Albert was born in Windsor, Ontario on 3 December 1923. His father was born in Hamilton, Ontario and worked as a machinist, his mother was born in London, England. Albert had one sister, Rita. His parents married in Guildford, Surrey in 1918. Albert attended the Public School in Dougall Avenue, Windsor, 1929-1938, Patterson Collegiate, Windsor 1938-1941, High School Course Grade X11, and Ontario Training College, Hamilton from January-March 1942 when he enlisted after taking the W.E.T.P pre-enlistment course. During 1941 Albert worked as a postal clerk at the Windsor Post Office. The sports Albert engaged in were swimming and basketball and he enjoyed model making. |
After enlisting in Hamilton on 14 March 1942 and undergoing initial training, he embarked from Canada for the U.K. on 28 March 1943. He arrived in England at 3 PRC on 5 April 1943, 2 (P)AFU 31 May 1943, 8 OTU 22 June 1943, 1662 CU 14 September 1943 and 626 Squadron on 8 November 1943. |
Newspaper report from Windsor Daily Star: A bombardier on a Lancaster, Flt. Sgt. Lafferty has taken part in a number of sweeps over Germany and France, accoridng to his last letter received a week ago. Receiving his wings at Malton in February, 1943, he arrived overseas in April. Born in Windsor, he attended Dougall Avenue School and Patterson Collegiate. He is a former member of the Knights Templar Band and the Kiwanis Boys' Band. At the YMCA he was recognized as an excellent swimmer and took part in several forms of athletics. In his last letter Flt. Sgt. Lafferty advised that he had become engaged to Cpl. Audrey Lee of the WAAFS, an English girl. He is a brother of Mrs. William Jones of 1539 Parent Avenue. |