Hilchey had completed 26 operational sorties during his time with the Royal Canadian Air Force against targets in Germany, and occupied France and the Netherlands.
Prior to joining the air force, he had worked at the maintenance department of Maritime Tel & Tel. After enlisting in October 1941, he did his training in Manitoba and headed overseas in April 1944.
Ray's brother Glyn served in the merchant navy in the war and the other brother, was in the Anglican ministry.
A look at Ray Hilchey's personal effects reveals some details of his final days. His last entry in his flight log book on April 30 simply says "food dropping Rotterdam." His diary is a little more detailed, noting that there were showers over the Netherlands and the country was flooded that day. The food was "dropped from 500 feet. Dutch waving like mad."
The following days included a dance as well as providing food and supplies to the Hague. His final diary entry was on May 6. "Nothing doing today. Out with Dan & the boys tonight."
That Close to Going Home, and .... --GreGen
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