Bjørn Henning Christoffersen

Bjørn Henning Christoffersen (R.151767) is born in Copenhagen, Denmark, 20 October 1905. At some point - during the 1920s or 1930s most likely - he emigrates from Denmark to Canada. He becomes subject to Canada at some point before 1948. [1]

He enlists in Vancouver, B.C., on 3 February 1942 as Marine Mechanic. He is posted to "B" and granted rank of Warrant Officer Class II (WO2) on enlistment. On 15 March 1942 he is posted to Western Air Command and 9 days later, on 24 March 1942 further to Western Air Command Marine Section. He is promoted to Warrant Officer Class I. He is posted to Release Centre on 14 February 1946 and retires on 21 February 1946.

He is Mention in Despatches - Western Air Command Marine Squadron - Award effective 1 January 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 82/46 dated 25 January 1946.

On the night of December 27th, 1944, during a heavy storm at sea, a Supply Vessel, M467 "Malahat" under the command of Flying Officer Garrard, when towing two large transportation scows, got into serious difficulties. The second of the two scows parted the tow line and proceeded to drift on a lee shore. Flying Officer Gerrard, showing superb seamanship, brought the "Malahat" alongside the drifting scow in heavy seas. Warrant Officer Christoffersen, in an attempt to save the scow from destruction, accompanied by Leading Aircraftman Hosken, leaped from the "Malahat" to the scow and passed a tow line around the towing stanchions and leaped for the "Malahat". In an attempt to save Air Force equipment this Warrant Officer showed high courage and an utter disregard for his own personal safety, thereby setting a fine example for others to follow.

Sources

1. Hugh Halliday, New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957
2. Hugh Halliday