Dutch-Canadians Remember as One - Two Countries, One Spirit

Scroll of Remembrance

Staff — Sun, 14 May 2017 19:02:39 +0000

Scroll of Remembrance Staff Sun, 05/14/2017 - 15:02

About HRH Princess Margriet

Staff — Sun, 14 May 2017 15:28:40 +0000

About HRH Princess Margriet Staff Sun, 05/14/2017 - 11:28

Holten Canadian War Cemetery

Staff — Tue, 05 May 2015 18:54:06 +0000

Holten Canadian War Cemetery Staff Tue, 05/05/2015 - 14:54

The work of remembrance continues with Huron Remembers Project

Patrick Nagle — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 16:42:21 +0000

The work of remembrance continues with Huron Remembers Project Patrick Nagle Fri, 11/23/2018 - 11:42

HURON COUNTY ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE LANCASTER BOMBER CRASH SURVIVOR

Patrick Nagle — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 16:51:31 +0000

HURON COUNTY ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE LANCASTER BOMBER CRASH SURVIVOR Patrick Nagle Fri, 09/21/2018 - 12:51

Our Vision to Honour and Remember

Patrick Nagle — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 18:24:58 +0000

Our Vision to Honour and Remember

Our vision to honour and remember includes a community outreach to research, record and make known Canada's extraordinary contribution to freedom during the Second World War. We celebrate the special relationship that exists between Canada and the Netherlands that was founded during the 1944-45 liberation campaign.

Our outreach includes gathering local historical content while it can still be found, and then making it accessible to all generations..

Patrick Nagle Wed, 10/18/2017 - 14:24

About Liberation Memorial Park in Goderich

Staff — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 16:24:23 +0000

About Liberation Memorial Park in Goderich Staff Wed, 10/11/2017 - 12:24

Hart, Wilbert Carl

Patrick Nagle — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 19:58:44 +0000

Hart, Wilbert Carl

Rank

Private

Patrick Nagle Tue, 10/10/2017 - 15:58

Divisional Unit

Awards

SERVICE NO: A / 31364

AWARDS: 1939-45 Star, France – Germany Star, Defence Medal,

War Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal + clasp.

DATE OF BIRTH: November 7, 1907

DATE OF DEATH: December 24, 1944 37 years 1 month

WIFE: Mrs. Sarah Levina Hart – Guelph – Ontario.

SONS: Wilbert Jr., David and William – Guelph – Ontario.

MOTHER: Mrs. Edith Hart – Wingham – Ontario.

BROTHERS: Mr. Alvin and Earl Hart – Wingham – Ontario.

SISTER: Mrs. Mildred Prentice – Wingham – Ontario.

CEMETERY: Temporary Canadian Military Cemetery – Jonkerbosch – Netherlands.

Row 4 Grave 4

CEMETERY: Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery – Groesbeek –

Gelderland – Netherlands.

II C 11

Height: 5’ 6” Weight: 120 pounds

Complexion: dark Eyes: hazel Hair: brown/grey

Occupation: foundry worker Religion: Church of England.

RESIDENCE: Guelph – Ontario.

ENLISTMENT: April 29, 1941 – Guelph – Ontario.

ENLISTMENT AGE: 33 years 5 months

Wilbert enjoyed playing softball.
Following school he had worked on a farm for three years and then had worked at Western Foundry in Wingham – Ontario for 5 years.
In 1981, Mrs. S. Hart contacted the Library and Archives of Canada about the service file of her husband Private Hart. At that time she would have been approximately 68 years of age.

