Don C. Laubman

Who is Don C. Laubman?

Lieutenant General Donald Currie Laubman, AOE, DFC & Bar, CD began his military career in December 1939. In 1942 he was posted to 133 Squadron in Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. In 1943 he was sent to Red Hill/Staplehurst in the United Kingdom and assigned a new posting to 412 Squadron, 126 Wing.

Laubman was born in Provost, Alberta, on 16 October 1921.He enlisted in the RCAF in September 1940, and completed his pilot training in Calgary at No 3 SFTS. Rated above average as a pilot, he then served as an instructor at No 31 EFTS at De Winton. In September 1942 he was commissioned and served with 133 Squadron, RCAF on the Canadian west coast until May 1943.

Posted to the Uk, he joined No 412 Squadron RCAF in August 1943.

In the late spring and early summer of 1944 Flight Lieutenant Laubman and 412 Squadron were based in Tangmere, West Sussex, and flew fighter operations over occupied Europe. After witnessing an impassioned speech given by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, 412 crossed the English Channel on 6 June 1944, covering the landings on Juno Beach.

From D-Day to VE Day, 13 RCAF Fighter pilots in service on the continent accounted for more than 120 German aircraft claimed destroyed. The top scorer was Squadron Leader Don Laubman, with 15 victories.