Kenneth Arthur “Ken” Boomer pilot over Kiska…

Found a Website about World War II aces and about one Canadian ace…

This is the page on Ken Boomer.

Kenneth Arthur “Ken” Boomer

Ken Boomer – who got the only Canadian “home court” kill – in the cockpit of a P-40
RCAF    S/L    –    DFC ,   Air Medal  (U.S.)

Born in Ottawa, 20 August 1916.
Enlisted in Ottawa, 9 October 1939.
Trained at Camp Borden,
Earning his wings 29 April 1940.
Sent overseas, September 1940,
Serving in Nos. 112, 1 (C) and 411 Squadrons.
Returned to Canada, April 1942.
No. 111 Sq. (Alaska), 17 Aug. 1942-31 May 1943
Took over command of the squadron from H T Mitchell
On staff duties until January 1944
– when he was posted to No.36 OTU.
Posted overseas, April 1944,
Trained further at No.60 OTU, and
Posted to No.418 Squadron, 20 August 1944.
Killed in action (Day Ranger), 22 October 1944.
– Nav. Noel Gibbons (RCAF) also killed
(Gibbons had claims with J Johnson, F Johnson & R Gray) See magazine Airforce, Volume VII No.2 (June 1983)

Two Enemy Submarines Hit When Caught near Harbour Surface
Alaskan Defence Command, Sept. 28, 1942 — (Delayed – CP) —

First announced success of a Canadian pilot in operations against the Japanese in the Aleutian islands, Wing Cmdr. Kenneth Boomer of Ottawa, blasted a Japanese fighter out of the air in last Friday’s American – Canadian raid on Kiska, it was disclosed today.

Led By Veteran
Wing-Cmdr. Boomer, a veteran of the Battle of Britain, led the Canadian airmen who joined a strong force of United States army fighters and bombers who attacked the Japanese. Before returning to Canada he shot down a German plane in November, 1941.
Two enemy submarines in Kiska harbour were believed damaged by the joint allied force which caught them on or near the surface, United States air force officers said.

Personal Strafing
One submarine came up directly underneath a squadron headed by Lieut-Col. Jack Chennault, son of Brig.-Gen. Claire L. Chennault, former leader of the American volunteer group Flying Tigers who fought in China. Chennault proceeded to strafe the submersible himself. Meanwhile, he ordered his fighter squadron into a combat circle around the surprised submarine.

One Ship Beached
Each of nine planes made three strafing attacks on the undersea ship which rolled on the surface, apparently afraid to dive because of a number of holes in it.
(A Washington navy communique in announcing the Friday raid said yesterday that in addition to the submarines two transports or cargo ships were attacked at Kiska and one was beached. It said the attack was carried out by a strong force of bombers and pursuit planes.)

A second squadron of fighters led by Major Wilbur Miller used similar tactics after sighting another submarine. Although results of this attack were not definitely known, the submarine was seen to be sinking slowly and may have been mortally hit.

Shore Targets Hit
Chennault also got one of the Japanese float plane fighters which rose to greet the raiders. Both Americans and Canadians who have been itching for action during months of patrol and guard work over Alaskan posts, took part in the raid. Wing Cmdr. Kenneth Boomer of Ottawa, leader of the Canadians, sent a third fighter spinning into the bay. In addition the raiding force struck at seaplanes on the water. Air force reports said at least five and possibly more were destroyed. Shore installations were also hit with fighter planes going in low ahead of the bombers and strafing positions violently.

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Canadians in Kiska Attack Led by Doughty Ottawa Flier
Alaska Defense Command Headquarters, Sept. 29, 1942 —

Squadron Leader Kenneth Boomer, R.C.A.F., who commanded the Canadian fighters which joined the United States Air Forces in the attack on Japanese submarines and planes in Kiska harbor last Friday, is a native of Ottawa. He is personally credited with one Japanese plane to add to his overseas bag of a German bomber, an assist in the destruction of a Messerschmitt and damage to three other Nazi aircraft.
Squadron Leader Boomer, who is 24 years of age, is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Boomer of Ottawa, and he attended Ottawa schools and later graduated from Ontario Agricultural College at Guelph. He joined the R.C.A.F. in October, 1939, and proceeded overseas in October, 1940. He saw considerable action with fighter squadrons and returned to Canada this year, being posted to Alaska after a short leave.

The combined American-Canadian attack was most successful, two submarines being attacked heavily by cannon and machine-gun by fighter planes before they crash-dived. While the extent of their damage was impossible to ascertain it is certain that it was heavy. The communique stated that in addition it was estimated that 150 Japanese had been killed or wounded and extensive damage was inflicted on various aircraft.
The attack resulted in the destruction of several Japanese single float fighters, the possible wrecking of eight cruiser type biplanes and the shooting down of three Japanese fighters which attempted to oppose the attacking forces. A merchant ship was set on fire and another was damaged. The combined attacking squadron returned undamaged.

There is a lot more on the site…