STUNDEN, JIM

Jim Stunden was in the service from 1958 to 1963. He enlisted in Toronto and was with 436 Squadron serving at Downsview and in the Congo[1]. Initially he was classified as an aero-engineer technician, and later as a flight engineer.

The role of 436 Squadron was to move personnel, equipment and supplies to United Nations Peace Keepers, both Canadian and other Forces. The operation was not without the potential for danger. Jim recalled one trip which was the fastest in and out he had experienced – landing, unloading and taking off immediately. 

The Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar , pictured at right, was a military transport aircraft designed to carry cargo, personnel, and mechanized equipment, and to drop cargo and troops by parachute. Its cargo-hauling ability and unusual twin-boom design earned it the nickname "Flying Boxcar".

[1] United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC) was a peacekeeping mission involving Canadians between 1960 and 1964.  After gaining independence from Belgium, the native army and police in the Congo mutinied against its white officers resulting in the breakdown of law and order. Belgium moved in 10,000 troops to restore order, and the United Nations was asked to provide a force to help the Congolese authorities restore order and deal with the separatist threat of the Province of Katanga. The operation saw several bloody battles, as well as rescue operations, take place and 126 UN soldiers were killed with 109 other soldiers (including 2 Canadians) dying accidentally or from natural causes. The Canadian Military Involvement included: 57 Signal Squadron; 436 (RCAF) Squadron (two C-119 Flying Boxcars); Royal 22e Regiment (officers and men); and the Canadian Provost Corps.  (Wikipedia)