Upon his enlistment, Gunner Hart was with the 4th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery and immediately posted to the 100th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery in Guelph – Ontario.
July 7, 1941 – granted Embarkation leave until July 9, 1941.
October 10, 1941 – granted furlough until October 29, 1941.
November 10, 1941 – Embarked from Canada for overseas.
November 23, 1941 – Arrived in Liverpool – England.
December 1, 1941 – granted landing leave until December 6, 1941. United Kingdom
January 18, 1942 – assigned to No. 3 Canadian Army Reinforcement Unit.
May 29, 1942 – Taken on Strength for the Canadian Reinforcement Pool and attached to 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment.
October 5, 1942 – granted 7 days leave until October 12.
February 4, 1943 – granted 9 days leave until February 13, 1943.
June 7, 1943 – granted 9 days leave until June 16, 1943.
July 4, 1944 – Embarked from England bound for the continent.
July 7, 1944 – Arrived in France on D Day + 31. North-West Europe

In the field…..

September 13, 1944 – Gunner Hart transfers to the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps and assumes the rank of Private.
October 24, 1944 – assigned to the Black Watch of Canada.

The Nijmegen Salient was a large area defended by the 1st Canadian Army from November 1944 until early February of 1945. The 1st Canadian Army front during this period was 135 miles in length.
At the beginning of the second week of December the Regiment found themselves on the front lines again and in their slit trenches, trenches, dugouts and sandbag huts bordering the River Maas. For the next two weeks, they would carry out patrols and raiding parties.

On December 24, 1944, the Regiment was preparing to advance onto Middelaarhuis but did not want to move until the moon went down about 9:45 pm in the evening. The weather in the day had been clear, sunny but frosty.

When the moon set “C” Company moved forward toward the town of Middelaarhuis and their supporting arms fire was very well coordinated.
“A” Company sprayed the area with machine gun fire and received a few enemy mortar rounds in return.
The planning of the Brigade had worked well and they were then able to move their positions forward.
The Companies had been able to advance their forward positions and it was at this time the enemy sent some mortar fire and one struck very close to where Private Hart was and he was immediately evacuated to a Canadian Aid Station but was not able to survive the wounds received.
This raid was not a success as the reason for it was to bring back German prisoners. Once in the town, the Regiment found no enemy. The Regiment was disappointed in the result especially because of their losses.
The known enemy mortar positions were then engaged by the artillery, with air bursts.

During the daylight hours of December 24th there had been little action, but following the raid and upon returning to their positions the men of the Regiment could hear the Germans playing and singing Christmas carols as they were popping rifle grenades toward the Regiment.
The Regiment then sat and waited until the Germans began “Silent Night” and made a liar out of the Germans by furnishing the accompaniment with their Bren guns.
Later the Regiment heard the sound of female voices and they wondered if the rumours were true that the enemy had “camp followers” that move with the troops.

A letter dated January 11, 1945 arrived at the Hart home in Guelph Ontario expressing regrets about the death of Private Hart while serving his country in the North-West theatre of war. In addition, the Minister of Defence and the Army board are expressing their deepest sympathies. This letter was from Major-General A. E. Walford per the Adjutant General.
A letter to Mrs. Hart from Colonel C. L. Laurin – the Director of Records per the Adjutant General dated July 23, 1946 arrived explaining that her husband Private Hart was reburied with full honour and rites at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery. She was also invited to send a short personal message that would be carved into his headstone.
In May of 1946, Mrs. Hart received a letter from Miss Jet Janssen who tended to his grave following his death. She wrote that Private Hart had given his life to the Dutch people and that because of that he would never be out of their prayers and that they considered him to be a hero.

The War Service Gratuity sent to his wife was $873.77. His Last Pay amounted $264.94.
His personal items sent back to his family in Canada included 1 snapshot album, 2 photos, 1 leather shaving case, 1 cap badge, 1 key and locket on a chain, 1 coin purse, 10 souvenir coins, 2 English Farthing coins, 1 pen knife, 2 lanyards, a New Testament, a notebook, a nail file, a fountain pen, good luck tokens, a red “I” disc and a packet containing snapshots/negatives/postcards/greeting cards/writing paper and envelopes.

