Toronto has been home to many individuals who played a significant role in achieving victory during World War II. Allan Selwyn Bundy, a daring pilot, made extraordinary sacrifices in the fight for freedom. This is the story of his life and wartime accomplishments, as shared on torontoyes.com.
Who Was Allan Bundy?
Allan Selwyn Bundy was born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, in 1920. He became one of the most notable Black Canadian combat pilots during World War II. Bundy served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), completing 28 combat missions, as recorded in the operations log of the 404 Squadron.
Allan was the son of Routh and Henry Bundy and had two brothers and a sister. He attended Dartmouth High School, where he excelled in sports, particularly as a junior champion in pole vaulting and half-mile running. His academic and athletic achievements earned him a scholarship from the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE). After graduating high school, Bundy enrolled at Dalhousie University.
In 1942, Bundy worked as a freight handler for the Canadian National Railway before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Training to Become a Pilot
At the start of World War II, Allan and a friend attempted to enlist in the RCAF. However, at the time, Black Canadians were not accepted into the air force. While his white friend was accepted, Bundy was rejected. When the policy eventually changed to allow Black Canadians to serve, Bundy received his call-up notice but initially ignored it. An RCMP officer later delivered the notice in person, and Bundy agreed to enlist.
On June 17, 1942, Bundy officially joined the RCAF, aspiring to become a pilot or navigator. By August 13, he completed basic training at the No. 5 Manning Depot in Lachine, Quebec. He then proceeded to the No. 9 Service Flying Training School in Centralia, Ontario. Like many candidates, Bundy performed menial duties while awaiting an opening at the Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS).
Once admitted, he began training at No. 1 EFTS, learning aviation fundamentals and completing assessments for pilot training. On December 30, 1942, Bundy graduated as a Leading Aircraftman.
He continued advanced training at No. 7 EFTS in Windsor, Ontario. During a solo flight, his aircraft’s engine stalled, causing it to crash from an altitude of 250 feet. Despite serious injuries and a month-long hospital stay, Bundy resumed training after recovery.
By May 15, 1943, Bundy was enrolled at No. 14 Service Flying Training School in Aylmer, Ontario, specializing in twin-engine aircraft. After completing the program on September 3, he joined the RCAF as a commissioned officer. On September 19, 1943, he was assigned to the General Reconnaissance School in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, where he learned maritime reconnaissance operations.
Service Overseas
In England, Bundy completed further training to enhance his piloting skills. On September 27, 1943, he and Flight Sergeant Wright joined the 404 Squadron (Buffalo) at a Royal Air Force (RAF) base.
The 404 Squadron conducted anti-shipping strikes along the Norwegian coastline, anti-submarine patrols, and armed reconnaissance flights. Bundy piloted the Bristol Beaufighter, a heavily armed aircraft equipped with cannons and rocket projectiles.
His first combat mission took place on October 15, 1943. In this mission, Bundy’s skilled maneuvering resulted in the sinking of a German military tanker. Over the course of the war, he participated in five additional missions targeting enemy vessels.
Bundy continued his service until the end of the war. On August 17, 1945, he was demobilized in Toronto.
After the war, Bundy settled in Toronto, where he lived and worked. He became a member of the Baron Byng Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. On December 9, 2001, Allan Bundy passed away after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and resilience.
Allan Bundy’s story stands as a testament to the courage and determination of Canada’s wartime heroes. As one of the first Black Canadian pilots in the RCAF, he broke barriers while contributing to the Allied victory during World War II.