George Sweanor

During World War II, George Sweanor served in the UK with 419 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, Bomber Command. In 1942 he met and married Joan Saunders of Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, but had only a few weeks together before he was shot down on his 17th operation, then spent 800 days as a Prisoner-of-War in 5 locations including the North Compound of Stalag Luft III, home of the Great Escape.

Over 70 years later they remain happily married and have 5 wonderful daughters. Staying in the RCAF after the war, his numerous assignments include 3 years out of Edmonton, Alberta, with a USAF/RCAF detachment, flying B-29s all over Alaska, and Canada especially the Arctic up to the Pole, The Korean Airlift from Dorval. Quebec, the DEW Line (Cape Parry), and NORAD, his last transfer, in Colorado Springs. Retiring after 25 years he taught World History, US History, Physical and Political Geography, International Relations, and Algebra in Colorado Springs.

Since 1986 he has given talks, edited of the bimonthly 971 RCAF Air Marshal Slemon Wing of the Air Force Association of Canada newsletter (www.971WingAFAC.com), and shared musings and insights on his personal blog (yeoldeinquisitivescribe.blogspot.com).