Fraser, James

Patrick Nagle — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 19:28:27 +0000

Fraser, James

Rank

Flying Officer – Navigator

Patrick Nagle Tue, 10/10/2017 - 15:28

Divisional Unit

Awards

SERVICE NO: J / 37166

AWARDS: 1939-45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, War Medal,

Canadian Volunteer Service Medal

DATE OF BIRTH: January 6, 1905 – Clinton – County of Huron - Ontario

DATE OF DEATH: November 1, 1944 39 years 9 months

BROTHER: Thomas Andrew Fraser – Toronto - Ontario

SISTER: Miss Isabella E. Fraser – Toronto – Ontario

SISTER: Miss Janet Agnes Fraser – Toronto - Ontario

CEMETERY: Mr Halman of St. Joost – Netherlands respectfully buried the crew of

“K” (King) in his field.

CEMETERY: Nederweert War Cemetery – Nederweert – Limburg – Netherlands

4 C 12

Height: 5’ 6 ½ “ Weight: 191 pounds

Complexion: fair Eyes: blue Hair: fair

Occupation: Salesman on commission with Drew Brown - Montreal

Religion: Agnostic

RESIDENCE: Toronto – Ontario

ENLISTMENT: August 21, 1942 – Toronto - Ontario

ENLISTMENT AGE. 37 years 7 months

James was educated at SS #11 in Goderich Township from 1918-1921.
From 1921-1927 he went to school for his senior matriculation.
From 1927-1933 James studied for his Bachelor of Arts and successfully graduated from the University of Toronto on June 9, 1933.
His interests including swimming, skiing, fishing and hunting.

Following his enlistment and upon completion of his medical the RCAF considered him to be 37 pounds overweight.
His rank upon enlistment was Aircraftsman Class 2
Aircraftsman Fraser was now with the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.
Aircraftsman Fraser was first assigned to No.1 Manning Depot at the Exhibition grounds in Toronto on September 9, 1942. It was here they learned to bathe, to shave, shine shoes, polish buttons, maintain their uniforms and to behave in the required manner. There was two hours of physical education each day as well as instruction in marching, rifle drill, foot drill, saluting and other routines. There was also the standard aptitude test – the RCAF Classification test. After 4-5 weeks, a selection committee decided if the Aircraftsman was going to go through for aircrew or groundcrew.

Prior to his enlistment James had spent 100+ hours in the air as a civilian. This fact plus his keen interest in flying brought him to his next posting.
While in Canada the RCAF considered him to be well motivated, alert, aggressive and of average capacity, had considerable flying interests and was stable. His night vision was above average.

Aircraftsman Fraser is Taken on Strength at No 6 Service Flying Training School on November 24, 1942 based at Dunnville – Ontario. This training would cover 16 weeks. For the first 8 weeks, the student was part of an intermediate training squadron. The next 6 weeks was with an advanced training squadron and the final 2 weeks there was Bombing and Gunnery School. Trainees in the bomber training program would go to a school like No. 6 SFTS where they learned multi engine techniques on Avro Ansons.
On March 7, 1943, he is Taken on Strength with No. 6 Initial Training School in Toronto – Ontario. Here the training would cover 26-28 weeks. Studies included navigation, the theory of flight, meteorology, duties of an officer, air force administration, algebra and trigonometry. There were tests with psychiatrists, the 4 hour long M2 physical exam, a session in a decompression chamber, a test flight in a Links trainer and academics. Following this their postings were announced.
He is Taken on Strength with No. 4 Air Observer School based at London on May 29, 1943. This site is now the present day London International Airport. At this time Observers became known as “Navigators”. This was a 8 week course with 4 weeks of Bombing and Gunnery School and 4 weeks Navigation School. The Air Observer Schools were run by civilians under contract to the RCAF. The instruction was from RCAF personnel. The basic navigation techniques were dead reckoning and visual piloting, and the tools were the aeronautical charts, magnetic compass, watch, trip log, pencil, Douglas protractor and the Dalton Navigational Computer. Their training was done with Avro Ansons.
He was appointed to the rank of Navigator on October 15, 1943.
He is granted 14 days leave prior to going overseas.
Navigator Fraser departed London on October 30, 1943 bound for No.1 YD or Overseas Transit Depot.
He departs Halifax Harbour and Canada on November 1, 1943 and arrived in the United Kingdom on November 9, 1943.

