The Bell Family in WW2

The Bell Family
1939 to 1944
By Jean Martin
The Bell Family – 1939 to 1944
Jean Martin
Table of Contents
Preface................................................................................................................................. v
Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................ vi
Sources .............................................................................................................................. vii
1939 – The Calm Before The Storm ................................................................................... 1
Grandma and Grandpa Bell (Maggie and Walter) in 1939 ............................................. 1
Grandpa‘s Esso Service Station ...................................................................................... 3
Our Home ....................................................................................................................... 4
Uncle Irv and Aunt Marge .............................................................................................. 6
Uncle Jim and Aunt Lois ................................................................................................ 9
The Southwest Section of Elma Tp. ............................................................................ 10
1939 – The Clouds of War ................................................................................................ 11
Europe in 1939 .............................................................................................................. 11
Summer 1939 - Excerpts from Uncle Irv‘s letters to Aunt Marge .............................. 14
Summertime on the Farm-1939 .................................................................................... 15
Grandma and Grandpa Bell (During the Summer of 1939).......................................... 16
Sept. 1, 1939 – WWII Begins ........................................................................................... 18
Germany Invades Poland .............................................................................................. 18
Canada at War ............................................................................................................... 20
Excerpts from a letter that Uncle Irv wrote to Aunt Marge .......................................... 24
Perth Country supports the War Effort ......................................................................... 26
Oct.28, 1939 Uncle Jim and Aunt Lois are Wed .......................................................... 27
1940................................................................................................................................... 33
Europe – in the Spring of 1940 ..................................................................................... 34
Camp Niagara ............................................................................................................... 35
A few excerpts from the Perths War Diary, - ............................................................... 35
From the Perths‘ War Diary.......................................................................................... 41
Excerpts from a letter from Uncle Irv to Aunt Marge .................................................. 42
The Summer OF 1940................................................................................................... 43
Europe –In the Summer of 1940 ................................................................................... 44
The Battle of Britain ......................................................................................................... 46
Back in Ont. Canada with the Perths ............................................................................ 48
Excerpts from a letter Uncle Irv wrote to Aunt Marge- ............................................... 49
Excerpts from the Perth War Diary – Camp Borden - 1940 ......................................... 50
Back in England – Sept.1940 – The Blitz on London .................................................. 51
The Fall of 1940 – In Ontario (from the Perths War Diaries) ...................................... 60
More Excerpts from the Perths War Diary ................................................................... 61
Excerpts of a letter that Grandma and Grandpa Bell wrote to Aunt Marge ................. 62
Excerpts of a letter from Uncle Irv to Aunt Marge....................................................... 64
At the Hamilton Barracks – 1941 (Excerpts from the Perths War Diaries) ................. 67
At the former Perths Barracks in Stratford ................................................................... 69
Europe in 1941 .................................................................................................................. 70
Camp Borden - (April 17, 1941 – Oct. 3,1941) – Perth War Diaries ........................... 73
Excerpts of a letter Uncle Irv wrote to Aunt Marge ..................................................... 76
Jean Martin Page i

Excerpts of a letter that Uncle Irv wrote to Aunt Marge .............................................. 77

Letter from Irv to Marge ............................................................................................... 78
Excerpts of Uncle Irv‘s letter to Marge ........................................................................ 79
Excerpts from the Perths War Diary ............................................................................. 80
Liverpool, England – Oct. 18, 1941.............................................................................. 93
Training at Chilton Foliat (Oct.1941 – Jan. 15, 1942) .................................................. 94
War in the South Pacific ............................................................................................... 95
Christmas with the Perths (From the Perths War Diaries)............................................ 96
1941 – ‗The United Nations is Formed‘ ........................................................................... 98
Training in the Farnham / Aldershot area (Jan. 15, 1942 – Aug. 12, 1942) ................. 98
Nissen Huts ................................................................................................................. 108
Training at Pippingford Park in the Ashdown Forest ( Sussex Country) .................. 109
Uncle Irv – alias ‗Firebug Bell‘ ...................................................................................... 111
Nightlife in England.................................................................................................... 112
‗Nicknames‘ ................................................................................................................ 113
Troubles in the St. Lawrence ...................................................................................... 114
November 1942........................................................................................................... 118
Training in Hove ......................................................................................................... 119
Also from the Perths War Diary ( continued ) ............................................................ 120
Training in Uckfield (Jan. 16, 1943 – July 3, 1943) ................................................... 127
George Vallance.............................................................................................................. 129
Training in Hunstanton ............................................................................................... 135
Training at Barton Stacey Camp ................................................................................. 138
On the Atlantic Again ................................................................................................. 139
Excerpts from the Perths‘ War Diary.............................................................................. 141
More about the Air Raid of Nov. 6, 1943 ................................................................... 142
Benito Mussolini and His Native Land, Italy ................................................................. 147
Naples and Afragola ....................................................................................................... 151
Altamura ......................................................................................................................... 153
Heading North to the Front Lines ................................................................................... 156
Land Mines ..................................................................................................................... 158
The Battle at the Riccio and Arielli Rivers ................................................................. 158
Static Warfare at the Front Lines ................................................................................ 159
Excerpts from the Perths War Diary - ‗Lanciano‘ .......................................................... 162
Static Warfare at the Front, near Lanciano and Orsogna, ............................................... 164
Italy in Jan., 1944 ........................................................................................................ 164
Stratford‘s Factories Support the War Effort .............................................................. 167
Meal Times at the Front .............................................................................................. 169
In the Mountains at Cassino........................................................................................ 169
Excerpts from the Perths War Diary ........................................................................... 173
Extracts from the War Diary of HQ 11th Cdc Inf Bde ................................................ 175
Excerpts from the Perths War Dairy ........................................................................... 176
Planned Deception .......................................................................................................... 180
Excerpts from the Perths War Diary ........................................................................... 180
Perths War Diary ........................................................................................................ 180
On the Way to the Battlefield ..................................................................................... 182
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On Army Reserve in the Volturno Valley .................................................................. 200

Local Newspaper Report on the War .............................................................................. 207
On the Move Again – Aug. 1944 .................................................................................... 208
The Secret Move – August 1944 ................................................................................ 210
The ‗Coriano‘ Victory..................................................................................................... 222
‗8 Days of Rest‘ (in reserve) ........................................................................................... 224
Battles with the Rain and the Rivers ............................................................................... 231
Crossing the Savio .......................................................................................................... 234
Rest Time in Urbino — (Nov. 4 – Dec. 1, 1944)............................................................ 239
Returning to the Front ..................................................................................................... 241
Dec. 5, 1944 .................................................................................................................... 241
Challenges of the Lamone (Dec. 6 – Dec. 11, 1944) ...................................................... 248
Action at the Fosso Munio (Mid-December 1944) ......................................................... 250
Newry, Ontario ............................................................................................................... 252
The Beacon Herald – 1944 ............................................................................................. 253
The 11th Infantry – December 1944 ................................................................................ 255
Action at the Bonifics Canal and South of Lake Comacchio (Jan. 2 – Jan. 12, 1945) ... 257
Rest Time at Cattolica ..................................................................................................... 263
Troubles in the Netherlands (1940 – 1945) .................................................................... 270
Operation Manna ........................................................................................................ 280
The Netherlands .............................................................................................................. 290
Homeward Bound ........................................................................................................... 301
Back in the Netherlands .................................................................................................. 303
‗Picnic Time‘ – Aug. 5, 1945 ..................................................................................... 307
‗Get-togethers‘ in August 1945 .................................................................................. 308
October – November 1945 .............................................................................................. 310
The Return of the Remaining Perth Regiment............................................................ 311
The ‗Perths‘ Family ........................................................................................................ 312
The Post-War Years ........................................................................................................ 319
Christmas 1947 ........................................................................................................... 320
Mink Farming ................................................................................................................. 321
―The Scare‖ ................................................................................................................. 321
The Bell Reunion at the McLaughlin Cottage — At Sauble – Aug. 2004 ................. 330
The Dutch Memorial Garden .......................................................................................... 331
The Wounded Bird.......................................................................................................... 332
Jean Martin Page iii

