Clifford Arthur Stevenson "Shorty" Anderson

Switch  Fighter Pilots Air Gunners Other Aircrew Gallery Misc. Slang

Switch HOME SiteMap Sources Thanks About Us Links

--------------------------------------------------

“Hot” Pilot Got Callup After Years in RCAF

S/L Cliff Anderson, the Toronto Mosquito pilot who shot down two German bombers attacking London Tuesday night, received his notice to report for an army medical two years after he had arrived overseas.
At that time he had already flown Spitfires, Defiants and Beaufighters in risky intruder night patrols over France and R.A.F. bomber convoys was just beginning to fly in a new secret plane - the Mosquito. His mother, Mrs. Arthur S. Anderson, 15 Chambers Ave., is tolerant of the National Selective Service, "They can't help those things you know," she said in a husky Scot burr. "We just didn't answer the letter."

Has "Cat's Eyes"
His "cat's eyes," his mother calls them, were discovered shortly after he arrived overseas in September, 1941, fresh from Dunnville with a brand-new pair of wings and a commission. He was given night fighter training immediately, and that's the sort of work he's been doing ever since.
Mrs. Anderson takes credit for her son's excellent night vision.
"His eyes are light blue, like my side of the family. When he visited my relatives in Dundee they all remarked on it," she said proudly. "Of course, though, he ate a lot of carrots when he was young." The Andersons had a canny way of communicating the information that he was flying the new Mosquitos. About a year ago, letter after letter from Cliff begged for news about the mosquitos around the cottage. "Are they bad this year?" he asked. His parents got it.
"He's been wanting to get a Jerry for a long time. Every letter he puts a note on the bottom, "I wish I could get my first Jerry." Well, now he's got his first and second," his mother mused. "I can't imagine him shooting any one down though. He was always so quiet at home."
Educated at General Mercer Public School and Oakwood Collegiate, the 25-year-old known as Shorty in his squadron, was a clerk in Loblaw's before he enlisted in November 1940. A younger brother, Douglas, 19, is attending the university and taking naval training.

--------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------

ANDERSON, S/L Clifford Arthur Stevenson (J6956) - Mention in Despatches - No.410 Squadron
Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and
AFRO 1395/45 dated 31 August 1945.

--------------------------------------------------

Victories Include:

2 / 0 / 0

Navigator - F/O G.P.A. Bodard

--------------------------------------------------