CUMBERS John William Pilot Officer 424 Sqn DFM RCAF

This photograph was taken on the steps outside the George and Dragon in 1944/45.It is of Pilot Officer John William Cumbers (Mid Air Gunner) and Warrant Officer Tommy Vanchuck (Observer/Navigator C4832 of 424 Sqn. The photo was taken by Ailsa Lobb who was the landlord Harold Lobb’s daughter.

We have now been able to establish thanks to Doc’s friend Garry Bateman and Constable John Graham of RCMP Coquitlam BC , that as of April 2025, Doc is still with us and will be celebrating his 100th birthday on the 10th June 2025.

John was born 10th June 1925 in Winnipeg.He enlisted in the RCAF on 11th Dec 1942.R210110/J88456. John was awarded the DFM in September 1944 for shooting down a ME-109 and a FW-190 in Halifax 111 “F” LW 113 .He completed 39 Ops by the end of the war

John in his turret in 1944.He has Junior painted on the front of his helmet as he was the youngest member of his crew.

John is on the right of his Halifax bomber “Der Fuerhers Fate”

Pilot Officer John Cumbers is on the back row far right.

Warrant Officer Tommy Vanchuck.He died on the 14th May 2004 at the age of 87 in White Rock,British Columbia

John Cumbers remained in aviation after the war and served with the Air Cadet League.He also worked as a firefighter.Known as “Doc”

John ‘Doc’ Cumbers was just 17 when he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War; 70 years later, he was recognized for his courage and valour, and was awarded the rank of Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour on 24th February 2016.

Garry Bateman has told us Doc’s news in 2025

Doc (John Cumbers) is bedridden in a full care facility at Dufferin Care Centre as he had a fall approximately two months ago and spent almost one month in hospital with a neck brace because of neck and back injuries and doing as well as can be expected now.  I visit him often.  

I showed all the pictures to Doc (John Cumbers) and he confirmed them to be of himself.  Picture on steps he remembers one of the gals was a blond and he doesn’t remember the occasion though.  He was stationed in Skipton, Yorkshire and probably on leave at the time with Tommy Vanchuck but can’t remember when. 

Now a little bit of history of Doc:

RCAF 1942 – 1945 (signed up at age 17)

Short time at Oakalla prison as a Guard. 

Short time working at Woodwards Dept. Store

1945 – 1952 joined and served in the Royal Canadian Navy

Vancouver Fire Department September 4th, 1953 – July 1st, 1985.  Retired thereafter.  Retired as Captain and Assistant Chief. 

Other pictures – Doc in top turret, he also shot off their own radio aerial.

On front of Halifax – Doc on right and Edwin Snyder on left. 

John in gear, Snyder was standing to his right. 

Men in training squad in front of airplane.  The airplane is a Fairey Battle, originally a light bomber in 1939-40.  Relegated to bomber and gunnery trainer.  Some manufactured in Canada and were used extensively. 

Tommy Vanchuck (from Winnipeg)

Doc was also from Winnipeg.  His number was JU8456. 

His crew:  Flight L. H.A. Kirby (25) Pilot

Navigator:  Tommy Vanchuck

Bomb Aimer:  Bob Drumond-Kaye

Rear Gunner:  Edwin Snyder

Wireless:  Reg Perry

Flight Engineer:  Francis Caine

Top Gunner:  Doc Cumbers

39 sorties 1942 – 1945

Sadly,Doc died on 13th May 2025 just short of his 100th birthday.Garry Bateman and family were with him.His passing was very peaceful.Rest in peace Doc.A Canadian Hero