On February 19, 1944 RCAF PERSONAL ASSESSMENT was taken
1) Appearance and Bearing – meets all requirements.
2) Mental Alertness – has no difficulty understanding.
3) Power of Expression – states exactly what he means.
4) Self Confidence – uncertain and lacks force.
5) Initiative – displays initiative when course is clear.
6) Energy & Persistence - active and applies himself with diligence.
7) Accuracy & Reliability – can depend upon him for the performance of his duties.
8) Co-operation – rarely puts himself out to help others.
9) Interest in Station Activities – usually participates in activities.
10) Leadership – able to provide good leadership.
11) Service Knowledge – will improve his knowledge if not too much effort.
12) Trade Proficiency – satisfactory with average work.
13) Administrative Ability - poor organizer
14) Dependability – usually can count on and has loyalty.

Navigator Fraser is stationed at the No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre from November 10, 1943 until February 22, 1944. This was based at Bournemouth with a detachment for the RCAF at Innsworth – Gloucester. He is posted to No. 6 Observer Advanced Flying Unit. Here he does additional flying and Navigation Training.

On March 3, 1944 RCAF TRAINING REPORT

Ground Work: Air Navigation Exercises 290 out of 350
Air Navigation Test 240 out of 300
Armament 176 out of 200
Signals 125 out of 150
821 1,000 82.1%
Air Work Air Navigation – day 251 out of 350
Air Navigation - night 272 out of 350
Air Navigation – map reading 150 out of 200
673 out of 900 75.0%
Assessment of qualities / leadership qualities 90 out of 100 90.0%
Assessment as a Navigator Instructor Moderately suitable
Assessment as a Armament Instructor Moderately suitable
Assessment for a Specialist Navigator Course Moderately suitable

In the field…..

On March 7, 1944, he moved to a location that is not legible on his service file. We cannot even guess.
On April 4, 1944 Navigator Fraser moved to No. 24 Operational Training Unit located at

Honeybourne – Worcestershire. The training here was to conduct training flights throughout the United Kingdom using twin engine aircraft. While here he was appointed to the rank of Flying Officer on April 15, 1944.

Flying Officer Fraser moves to 61 Base on August 9, 1944. This is at RCAF Base Topcliffe in North Yorkshire between the dales and the moors. There were sub-stations at Wombleton, Dalton and Dishforth. 61 Base also had Heavy Conversion Unit 1666 with the Base name of “Mohawk”. Here was where Flyng Officer Fraser would be training in four engine heavy aircraft such as the Halifax at RCAF Dalton or on Lancasters at RCAF Wombleton.

The routine at the Heavy Conversion Unit was…..
GROUND SCHOOL LESSONS in the morning
1) Run pre-flight checks – Starting the engines
2) Running up the Halifax
3) Breaking the Halifax
4) Aircraft, airfield and local area
5) Day and Night Landings
6) Overshoots
7) Three engine flying
8) Feathering propellers procedure
9) Three engine landings with instructor demonstrations and student pilot
10) Three engine overshoots
11) Fire drill procedure in the event of a fire
12) Cross wind landings
13) Ditching and emergency procedures
14) Automatic Pilot “George”, fighter affiliation.
15) Becoming familiar with the New Halifax III

