BING, S/L (Ret) Leslie Patrick Sandford
1920 - 2011
Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar, 1939-45 Star, Aircrew Europe Star & Atlantic Clasp, Africa Star & North Africa 1942-43 Clasp, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal & Clasp, War Medal 1939-45, Canadian Forces' Decoration & Clasp, Operational Wings, and Siege of Malta Medal.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Dad, Patrick Bing on Sept 9, 2011. Though he will be greatly missed we take comfort in knowing he is reunited with the love of his life, his wife of almost 58 years Anna Bing, who died in Sept. 2011. He is also predeceased by his brother Roy and sister Cynthia Fitzwater.
Pat leaves his son Gerrard Bing (Gail) of Errington, B.C. and his daughter Leslie Bing (Pat Nelson) of Gibsons, B.C. Papa was also much loved by his grandchildren Adam Farquharson (Jan), Sara Gravelle (Richard), and Kelsey Porter (Graham) and by great-grandchildren Carson, Landon, Sage, Dane, Grace, Rowan and Emily.
Pat was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on July 28, 1920 and joined the RCAF in 1939. He was first stationed at Jericho Beach in Vancouver. He was accepted for aircrew training but as Air Gunners were in short in supply he ended up in Montreal to train as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner eventually being stationed in England at the end of 1940. There he met F/O 'Moose" Fumerton who asked if he'd like to fly with him as Navigator, beginning a very productive partnership. Fumerton thought that Pat looked "pretty smart" and "he got to to the point. He wasn't jabbering all the time".
They were part of the RCAF Night fighter Squadron, No. 406 and were to be using top-secret equipment called 'radio location', later known by the acronym RADAR. Their first mission, with Pat using this new technology, resulted in the first Night Fighter victory, a Junkers 88. This partnership continued in the Middle East and during the Siege of Malta with a total of 11 victories to their credit. They were shot down twice, once landing in the Mediterranean where they spent a couple of hours paddling a dinghy before being rescued.
On his return to Canada he trained as a pilot and did anti-submarine patrols on the East Coast. After the war he worked in Intelligence at Air Force HQ then, on exchange with USAF, at the Pentagon for a few years. Back in Canada he flew CF-100's, and did tours at 445 and then 423 Squadron, where he became Commanding Office. Then came Staff College and and two tours in Comox, where he retired in 1968.
Post retirement he served in municipal politics, traveled, played golf (daily), was a gourmet cook, gardener, weaver, superb woodworker and writer. In fact, there was little he couldn't do and do extremely well.
He was a fine and honourable man and we will all truly miss him.
At Dad's request there will be no service. There will be an informal gathering of family and friends at a later date.