Richard Jack Meek CGM DFC was born in Vancouver, British Columbia and on November 11, 1941, enlisted in the RCAF there. After receiving air crew instruction he graduated from No. 5. Air Observer School (AOS) on October 23, 1942. He arrived overseas in the UK in December 1942. After receiving additional training at No. 6 AOS at Jurby, Isle of Man and at No. 28 Operational Training Unit at Wymeswold, in Leicestershire, he was posted to No. 626 Squadron, Bomber Command based at Wixckenby.

For Bomber Command air crew, there was a low probability of surviving and returning safely, from all of their tour of 30 missions over enemy held Europe. Over 60 per cent of air crew who began a tour of 30 missions would be lost before completing their tour.

Regardless of the terrible odds, bomber crews buckled on their parachutes and began each mission with determination. They fell prey to the hazards of fog, icing and lightning, and they perished amongst the bursting shells of anti-aircraft guns.

However, the greatest number died in the desperately unequal combat and the overwhelming firepower of tenacious German night fighter defenders. Over 9,900 Canadians in Bomber Command air crew, sacrificed their lives fighting for freedom and democracy.

Some crashed into the sea or crashed in England. Some airmen survived the crashes, others were rescued at sea. A great many of those who died never had a chance to bail out. They perished when their aircraft loaded with 11 tons of explosives and high octane gas, either exploded in the air or on impact with the ground. Others were killed when they plumetted 6 to 8 kilometres to the ground after their parachutes caught fire from their burning aircraft.

On the night of January 30, 1943, the Lancaster bomber in which Richard Meek was flying as a navigator, was fired at four times by an enemy night fighter. It became so riddled with gun shots that it could be called a flying wreck. Though badly wounded and his navigation instruments useless, Meek plotted a course so accurately that his pilot was able to fly the Lancaster back to base.

On January 30, 1943, Meek’s crew was again part of a 500 bomber force sent to attack Berlin. As they neared the target, his Lancaster was attacked four times by night fighter defenders. The wireless operator was killed and both upper and tail gunners were wounded so badly they lapsed into unconsciousness. All electric circuits were destroyed, the hydraulic and communication systems shot out and the side and rear panels of the upper gun turret blown off.

Nevertheless the pilot completed his bomb run and headed back to base. However a night fighter struck again, causing more damage and in another attack, Meek was severely wounded and his instruments destroyed. Although desperately wounded in his chest, close to his heart and in the shoulder, he remained at his post.

Though deprived of most of his navigational equipment, Meek managed to plot a course home, with extraordinary resolve and skill. On reaching home base, Wickenby, the pilot crash-landed the bomber without further injury to the crew. For his heroism in the face of fire, Warrant Officer Meek was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM).

After convalescing from his wounds, Meek rejoined 626 Squadron at the beginning of April, 1944 and completed his tour of operations which included bombing D-Day targets and flying bomb sites. Effective November 4, 1944, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his skill and valour.