GUEST SPEAKER:
Our speaker this evening was our own Devon Biddle who needed no introduction. In charge of the video was his "best" friend and partner in life, his wife, Linda. Devon, Linda and members of their family recently traveled to Norway, to participate in a reunion of Canadians and Norwegians who shared an WWII experience 75 years ago - September 26, 1945.
Devon's father, Gordon Biddle was the pilot of a plane that was forced to land in enemy territory on that day. Due to his skill, he and all five of his crew survived this landing, only to find themselves in the unbelievable position of being alive, but at the mercy of the Germans. Thanks to the Norwegian resistance who led them to safety, using code such as - "keep the meatballs warm", "it's raining in the mountains", "coconuts are on holiday" ; hiking for five days, hiding in caves, finally making it to the coast where they were picked up and returned to safety.
These airmen and their rescuers kept in contact over the years (only one of each group survives today) and passed the amazing story of survival on to their families.
Devon's father enlisted in September 1940, married in June 1941, went overseas in February 1943. Devon's mother and members of the families of the other crewmen received the fateful telegram stating "missing in action", not knowing what the outcome would be. Then the news that they were safe and returning to Halifax - this was October 25, 1945. Devon came in to this world in August the following year.
Past Pres. Robbie Larocque thanked Devon for this account of shared bravery and awesome reward, reminding us all that the freedom we enjoy today came at great cost.
Here is a copy of the article that appeared in The Oshawa Express: https://oshawaexpress.ca/raining-in-the-mountains/
Meeting Adjourned
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