Great to see the story on one of our Second World War heroes, George Hill (“Pictou’s Top Gun,” March/April). I was at the CNR station and particularly remember the sound of exploding track firecrackers the CNR work crew used as part of his being welcomed home with the enthusiasm described. Then there was the parade through town with his grandmother proudly riding along with George’s officer’s cap on her head!

It was especially heart-warming to see my old friend Don Tremaine’s byline on the piece, and I trust he’ll not mind a few minor corrections.

George flew Hawker Hurricane fighters, not Spitfires as shown in the accompanying photos. Also, I had always understood his tally was 17 enemy aircraft destroyed, although the “probables” mentioned in the text may account for my extra three. And, “Top Gun” is an American expression; George was an “Ace.”

I had also understood he was captured twice. The first time he made good his escape and got back to Britain, which returned him to Canada—and the Pictou reception mentioned—in order to promote a “Victory Bond Drive.” The second time, near war’s end, he was shot down and remained a POW until liberated.

I met George several times later. I was an amateur pilot and he had a small aircraft (old Aeronca tail-dragger, I think) at the airport in Orangville, Ont, where he was a doctor. Once I kidded him about a recent “prang” he’d had. He laughed and said, “It’s dangerous to get too cocky about flying.” This from one of the all-time great pilots!

I loved Don’s story as I love your magazine, and look forward to its arrival.

Dan MacDonald
Toronto
 

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