Born in 1920 in Romny Ukraine, near Kiev. The family moved to Canada in 1921. First settling in Montreal
then a move to Quebec City. He picked up what he termed a 'pigeon French during his time in Quebec. His next
home was in New
Watersford Nova Scotia, he mentioned that he was very fond of the people of Nova Scotia. Business took him to Moncton, hoping to save enough money to
move to the United States and become a sports reporter.
In September of 1940 he enlisted with the RCAF in Moncton New Brunswick. He was selected for pilot training
where it became clear to him that he could not handle as he called it "extreme aerobatics".
He then went into
training as a Navigator which pleased him as he would still be in aircrew.
He tells how he felt in his element, astronomy, physics and science were things he had a strong liking for.
There is mention of him being at No.4 Bombing and Gunnery School
in Fingal Ontario. No information on other training bases are available.
Overseas
On May 20 1942, Glustein was posted to 419 Squadron, "B" Flight. He flew as Navigator for
F/Sgt. McGuffin (Later S/L McGuffin DFC ).
From May 29th until September 1st 1942 as Sergeant then later Flight Sergeant he continued his Navigation duties with the
Wellington crew of the now Pilot Officer McGuffin.
By August 1942 it is recorded that he was commissioned, so the entry for September 1st in the squadron log listing him
as Flight Sergeant was incorrect or the date of his commission is incorrect.
To A Pathfinder Squadron
He transferred to a Pathfinder Squadron , 405 Vancouver Squadron for as he put it in his interview with the
Memory Project it became more interesting for him. The duties of the previous squadron life with
each trip dodging searchlights, fighters and
anti-aircraft fire to him had become routine. He was well aware that others never made it through one Tour or
sometimes even one operation. He felt he could do more, the Pathfinders provided the answer in two ways the second
being their ability to bring the bomb loads closer to the actual target marks then before.
F/L Aaron Glustein DFC completed 50 sorties during his two Tours he also was active in the Korean War.
