Joseph Francis Fitzgibbon
Joe was a noted speaker in school debates and keen on woodwork and hockey. He left St Bonaventure's College, St John's with merit and worked as an office boy before moving to the Ministry of Public Works.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
He was the son, one of nine chidren in a family which lived on Hamilton Avenue St John's and spent many summers at Placentia, the birth place of Joe's mother Pauline Kemp. Joe's father had a colourful career in Newfoundland politics.
HARROGATE (STONEFALL) CEMETERY Sec. G. Row F. Grave 9.
Mid Upper Gunner
In September 1943, Joe and two riends Bill Haaley and Larry Lawlor enlisted. Following initial training at Montreal, they sailed for England. Joe and Bill crewed up together and went to Langar on 20th October 1944 and 5 LFS at Syerston on 17th December.
Bill Halley should have been aboard Lancaster LM308 on 29th January but had a head cold and retired early to bed. He was 'pretty broken up' at the loss of his crew and friends. His place that night had been taken by Jasper Martin. Bill Halley transferred soon afterwards to No.6 Bomber Group and was still alive in 2010 aged 84.
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Joseph Francis Fitzgibbon
Photo: Courtesy of Helen Nall