ERIN – The 242 Ross Ferguson Air Cadet squadron in Erin has received an unexpected donation from an unlikely source for one of its special projects.
An employee from Bigbury Mint in the United Kingdom personally donated about $68 CDN, fifty per cent of the funds required for the Squadron to purchase a replica of the prestigious gallantry award (DFC with Bar) earned by its namesake, Flight Lieutenant Ross M. Ferguson.
When the squadron was created 16 years ago, the team responsible for bringing the air cadets to Erin sought to recognize the service of a local veteran by naming the unit in his or her honour.
They learned the story of Flight Lieutenant Ross McMillan Ferguson who had twice been recognized with the Commonwealth’s Distinguished Flying Cross for the utmost “fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.”
The decision was made that the new squadron would bear his name and a lasting relationship between the air cadets and the Ferguson family was established.
After the death of Ferguson’s widow Orma last year, donations were made to the Erin air cadets. The squadron decided to honour Orma and her husband by using the donations to purchase a set of replicas of Ferguson’s war medals.
It will be permanently on display at the Erin Legion, and help to teach new cadets every year about the story of Ferguson’s military service.
Squadron Captain Eugene Sidlar ended up in discussion with Jonathon Crane, a customer service representative at the Bigbury Mint.
Crane had been an air cadet and gliding instructor himself and he decided to make a personal donation to the Erin cadets. In a letter, he shared some of his experiences.
“The confidence, discipline, skills and inspiration that I had gained from my time as an air cadet has led to me travelling the world, spending time in Australia, all over Europe and living in Toronto for three years where I worked as a firearms instructor on film and TV sets,” he said.
“Some of the best memories I have, and proudest achievements are from my time as an Air Cadet.
“I was blessed with some amazing opportunities, parading in uniform under the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium, completing work experience at the RAF School of Combat, Survival and Rescue, flying a Vigilant T. Mk 1 Motor Glider solo at the end of a Gliding Scholarship at the age of 16 to achieve my Silver Wings, and eventually being awarded my Gold Wings by Squadron Leader George ‘Johnny’ Johnson, the last surviving member of 617 Dambusters Squadron.
“‘Johnny’ was a tail-gunner in the Lancaster bomber that successfully bombed the Edersee Dam in what was a vital and pivotal moment in the Allies winning World War 2.
“The cadets that I met from other squadrons on camps, at adventure training, or flying at 624 Squadron have become lifelong friends, and the skills that I gained in the organization I still use to this day, whether public speaking, lighting a fire, using a radio or practicing first aid.
“It was unfortunate to hear that the company I work for was not able to offer you a discount of any kind, and it is for this reason that I am personally going to donate 50% of the cost of the DFC + Bar that we are sending you to honour and commemorate Flt. Lt. Ferguson.
“I hope his story inspires the cadets as ‘Johnny’ Johnson’s story inspired me.”