AIR SCHOOL – Flying Lessons
borne flying
1) Aircraft pre-flight checks, airfield, relief airfield, local area, become familiar with the approach and departure procedures. Crew of 8.
2) Duel – General air experience Flying Instructor, pilot, navigator, wireless operator + 4 crew.
3) Dual – Circuits and landings, overshoot procedure with pilot, navigator, wireless operator and the
Flying Instructor.
4) Dual – three engine flying with a the pilot, navigator wireless operator and the Flying Instructor.
5) Solo – Circuits and landings with a full crew of 7.
6) Dual – Check overshoot procedure, forced landings with full crew of 7 plus the Flying Instructor.
7) Solo – No instructor. Circuits and landings, three engine landings with a full crew of 7.
8) Solo – No Instructor. Circuits and landings with a full crew of 7.
9) Dual – Three engine landings and overshoots, two engine airborne flying with a full crew of 7 plus the Flying Instructor.
10) Solo – No Instructor. Bombing practice, wireless operation, map reading, radar operation with a full crew of 7.
11) Solo – No Instructor. Air to air gun firing practise, aerial combat day & night, evasive flying, corkscrew flying, Evacuation / Baling out with a full crew of 7.
12) Dual – Fighter affiliation exercises with Spitfires, Hurricanes, Mosquitoes and Beaufighters with a full crew of 7 plus the Flying Instructor.
13) Solo – No Instructor. Fighter affiliation, three engine flying with a full crew of 7.
14) Solo – No. Instructor. Bombing practise with a full crew of 7.
15) Dual – Night circuits & landings completed in two nights with check dual second night prior to solo. Crew of 7 plus the Flying Instructor.
16) Solo – No Flying Instructor. Night circuits and landings with a full crew of 7.
17) Solo – Day cross country training with a full crew of 7.
18) Solo – No Flying Instructor. Night bombing with a full crew of 7.
19) Solo – No Instructor. Night cross country training with a full crew of 7.
20) Solo – No Instructor. Operational exercise with a crew of 7.
Flying Officer during his training had been in the air a total of 98 hours.
On October 11, 1944, Flying Officer Fraser is Taken on Strength by Group 6 Bomber Command RCAF and assigned to No 424 “Tiger” Squadron. The Squadron was adopted by the City of Hamilton, and adopted the “tigers head” in reference to the Hamilton Tigers rugby team. The Squadron was based at Skipton on Swale – North Yorkshire. Between December of 1943 – January 1945 the Squadron the Hadley Page Halifax Mk III.
Halifax with Serial No. MZ 376 was built by the London Aircraft Production Group. It was a Mk III model and its airspeed was 215 mph.

This the first mission for Flying Officer Fraser and his crew.

The target for the mission of November 1, 1944 was Oberhausen – North Rhine – Westphalia. It was a location where the enemy had synthetic oil production facilities and this target was important.
“K” King lifted off from Skipton on Swale in good weather at 4:54 pm. The light would have been fading rapidly at this time of year. A rough estimation suggests that the distance between Skipton on Swale and Oberhausen Germany was 405 miles depending on the route to the target. Wit h winds, it could have been a 2 ¼ hour flight which would put then over the target at 7:00 pm. It would have been very dark at that time. They would have had a tail wind to the target. They were moving East South East.
a) Flying Officer Fraser would have led his aircraft to the meeting rendezvous of the bomber stream
as they formed up for the flight to target.
b) There were 288 aircraft involved in this raid and they numbered 202 Halifaxes, 74 Lancasters and 12 Mosquitoes and all were from Groups 6 / 8.
c) The target was cloud covered and they dropped their bombs from 17,000 – 21,000 feet. They dropped 1,979,000 pounds of high explosives or 989.5 tons. They also dropped 379,000 pounds in incendiary bombs or 189.5 tons.
d) My estimation is they would have spent at least an ¾ hour for the approach and bomb run before making the turn for England.
e) The bombing results were not concentrated and even when explosions and fires were visible at the target it was not totally destroyed.
f) The distance between the target and the crash site was 110 miles approximately depending on the return leg home. This meant they were 30 minutes flying time from the target when they were shot down.
g) Mr. Hallman of St Joost – Netherlands witnessed “K’” King falling to the earth in flames and this aircraft crashed at 8:30 pm during the evening of November 1, 1944.

The personal effects of Flying Officer Fraser were returned to his family in Canada and included…..
1 black leather club bag. 1 pair black leather shoes.
1 pair toe rubbers. 1 pair brown leather slippers.
1 metal / collapsible coat hanger. 1 pant hanger.
1 pair sock stretchers.
1 small tin box holding…..2 membership cards, 1 black leather notebook, 1 pipe, 1 bullet shaped
cigarette lighter, 1 pair cufflinks, 2 collar studs, 1 envelope with class photos / correspondence / photos.