Page iv Jean Martin

Preface
During this past year, I have attempted to put together a special ‗Bell Family Book‘ that
would cover the World War II years of 1939-1945.
During those years, my uncles Jim and Irv were very involved with another family,-the
Perth Regiment, and we saw very little of them, as they trained in various parts of
Ontario. Then, of course, from early October, 1941, when the Perth embarked for
England, until they returned from warfare in 1945, there were only letters, postcards and
photos.
It was a very trying time for the Bell family and especially sad, when we lost Murray.
I chose to write this book in chronological order and so the story moves back and forth
across the Atlantic Ocean-sometimes in Italy (or the Netherlands, or England) and
sometimes in Perth Country (in Newry or at our farm).Hopefully this won‘t be too
confusing!
I also chose to include bits and pieces of history and geography, since both these subjects
were very much a part of what the Perth encountered.
I have tried to keep the information as accurate as I could. Please excuse any errors.
Included, near the end of the book, are some pages of post war years.
I have truly enjoyed working on this project and hope you will enjoy reading it.
Jean Martin, Stratford

June 2010
Jean Martin Page v

Acknowledgements
My sister, Marg - for sharing her memories and photos.
Cousin Pat-for sharing her Dad‘s letters and postcards, photos and military memorabilia
and allowing me to use them in this book.
Graeme - for all the web searching he did, which provided me with maps of the Perth
battles and information of Murray‘s final resting place.
Cousins, Kim and Gary – for sharing various information.
Cousin, Derek Nind - for sharing information about the deaths of our cousins – Kenneth
Graham and George Vallance.
Our cousin, Mary Vallance - for sharing, with me, memories of the death of her brother,
George.
Kate and staff – for their help at the Stratford/Perth Archives.
Art Eglinton – (a class friend of Irv‘s and fellow signaler with the Perth – now deceased)
for sharing as much with us and answering our questions?
Johnny Cole – for sharing memories of their years with the Perth. It was a privilege and
Fred Scott to have met you.
Stan Scislowski – (author of the book, ‗Not All of were Brave‘) It was an honor to have
met you and to have heard your fascinating speech!
Bonnie Berlett – for passing on, to my sister, the letter Murray sent to her Dad, Delfard
Duncan.
The Staff at the Business Centre – for their excellent help!!
Page vi Jean Martin

Sources
The diaries of the Perth Regiment (at the Stratford Archives)
Military Scrapbooks (Stratford Archives)
‗The Fighting Perths‘ by Stafford Johnston
The 2-volume book ‗Index to Overseas Deaths of Ontario Servicemen and Servicewomen
1939-1947‘ by Bruce Thornley.
The Perth Regiment Web Site.
Public Archives Canada – for photos and maps ‗For King and Country‘- providing many
documents.
Personal letter written by uncle Irv.
The book ‗Not All of Us Were Brave‘ by Stan Scislowski
‗Canadians and the Italian Campaign‘ 1943-1945 by Bill McAndrew.
The Stratford-Perth Museum
The following newspapers – ‗The Atwood Bee‘, ‗The Listowel Banner‘ , ‗The Monkton
Times‘, ‗The Stratford Beacon Herald‘, ‗The Stratford Gazette‘
‗The Bell Family History Books‘- Volume 2 and 3
‗The Graham Family History Book‘ – Volume 2
‗Canada and Netherlands 1945-1995‘- the Government of Canada
‗Canada and the Liberation of the Netherlands – Lance Goddard
‗Veteran Affairs Canada‘ Web Site.
Jean Martin Page vii

Page viii Jean Martin

1939 – The Calm Before The Storm

Grandma and Grandpa Bell (Maggie and Walter) in 1939
In 1939, Grandma and Grandpa were living in their home in Newry (the last house). They
had been there for about 10 years. Grandpa was busy with his Esso gas station nearby. He
was also busy with his 100-acre grass farm – Lot 4, Con, 16 of Elma Tp. On this farm
grandpa raised beef cattle. Periodically he would take a trip out west, buy some young
cattle\calves, bring them back on a freight train, feed them for a year or two and then sell.
There was a house and barn on this farm. Living in the house was a family (Nat Lannin,
his wife and children) and Nat probably fed the cattle in the winter, kept an eye on things
and helped grandpa with chores. Grandpa kept this farm for 19 years (from Apr. 1927-
1946).
Grandma Bell, outside their 1st house in Newry. They had it renovated before they moved
into it. You can see their small farm where they kept jersey cows and some
chickens\hens. This photo would have been taken in the early to mid 1930‘s.
Marg told me this funny story about grandpa and his little farm. Sometimes this farm
housed more that jersey cows and chickens. From time to time grandpa would find, up in
the hayloft in the morning, a tramp asleep in the hay. Grandpa would waken the tramp
and get him out. This kept happening. Grandpa couldn‘t understand why he was getting
these tramps. He was puzzled until 1 day he happened to go around the farm, which he
rarely did. Then the mystery was solved. Upon the west end of the farm was a sign. It
said ‗Free Lodging‘. It had been put up there by none other than-Uncle Dave!
Jean Martin Page 1

Grandpa and Grandma Bell and their 3sons-Irv, Jim and Dad, at their first house in
Newry in the early 1930‘s. Dad never lived there but his 2 brothers were probably there
6 or 7 years. When Marg and I were young, we slept in this house every Sat. night .Then
on sun. Morning, grandma would take us to Sunday school, along with Pat. Mom and
Dad would be there for church at 11:00 A.M. and then we‘d go home with Mom and Dad
to the farm.
Page 2 Jean Martin

Grandpa‘s Esso Service Station
About 1930 Grandpa built an Esso Station near the corner of Highway 23 and Concession
10 of Elma Township. It was not too far from their house. The gas station was, for us
children, a very special place- ice cream cones, chocolate bars, pop and gum and other
goodies! Our grandpa was very kind, loving and giving. He treated us! I remember 1 day
when we went into their house for a meal, we aren‘t too hungry and picked away at our
food. Grandma knew what had happened and was not very happy about it. She turned to
grandpa and said- ―Walt, what have you been feeding those girls?!‖ She knew, he knew.
End of conversation!!
One hot summer day, Pat and I were running from the station to the house. Our bare feet
picked up some fresh tar from ‗the 10th‘. Grandma was not amused! Out came the coal oil
can and did our feet ever get scrubbed!!
An aerial view of grandpa‘s Esso Gas Station. This photo would have been taken in the
late 40‘s or early 50‘s .In the lower left corner is part of the roof and chimney of their 2nd
house in Newry. That house was built in 1945-1946.
Jean Martin Page 3

Our Home
Lot 8 Concession 12, Elma Township John Warnock (Warrie), Janet, Marg and Jean Bell.
Dad bought this farm from his Dad (Walter) shortly after Mom and Dad were married.
This 100-acre farm was considered ‗the home place‘ as Walter and Maggie had raised
their 3 sons there. This is probably why grandma and grandpa Bell, Uncle Irv, Aunt
Marge, Pat, Uncle Jim and Aunt Lois usually came out to the farm for Christmas day. We
always went to Newry on New Year‘s Day.
On our farm we had a 2 storey white brick house, a very large barn and a large shed for
the implements. Each year, hay was taken off the fields and stored in the hay loft. Oats
and barley were grown and harvested. We had several maple trees, a grove of elms close
to our back lane and an orchard with a variety of apple trees. There were also 3 rows of
spruce trees (although not evident in the above photo), which were planted at 3 different
times and in 3 different areas. We always had a beautiful, home-grown Christmas tree.
In the early 1940‘s, Dad tore down an old back kitchen and put up a new summer kitchen
and a new woodshed.
Mom always had lots of shrubs near the house and along the side of our garden, - spireas,
orange blossoms, honeysuckles, purple lilacs. Purple clematis bloomed every year on the
south wall of the main house. Mom also had several perennials such as – irises, peonies,
lily of the valley, dahlias and gladioli. She also enjoyed several annuals, specially asters,
Page 4 Jean Martin

snapdragons, sweet peas, baby‘s breath, alyssum, geraniums, strawflowers and small
begonias. Mom‘s rockery, at the back of our house, not only had a varity of flowers but
also various colours, shapes and sign of rocks .We also had a fairly large vegetable
garden, a big potato patch and also a large raspberry patch which provided enough berries
for preserves, jam, pies and to eat raw.
Dad always did mixed farming –dairy cows, beef cattle, Yorkshire pigs, a hen house full
of hens, geese, a few horses –which dwindled down to only 1-‗Pete‘(a black Percheron)
by the time our farm was sold in 1952. Of course we had lots of cats and always a collie.
Uncle Russell‘s farm was just beside ours –to the west. He and Dad worked together
quite a bit. Together they bought their 1st tractor –a small grey Ford. Within a few years,
Dad bought one by himself –another grey Ford – slightly bigger than the first one. In the
summer of 1939 Murray was 15 year old and would have been a great help for Uncle
Russell and Dad. Uncle Jim also helped dad at various times.
I have so many wonderful memories of this farm and our life there. Perhaps, someday,
I‘ll put these memories on paper.
Jean Martin Page 5

