Museum Honors Local WWII Pilot with Free Exhibit on Remembrance Day

Brandon’s Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum is offering free admission on Remembrance Day, inviting visitors to explore its latest exhibit dedicated to a local Second World War pilot. The open house, scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. on November 11, features the story of Pilot Officer George Roy Bullion, who lost his life during the conflict.

The new exhibit, titled “From Brandon to Burma,” highlights Bullion’s journey from his early life in Baldur, Manitoba, to his service overseas. At just 22 years old, Bullion went missing in December 1944 while flying with the Allied forces off the coast of what is now Myanmar. His story, while not widely known, serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary individuals in extraordinary circumstances.

According to Lisa Dutton, a volunteer collections and archives researcher at the museum, it is crucial to keep stories like Bullion’s alive. “He wasn’t somebody well known, he wasn’t like the Billy Bishops and the famous guys,” Dutton explained. “He was just an ordinary Manitoba boy.” She emphasized that remembering figures like Bullion connects people to the past, illustrating that he could have been anyone’s father, grandfather, or brother.

During his service, Bullion was part of No. 273 Squadron, where he flew Supermarine Spitfires across South and Southeast Asia. The exhibit features an array of personal artifacts, including Bullion’s uniform, photographs, letters from home, and his pilot logbook. Dutton noted, “It’s telling the story of (Bullion) coming up to before he enlisted and during his training and experiences overseas.”

For Dutton, the importance of honoring those who served, both those who returned and those who did not, resonates deeply. Her own father was a Second World War veteran who became an amputee at a young age. “It’s important that we remember the sacrifice, not only of the guys that didn’t come home, but of those that did,” she remarked, underscoring the lasting impact of the war on families.

The museum’s director general, Zoe McQuinn, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of the open house as a means to “remember the legacy” of those who served. She reflected on the role Brandon and its surrounding areas played during the war, noting how many families were deeply affected when loved ones did not return. “A lot of the time, when we’re talking about history, we’re talking about battles and dates,” McQuinn said, “but the families who didn’t have their family member return home were forever affected by this.”

Families attending the open house can engage with various displays, including aircraft, fire trucks, and supporting vehicles. McQuinn stated, “One of the best parts is we have dedicated areas where kids can interact with pieces of history.” This interactive approach aims to make the experience more engaging, allowing visitors to learn about the relevance of these historical artifacts in today’s context.

In addition to exploring the exhibit, attendees can enjoy refreshments during the three-hour open house. The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum will close for the season after Remembrance Day, but the new exhibit will remain in place for some time, allowing more visitors to appreciate Bullion’s story.

As the museum prepares for this reflective day, it stands as a vital institution for honoring the memories and sacrifices of local heroes. The free open house on Remembrance Day offers an opportunity for the community to come together, remember the past, and engage with the history that has shaped their lives.