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9 peacekeepers killed

Broadcast Date: Aug. 9, 1974

Nine Canadian peacekeepers are believed missing, reports CBC Radio in this news report. The Canadians were aboard a United Nations transport plane which is believed to have crashed on approach to Damascus. Rescue crews rush to the scene but the salvage mission is unsuccessful. This tragic event becomes the largest single-day loss of life in Canadian Forces peacekeeping history.

9 peacekeepers killed

• The nine Canadians killed during the routine supply mission to Egypt were Capt. George Foster, 44; Cpl. Morris Kennington, 30; Warrant Officer Cyril Korejwo, 47; Master Warrant Officer Gaston Landry, 35; Capt. Keith Mirau, 29; Cpl. Michael William Simpson, 26; Master Cpl. Ronald Spencer, 29; Cpl. Bruce Stringer, 23; and Capt. Robert Wicks, 39.

• The CF Buffalo aircraft carrying the nine peacekeepers was shot down by Syrian anti-aircraft missiles. The Syrians maintained that the attack was an accident.
• The Canadians were part of the UNEF II who aimed to guard the peace between Egypt and Israel in the Suez Canal and the Sinai peninsula.

• On Aug. 12, 2001, a memorial service honoured the nine late peacekeepers. "It was about time the families were remembered in such a way. It was overdue, but we're thankful," said Maj. René Landry, son of the late Master Warrant Officer Gaston Landry. Landry told the Department of Defence publication The Maple Leaf, "I believe in what [my father] was working for as a peacekeeper. I believe in it too." René Landry followed in his father's footsteps and also became a peacekeeper. He served in Bosnia in 1996.

• The deadliest missions for Canadian peacekeepers were the Suez and the Cyprus operations, where Canada lost 53 and 28 soldiers respectively.

9 peacekeepers killed

Medium: Radio

Program: CBC Radio News

Broadcast Date: Aug. 9, 1974

Duration: 1:25

Last updated:
May 19, 2004