When you find out who he is, you will cry

When you find out who he is, you will cry

The aviation world is mourning the loss of a true giant. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Sydney Edward Burrows, AFC, CD, known throughout the military community by his legendary call sign "Cyclops," passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, at the age of 95. His death marks the conclusion of a life defined by extraordinary resilience, pioneering Cold War service, and an unwavering commitment to keeping the memory of Canada’s fallen veterans alive.



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## The Incident That Forged a Legend

On September 13, 1954, then-Flying Officer Syd Burrows was piloting a Canadair Sabre jet fighter during a high-speed training exercise. Without warning, a hawk struck his aircraft, shattering the thick Plexiglas canopy directly into his face. The devastating impact completely blinded his left eye and left him covered in blood.

Despite the severity of his injuries and the loss of sight in one eye, Burrows displayed remarkable composure at near-supersonic speeds. He discovered that by positioning his head carefully within the cockpit environment, he could manage the effects of the injury and maintain enough vision to operate the controls. Guided by pure instinct and partial vision, he successfully landed his heavily damaged jet and cleared the runway so the rest of his formation could touch down safely. For his unparalleled bravery under pressure, he was awarded the Air Force Cross (AFC).



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## From Ultimate Resilience to Pop Culture Inspiration

The incident earned him his permanent call sign, "Cyclops". Though grounded from solo jet piloting for 12 years following the event, Burrows refused to let his aviation career die. Through sheer determination, he eventually fought his way back into active flying status as a co-pilot. He later went on to serve with distinction on two United Nations peacekeeping missions.

His real-life miracle landing left a permanent mark on pop culture. Decades later, his incredible story served as the direct real-world inspiration for the main character in the bestselling Cold War thriller novel [The Apollo Murders], penned by famed Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield.
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## A Lasting Legacy for Canada's Veterans

Burrows’ impact extended far beyond the cockpit. In his later years, he dedicated his energy to ensuring that non-combat military deaths were given the ultimate national honor. As a leader within the [Royal Canadian Air Force Association](, he spearheaded a 10-year campaign advocating for the creation of Canada's Seventh Book of Remembrance. His successful effort secured permanent historical recognition for thousands of military personnel who died in active service accidents or non-major conflicts.



His service was formally recognized by the government with the [Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation] for his contributions to remembrance.
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## Final Take-Off

Last year, Burrows was featured prominently in the [Comox Air Force Museum's]


Following his passing, the museum released a poignant final tribute to a beloved community pillar:

"Cyclops has strapped in for the last time, conducted his final take-off… to fly beyond the thunder. Rest easy and watch over us, friend."

A community Celebration of Life ceremony featuring a traditional Poppy Service was held in his honor at the Stocky Edwards 888 Wing RCAFA in Comox, British Columbia. He leaves behind a legendary blueprint of survival, service, and profound dedication to his country.



google News


------------------------------
## The Incident That Forged a Legend

On September 13, 1954, then-Flying Officer Syd Burrows was piloting a Canadair Sabre jet fighter during a high-speed training exercise. Without warning, a hawk struck his aircraft, shattering the thick Plexiglas canopy directly into his face. The devastating impact completely blinded his left eye and left him covered in blood.

Despite the severity of his injuries and the loss of sight in one eye, Burrows displayed remarkable composure at near-supersonic speeds. He discovered that by positioning his head carefully within the cockpit environment, he could manage the effects of the injury and maintain enough vision to operate the controls. Guided by pure instinct and partial vision, he successfully landed his heavily damaged jet and cleared the runway so the rest of his formation could touch down safely. For his unparalleled bravery under pressure, he was awarded the Air Force Cross (AFC).



------------------------------
## From Ultimate Resilience to Pop Culture Inspiration

The incident earned him his permanent call sign, "Cyclops". Though grounded from solo jet piloting for 12 years following the event, Burrows refused to let his aviation career die. Through sheer determination, he eventually fought his way back into active flying status as a co-pilot. He later went on to serve with distinction on two United Nations peacekeeping missions.

His real-life miracle landing left a permanent mark on pop culture. Decades later, his incredible story served as the direct real-world inspiration for the main character in the bestselling Cold War thriller novel [The Apollo Murders], penned by famed Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield.
------------------------------
## A Lasting Legacy for Canada's Veterans

Burrows’ impact extended far beyond the cockpit. In his later years, he dedicated his energy to ensuring that non-combat military deaths were given the ultimate national honor. As a leader within the [Royal Canadian Air Force Association](, he spearheaded a 10-year campaign advocating for the creation of Canada's Seventh Book of Remembrance. His successful effort secured permanent historical recognition for thousands of military personnel who died in active service accidents or non-major conflicts.



His service was formally recognized by the government with the [Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation] for his contributions to remembrance.
------------------------------
## Final Take-Off

Last year, Burrows was featured prominently in the [Comox Air Force Museum's]


Following his passing, the museum released a poignant final tribute to a beloved community pillar:

"Cyclops has strapped in for the last time, conducted his final take-off… to fly beyond the thunder. Rest easy and watch over us, friend."

A community Celebration of Life ceremony featuring a traditional Poppy Service was held in his honor at the Stocky Edwards 888 Wing RCAFA in Comox, British Columbia. He leaves behind a legendary blueprint of survival, service, and profound dedication to his country.



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