A crowd gathers at Ottawa courthouse - November 1946 - a hearing of activities of spy ring and the sentencing of participants including Squadron Leader F. W. Pound and RCAF officer Matt Simmins Nightingale.
On a routine day in 1946, Frances Evelyn Elliott (nee Faulkenham, Bent) retrieved the daily newspaper from the front step of the family home and in doing so immediately recognized the photo on the front cover as a gentleman who occupied an office next to her's while serving during WWII with the Department of Intelligence, RCAF in London.. The image was that of Squadron Leader F.W. Pound and the newspaper article clearly identified him as a wartime spy. She recalled him as a quiet man who went about his assignments in a very reserved fashion. The only words shared each day were a "Good Morning". Considering the location, time and circumstance, Fran thought this not to be too unusual.
The spy ring was disclosed in 1946 and those involved were detained while they (eight in number) waited sentencing.
In addition to Squadron Leader F. W. Pound was a Matt Simmins Nightingale (see photo). After officials became aware of his activities, he and a (first name, unknown) Gerson, another co-conspirator, were called to give evidence in similar cases deriving from alleged conspiracy but they refused to be sworn fearing that they would incriminate themselves even though the Canada Evidence Act required they answer. Both were found to be in contempt of court and sentenced to three months in jail pursuant to common law. An appeal was dismissed.
In the process of gathering information pertaining to this individual, I have reason to wonder if this Matt Nightingale was indeed in the Nightingale lineage into which my Grandmother, Evelyn Nightingale was born. I have discovered her brother Charles, had four children and one being a Matthew S. Nightingale. The age range coincides with his activities. In my research I have managed to ascertain that he was of British descent and an engineer. He took residence in the US and acquired citizenship. A few years later he entered Canada, took up Canadian citizenship and recruited into the Canadian Royal Canadian Air Force.
Keep posted for future findings:
Nightingale
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