Page 42 - William B. Lake
P. 42
It was evident from Bill’s correspondence that the B&GS training at Mossbank had involved a huge
effort to provide high value training. The station’s staff combined training efforts were rewarded by
several pennants presented from the air ministry during the period in which Bill was there.
The Air Commodore takes the salute at the march-past following the Pennant Ceremony.
Bill undoubtedly forged some close relationships with his colleagues while at the Mossbank site.
His closest colleague was Ernie Blackburne who was aerial air gunner instructor. By June 1944 he
was Flying Officer and Deputy Commander of the Aerial Gunnery Flight. He worked closely with
Bill who was in charge of the Bombing & Gunnery Ranges at Lake Johnstone. In December 1943
Ernie was posted to the UK where he completed 30 operations as rear gunner on Halifax and
Lancaster aircraft. Bill followed Ernie to the UK in July 1944.
F/O Ernie Blackburne worked with Bill at the bombing & gunnery ranges