1 book “Hell and High Water”. 1 gym vest.
1 book “For Whom the Bell Tolls”. 1 Officer greatcoat.
1 book “An Autobiography”. 1 Officer dress hat.
1 Officer raincoat. 8 shirts.
1 pair gray flannel civilian trousers. 19 pairs socks.
1 brown check civilian dress coat. 4 collars.
2 pair of Officer trousers. 4 neck ties.
2 Officer tunics “N” reverts. 7 handkerchiefs.
1 Officer service cap minus badge. 1 2 cell metal flashlight
1 pair pant braces. 1 caterpillar pin.
1 blue sleeveless pullover. 1 pair red swimming trunks.
1 pair torn pyjamas 1 blue – gray pullover with sleeves.
1 pair brown leather gloves. 1 towel.
3 pairs of summer shorts. 1 summer vest
1 suitcase

There was a Telegraph dated November 6, 1944 from the RCAF Casualty Officer for the Chief of the Air Staff informing Miss Isabella Fraser that her brother Flying Officer Fraser and his crew failed to return from their mission of November 1, 1944 to Oberhausen in Germany. Included in the letter were the names and addresses of his crew mates.
The balance in his bank account at the Bank of Montreal located at Bloor Street and St. George was $58.71
His assets from his father’s estate was $481.74.
His assets from his mother’s estate who had passed away on March 11, 1944 was $3696.50.
He had purchased $3,200 in Victory Bonds.
His War Service Gratuity was $396.60
His Last Pay was $660,90.
The estate of Flying Officer Fraser was being tended to by his sister Isabella who had been names his Executrix. The total amount of his estate was $8,494.45.

Miss Isabella Fraser received a letter dated February 10, 1947 from Wing Commander Dicks for the Chief of Air Staff and enclosed were the Operational Wings of her brother James and a certificate of recognition for his services to his country. He also expressed his sympathies.
A letter from the RCAF Casualty Officer per the Chief of the Air Staff dated March 11, 1948 arrived for Isabella stating that information was now available about Flying Officer Fraser and his missing aircraft.
The aircraft had crashed ½ mile east of the small Dutch hamlet of Joost, which which was ¾ mile east of Echt – Netherlands.
It goes on to say that Halifax “K” King was involved in aerial combat with an enemy fighter and both aircraft crashed with the fighter falling a few moments before “K” King.
A local citizen named Mr. Halman recovered the bodies of the bomber crew and buried them in the field near the crash site. He witnessed the events in the skies above him. The personnel looking for the crash site and the bodies located them on December 12, 1946. When they did locate the site, there were two heavy burned engines from the Halifax.
The work was strenuous and very detailed and this was the reason for the delay in re burying the crew.

The letter also informed Isabella that Flying Officer Fraser had been reburied in Neederweert War Cemetery.

Finlayson, Robert Alexander

Patrick Nagle — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 19:05:27 +0000

Finlayson, Robert Alexander

Rank

Lieutenant

Patrick Nagle Tue, 10/10/2017 - 15:05

Divisional Unit

Awards

1939-45 Star

DATE OF BIRTH: March 1, 1914 – Lucknow – Counties of Bruce & Huron – Ontario.

DATE OF DEATH: March 26, 1945 31 years

BROTHERS: Mr. Gordon & George Finlayson – Localsh – Ontario.

Captain Alan Finlayson – overseas with Canadians Forces.

Mr. John Finlayson was with the Canadian Merchant Marine in Halifax –

Nova Scotia.

Messrs. Malcolm, Donald, Duncan and Ken Finlayson in Toronto –

Ontario.

SISTERS: Mrs. Mary MacDonald – Ripley, Ontario.

Miss Jean Finlayson and Miss Sarabelle Finlayson – Toronto - Ontario.

CEMETERY: Temporary Canadian Military Cemetery – Bedburg – Germany.

