• Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)

Date of birth:

August 29th, 1912 ( Jasper/Alberta, Canada)

Date of death:

May 17th, 1943 (Emmerich am Rhein, Germany)

Buried on:

Commonwealth War Cemetery Reichswald Forest
Plot: 5. Row: C. Grave: 1.

Service number:

R/93558

Nationality:

Canadian

Alden Preston Cottam, born on 29 August 1912 in Edmonton, Alberta, was the only son of Edwin and Margaret Cottam, who were originally from Nova Scotia. The family lived in Jasper, Alberta, where Cottam attended local schools and worked as a clerk and driver before joining the RCAF in February 1941. He qualified as a wireless operator/air gunner.

After arriving in England, he trained at 1654 Conversion Unit and was posted to 50 Squadron at RAF Swinderby in October 1942. Initially flying with Sgt A.L. Kitching, he later joined Henry Maudslay’s crew for an operation to Essen on 21 January 1943. On 25 March, Cottam transferred to 617 Squadron with Maudslay's crew.

Cottam is interred in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

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• Photo 1: Findagrave
• - CWGC
  - Dambusters

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