Uncle Irv and Aunt Marge
In January 1939, Uncle Irv and Aunt Marge were living in Milverton. Uncle Irv was in
charge of the local Distribution Centre for Imperial Oil. This job meant long house of
work delivering gas and oil and also keeping daily records. It was quite a change from
working for his friend, Wilfred Wells, in Wilfred‘s cheese factory in Inner kips.
Sometime, during January, Aunt Marge became ill and eventually was admitted to the
sanatorium at Byron (near London).It was quite a shock to the young couple! Irv and
Marge, married just the year before on Apr.16, 1938, had not yet celebrated their 1st
anniversary. Besides his work, Uncle Irv took time to write Aunt Marge and to Travel to
London, for visits, as often as he could. Uncle Ire wrote excellent letters, in which he
reminded his young wife of his deep love and concern for her, praised her for the bravery
she had shown and informed her of the various activities of not only himself but also of
grandma and grandpa, Dad, Marg and Uncle Jim.
Many thanks to Pat for allowing me to read her Dad‘s letters. From time to time I‘ll
include excerpts from some of these letters.
From a letter, with the following heading – Milverton Feb/39, Uncle Irv writes,- ‗……..I
tried to phone the doctor tonight but could not get him…I am all ready to go to bed, have
the books done. I have to go to Stratford and have three or four other deliveries to make.
You may not feel like reading too much the first day or so, so I won‘t write too
much……‖
Milverton, Feb.8/39,-
‚…..I do miss you so much but it must be much worse for you away down there. Marge
,I think you’re wonderful the way you are taking it on the chin. I know you were
holding a lot back on Sunday and it certainly must have taken a lot……..But dear we
mustn’t let our hopes and plans fall, because that’s one bright side we can always look
at. Everyone seems to have their troubles sometimes or others. We are having ours now
and later everything will be fine….‛
Feb.12/39
‚……You certainly are wonderful the way you take it (with a smile) and I know the
tears are behind that smiles…‛
Feb.17/39-
‚……I hope that you don’t suffer very much when they give you a treatment….. .Keep
up your spirits. I’ll be seeing you on Sunday ….‛
Page 6 Jean Martin

Feb.20/39,-
‚…..I have finished the books for another night…I was to Stratford this afternoon for
red gasoline. It was pretty cold and stormy and I was glad to get back. The roads were
quite slippery…See Marge I wish that I could go through some of the suffering for
you….I guess you’ll have to lie pretty quiet for a while when they collapse your lung. I
hope it doesn’t hurt you too much…..If it wasn’t for our love, things would be very black
wouldn’t they….‛
Feb.27/39-
‚….And Marge, you were looking so much better, had a much better colour to your
cheeks….I am certainly pleased to know you took the treatment so well and the doctor
saying if you kept that up, it would cut your time in half. That sure is encouraging,
isn’t it….‛
In a letter, dated Mar.3/39, Uncle Irv writes that he dealt cars(at the Milverton garage).
Their old car had been costing them too much in repairs. He bought a 1934 Ford Coupe.
He goes on – ―I phoned up mother tonight and she said they have dealt too. They have a
1938 Ford Deluxe…‖
In a subsequent letter, Uncle Irv mentioned that the 1934 Coupe was easy on gas.
Milverton , Mar. 13/39-
‚……I got home fine last night. I made good time. I went to Newry first and they were
all anxious to hear about you. Mother always has so many questions and gee Marge,
sometimes I can’t answer half of them. I didn’t stay long at home, though, and was here
in bed at 8.30……‛
Mar.15/39 -
‚… I only wish that I could do more for you or help you in some way…….’
Mar 18/39-
‚….I was up home for a while last night. They are all fine up there. Jim was out to
Warrie’s working, so I didn’t see him…..‛
Jean Martin Page 7

Apr17/39-
‚…..I drove around to Warrie’s and he’s going to come down tomorrow or Wed. with his
truck and we’ll move the rest of our things up home……‛
Apr25/39-
‚……The auditor was up yesterday so I didn’t get much done until he had gone.
Everything balanced out O.K. and the auditor complimented me on the way I was
getting along and the way I was doing my books…‛
May16/39,-
‚…….I wonder how much you have gained in weight. Oh well you can tell me that on
Wed. night. See, you are doing so well at the knitting…..‛
(This part of the letter is in reference to the fact that Aunt Marge is expecting Patricia
Ann — Alias Richard)
Page 8 Jean Martin

Uncle Jim and Aunt Lois
In January, 1939, Uncle Jim was living at his home in Newry and was busy helping area
farmers, including Dad. Uncle Jim had lived with Mom and Dad for a couple of years,
finishing public school at S.S Elma. He finished in June 1932 and then moved to Newry
to live at his home there. He continued to help Dad on the farm and also other farmers,
especially with haying and harvesting. Uncle Jim also helped his Dad with the gas station
and at grandpa‘s grass farm-Lot 4,Concession 16.
During the year 1936 or 1937 Uncle Jim worked for Ken Ludington on Ken‘s farm-Lot 5,
Concession 15 of Elma Tp. About this time several farmers in the southwest part of Elma
Tp. were working together to put in a large ditch. Each farmer supplied a team of horses
and did his share to create a much needed ditch. Ken Ludington had hired Uncle Jim for
one year and since Ken had a team involved with the digging, it‘s quite possible that
Uncle Jim drove Ken‘s team for him at times.
Kitty corner to the Ludington farm was the farm of Wilfred Ronnenberg – Lot 6,
Concession 16. Wilfred had bought this 100acre farm from his father, Henry, in1919.
This farm was considered the home place of the ‗Ronnenberg family‘. It was here that
Wilfred and his wife raised their 3 children,-Lois, Dewey and Gouldie. The 3 children
didn‘t have far to go to school, as S.S.11, Elma was at the front of their farm.
Interesting enough, Grandpa Bell‘s grass farm, at Lot 4, Concession 16, was just 2 farms
west of the Ronnenberg farms. In 1921 Wilfred bought a second farm Lot 7, Concession
16, so he then had 2 100 acre farms side by side.
At some point and time, Uncle Jim met his future wife, Lois Ronnenberg and by 1939
they would be making marriage plans.
Jean Martin Page 9

The Southwest Section of Elma Tp.
Showing Ronnenberg and Bell farms around 1939.
Uncle Jim liked to have a lot of fun, just like Dad and Uncle Irv did. Mom told me the
following story, - ―One day when Jim was a teenager and visiting us on the farm, he
decided to tease the gander. He put on a long overcoat and went outside. The teasing
didn‘t last long. The gander turned on Jim and chased him. Jim ran for the refuge of our
house!‖
Page 10 Jean Martin

1939 – The Clouds of War

Europe in 1939
In 1939 the European countries were in a great state of uncertainty and fear. Years
before, at the end of W.W.I, when the armistice was signed by Germany on Nov.11,
1918, Germany agreed to certain concessions,- they would have an army of not more than
100,000, no more than 6 battleships, have no military aircrafts and had to pay an
indemnity. W.W.I was supported to be a war to end all wars.
But there was much anger in Germany over losing the war and the terms of the armistice.
Perhaps the most enraged man in all of Germany was a man by the name of Adolph
Hitler, who had been in Germany‘s army during W.W.I. Adolph blamed defeat of the
German army on the Jewish people, the Democrats, the Communists and the labour
unions – not on the German army. His hatred of these 4 groups was extreme! Adolph
formed a new government party – the Nazi Party. There was a great deal of
unemployment and unrest in Germany. Hitler, with his fiery speeches, was able to sway
the people. He promised them employment and prosperity. He told the German people
that they were destined for greatness.
By 1932 the Nazi party was one of Germany‘s strongest parties. Hitler and the high
leaders of the Nazi Party had a single goal – to make Germany the master of Europe. This
could be done only by resorting to war.
Early in 1939, Hitler took over the reins of government. He quickly got rid of the republic
and for the next 12 years, as a dictator, he ruled with an iron hand. He had his political
enemies killed or put into concentration camps and started a ruthless campaign to wipe
out the Jewish people. He began to re-arm Germany,-built up a huge army and air force.
In 1936 Hitler‘s armies reoccupied the Rhineland. He made promises to some of the
countries that he would not invade them and later he broke those promises.
In 1938 he took over Austria and seized Czechoslovakia. Many nations of the world were
becoming increasingly anxious!
On May 9, 1939 Germany and Italy formed a military alliance.
Jean Martin Page 11

