Canada, Commonwealth. A Birks Bar and Log Book to Bomb Aimer Bryant, KIA

An RCAF Flying Log Book, blue cover marked “Bryant” on the cover, with multiple pages of entries, and results of school courses, totaling 15 pages (back and front) with details of Bryant’s flying history. 

A Birks Bar, in silver, engraved FS E.M. BRYANT R.C.A.F. DIED IN HIS COUNTRY’S SERVICE 25 JULY 1944, reverse marked BIRKS and STERLING, very fine. Contained in the original dark purple sleeve and envelope. 

Footnote: Edward Maines Bryant was born on March 24, 1924, in Stratford, Ontario. He was an original member of Flight 19, Canadian Boy Air Cadets, predecessors to Squadron 19, Stratford, Air Cadet League of Canada. He enlisted for the RCAF on August 6, 1942. His training took place in Toronto, Quebec, Eglinton Hunt Club in Toronto, and he received his wing as  bomb aimer at the Royal Air Force station at Port Albert. 

Byrant attended No. 1 Bombing & Gunnery School in Jarvis, Ontario from March 22 to June 11 1943. During this time, he flew both Anson and Belingbroke aircrafts. He also completed a navigation course from June 14 to July 23, 1943. 

Bryant was based at Kirmington, Lincs, and served with the 166th Squadron. On April 23, 1944, he was promoted to Flight Sergeant. 

He was the bomb aimer on a mission to attack Stuttgart on the night of July 25, 1944. At first, he was reported missing, however was later presumed dead. The crash was reported at Olbronn, 7 miles northwest of Pforzheim. He is buried in Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany.