He is remembered as a decorated Spitfire pilot from the Prairies who served during the Second World War 鈥� a role model who passed away at age 89 in August in Comox.
Douglas (Duke) Warren who was a pilot for No.165 Squadron at Dieppe, France, with his twin brother Bruce, was well-known within the Canadian Forces, particularly at CFB Comox.
Born in Nanton, Alta., in 1922, the twins joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) at the age of 18.
After advanced training, they flew two tours of operations with Royal Air Force Spitfire squadrons.
In 1945, they were both awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses by King George VI at Buckingham Palace.
The Warren twins joined the permanent RCAF in October 1946. Bruce was killed in 1951, as a test pilot for the CF-100 jet fighter.
Duke became commanding officer of the F-86 Sabre-equipped 410 Squadron in 1952. The following year, he was attached to the United States Air Force and flew Sabres in Korea.
After serving as chief flight instructor at the RCAF's Operational Training Union at Chatham, N.B. and in Germany, Warren came to CFB Comox in 1970, accepting his final posting as operations officer.
He retired in 1973, and volunteered in the community with various organizations for many years.
Active with Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 in Comox, Warren served as Branch Padre for 24 years, and he served in the same capacity with 888 Wing of the Air Force Association of Canada and the Korean Veterans Association.
Warren received many honours in recognition of his accomplishments and his service to his country and his community.
He was recognized for his community work when he was awarded the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award in 2002.
In 2006, he was awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation and was accorded the Freedom of the Town of Comox. Warren was also awarded the Legion of Honour by the president of France.
