World War II

Prior to the Navy, Bill worked on the great lake freighters during the summers of 1941 and 1942. He was a wheelsman and pilotage. One of the ships was the Shirley G. Taylor, who’s Captain was Jack Allen, a close family friend.

Shirley G. Taylor

Captain Allen

While in School, Bill also joined the Sea Cadets. The Kitchener local branch was founded by Earl Putman in 1941 and was known as R.C.S.C.C. 94 WARSPITE.

Bill in his Sea Cadet’s uniform

Sea Cadets

Bill then enlisted in the Navy in October 1942. He attended Basic Training in December and was stationed in Hamilton and then Halifax as an instructor as well as a radar instructor. He was then posted to the H.M.C.S Middlesex in July, 1944 as an Able Seaman, Radar Operator 3rd Class. The Middlesex was a mine sweeper used in World War II for escort duties in the North Atlantic. He was discharged in August 1945

For Posterity’s Sake
Bill’s Naval Records

H.M.C.S Middlesex

Bill’s Medals

1939-45 Star
Canadian Volunteer  Service Medal
War Medal 1939 – 1945

At sea on the Middlesex
At sea on the Middlesex


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Battle of the Atlantic