Ray Sherk

Greetings,

Recently Ray and I returned from a wonderful visit to northern France where we visited Ray's helpers. That is, those who sheltered him when he landed by parachute at Beaumont Hamel and helped in his escape. Ray wanted to visit them "one more time" and it was a warm and wonderful experience to see them all again. Two of Ray's helpers, namely Leo Roussel and Rene Munchombled were executed by the Germans. Leo forged Ray's identity papers and his friend Rene guided Ray to Southern France. Others led Ray over the Pyrennes. The BBC announced Ray's successful return in code and this encouraged more similar activities which led to capture. The code was "The Sky is Blue" in both English and French.

Leo's wife Rene (93) was arrested with Leo and released. She never remarried and still lives in Mailly Maillet. She has been our guest in Canada along with Ray's other helpers, Louisette Bouchez and Jeanne Serre. We also visited the wife of another helper, Jeanne Cresson-Doktobre.

At the ceremony in Mailly Maillet, we met Rene Munchombled's daughter,grand daughter and great-grand daughter for the first time. To Ray, such strong bonds that exist, cannot be described. I am attaching an article received regarding the ceremony and wreath laying at Mailly Maillet and some photographs of Ray and his helpers which I thought you might like to see.

Another highlight for Ray, was seeing the crash sight of his Spitfire with the fellows from "Somme Aviation 39-45". I am attaching a picture taken at the dig sight. We also went to the amazing South African Memorial at Langeval (WWI), rated the next most outstanding memorial site and grounds after Vimy. We remember all those courageous people who served their countries.

Through Ray, I have been blessed with knowing the most wonderful Veterans, their wives and families. I am thankful to all our Veterans, and I am reminded of my Dad who served in the South African Army (who spent four years as a prisoner in the salt mines of Poland and survived along with his best friend John Kohler) and his nine brothers and sisters in England and Scotland, who all served in WWII.

"We will remember them

We will remember them"

Bye for now, Heather Sherk

MAILLY-MAILLET Back at the crash site

Raymond Sherk, surrounded by his wife and Jean-Pierre Lefevre, first deputy of Mailly-Maillet.

Sixty five years ago, Raymond Sherk’s Canadian aircraft crashed in the Haute Somme. His recent return visit was made more smoothly. A ceremony was held in the presence of those who helped him.

Sixty-five years after the crash of his plane and parachute landing beside Auchonvillers Raymond Sherk was received during a moving ceremony at the Mairie de Mailly-Maillet. An exhibition recounting the events was shown there. After being rescued, namely by Rene Muchembled in March 1944, he met the daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of the man who served as his guide during the war. First collected by Louis and Jeanne Serre, farmers, and by Louis Feret, Raymond Sherk was then supported by a network of French civilians. After having provided him with false papers, they helped to return to England via Paris, Bordeaux and Spain. This act of bravery cost Rene Muchembled his life, as he was killed by German forces on July 10, 1944.

A coded message

Returning to England, May 2, 1944, Raymond Sherk was announced on the BBC by a coded message: "the sky is blue”.

Found by the Somme Association Aviation 39-45, Raymond Sherk returned to tread the site where his plane crashed. He took pieces of his aircraft at the site.

Pierre Ben, president of the association said: "We have been in touch with Ray for over two years. During a trip to Canada, he even made me see the sky over Ontario aboard his aircraft. Here, we have taken him to the aviation museum at Méaulte”.

Before hand, Jean-Pierre Lefevre, first deputy of Mailly-Maillet, outlined the career of the aviator. And Jean-Paul Nigaut, general counsel, awarded him the Medal of the department. Finally, 39-45 Somme Aviation offered Raymond a framed picture of him in uniform, and the reproduction of his aircraft, a Spitfire Mk IX, in memory of his visit.

Raymond Sherk for his part thanked his hosts for their hospitality. "It is heart-warming. I want to especially thank those who helped me during the war, "he said in English.

With his passion for aviation intact, at 87 Raymond Sherk still pilots his seaplane in Canada.