Joseph Larichelière

Joseph Émile Paul Larichelière (3 December 1912 – 16 August 1940) was a Canadian officer who served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. He is credited with six aerial victories.

Born in Montreal, Larichelière joined the RAF in early 1939. After qualifying as a pilot, he received instruction on the Hawker Hurricane fighter, and in mid-May 1940 was posted to No. 504 Squadron. When the squadron was sent to the continent during the Battle of France, he was transferred to No. 213 Squadron. Larichelière flew extensively in the early stages of the Battle of Britain. He achieved all six of his aerial victories in a three-day period during August before going missing, believed killed in action.

Early life Joseph Émile Paul Larichelière was born on 3 December 1912 in Montreal, Quebec, in Canada. His parents were French-Canadians. After completing his schooling he went to the University of Montreal, graduating in 1933. He continued to study part-time while working until, in early 1939, he applied to join the Royal Air Force (RAF) on a short-service commission. Travelling to England, Larichelière began initial flight training at No. 22 Elementary Flying Training School at Cambridge. Completing this stage of his flight instruction, he was granted a short-service commission as an acting pilot officer on probation, with effect from 23 October 1939.

Second World War Larichelière gained his commission a month after the Second World War began. He continued his flight training, and received his wings in early 1940. By May, he was at No. 6 Operational Training Unit at Sutton Bridge, gaining familiarity with the Hawker Hurricane fighter. He was posted to No. 504 Squadron on 18 May; the same day, his status as a pilot officer was confirmed although he remained on probation. When he joined the squadron, it was operating Hurricanes from Debden but was in the process of moving to France, as a reinforcement for the Air Component of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) engaged in the fighting there.

Due to Larichelière's inexperience, rather than proceeding to France he was posted to No. 213 Squadron. Larichelière is credited with six aircraft destroyed.