Squadron Leader William Corbett Van Exan

One can find the plaque commemorating Squadron Leader William Corbett Van Exan at the Russ Beach, Smiths Falls/Montague Airport at the end of Van Exan Road south of Roger Stevens Drive as it approaches Montague and Smiths Falls.

SQUADRON LEADER
WILLIAM CORBETT VAN EXAN, D.S.O., D.F.C.
OCTOBER 21, 1918 - JANUARY 10, 1972

Born and educated at Smiths Falls, Ontario. Enlisted Royal
Canadian Air Force and awarded Pilot's badge January, 1941.
Completed first tour of operations with 57 Squadron, Bomber
Command, and awarded Distinguished Flying Cross for, "...courage
and devotion to duty." Completed second tour with 425 and
431 Squadrons and awarded the Distinguished Service Order for,
"...outstanding determination and zeal." Discharged in 1945 with
1,550 service hours. Joined Trans-Canada Airlines (Air Canada)
and in the following 25 years logged 17,869 hours culminating
in a regional Chief Pilot. May the ab initio pilots of this field
emulate his life of service to his country.