June 6, 1939 – in Stratford In the newspaper article below, a

Stratford resident writes of her
memories of June6/39.
On the following day – June 7/39, in a letter

to Aunt Marge, Uncle Irv talks about being to
Stratford for the King‘s and Queen‘s visit.
He writes, -
‚…….It certainly is a wonderful thing to

have seen them. I wouldn’t have missed it
for anything and it will always be one
thing I’ll never forget……‛
Page 12 Jean Martin

Part of the write up from the Beacon Herald
Jean Martin Page 13

Summer 1939 - Excerpts from Uncle Irv‘s letters to Aunt Marge
June7,1939,-
‚……I was up home this A.M. and mother and dad were away to London. Jim was
running things…….‛
June 14/39,-
‚….I went up home early yesterday and all night. Mother and Dad are away to Uncle
Bill Walker’s funeral. I think they are calling in to see you, so they’ll be talking you all
about it…..‛
Milverton
June 25/39-
‚…..I certainly will have enough pennies saved up for when we need in September .When
we have (Richard) and when you can come back home again it surely will be heaven.
It’s certainly wonderful to be able to look forward to……‛
Milverton
July 3/39,-
‚……we got back O.k. last night. I stayed for a while at Newry and Dad went for a
drive. I guess he was glad to get relieved for an hour or so. Hasn’t it been warm today?
I’m certainly glad I’m not working in the cheese factory because it’s so much warmer in
there……‛
Page 14 Jean Martin

Summertime on the Farm-1939
One of Mom‘s flowerbeds on the farm
Marg, dad, buster and Wayne Young (behind Dad).

Wayne was Aunt Jennie‘s grandson. (Our farm)
Jean- about 7 or 8 months old (on

Marg and Jean- Summer of 1939
either our farm or Grannie and
Grandpa Hamilton‘s farm)
Marg, on the swing

at Grannie‘s and
Grandpa‘s farm
near Milverton.
Jean Martin Page 15

Grandma and Grandpa Bell (During the Summer of 1939)
-using excerpts from Uncle Irv‘s letters to Aunt Marge
Milverton
July14/39,-
‚……I was up home last night and got an awful surprise. Mother had fallen down the
cellar steps and is pretty badly used up and was in bed. It happened about 2 o’clock in
the afternoon. She had been doing down some cherries and while hurrying down stairs
tripped over an old pair of galoshes. She fell the rest of the way down. I guess she was
almost laid right out but managed to get back up again and phoned Roxie, over at the
store. It was her arm that got hurt the worst. Her elbow is very badly bruised and her
wrist. They had the doctor down and he gave her a hypo. She was quite sick and
vomiting. However last night she was quite a lot better and hoped to be better by this
morning. I certainly hope so anyway. I think I’ll phone up this A.M. and see……..‛
July18/39,-
‚……I was around by Newry and Listowel to-day. Mother’s arm is not quite so sore
and is coming along pretty good. She was looking after the station as Dad and Jim
were away haying……‛
Milverton
July 24/39‘-
‚……I was up to Newry this A.M. Mother and Wayne and Margaret1 were to Goderich
yesterday with the Coulters and I guess they had a wonderful time. Mother’s wrist is
still pretty sore but she was washing this morning when I was there. Margaret and
Wayne were helping her.
1
Wayne Young - Aunt Jennie‘s grandson, and Wayne‘s sister Mary.
Page 16 Jean Martin

July 27/39,-
‚………. I am awfully sorry to have disappointed you last night and again tonight by
not getting down to see you …..Last night it was six o’clock when I got in and to-nite I
had to go out after supper. I certainly have been busy. The farmers are starting to
thresh and they want their gas almost right after they call for it. They seem to be all
wanting it about the same time. I guess, though, I’ll be pretty busy until the threshing
is about over. I’ve had to go to Listowel about every other day and was to Stratford
today. I also have a couple of calls to deliver before eight o’clock in the morning so I’ll
have to be up in fair time .It wouldn’t be quite so bad but I have to keep up the
bookwork too. ……..I was up home last night. Mother still has a pretty sore arm. She
had it x-rayed. There were no bones broken but she isn’t supposed to use it at all. She
has it in a sling. Isn’t it terribly hot! I know you will be feeling it terribly, lying in bed
all the time. I’m always thinking about you and I pray for you every night. So cheer
up dearie for I know that God will help us……..‛
Newry Aug. 2/39‘-
‚…..Well here I am up home. Wayne and I are looking after the station. Mother and
dad are leaving this A.M. on their holidays. I don’t know where they’re going and don’t
think they know themselves. Anyway I hope they have a good time and I think they
will ……..I’ll have to tell you about our fishing trip. Jim, Wayne and I left yesterday
morning at five o’clock (N.B. this would be a Sunday and the station would be closed
for the day) and went away up to Southampton and several other places and we only
got one fish. Isn’t that terrible. But we had a lot of fun. We had the gun with us and
shot some crows and ground hogs……..‛
No date on this letter. Postal date was Aug.31/39,-

‚……..I am unloading a car of fuel oil. I am writing this letter sitting on top of the cab
of the truck so excuse me if my writing isn’t so good…….I went up home to-nite after
supper. I guess dad is leaving for the west to-morrow. He is going right out to Alberta
and may be away for two or three weeks. If I get a chance I’m going to move my desk
and books up home and stay there at nights. I’m pretty tired as I was up at six o’clock
this morning and have been on the go all day. I have to go to Listowel first thing in the
morning……‛
Jean Martin Page 17

Sept. 1, 1939 – WWII Begins

Germany Invades Poland
Sept.1, 1939-‗News of the World‘
Hitler‘s armies invaded the country of Poland.
Winnipeg
Sept3/39, (From Grandpa Bell to Aunt Marge)
‚……You will be surprised to get a letter from me out here, but I told Maggie I would
write you a few lines to let you know I am thinking of you. I don’t get to my
destination until Tues. morning. It is a long tiresome trip but will be worse coming
home (Grandpa means that if he does buy cattle for his grass farm, he’ll have to ride
freight coming home)…….I guess Irvie will be down to see you today. I guess the war is
on in full swing. Have not been out of my room this morn yet and don’t know if
England has declared war or not, but it’s too bad. But it seemed the only thing they
could do, so let us hope for the best. Well Marge I have not much news……so I will close
and as soon as I get home, will be down…….‛
Sept 3rd/39-‗News of the World‘-
Gr. Britain and France declared war on Germany.‘
Newry
Sept.5/39,- Uncle Irv writes to Aunt Marge
‚……….Well here I am at home now. I have my desk down in the dining

room…..Mother has just gone over to Coulters and Jim is down at the station. I’ve just
finished my books. We’ve had no word from dad yet but may be will by to-
morrow……See there were quite a few of the boys in uniform in Listowel and they have
placards hanging up all over in Milverton and Brunner, wanting recruits. That
certainly was awful about that British lines being torpedoed. But I guess we can almost
look for anything to happen now. It seems so unreal to think that it’s going to be
another world war……….‛
Sept.10, 1939- ‗World News‘
The Canadian government has declared war against Germany.
Page 18 Jean Martin

Newry
Sept.12/39- To Aunt Marge from Uncle Irv
‚………Well here I am looking after the service station to-nite….Jim went away to-nite
and mother is over at Coulters. Oh yes, we had a letter from Dad yesterday. He had
reached his destination and was not able to buy any cattle. The prices had gone up so
much this last week. He said he would come back to Winnipeg and try there but he
doubted if he would be able to do any better there. Too bad he hadn’t gone a week
sooner….‛
Jean Martin Page 19

Canada at War
On Sept.10th 1939, the Canadian government declared war against Germany. However
the Perth Regiment had already begun to mobilize about a week before because war
seemed imminent. The Moore Bell factory, at 182 King St. Stratford, was taken over by
the Regiment and quickly converted for military use. By Sept.4 the first swearing in of
officers and other men took place. The Union Jack was raised over the Regiment‘s first
wartime headquarters and Sgt. A. Murray, as bugler, sounded Reveille. Recruiting
began.
Both uncles, Jim and Irv, enlisted with the Perth in September 1939. I have 2
conflicting dates of enlistment, - Sept 14th and Sept. 20th. It does not really matter which
one is correct.
By the end of September 1939, the Perth

Regiment had a strength of 25 officers and
611 other ranks.
By the end of October, the Perth Regiment

had a strength of 26 officers and 729 other
ranks.
The converted Moore –Bell building,

which served as the Regiment‘s first war
time headquarters was fine for the training
of the enlisted men, but for meals and
sleeping arrangements ,the soldiers were
billeted out in private homes in Stratford.
Uncle Jim and Irv boarded at 382 Albert St. with Eva and John Gillette. It must have
been a wonderful home! In a letter to Aunt Marge from 382 Albert St. on Sept.21/39,
Uncle Irv writes,- ―……See we have a swell boarding place. The people are very nice to
us and we feel right at home…..‖
Page 20 Jean Martin

