Remembering WO II John Miller Farrell, RCAF

At Mount Royal University, remembrance is not just a matter of ceremony. It is part of our story.

Since our founding in 1910, hundreds of Mount Royal students, faculty and alumni have served in uniform. Thirty-one have given their lives.

“Mount Royal has a long history that has been closely tied to military service. More than 30 of Mount Royal's students have given their lives in service to their country in various conflicts over the past 100-plus years,” says Terry Kellam, associate vice-president, Development & Alumni Relations.

To honour them, the Military Memorial Bursary program was created in 2011, during the University’s centennial year. Each fallen soldier is remembered with a bursary that helps a current student pursue their education. Following Canada’s 150th anniversary, efforts began to permanently endow each of these awards so they may continue in perpetuity.

“It is a privilege for us to pay tribute to those students through the creation of our Military Memorial Bursaries in each of their names. Benefiting more than 30 students each year, these annual disbursements allow us to commemorate their sacrifice and keep their memories alive,” Kellam adds.

This year, the list grew to 31 with the inclusion of Warrant Officer II John Miller Farrell, who attended Mount Royal College in 1939.

Bringing Farrell’s name forward

The inclusion of Farrell’s name came through the efforts of Peter Boyle, manager of Heritage Services and Operations (Canada) at Canadian Pacific Kansas City, who reached out to Mount Royal to ensure his story was recognized.

“Warrant Officer II John Farrell was one of thousands of Calgarians who volunteered to fight for Canada during the Second World War and never returned home. It is important to remember those who put themselves in harm's way to fight for such an important cause as during the Second World War, and reflect on preserving the society that they defended for future generations,” Boyle says.

Thanks to detailed records from Farrell’s service in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), we can piece together not only the trajectory of his military career but also the contours of his character — a young man determined to serve, who adapted when faced with setbacks and who gave his life far too soon.

Early life and Mount Royal College

Born in Saskatoon on July 8, 1921, Farrell grew up in Calgary and attended St. Mary’s Baptist High School. He then studied accountancy at Mount Royal College for one year before applying to the RCAF.

His application came with strong letters of recommendation, including one from Principal George W. Kerby, who described him as “a young man of fine personality, absolutely trustworthy, possessing fine ideals.”

The personal notes in his files offer small but telling details of a young man still finding his path. Farrell rowed and swam extensively, bowled on occasion, kept a stamp collection and hoped one day to work as a medical technician.

Enlistment and initial training

Farrell enlisted on June 3, 1941, at age 19. Standing 5’8” with black hair and blue eyes, he began his training at No. 2 Initial Training School (ITS) in Calgary, learning the foundations of flight through subjects such as mathematics, armament and signals.

His instructors described him as bright, dependable and keen to succeed. They noted his leadership potential, suggesting he might one day earn a commission. From there, he was posted to No. 8 ITS in Vancouver.

Farrell hoped to become a pilot, a goal shared by many young recruits eager to take to the skies. But at No. 8 Elementary Flying Training School, his instructors found he lacked the natural air sense needed to continue. Notes in his file say he “took washout rather hard.” Still, Farrell adapted and shifted his focus.

A new direction

After leaving pilot training, Farrell turned to navigation. At No. 6 Air Observers School, he proved industrious and capable. “A very pleasant lad to work with,” one instructor noted. He advanced to No. 5 Bombing and Gunnery School, where he showed “real promise” with above-average ability as a bomb aimer.

By April 1942, at No. 1 Air Navigation School, Farrell’s air work was described as consistently good. He was awarded the Air Observer’s Badge, signifying his qualification as a navigator. Observers were the eyes and minds of bomber crews, responsible for charting courses, guiding pilots and ensuring missions reached their targets.

From that point, Farrell’s path was clear. He was promoted steadily, reaching Warrant Officer Class II by November 1943, and formally assigned as an observer in active aircrew operations.

Loss and legacy

Farrell joined 78 Squadron and served overseas during night bombing operations. On May 13, 1943, his Halifax aircraft was lost near Dongjum, in the Netherlands. He was 21 years old.

Farrell now rests in Franekeradeel (Dongjum) Protestant Cemetery in the Netherlands, alongside his crewmates. His name is also inscribed on the Bomber Command Memorial Wall in Nanton, AB, where the words of RCAF chaplain Father J.P. Lardie remind visitors of the legacy of courage and sacrifice left by airmen like him.

“One day, when the history of the 20th century is finally written, it will be recorded that when human society stood at the crossroads and civilization itself was under siege, the Royal Canadian Air Force was there to fill the breach and help give humanity the victory. And all those who had a part in it will have left to posterity a legacy of honour, of courage, and of valour that time can never despoil.” 

— Father J.P. Lardie (Chaplain 419, 428 Squadron RCAF)

Memory carried forward

By adding his name to the Military Memorial Bursary program, Mount Royal ensures Farrell is remembered not only for his service, but also for the dreams he carried as a young man. His story, carefully pieced together from historical records, gives us a glimpse of his character, his journey through the RCAF and the commitment that led him to answer his country’s call.

In this way, Farrell’s legacy continues, helping students pursue their dreams while keeping alive the memory of a life given in service to freedom.

"Mount Royal is honoured to recognize John Miller Farrell's courage and sacrifice through our Military Memorial Bursaries," says Dr. Tim Rahilly, president and vice-chancellor. "These bursaries allow us to ensure that the legacy of these soldiers' lives on. May their commitment to service, courage and community continue to be an inspiration for all."