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Sgt
Louis (Lou) Toth, CD
Lou was born in Quebec in 1943 and gained his education there before
joining the RCAF in 1934. He was trained as an Electrical Technician
at Camp Borden and then served with 439 Squadron both at Uplands and in
the UK at North Luffenham. On return to Canada he served with 412
Squadron before moving to Vancouver to serve first with 443 Squadron
then with Station Vancouver followed by a tour at RCAF Station Comox. He
was promoted sergeant in 1966 on transfer to Station Greenwood where his
technical expertise focussed on the CP-107 Argus aircraft.
In
1972 Lou led the servicing crew attached to the 404 Squadron ASW
Competition crew challenging for the O’Brien Trophy. The servicing
crew would also be competing for the Morrow Trophy awarded to the best
servicing crew amongst the four competing squadrons; 404, 405, 407 and
415. The competition took place from Canadian Forces Base Summerside,
PEI and involved three airborne flights judged by staff from Maritime
Command Headquarters and the Directorate of Maritime Operations at
National Defence Headquarters. Crew 1 of 404 Squadron with pilot Captain
Bill Stone and Tactical Coordinator George Dunlop won the O’Brien
Trophy and Sergeant Toth and his servicing crew were judged best of the
servicing crew participants and were awarded the Morrow Trophy by
Admiral Timbrell, Commander of Maritime Command.
Traditionally,
the Canadian ASW Competition winner represents Canada in the Fincastle
Competition. This competition is held annually between the Air Forces of
the old Commonwealth countries, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and
Canada. It was initiated by the Aird–Whyte family in the UK in memory
of their son who was killed on coastal operations during the Second
World War. The venue for the competition alternates between the four
participants and for 1972 it was hosted by the RAF in Singapore. Argus
10730 with aircrew and servicing crew aboard departed Greenwood on 2
September, 1972 with enroute stops at Comox, Midway Island, Guam and on
to Singapore and RAF Station Tengah where the Fincastle Competition took
place. Canada did not win the coveted Fincastle Trophy but the aircraft
performed flawlessly under Sergeant Toth’s care. On departure day for
Canada an engine failed on take off requiring an engine change. Awaiting
a new engine and diplomatic clearance difficulties delayed the return to
Greenwood until 5 November. Again, the aircraft performed flawlessly due
to Sergeant Toth’s leadership.
In
1972 Lou left Greenwood to serve at the air technicians training school,
Camp Borden, then at the Canadian Forces Leadership Academy. His last
posting was to the Maintenance Staff at National Defence Headquarters.
He reached the Chief Warrant Officer rank level as a fitting result of
his technical professionalism and his outstanding leadership qualities.
Lou died in August of 2001.
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