Uncles Jim Irv in front of their boarding

place – 382, Albert St. Stratford until Nov.
30/39. They are wearing the old uniforms.
Uncle Irv, at 382, Albert St.
382, Albert St. Stratford where Uncles Jim and Irv boarded the fall of 1939. This photo
was taken in the fall of 2004. The present owner was quite interested that 2 of the Perths
had stayed there.
Jean Martin Page 21

Uncle Irv is wearing the old style of

Perth Regiment uniform
In Nov. 1939 new uniform was issued to the

Regiment. Uncle Jim is wearing one of the
new style
Pat has this photo for her dad in her home. It was framed in a Perth Regiment frame.
Page 22 Jean Martin

1. 382, Albert St. – Jim and Irv boarded

here in the fall of 1939.
2. The Moore – Bell Building – the
Perths trained here until Nov. 30,
1939.
3. The Perths‘ Barracks Dec. 1/39 –
May25/40
4. Stratford City Hall
5. The fairgrounds
6. Lower Queens Park – for drills
7. The Armouries
8. Royal Canadian Legion
Jean Martin Page 23

Excerpts from a letter that Uncle Irv wrote to Aunt Marge
-written Sept.21, 1939
382 Albert St;

Stratford
‚………I’ve just finished shining my buttons. We certainly have to keep them clean. Jim
is away with the car to see some people he knows down here. Well army life, so far, is
fine. I’ll just tell you the things that we did today. We went to the barracks a little after
eight this A.M. and about nine o’clock started exercises and drilling. We marched down
town then and back up to the barracks and were dismissed for dinner. We did not have
to be back until two o’clock. We then took up our positions, being led by the Stratford
boys’ band; we paraded through town and to the fair grounds.
The streets were all lined with spectators and we sure got a lot of cheering. We paraded
past the grandstand and then shortly after were dismissed to take in the fair. I didn’t
stay down there very long but walked all the way back up to the barracks for my car. I
wished you could have seen the parade. It really was smart. We also did some singing as
we marched, - Jipperary, Hail Hail the gang’s all here, and Old Soldiers never die and
such songs.
Oh there so many things I could tell you but I’ll tell you when I come down and I’ll be
down before long again. There seems to be quite a lot of married men in the Perth
Regiment. With all my love and kisses, I remain as always, your loving hubby.
Irv
Page 24 Jean Martin

Part of A letter that Uncle Irv wrote to Aunt Marge – There‘s no date on the letter but it
was definitely written either near the end of Sept. or early Oct.
382 Albert St.

Stratford
‚……….Well here I am about eight o’clock Tues. night. I am sorry I could not get down
tonight but will tomorrow night. I want to wash my belt and do some repairing to my
fatigue pants tonight. Gee it’s been warm today. We had rifle drill most of the day and
were allowed to take off our tunics so that was not so bad.
Well darling how are you and Patsy Ann. I hope you are both real good. I certainly
have been thinking of you a lot. I can still hardly get it into my head that I am a
daddy. When I tell the rest of the boys, they say I’m not old enough to be married so I
guess I must be getting younger looking. I’ll be seeing you tomorrow. Again hoping
both, I remain as ever, your loving hubby, Irv.‛
Jean Martin Page 25

Perth Country supports the War Effort
From the Listowel Banner - 1939
Page 26 Jean Martin

Oct.28, 1939 Uncle Jim and Aunt Lois are Wed
The Wedding party – Uncle Irv, Uncle Jim ,Aunt Lois, Gladys Hart, Gouldie Ronnenberg
and Marg Bell.
The ceremony took place in Monkton United Church. Aunt Lois‘ minister was assisted
by Uncle Jim‘s minister – Rev. Greig of Atwood Presbyterian Church. 30 members of the
Perth Regiment formed an honor guard.
Jean Martin Page 27

As one of the flower girls, Marg remembers well the

wedding, especially the following incidents and I
quote,-―I was quite excited about being a flower girl.
It was a very cold day and Gouldie and I wore these
little dresses and ankle socks. After the ceremony
was over, the wedding party went downstairs, in the
church, for photos. Mr. Russell, the photographer
from Listowel, had us form up on a platform. He
asked us to move over on the stage, which we did.
But I moved too far and fell off the platform. I
started to cry. Uncle Irv came around, picked me up
and set me back up on the stage again!‖
Page 28 Jean Martin

Lower Queen’s Park, Stratford

Nov.3, 1939
Jean Martin Page 29

From the Stratford Beacon Herald

- Nov.21/39
Move to the new Barracks
-Dec.1, 1939
On Dec.1, 1939 the Perth Regiment moved from the Moore-Bell building into a much
larger Barracks, - the former McLagan Furniture Factory at 93 Trinity St. There was no
more billeting in the private homes. This Barracks served the Perths from Dec.1/39 until
May25, 1940 when the Perths moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake. After the Perth Regiment
left the barracks, other regiments used the building.
After this building was no longer needed for training Regiments, it became the
Krug Furniture Factory and is still known by that.
Page 30 Jean Martin

The front view of the 2nd Barracks of the Perths (and a small portion of the side), which
had been the McLagan Furniture Factory and was later by other regiments.
Side view of Perths‘ Barracks from Dec.1/39- May 25/40(These photos were taken the
fall of 2004)
Jean Martin Page 31

Another view of Krug Furniture Factory on the corner of Trinity and Down Streets in
Stratford. During the war, this building was converted into a Barracks for regimental
training. The Perths used it from Dec.1/39 to May 25/40.
The Perth Regiment was divided into 4companies,-
A (Abel) B (Baker) C (Charlie) D (Dog)
Uncles Jim and Irv were in company A at the beginning of their training. But shortly
thereafter they were moved to C Company.
In Jan.1943, while training in England ,the Perth Regiment was joined up with the Cape
Breton High–landers and the Irish Regiment of Canada, and these 3 regiments together
were known as the ‗11th Canadian Infantry Brigade.‘
The 11th Infantry was one part of a large group from Canada known as ‗The 5th Canadian
Armoured Division‘
Page 32 Jean Martin

1940
For the first 4 1/2 mos. in 1940, the Perth Regiment was at the Perth Barracks on Trinity
St, Stratford. Drilling was carried on in both good and bad weather on the square behind
the Barracks and at Queen‘s Park. Rifle and machine gun practice was carried on in other
area of the district.
Uncle Irv in the Grandma and Pat –

Stratford Park - 1940 Spring of 1940
From the Stratford

Beacon
Uncle Jim, Grandpa,

Grandma and Irv in
Stratford – Apr. 1940 Uncle Jim and Pat
– Spring of 1940
Jean Martin Page 33

Europe – in the Spring of 1940
In the spring of 1940, Adolph Hitler and his armies continued on invading countries in
Europe. On April9, 1940 the German armies invaded both Norway and Denmark.
Denmark was overrun in a single day. The people from Norway were able to resist a bit
longer. 2 months later the King of Norway, King Haakon VII and member of the cabinet
escaped to London, England and set up a government in exile. Underground resistance
grew steadily.
On May 5, 1940 Hitler invaded the Netherlands and then went on, in the same month, to
take over the countries of Belgium and Luxembourg. Shortly after the Netherlands were
invaded, the crown princess, Princess Juliana and her family were evacuated to England,
for safety. Their evacuation was followed by the evacuation of her mother, Queen
Wilhelmina, and also the Netherlands‘ Prime Minister. London, England was declared
the new capital of the Netherlands and Queen Wilhelmina continued to govern from
London. The people of the Netherlands fought hard for five days, before the finally
surrendered to the mighty force of the German military.
Page 34 Jean Martin

Camp Niagara
(May 25, 1940-July 24, 1940)
On May25, 1940 the Perths left Stratford and travelled by train to Niagara–on-the-Lake,
where they set up their tents. Routine training was set up, - section drill, squad drill,
machine gun training etc. After just a few days of the regular training, an order was
issued from Headquarters that the Perths were also going to be guards, over the electrical
installations of the whole Niagara district .With the increase of German power in the
world, it was vital that hydro electric power be guarded for both Canada and the U.S!
While half of the Perth Regiment was involved in guard duty on the Chippawa Power
Canal and the Queenston Hydro Electric Plant, the rest of the regiment continued
training. There were 2 camps, - one at Niagara-on-the-Lake and one in Victoria Park, in
Niagara Falls.
A few excerpts from the Perths War Diary, -
Niagara Camp, Ont.
30/5/40 - ―……………..In the afternoon D Coy and 45 members of C Coy

were sent on detached duty to Niagara Falls, where a camp was
established in Victoria Park. This detachment was part of the
first guards of the Hydro Electric Power developments in and
around Niagara Falls, Ont…..‖
Niagara Camp
31/5/40 -―B. Company and the remainder of C. Company were sent on

detached duty to Niagara Falls, traveling by bus. The first guard
was mounted at 1600 hrs. Which required 99 men to guard 30 posts.
The posts being from Chippawa Intake to and including the
Queenston Power Plant.
Jean Martin Page 35

