Lawrence Balfour (dukie)'s Story.
Born in Ottawa on June 29, 1922, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jess Hyman Abelson of 96 Marlborough Avenue. He attended Lisgar Collegiate and was confirmed at the King Edward A venue Synagogue. A keen sportsman, Flying Officer Abelson was a member of the Maccabean Athletic Association.Flying Officer "Duke" Abelson enlisted in the air force on November 6, 1940 and trained at Victoriaville and Regina before graduating as an observer from Mossbank.Sask. where he was awarded a gold R.C.A.F. disc for leading his class.After serving as an instructor at Chatham N.B and Mountain View, Ont. Flying Officer Abelson proceeded to the UK in late 1942. In UK he was assigned to 60 OTU for training in mosquito aircraft.
Lawrence was killed in a flying accident on November 15, 1943.
He was buried in Blacon Cemetery, Chester, England.
Details of the accident
Mosquito DZ701of 60 OTU : Took off for training flight and crashed at Mumslow, near Broadstone, Salop.
Crew:
F/O (J/23089) Albert HORN (pilot) RCAF - killed
F/O (J/9152) Lawrence Balfour "Duke" ABELSON (nav.) RCAF - killed
