Pathfinder: His priority of getting to WW2 became bringing everyone home

by Lionel Bennett, Alex Schultz (editor)

In the spring of 1940, on a path barely lit by a thin, crescent moon, a schoolteacher with a hard-held dream sets out on a sixteen-mile trek through Ontario bush. Arriving in time to catch the midnight train, he settles in for the ride to Winnipeg, where he intends to enlist in the Royal Canadian Air Force. His journey is just beginning. The schoolteacher is Gordon Wellington Bennett, a young man whose passion for flight and determination to serve lead him to pilot training, then overseas to England, where he becomes a flying instructor—and meets the love of his life, Stella, and starts a family. But all of this fades to a blurry background as the war intensifies. When Gordon is tasked as a bomber pilot, his family expands to include his crew—six young men, all seeking honour and glory, all grappling with the horrific realities of war. From here, Gordon’s journey becomes one of dogged survival.At the centre of it all is the impossible question of morality. Confounded by his role in the devastation, Gordon, a secular humanist, seeks answers with the guidance of Father Charles Brimley, a retired Anglican priest who becomes an important mentor. Based on true events, Pathfinder tells the heartbreaking coming-of-age of one young Canadian man, a man whose gallantry earns him a Distinguished Flying Cross, a man with a dream and a unique story, just like every other man who served his country during the deadliest conflict in human history.

294 pages, Paperback

Published January 19, 2024

Reviews

[Colleen Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pathfinder is a truly authentic, personal narrative based on the notes and recollections of Gordon Wellington Bennett, as interpreted by his son, Lionel Bennett. The book describes a quiet young Canadian who transforms from a young schoolmaster to a courageous pilot and leader after enlisting in the RCAF during World War II. The author describes Gordon Bennett as a gentleman, a courageous pilot, but more importantly, a true leader who focused on protecting and guiding his crew through the emotional costs of war. I really enjoyed reading history play out with such honesty and heart. I spent many nights up late, unable to put the book down. Lionel’s writing is clear and draws you in as it takes you through the records of his actual bombing missions, but with a focus on the human element and the price of individual heroism. Gordon Bennett’s heroism was rewarded with the Distinguished Flying Cross.

[Arnold Adey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the account of my Son in Law, Seth's grandfather Gordon's leadership during the second world war. Lionel did a great job of creating a story out of the notes and material provided by his father Gordon.