Row 1 Grave 5

CEMETERY: Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery – Groesbeek –

Gelderland – Netherlands.

XI B 5

Height: 5’ 11” Weight: 160 pounds

Complexion: medium Eyes: brown Hair: Brown

Occupation: School Teacher Religion: Presbyterian

RESIDENCE: Toronto - Ontario

ENLISTMENT: October 5, 1940 – Toronto – Ontario into the Non Permanent Active

Militia of Canada

ENLISTMENT AGE: 26 years 7 months.

ENLISTMENT: July 28, 1941 – Toronto – Ontario – into Canadian Active Service Force.

ENLISTMENT AGE: 27 years 4 months.

Rod received his primary education at the Localsh school and graduated from Grade 8 before moving on to complete 4 years of high school in Wingham.

He then went on to study at the University of Toronto for two years.
He then attended Normal School in Stratford for one year and earned his First Class Public School Teaching Certificate.
Upon completing his education, he was employed as a Public School teacher near his family home for 3 years and then was with the York Township Board of Education for 5 years at Rowlinson School.
Rod enjoyed hunting, golfing, tennis, skating, volleyball and playing 3rd base in baseball.

July 28, 1941 – to No. 2 District Depot with the rank of Cadet; Canadian Armoured Corps “D” Wing.
August 1, 1941 – to Canadian Army Training Centre for Officer Training Course in Brockville – Ontario.
August 1, 1941 – appointed to rank of Acting Sergeant.
August 31, 1941 – to A 8 Officer Training Course at Brockville – Ontario.
November 2, 1941 – to A 9 Officer Training Course at Camp Borden – Ontario.
January 31, 1942 – granted leave until February 14, 1942.
October 24, 1942 – while at Officer Training appointed to rank of 2nd Lieutenant.
March 3, 1942 – transferred to Canadian Grenadier Guards (22nd Armoured Regiment) at Debert – Nova Scotia.
March 3, 1942 – appointed to the rank of Lieutenant.
March 10, 1942 -granted embarkation leave prior to going overseas.
April 26, 1942 – Taken on Strength with Canadian Armoured Corps in the United Kingdom.
May 2, 1942 – Embarked from Canadian shores bound for the United Kingdom.
May 12, 1942 – Arrived overseas.
May 13, 1942 – to No. 3 Canadian Armoured Corps Reserve Unit. UK
May 27, 1942 – to No. 5 Canadian Armoured Regiment. UK
July 30, 1942 – granted leave until August 6, 1942 UK
July 31, 1942 - Qualified as Driver I.C. Class III wheeled UK
October 19, 1942 – to No. 3 Canadian Armoured Corps Reserve Unit UK
November 13, 1942 – to No. 2 Canadian Armoured Corps Reserve Unit UK
November 21, 1942 – to No. 3 Canadian Armoured Corps Reserve Unit UK
December 7, 1942 – granted leave until December 16, 1942. UK
December 31, 1942 – to Canadian Military Headquarters for courses UK
January 23, 1943 – January 23, 1943 – courses completed at Canadian Military Headquarters to No. 2 Canadian Armoured Corps Reserve Unit
February 9, 1943 – to Driver and Mechanic Course UK

a) While attending these courses it was found that he had good knowledge of the mechanics of wheeled vehicles, good knowledge of the Norton Motorcycle, good knowledge of the Universal Carrier and good knowledge of the RAM tank.
b) His driving ability of wheeled vehicles was good, average on the Norton motorcycle, good on the Universal carrier and average on the RAM tank.
c) He spent 8 hours driving wheeled vehicles, 9 hours on the Norton motorcycle, 6 hours on the Universal carrier and 10 hours driving the RAM tank.
d) Following these courses, he was classified as P1. The Armoured Corps felt he would be a first class Instructor and that he was very capable of carrying our instructing without supervision.

