1st Off. Aage Valdemar Helstrup Laursen

Aage Valdemar Helstrup Laursen is a Danish born Canadian pilot who is killed while in service with the Air Transport Auxiliary.

Aage Valdemar Helstrup Laursen is born 23. november 1915 in Copenhagen, Denmark. [1] He is the son of Ellen Kirstine Helstrup Pedersen, who is married to Aage's stepfather Christian Laursen on 17 January 1919. The Laursen family emigrates to Canada in July 1924. [2] Aage Valdemar Helstrup Laursen is naturalised as British subject on 23 Feb 1932. [3]

The family settles in Toronto where he is educated. His father works as director for General Packers Ltd.

Royal Air Force

In mid-1939 he leaves Canada for England to join the Royal Air Force. On 19 September 1939, just after the declaration of war in Europe, he is granted a short term commission as Acting Pilot Officer on probation for four years on 19 September 1939. He is promoted to Pilot Officer on probation on 20 April 1940. This is only for a short period, as his short term commission is terminated on cessation on 5 July 1940. [4]

Air Transport Auxiliary

At some point, he is accepted in the Air Transport Auxiliary as First Officer.

On 4 November 1940, Aage Valdemar Helstrup Andersen is killed in a flying accident, as Oxford I (R6019) of No. 4 Ferry Pilot Pool, flies into high ground in bad visibility on a ferry flight from Prestwick to Kidlington, Brynford, near Holywell, Flint. [5]

He is buried at Havarden (St. Deiniol) Churchyard. The Death Index for England and Wales states his age at death as 24 years. [6]

Acknowledgements to Henk Welting, Tony Broadhurst and Ivan Laursen for information to the above description.

Sources

1. Parish record, Fredericia, Trinitatis
2. Canada, Ocean Arrivals (Form 30A), 1919-1924
3. Canada Gazette (28049 B)
4. London Gazette, issues LG 34700 and 34898
5. Cheesman, 1946; Halley, 1996
6. www.cwgc.org