Page 36 Jean Martin

Uncle Irv at Camp Niagara
Jean Martin Page 37

Page 38 Jean Martin

Lance Corporal H. Naylor,

the regimental bugler, is
calling the men to meal time.
Jean Martin Page 39

From the Military Scrapbooks -1940
Page 40 Jean Martin

From the Perths‘ War Diary
Camp Niagara, Ontario
13/6/40
―This morning it was announced that this unit had begun

recruiting in Stratford. They are recruiting 200 men which will
bring our strength up to establishment. Training was done in –
bayonet, A.A. training, fire orders, field signals and M.G.
training. It was officially announced today that the D.O.C.
Brigadier R.O. Alexander D.S.O. would inspect the Perth Regiment
here and at Niagara Falls and Queenston on Monday, June 17th .This
evening, the St. Marks Anglican Church at Niagara-on-the-Lake,
Ont. held a Garden Party for the troops of the Perth Regiment .
Everybody enjoyed themselves to the utmost .Major D.M. Ross M.M.
expressed his appreciation, on behalf of the troops , to the
people of this parish, for the wonderful reception they have
given us.
Weather Fair Strength –22 officers, 625 other ranks
While the Perths were busy guarding and training at the Niagara Camp, many other
camps were also busy training in other parts of Ontario, in the other provinces across
Canada and in camps around the world. Airforces and Navies were being enlarged. The
threat to the world‘s freedom was very real and very strong. Hitler had to be stopped!
One of the large groups of allies, preparing to stop this threat was the British Empire (or
the British Commonwealth of Nations) consisting of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, Canada, Australia ,New Zealand, India ,South Africa , some of the
other African countries, and some small countries.
Jean Martin Page 41

Excerpts from a letter from Uncle Irv to Aunt Marge
Niagara Camp
Niagara on the Lake
June11, 1940
‚…………Well I am on the switchboard again tonight. I am on from 10 to12pm and

again from 4 to 6am. Then I’m off tomorrow.
I got back O.K. on Sunday. I did not leave home until about one thirty (pm) and got
down here around five thirty (standard time) so that was pretty lucky wasn’t it. They
wanted to drive me back as far as Kitchener I told them I would get along OK and I
had no trouble at all. It rained quite a lot last night but it has been nice today.
I certainly am glad I got up to see you on Sat. as we are all confined to camp now. The
orders came through when Italy entered the war yesterday and we cannot leave the
camp grounds at all. I hope that order does not last long, but we will not be able to get
as many leaves as we did in barracks.
Yesterday there were about 300 cadets from Toronto moved into camp, so there are a
few more around here now. They came in by boat and are camped at the far end of the
grounds.
Well I am on my last shift now, so will soon have to sign off. The fellow on duty at
Queenston is going to send me some Morse to get us brushed up on the code.
I’m so glad I got up to see you. We had such a grand and quiet visit together. It
certainly does help so much when I can talk with you, even though our time is always
so short. Hoping you and your room-mate are both feeling fine……‛
Page 42 Jean Martin

The Summer OF 1940
Pat and her mommy

Pat and Grandpa Bell
Uncle Irv, Pat and

Aunt Marge Marg and Jean, holidaying at Grandpa Hamilton‘s
farm
Jean Martin Page 43

Europe –In the Summer of 1940
On June 10, 1940 Italy entered the war on the side of Germany. Also in June, Germany
invaded France and by June 14th, Paris was taken over by the Nazi Army. At some point,
in 1940, General Charles de Gaulle and many others escaped to England and continued
fighting through the underground. They were called the free French. Many French people
continued to fight in France itself through secret organizations, just like the people in the
Netherlands, Belgium, and Norway etc. were doing.
On July 2, ten days after the surrender of France, Hitler ordered his armies to be ready for
the invasion of Britain. Germany had already placed long range guns near Calais, France,
submarine pens in ports of Norway, Belgium, France and the Netherlands and air fields
along the English Channel.
Britain was in a terrible plight. Its Royal Air Force was small, compared to the thousands
of planes in the German Luftwaffe. Most of Britain‘s army equipment had been lost at
Dunkirk. In May, 1940 Winston Churchill had become Prime Minister, he made his
famous speech to the British Parliament in which he said, ―I have nothing to offer but
blood, toil, tears and sweat.‖ For the next 5 years, Churchill‘s magnificent leadership and
rocklike trust that the Allies would finally be victorious over Hitler, supported and
encouraged the British people during some of the darkest hours of their history. In
another very moving speech, which was heard by all via radio , he said ,--―We shall
defend our island, whatever the cost may be ,we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight
on the landing grounds, we shall fight on the fields and in the streets ,we shall fight on the
hills, we shall never surrender.
Immediately after becoming Prime Minister, Churchill urged the build-up of the British
Air Force - the R.A.F. He put 2 very capable men in charge of air defense, - Hugh
Dowding and Keith Park. Churchill ordered that mines be put on the beaches, pillboxes at
all crossroads, anti-tank ditches in fields and sandbags everywhere. The people armed
themselves with rifles, shotguns, pitchforks, anything. Churchill insisted on bomb
damage insurances for the people. He gave detailed directions on everything, even on
how to build air raid shelter. 127,000 civilians were evacuated from the East coast, where
the invasion was expected and 80,000 from the Kent coast. Many children were
evacuated from the southern cities.
The nation‘s gold reserves were evacuated to Canada. Rationing was tightened. Even
back in 1939, the King and Queen (George VI and Elizabeth) had been urged to evacuate
Canada. But they made it clear to parliament that flying off to Canada was not an option.
The King was not prepared to run away. In answer to this urging of parliament, the
Queen replied, - ―The Princesses would never leave without me and I couldn‘t leave
without the King and the King will never leave.‖ However their 2 daughters did spend the
war years at Windsor Castle, which is surrounded by protective stone walls.
Hitler had a 3-point plan for taking over Great Britain ,-
Page 44 Jean Martin

1. The German Air Force would knock the R.A.F. out of the skies and then Germany
would be in control of the English Channel.
2. Repeated bombing would destroy the spirit of the British people.
3. Send their German army across the Channel on barges and invade England.
On June 18, 1940, Winston Churchill spoke to the British people.
Part of Churchill‘s speech to the British people on June18, 1940
Jean Martin Page 45

The Battle of Britain

On July 10, 1940 the first great bombing attack came on the country of the Great Britain.
From then until mid –August, the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) launched increasingly
powerful attacks against British shipping in the Channel and some of the coasted areas.
Then the Luftwaffe went after anchored ships, railways, ammunition factories, air craft
factories and air fields. By the end of July, Britain had lost many civilians, 118 air craft
and 80 flight commanders.
On Aug.11th the Luftwaffe bombed Dover Harbor, Portland and Weymouth. In that one
day, 30 British aircraft were lost but the Luftwaffe lost 35 aircraft. During Aug. many
radar stations were attacked and thrown out of service for awhile. Coastal town and cities
were severely hit, air fields were attacked and power was severed. Every time German
troops practiced landing maneuvers on barges off the coast of France, R.A.F. pilots saw
them and bombed the barges, strewing wreckage along the entire coast line.
Later in Aug., bombing by the German Air Force increased even more,-
Aug.24/40- heavy bombing of 2 airfields and the British naval base at Portsmouth.
That night more than 100 bomber attacked targets around London.
Aug.25/40 – More than 300 German aircraft attacked Portland, Weymouth and,
Warmwell airfield.
Aug.26/40 – There were 3 large attacks on this day,-
1. 50 German bomber+ 80 escort aircraft attacked British air fields.

