Grave of Second World War airman dedicated 73 years after death

The grave of 23-year-old Wing Commander Byron Rawson, Royal Canadian Air Force, was dedicated in Canada on Saturday 22 September.

After four years distinguished service during the Second World War, Wing Commander Rawson died on 23 December 1945, and was buried at Hamilton (Woodland) Cemetery in Ontario, Canada.

Up until now, his grave had been marked only by a private family memorial. However, it has now been officially acknowledged that Wing Commander Rawson was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder when he took his own life on 23 December, 1945, as a result of his service in the Second World War. 

As such, the CWGC have now marked his grave with a new headstone bearing his name and the personal inscription, chosen by his family:

‘A Brave Warrior

   A Son of Christ.’

The service was organised by the CWGC, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the City of Hamilton Cemeteries. It was attended by family members, Royal Canadian Air Force Staff, CWGC staff, Royal Canadian Legion members, RCAF Association members and local dignitaries.

CWGC’s Commemorations and External Relations Manager, Canadian Agency, Dominique Boulais, said:

“In the 15 years that I have worked with the commission, this is the only case of this kind that I have come across. We commemorate casualties from the First and Second World Wars if they died in service, or if they died as a result of their service. That is the way the commission has always viewed things in its 101 years of existence.”

Wing Commander Byron Rawson is now commemorated alongside 63 Commonwealth servicemen, from the First and Second World Wars, at Hamilton (Woodland) Cemetery.

All photos are with special thanks to Corporal Ryan Moulton, 8 Wing RCAF Imaging.