The 2009 Ad Astra Ceremony honouring those who served and those who died serving was held at the National Air Force Museum in Trenton on Saturday, September 26th, 2009.

This year, Patricia (4) (Rochford) Johnson dedicated an Ad Astra Stone to her brother Joseph Rochford who died on April 5th 1945 in the service of his country. A Land End Lancaster website has been developed by Shane Stockbridge-Allen describing the Avro Lancaster’s final flight RF150 QB-W, the crew, the crash and the memorial in the Brookwood Cemetery where all 7 officers have graves. 
 

The following words, written by Bill Baluk, are on the “Burn Thorthorpe Croft Yorkshire England, Squadron 434 Memorial” at the Trenton National Air force Museum:

Those of us who served can say with pride “I served my country in her time of need when democracy and freedom of speech were threatened to be replaced by a dictatorship. We survived deprivations of food and comfort - shed sweat blood tears and were scared out of our wits so that our country and the free world could enjoy freedom of speech, freedom to make decisions and freedom to travel wherever we want - so that our children would have a better country to live in”. In Memory of all those who served.

The following is the obituary of John Rushton Smith, close friend of Joseph Rochford.

Born November 28, 1924 in Bury, Lancashire.  Passed away peacefully on March 7, 2013 at Almonte General Hospital, with loved ones at his side and under the care of a gentle and devoted medical staff.

Beloved husband of Mary (Wright) and father to Doug(Beverley), Al (Nerene), Pete,  Bunny, (Rick) Farquhar, Cathy (Ron), Krupovich and Mike Burke (Macy).  Grandfather to Craig, Todd, Yvette, Nicole, Thomas, Melissa, Matthew, Sarah, Eugene and Ethan.  Great-grandfather to Ethan, Jackson, Madeline, Riley and Isla.  Brother to Sam and Joan and uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his parents Samuel and Lizzie and his sisters Greta and Barbara (Taylor).

John arrived in Canada aboard the Megantic on June 20. 1925 and lived most of his life in the Hamilton area.  He served his country during the second world war as an RCAF Navigator in the 150th Squadron.  He retired from Stelco after 28 years as a bricklayer.  He had recently moved to the Waterside Retirement Home in Carleton Place and had made many friends there.  He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

The family expresses  their thanks to the staff at Almonte General Hospital and in particular  to his family physician Dr. McGarry.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation in his memory.  Cremation has taken place.