1

Acting Pilot Officer Thomas Andrew Thorrat was operating the RCAF Harvard training plane
involved in the mid-air collision with the Trans-Canada Air Lines North Star passenger plane.

2

Acting Pilot Officer Thomas Andrew Thorrat
1950
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3

The 22-year-old native of Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland, was seen to be considerably more mature than other officers in his pilot training course. He was popular and was respected by his fellow cadets. This was made evident when, a week before the accident, he was elected Cadet Officer Commanding. His commanding officers saw him as a very pleasant and agreeable student who stood fourth in a class of thirty-two.

4

Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) School
1950
15 Wing Moose Jaw, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada
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5

At 9:57 a.m. on April 8, 1954, Acting Pilot Officer Thorrat took off for a cross-country, solo, navigation exercise which would take the pilot trainee from Moose Jaw to Raymore, Hanley, Beechy, and back to Moose Jaw. Being Thursday, aircraft were to take off using a right-hand circuit. Flying in this direction made it very easy to pass over Moose Jaw by
mistake. This is what happened on that morning.

6

Shortly after 10:00 a.m., the Harvard piloted by Thorrat collided with Trans-Canada Air Lines
Flight 9-7. He did not survive.

7

In his recreational time, Thorrat was heavily involved in St. Andrew's United Church -
participating in the choir, taking part in social activities, and ministering in the Youth Club. At
the time of his death, he was engaged to Donna Brodie, who was the daughter of a City
Alderman.

8

Funeral of Acting Pilot Officer Andrew Thorrat
13 April 1954
Saint Andrew's United Church, 60 Athabasca Street East, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada
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9

Full military honours were accorded to Acting Pilot Officer Thomas Andrew Thorrat on Tuesday, April 13, 1954, at St. Andrew's United Church. Six members of the training classes acted as pallbearers and a guard of honour, formed by other Royal Canadian Air Force cadets, proceeded the funeral procession to the cemetery.