April 7, 1943 – completion of Driver and Mechanic Course
November 17, 1943 – to Driver and Mechanic Refresher Course (Sherman Tanks) UK
December 1, 1943 – completed Course.
January 3, 1944 – to Wireless Courses UK
January 15, 144 – completed Wireless Course
January 17, 1944 – Gunnery School Course UK
January 29, 1944 – completed Gunner School.
February 17, 1944 – attached to Governor General’s Foot Guards. UK
(21st Canadian Armoured Regiment)
March 10, 1944 – granted leave until March 17, 1944. UK
July 23, 1944 – Embarked from United Kingdom for continent.
July 24, 1944 – Arrived in France

In the field…..

July 24, 1944 – to the Governor General’s Foot Guards North-West Europe
The Governor General’s Foot Guards along with Lieutenant Finlayson prepared themselves for the upcoming campaigns in North-West Europe. Following their landing in Normandy on July 24, 1944 it was not until August 7, 1945 before they were in their first fight. These battles included
the Falaise from August 7 - 22, 1944; the Falaise Road from August 7 – 9, 1944; the Laison from August 14 – 17, 1944; the Cambois from August 18 – 22, 1944; the Battle of the Scheldt from October 1 – November 8, 1944; the Lower Mass from October 20 – November 7, 1944; the Rhineland from February 8 – March 10, 1945; the Hochwald from February 24 – March 4, 1945 and then Veen from March 6 – 10, 1945.
February 15, 1945 – granted leave to Paris until February 22, 1945. North-West Europe

Unit War diary…..

Prior to March 25, 1945, the Regiment had ben in Holland but on this day, they were preparing to go back into Germany
At 7:20 am the 75mm tanks formed up in preparation for the move into Germany. They followed the Diamond route to Cleve and then along the Club route to the Dispersal Point.
The 17 pounder tanks departed at 10.20 am and they passed the Dispersal Point at noon and the whole Regiment then moved to the cone area south of Cleve, They were now positioned on the West bank of the River Rhine across from Emmerich.
The Regiment then spent their afternoon digging in as they were expected a high amount of enemy artillery fire in their sector. It was believed the enemy had four artillery concentration within range.
These guns were 5.5 anti-aircraft guns, 4’ guns, 6’ field guns and 7” medium guns.
During the night of March 25, 1945 an enemy plane strafed the area and four butterfly bombs were dropped. There were no casualties.
The weather was warm, clear and there was good visibility.
During the evening of March 26, 1945, the enemy began shelling the area and one shell directly into a slit trench that was occupied by Lieutenant Finlayson and two other ranks. They were killed instantly.
The Commanding Officer stated that Lieutenant Finlayson will be missed as he had been with the Regiment through France, Belgium, Holland and into Germany. He also stated that Lieutenant Finlayson was one of the best Troop Commanders in the Regiment.
The weather was clear, warm with good visibility.

It is believed the Executor of his estate was his brother Gordon Finlayson who was on the family farm at Localsh – Ontario. His brother Malcolm was to receive his Award Medals.
His last pay amounted to $600.97.
His personal belonging that were set to his family in Canada included 1 club bag, 1 Service Dress Uniform, 1 pair braces, 1 Officer’s Haversack, 1 pair brown boots, 1 pair brown oxfords, 1 pair socks,
1 tie, 1 handkerchief, 1 knife, 1 tie pin, letters, 1 souvenir coin, 1 souvenir compass, photos, 2 shirts,
1 wardrobe trunk, 1 dressing gown, 2 Battle Dress blouses, 1 pair Battle Dress trousers, 1 rain coat,
1 Sunbeam electric razor, 1 Sam Browne belt with cross straps, 1 pair Service dress trousers, 1 wool sweater, 2 pair flannel trousers, 1 Officer’s greatcoat, 1 cloth jacket, 1 scarf, 1 swim trunks, 1 Melton cap, 2 Swagger sticks, 1 pair canvas shoes, 1 diary, 1 money belt, a zippercase with notes, 1 whisk,
1 housewife, 1 “I” disc, a golf ball, 1 lanyard, 1 razor in case, 1 anti-gas hood, 1 bayonet frog, 2 web ammo pouches and 2 web binocular cases.