2. 40 bomber + 120 escorts attacked more airfields.
3. 50 bomber + 107 escorts attacked Portsmouth.
Aug. 30/40 – There were attacks off and on all day. Biggin Hill was heavily damaged
and then at night 130 German aircraft hit Liverpool.
Aug.31/40 – More radar station was attacked and also telephone lines. At night 160
German bomber attacked Liverpool again. 60 of those enemy bombers were shot down.
And the air raids wet on day after day, night after night, with loss of aircraft, airmen,
airlines, industries and homes. But the British airlines endured with stoical calm. The
Royal Air Force, though much smaller than the German Luftwaffe, had done an
amazing job in the skies and in a 3 day span in mid –Aug. had shot down 217 enemy
planes. Prime Minister Churchill paid tribute to the R.A.F. in a speech to the House
of Commons on Aug.20/40, - ‚….The gratitude of every home in our island ,in our
Page 46 Jean Martin

Empire ……goes out to the British airmen ….Never in the field of human conflict was
so much owed by so many to so few.‛
The southeast coastline of England, showing air battles of Aug. 15, 1940
Jean Martin Page 47

Back in Ont. Canada with the Perths
Camp Borden
(July 24, 1940- Nov.26, 1940)
On July 24, 1940 the Perths moved from the Niagara Camp to Camp Borden.
They traveled by boat from Niagara to Toronto and then from Toronto to Camp Borden
by train.
Page 48 Jean Martin

Excerpts from a letter Uncle Irv wrote to Aunt Marge-
Camp Borden July 25 Thurs. (8 p.m.)
Dearest Marge,-
‚We landed in camp here about 7 p.m. last night. Come by boat to Toronto and from there on
the train. We had our dinner on the boat and it certainly was a grand meal. We even had ice
cream. I don’t know yet how I am going to like it here. I’m afraid not so well as Niagara. We
can’t get out without a pass and I don’t think we will be able to get very many of them. And
then there is no place to go if we did get out. Unless we got 2 or 3 days leave and then of course
we could go home. I’m up at the Y.M.C.A. just now. There is a Negro vaudeville show going on
in the auditorium. I was in there but gee it is so terribly hot. There is also amateur boxing
right across the road but I thought I’d drop a few lines to you first. I didn’t get a chance last
night or today. We got our summer uniform issued to us today. We got a shirt, one pair of
summer underwear, short trousers tunic with brass buttons and puttees. They certainly are a
lot cooler than the battle dress. It certainly is a large camp. I really don’t know just where we
are yet, as there are huts and tents all around. We are about a hundred in each and they are
not finished building them yet. We are sleeping on the floor yet but likely will have bunks the
same as in barracks. There are a lot of workmen here and they say they put up about eight
huts a day. I don’t know how many soldiers there are but there certainly are a lot. And from
morning till night the sky around here is almost full of airplanes. There are also tanks etc. So it
is really a busy place in one respect but it sure is in a desolate spot. No more going down town
etc. at night but I guess we will get used to it. I’ll be able to tell you more about it later. It’s all
sand here too and that makes it warmer. I got your letter before I left Niagara and also the
‚White Elephant‛ for good luck. I have it around my neck now all the time. Thanks a lot dear.
Jim drove one of the trucks up and didn’t get in until early this morning. He has gotten
transferred to the truck drivers and I think he likes it much better…..I hope you are fine, I
may not be able to see you for a couple of weeks but I’ll be there as soon as I can. We had a
lecture this morning and apparently they are going to be tougher on us. I’ll close for now and
write again soon. Hope you write back.
With all my love, Irv
Address
Pte R. I. Bell (A 11169)
Perth Reg. (MS) C.A.S.F
HQ Coy (Signal)
Camp Borden
Jean Martin Page 49

Excerpts from the Perth War Diary – Camp Borden - 1940
Camp Borden
24/7/40 - ―……The bearing of the units march from the docks to the
Union Station in Toronto was the subject of a newspaper item in
the Globe and Mail. The item started that the Perth Regt. was the
smartest body of troops seen in Toronto for a long time….‖
Camp Borden
25/7/40 - ― ……….Not a great deal of sleep was gotten due to the

number of airplane flying directly overhead…..‖
Camp Borden
26/7/40 - ―A terrific electrical storm developed at 0200hrs. This

morning preceded by a sand storm. Due to the huts not being
completed, the men‘s blankets and clothing and the furniture in
the Officers Mess were covered with sand and were wet with the
rain ….. Camp regulations here are a good deal stricter than Camp
Niagara and all troops moving in and out of camp must have
passes….. Strength 25 officers and 812 other ranks.‖
Camp Borden
24/8/40 – ―….. There is to be another Blitzkrieg in the district

tomorrow. The Perth Regiment is to support the Grey and Simcoe
Foresters and the Irish Regiment. The scheme is to take all the
morning and the purpose of it is to defend Camp Borden against an
enemy who has arrived at Collingwood and who is anxious to obtain
Military supplies from the Camp.
Camp Borden
25/8/40 – ―Today being Sunday, Church parade was held for all
denominations. In the afternoon there were many Civilian
visitors. In the evening the usual semi religious service and a
band concert at the Y.M.C.A….‖
Camp Borden
27/8/40, - ―The new style web equipment has been received……. The
Battalion moved by M.T. at 1330 hrs. to various starting points.
Each platoon then had to march across country to a Bivouac Area
where they would spend the night. The 1st platoon to reach the
area was No. 10 under Lieut. J.S. Whyte (around 1630hrs). After
supper there was a sing song around a huge camp fire. The Regt.
Band played…‖
Page 50 Jean Martin

Back in England – Sept.1940 – The Blitz on London
On Sat. Sept.7, 1940, almost 1000 German aircraft flew towards London. They attacked
the city continually in waves from 8:10 p.m. until 4:30 a.m. Sept. 8th. London‘s East End
and the docks were badly hit. Warehouses were burned, 448 London civilians were
killed, many more were badly injured, 31 British fighter planes were lost and also 6
Hurricanes. The Germans lost 39 aircraft in one day. During the night raids on Sept.8,
412 more civilians were killed.
Sept.9/40 – The city of London was badly hit again-370 more civilians died. Buckingham
Palace was hit and damaged. The Luftwaffe lost 27 air craft and the Brits lost 21 fighters.
Sept. 12/40s- More raids on London. Buckingham Palace was hit and damaged some
more. The chapel was a shambles of rubble, broken glass and shattered pews. The only
item that was salvaged was the Family Bible with many records in it.
This attack on Buckingham Palace, on Sept.12th had clearly been a planned raid on the
Palace and an attempt to kill the King and ‗ the most dangerous woman in Europe ‗ as
Hitler had once called the Queen. Adolph Hitler ,over the years, had watched her success
with people. He sensed her charismatic power, which would, one day, rally the nation‘s
spirits at a time of great crisis. Perhaps he realized that she could not be influenced in any
way against the British. He probably realized that the Queen had an inner strength of
steel, an awesome will, could not be ruffled and had an enormous impact on others. He
wanted her dead!
During the first few days of the blitz on London, there was very great damage in the East
End, much more than the rest of the city. But when Buckingham Place was hit and badly
damaged on Sept. 12th, the Queen said, ―I am glad we have been bombed. I feel I can
look the East End in the face.‖
Sept. 15/40- More attacks on London again and 2 more bombs fell on Buckingham
Palace.
Sept .24/40- During an attack on a Spitfire factory at Southampton, 98 employees were

Killed.
Sept.25/40 – 58 German aircraft hit the British aircraft factory. More than 300 civilians
died.
Sept.27/40- There were 110 attacks south of London in the daytime and then more
attacks in the south and midlands of England during the night.
Sept 30/40- 2 waves of 200 German aircraft approached London around 9:00 A.M. and
were met by 12 squadrons of British fighters. Most of the raiders were turned back. In
the P.M. 100 German bombers escorted by 200 German fighters tried again to reach
London. The Germans lost heavily.
Jean Martin Page 51

Oct. 15/40 – Another blitz on London. Factories and docks were hit. 512 Londoners were
killed and 11,000were left homeless.
Sun. Oct.27- the R.A.F. flew 1007 sorties to try and intercede German raids on airfields
and other vital areas.
Near the end of October, 1940 day raids started to slow down but night raids continued
into the winter. This campaign against Britain was to last 9 months. On Nov.14/40
German night raiders demolished the city of Coventry.
By the end of 1940, 23,000 English civilians had been killed. London suffered the worst-
13,596 deal and 18,378 in hospital.
In Nov.1940, besides the continuing bombing of England, Hitler‘s armies also invaded
and took over 2 more countries.- Hungary and Rumania.
Page 52 Jean Martin

London, England is on fire – Sept. 7, 1940
Jean Martin Page 53

The King and Queen are out among the people, whose homes have been hit by bombs,
and are sympathetically listening to them.
Page 54 Jean Martin

England‘s Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, was a people person, - making the rounds
among them, encouraging them and urging them onwards.
Jean Martin Page 55

