CD.

BIRTH-1893 Sept Quarter birth registration-
Name: Walsh, George Victor
District: W. Derby (Volume & Page: 8b & 496)

DEATH- 1960 June Quarter death registration-
Name: WALSH, George V.---Age: 66
District: Liverpool N. (Volume & Page: 10d & 257)

*-Throughout his years as an RCAF Officer, George Victor WALSH witnessed and helped in the slow and steady formation of Canada's air force (RCAF).
*-According to Larry Milbery's book, "SIXTY YEARS-The RCAF and CF Air Command 1924-1984"----
"In the early days the RCAF was seen as contributing to popular policies—northern development in the 1920's, home defence in the 1930's. Its first strategic plan, drawn up in July 1932 by S/L G.V. WALSH, called for seven permanent air force squadrons, located throughout Canada, each keeping current with world technology and tactical thinking, while still staying prepared, if necessary, to defend Canadian sovereignty. WALSH also envisioned 12 non-permanent force squadrons (four bomber, four fighter, four army cooperational) to train personnel for future expansion and to provide the units that would support any overseas expeditionary force. RCAF evolution in the 1930's was based on this plan. Flights and detachments were expanded or amalgamated into something resembling squadrons, although they remained small and were seldom uniformly equipped, while the NPAAF (Non-Permanent Active Air Force) finally took shape."
*-George V. WALSH's early vision for Canada's RCAF helped to shape it into the effective force it is today.
*-Born in Great Crosby, near Liverpool, Lancashire, England—the WALSH family emigrated to Canada in 1904 when George was 11 years old.
*-Son of Captain John Thomas Walsh (a shipping agent, well-known in steamship circles, associated with the Canadian Pacific Steamships) and Florence (née Woods) Walsh of Montreal. Brother of Florence, Arthur, Catherine, Desmond and Noel. He was educated in Liverpool, England, in his early years and later at Loyola College in Montreal, Quebec. Upon completing his education, he worked in Montreal as the secretary to the general superintendent of the Canadian Pacific Railroad from 1911-1914.
*-First World War-Walsh enlisted in the Victoria Rifles of Canada (he received a commission in that unit in April 1915), and joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force; he served as a Lieutenant (twice wounded) with the 24th Battalion. He then served with the 5th Canadian Trench Mortar Brigade before he was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps in November 1916.
*-Following the war he took off his uniform for only a short time, becoming a writer of some merit, co-writing a revue, "Aces High", which was presented in Montreal in May 1922.
On 15 Feb 1923, King George V approved the designation "Royal Canadian Air Force". George Victor WALSH enlisted in the RCAF at Camp Borden, in Ontario, on 1 April 1924.
*-Second World War-In the early days of the war (March 1940) then G/C George V. WALSH of Ottawa was appointed commander, to head and manage the 'R.C.A.F. Overseas Headquarters' program. The major section of the new organization had already been established in Britain, but an experienced and competent group of Canadian airmen was needed to oversee the operation of the overseas RCAF headquarters. The establishment of an RCAF HQ in London marked an important stage in Canada's progressive contribution to the Empire's war effort.
*-His previous postings and responsibilities made G/C Walsh an ideal candidate for this overseas mission:- he had been Acting Member of the Air Council for Air Staff and as such was involved in the training, equipment, and despatch of No. 110 (City Of Toronto) Army Co-operation Squadron. He was also a 1929 graduate of the Royal Air Force Staff College in England, so understood RAF procedure, and thus could assist in maintaining close co-operation between the RAF and the RCAF. When the RCAF had earlier been engaged in civil government air operations, G/C Walsh had commanded the Lac du Bonnet sub-base in Manitoba, and later was made commander of the High River Air station in Alberta. He was also Officer in Command of the School of Army Co-operation in Trenton, Ontario. He filled a number of staff appointments such as Staff Officer for Organization, Staff Officer for Personnel, Staff Officer for Air Staff Duties and Air Staff Officer.
*-In 1941, Air Commodore G.V. WALSH was transferred back to Canada; his next assignment was in Washington where he went in September 1941 as Air Attache at the Canadian Legation. In July 1942 he was promoted to Air Vice-Marshal.
*-On 17 Jan 1946 Air Vice Marshall G.V. Walsh, MBE, had his proposal for a maple leaf RCAF roundel approved. Retiring from the RCAF on 5 Oct 1946, he went on to help found the RCAF Association; he was one of the Executive Members of the RCAFA at its first meeting in Montreal in Nov 1948.

**AWARDS and HONOURS-----
--Award presented on 21 Nov 1944:-
WALSH, A/V/M George Victor, MBE (C41) - Commander, Order of the British Empire -
"Air Vice-Marshal Walsh has rendered untiring and devoted service to the Royal Canadian Air Force. Since the commencement of hostilities he has served successively as Air Officer Commanding, Overseas Headquarters and Air Member, Canadian Joint Staff, Washington. This officer's display of energy, leadership and integrity, combined with a pleasing personality, is an inspiration to all those with whom he comes in contact. His knowledge and experience, combined with his good judgement, has been of an inestimable value to the Royal Canadian Air Force."
--Award presented on 29 March 1946 by the American Ambassador at the American Embassy in Ottawa, Ontario:-
WALSH, A/V/M George Victor, CBE (C41) - Commander, Legion of Merit (United States) WALSH, A/V/M George Victor, CBE (C41) - Commander, Legion of Merit (United States)-
"Air Vice Marshal George Victor Walsh, CBE, Royal Canadian Air Force, performed outstanding services in Washington from December 1941 to August 1945. As Air Attache and later as Air Member of the Canadian Joint Staff he was responsible for developing and supervising Royal Canadian Air Force supply procedures for the joint war effort. His skilful co-operation strengthened the bonds of friendship between the United States and Canada."
--Award effective 13 June 1946:-
WALSH, A/V/M George Victor, CBE (C41), Companion Order of the Bath, AFHQ Award-
"Air Vice Marshal Walsh has rendered outstanding and devoted service to the Royal Canadian Air Force over a long period Having served with distinction as Air Officer Commanding the Royal Canadian Air Force Overseas and later as Air Officer Commanding No 3 Training Command during the early development of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan he was appointed in 1942 as Air Member of the Canadian Joint Staff in Washington In this capacity he contributed greatly to the establishment of good will and mutual understanding between the United States and Canadian Armed Services Through his sincerity diligence and tact he enjoyed the confidence of those responsible for the exchange of information and procurement of equipment for the Royal Canadian Air Force These efforts contributed in a large measure to the success of the Air Training Plan in Canada and the efficiency of anti U Boat operations off the Canadian coast At the end of hostilities he returned to Canada where his extensive experience and sound judgement have continued to be of valuable assistance in the re organization of Air Force."

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