Following the Echoes: The Quest to Uncover a True Wartime Story of Love, Loss, and Legacy

More about the book

After the death of their British-born Grandma Gladys in 2021, siblings Claudia and Lance became intrigued by her Canadian fiancé, Wendell "Del" Pierce Drew, who lost his life during World War II. Del was a member of the elite RAF Pathfinder Force and hailed from Radisson, Saskatchewan. With only a few old photos and anecdotes, they embarked on a journey to uncover Del's story, revealing a rich tapestry of lives seeking adventure and better futures. Their exploration spans from the Canadian prairie to London and the North Sea, uncovering narratives obscured by time and reflecting on the profound effects of loss and grief. The siblings recount a pivotal moment in 1993 when Gladys's grief for Del resurfaced nearly five decades after his death, alongside the heart-wrenching experiences of Del's parents, Albert and Achsah Drew, who faced unimaginable loss long before their son was lost in the war. The book provides an in-depth examination of Lancaster JB707, the aircraft Del and his crew were aboard when they disappeared in July 1944, piecing together their final moments and the tragic events that led to their demise. Ultimately, Claudia and Lance describe how their journey of "following the echoes" of coincidences and connections brought them to a place of awe and gratitude, especially towards those in Bomber Command. This poignant narrative of love, loss, and legacy highlights the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation in shapin