James Stronach was born in Scotland on December 21, 1918, the son of Henry Bullion Stronach and Margaret (nee Gatherum) Stronach, of 198 Bright Street, Sarnia. His parents, Henry and Margaret, were both born in Scotland. James’ father, Henry, was employed in the Electrical Department at the Sarnia Imperial Refinery. James attended Sarnia Collegiate School and for some years he was a carrier for the Canadian Observer in Sarnia. Prior to enlisting, James was employed with the Technical and Research Department at the Sarnia Imperial Refinery. Single at the time, James enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force on May 15, 1940.
James would arrive in Western Canada for training in September of 1940. While in training, he was stationed in Brandon, Manitoba; Rivers, Manitoba; Regina, Saskatchewan; Vancouver, British Columbia and Calgary, Alberta. In late May of 1941, James would receive his wings at Calgary, Alberta, with the rank of Sergeant-Pilot. In early June of 1941, James would spend a two week leave at home in Sarnia, before transferring to an operational school in Eastern Canada. He would spend three months as a pilot on coastal command at Prince Edward Island. In October of 1941, James would go overseas as a sergeant-pilot.
In June of 1942, while in England, James was promoted from sergeant-pilot to Pilot Officer. In August of 1942, his parents Henry and Margaret Stronach in Sarnia would receive a cablegram informing them that their son, Pilot Officer James Stronach, had been promoted again, this time to the rank of Flying Officer in the R.C.A.F. While overseas, on various short leaves he was able to visit relatives in Scotland. James Stronach would become a member of RCAF #415 Swordfish Squadron “Ad Metam” (To the mark). In February of 1943, Henry and Margaret Stronach in Sarnia would receive the news that their son James had been promoted to Squadron Leader, one of the youngest squadron leaders with the R.C.A.F. While overseas, aside from his official duties, he gave much of his time to executive work in the management of air force sports.
On June 14, 1943, Squadron Leader-Pilot James Stronach was part of a crew aboard RCAF Hampden aircraft X2961 that failed to return from operations over the Bay of Biscay, during presumed enemy action. Not long after, parents Henry and Margaret Stronach in Sarnia would receive a telegram from Royal Canadian Air Force headquarters at Ottawa advising them that their son, Squadron Leader James Stronach was reported missing after air operations on June 14. Over six months later, in January of 1944, parents Henry and Margaret Stronach in Sarnia would receive official notification from Ottawa stating that their son, Squadron Leader James Stronach is now reported as missing, presumed dead. Perishing with Squadron Leader James Stronach were Warrant Officer W.A. Trask; Flying Officer G.K. Crummy; and Pilot Officer A.B. Clegg. James Stronach would later be officially listed as, Previously reported missing after air operations, now for official purposes, presumed dead, overseas (Bay of Biscay). Twenty-five year old James Stronach has no known grave. His name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Surrey, United Kingdom, Panel 172.
SOURCES: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, J, L, M, N, O, 2C, 2D