Echoes of Valour: Canada’s Corsair Ace – Lieutenant Donald Sheppard, RCNVR

Join us on Tuesday, April 27, 2027, at 6:30 p.m. at Beechwood Cemetery for a compelling evening of military history, remembrance, and storytelling as part of the ongoing Echoes of Valour series. Presented by renowned naval historian Michael Whitby, former official historian for the Royal Canadian Navy at the Directorate of History and Heritage, this special presentation will explore the extraordinary wartime service of Lieutenant Donald Sheppard, RCNVR, a Toronto native who became the only ace flying the legendary Corsair fighter with the British Pacific Fleet during the Second World War. Flying from HMS Victorious in 1944–45, Sheppard played a remarkable role in the air war against Japan, earning distinction for his courage, leadership, and combat record. This presentation carries an especially poignant connection to Beechwood, as Lieutenant Sheppard is interred at the National Military Cemetery of Canada. Drawing on decades of research, personal connections with the Sheppard family, and extensive historical work completed during his career with the Royal Canadian Navy, Michael Whitby will bring to life the story of one of Canada’s lesser-known but exceptional wartime aviators. Beechwood National Memorial Centre 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa Tuesday, April 27, 2027 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. All are welcome. Discover the story of a Canadian airman whose legacy continues to live on at Canada’s National Cemetery. *PHOTO CREDIT: RN official photographer Coote, R G G (Lt) – This photograph A6152 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums (collection no. 4700-01) IWM caption : An aerial view of HMS Victorious at sea. Steam can be seen venting from the catapult towards the front of the flight deck. Public Domain.