One can only imagine the sadness when the parents of LAC Robert Lewis (Babe) Greer, R114675, Ernest and Annie Ruby (Murray) Greer of Rouleau learned of the death of their son in a flying accident at Virden, Manitoba.
Babe Greer was just one of many brilliant young men who signed up to be pilots in the RCAF only to have died in a flying accident. Babe took his Initial Training in Regina, scored high marks and won the opportunity to train as a Pilot.
LAC Robert Lewis (Babe) Greer was the eldest child and was raised in Rouleau where his Dad worked as a painter. It is unknown when they left the District.
These Moose Jaw Times Herald ‘news-clippings’ have been slightly modified.
Moose Jaw Times Herald
Tuesday, December 2, 1941
LAC R. L. Greer, Rouleau, Killed at Virden, Manitoba
“Leading Aircraftsman Robert Lewis (Babe) Greer, 18, was killed at noon Monday, in a flying accident at No. 19 Elementary Flying Training School, Virden, Manitoba. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. Greer, Rouleau, have been advised of their son’s death. LAC Greer was born at Craik, Saskatchewan in June 1923, and came to Rouleau in 1927. He had received all his education at Rouleau schools. He was a well-known member of Rouleau juvenile hockey teams and baseball teams.”
He had enlisted with the R.C.A.F., in July of this year (1941) and had taken his initial training in Regina before going to Virden for his Elementary Flying Training. He was on a Solo flight in a Tiger Moth when it crashed, killing him.
Besides his parents, he is survived by two brother, Private Murray Greer, who is overseas with the South Saskatchewan Regiment and Kenneth Greer at home.
Babe’s brother Murray was wounded during the August 1942 Raid on Dieppe. His brother Kenneth Greer joined the RCAF and stayed in the Air Force until his retirement.
Moose Jaw Times Herald
Thursday, December 4, 1941
Rouleau Airman Accorded Military Honors on Burial
“A military funeral was accorded LAC Robert Louis Greer, Rouleau, Saskatchewan, Wednesday afternoon in the city of Regina, at the Regina Cemetery, Grave Reference: Block A. Plot 1. Grave 9
“Earlier in the day a service had been held at Rouleau at which Reverend Canon R. H. Smye officiated. Funeral service, under the direction of Flight Lieutenant R. O. Babbitt, Regina, was held at Speers’ funeral home at 3:30 p.m.
“LAC Robert Lewis (Babe) Greer, R114675, is survived by his parents, Ernest and Annie Ruby (Murray) Greer, and two brother, Murray and Ken at Rouleau.”