Part of an Encouraging Speech by Churchill
Page 56 Jean Martin

‚……..We shall fight him (Hitler) by land, we shall fight him in the air, until with
God’s help, we have rid the Earth of his Shadow and liberated his peoples from the
yoke.‛
Jean Martin Page 57

Page 58 Jean Martin

Winston Churchill, England‘s Prime Minister during was time, was sometimes
referred to as ‗the man of steel‘ and by an endearing name – ‗Winnie‘. He was well loved
and respected. After the war, in 1953, Winston was knighted by Queen Elizabeth, for his
services to England. Also in 1953, he won the Nobel Prize for literature (for his books
that he had written and for the many speeches he had given).
‗V for Victory‘
Wherever England‘s Prime Minister went, he created great enthusiasm by his novel
means of giving his ‗V for Victory‘ sign. In the photo above, Winston Churchill displays
this characteristics salute while visiting in Ottawa.
Throughout World War II, Churchill held many high-level conferences with Generals,
Prime Ministers, Kings and Presidents. He conversed periodically with Generals Sikorski
of Poland, Charles De Gaulle of France, Eisenhower and Montgomery, and General
Chiang Kai Shek. Canada‘s Prime Minister, MacKenzie King, and all the other Prime
Ministers of the Commonwealth Countries, met with Churchill from time to time, as did
also, President Roosevelt and the king of Saudi Arabia. Many heads of state met together
with a common goal – World Peace!
Jean Martin Page 59

The Fall of 1940 – In Ontario (from the Perths War Diaries)
Camp Borden, Ont.
23/9/40
‚ A number of Press representatives from Canada and United States accompanied by

Military Officials is inspecting the camp to-day. This unit was detailed to give a firing
demonstration on the Battle Range using 24 Uickers Machine Guns (2 coys). The
reminder in reserve back of the firing point B.C. Companies used indirect fire on the
targets at a range of approximately 2000 yards and succeeded in hitting 7 out of 10
targets. The theme was to have the entire unit concealed throughout the firing and
when the visiting party arrived, to stand up and reveal their positions. Camouflage was
completed by means of spider nets and natural objects. Forty-five minutes later a
defensive position was occupied to protect the R.C.A.F Area using machine guns and
camouflage and as the visiting party crossed the frontages, gun positions and vehicles
were revealed. At 1330 hrs. ‚C‛ Company was detailed to the R.C.A.F. to be used in
their Air scheme by giving Anti-Aircraft defensive fire against supposedly enemy
plans.‛
Camp Borden
24/11/40
‚…Warning was received of a movement of the Regiment to Standard Barracks,

Hamilton, Ont....‛
Hamilton, Ont.
26/11/40
‚The Unit entrained at 0800 hrs. this morning and arrived in Hamilton at
1200 hours. Rest of day was spent in straightening out quarters…‛
Strength - Officers 26 Other Ranks 752
Weather – Snow at night.
Page 60 Jean Martin

More Excerpts from the Perths War Diary
Nov. – Dec., 19940
Hamilton, Ontario
28/11/40
‚Training was carried on by Companies- Route members and squad drill…‛
Weather – Clear and cool. Snow at night.
Hamilton, Ont.
29/11/40
‚…Drill Hall at Royal Highland Tight Infantry Armouries now being used for
training purposes. Pay Parade today. Weather – Clear and cool. Snow at night.‛
Hamilton, Ont.
16/12/40
‚Training – as per syllabus at the armouries…. Sports – Swimming and Special Sports
at Y.M.C.A. …. Furlough – 148 men left to-day on 2 weeks furlough plus 6 days
Christmas leave, after having completed 6 months service in the CASF.
Weather – mild with rain.‛
In 1940, Aunt Lois moved to Hamilton and began to work at Westinghouse. While there,
she stayed with her parents. After the Perth Regiment left for Overseas, Aunt Lois moved
to Toronto and began a new job, directly connected with the War effort. Cousin Gary
believes the place was called ‗Victory Aircraft‘ – in the Malton area of Toronto.
Jean Martin Page 61

Excerpts of a letter that Grandma and Grandpa Bell wrote to

Aunt Marge
Newry, Service Station
Thurs. Oct. 10,1940
Dear Marge –
‚ Just landed Patsy down to Wat for awhile (while I write you). It does seem hard to
get time to concentrate. I am alone now since Saturday night… Really it’s nice to be
able to get along without help. I would have kept Orvilla this month but they needed
her home to plow…(An added note – Grandma had hired Orvilla Struthers – a young
woman – to help her with housework and looking after Pat, especially when Grandma
had to help out at the station). I do think it’s better for Patricia Ann anyway, as she
won’t look for so much attention and did you know Marge, she started to walk the next
day after you left – slow and steady so she could balance herself but now she’s doing
fine, seldom creeps and I’m not sorry. The next day after you left, Orvilla had been
telling me she could walk. I was all day at the service station – so when I got up to the
house at night, she was so pleased to see me, she crawled up on my knee and I said to
her how Grandma would love to see her walk. Without any move on my part, down she
slides and off, cleans across the floor. When she was afraid of losing balance she’d stop –
then on she’d go. When she reached the hall door, she turned around and smiled – just
as much as to say – ‘now see! I can walk’……………..
Jim was home on the week end but spent all night until next day at noon at the
Ronnenbergs so then to fish, but they went to the Communion service in our church
with me.‛
Page 62 Jean Martin

Grandma‘s and Grandpa‘s letter continued, -
‚Tonight is our Thankoffering in the W.M.S. They are having a returned Missionary
to speak. But I rather think I won’t be going.
Were you any the worse Marge? I do wish you could be with Patsy Ann more,
but we must be patient and thankful. She has her 6th tooth thro. She will get 2 more
and then a rest before more come. I must leave a little room for Wat. He wants to write.
Love from Patsy and me,
Marg Bell‛
‚Hello Marge –
Just a line as there is a little room left. How are you feeling? Hope you
were no worse for your trip home. How I do wish you would soon be able to come home,
as I always am thinking of you home with Patsy, as she is a little dandy. When I go up
for a meal, she just runs to me and takes my hands and sings and we dance and make a
lot of noise. Then she will laugh out loud…. I had Geo Hall in last night. He was asking
for you. He seems to be cured. I said you were home for 2 days and he said you must be
doing all right… I hope Irvie will be home to-morrow night and he can tell you the
news. Yours,
Dad
with love.
xxxxxxx‛
Jean Martin Page 63

Excerpts of a letter from Uncle Irv to Aunt Marge
(written sometime after Nov. 26,1940)
Standard Barracks
Hamilton
Dearest Marge
‚Well I just got your letter and was glad to hear from you. You
sure must be busy making yourself a dress and gloves etc. well I figured I would either
be home or to see you to-day but I’m stuck right here. I was on duty yesterday and
again to-day on the switch board. 2 hours on and four hours off. We put in our own
telephone system in the barracks here to all the different offices etc. It is the same kind
of duty as we had down at Camp Niagara. Anyway there are only about seven of us
here to do the duty as the rest are all away on week-end leave. We put up a kick about
it but it didn’t do much good. Jim got back from the hospital on Thursday and is away
home now. Well we all have permanent mid-nite passes now but there have been quite a
few lost them already. If you are the least bit late you lose your mid-nite pass for 30
days and for every hour you are absent it is taken off your Xmas’ or New Years’ leave.
They certainly are getting tough but I guess they have to do something to keep the boys
down a bit.
Well I’ll be careful, as I don’t want to lose any time on Xmas. I’ve been down
town 2 or 3 times but still don’t know much about the streets or directions. It is 2 mile
down town if you want to walk but you can catch a car a couple blocks from here and
you can go for 7 cents. It is quite a lot larger city than I thought and the street car is
going to get quite a lot extra business.‛
(More of letter on back)
Irv‘s letter continued –
‚It is certainly going to be a lot nicer than Camp Borden anyway ……… Well
I’ll close for now. I hope you are fine and don’t work too hard.
With all my love,
Your hubby, Irv.‛
Page 64 Jean Martin

Late in the year of 1940, Japan joined with Germany and Italy and this alliance was
known as the Rome – Berlin – Tokyo Axis.
Jean Martin Page 65

At Grandpa Bell‘s station, in Newry, it was business as usual in 1940.
Page 66 Jean Martin

At the Hamilton Barracks – 1941 (Excerpts from the Perths War

Diaries)
Hamilton
Ontario - 7 Feb. 41-
‚Training, as per syllabus by coys – 5090 0f the men proceeded on weekend pass to-day
at 1630 hrs.
Weather – clear and cold.‛
Hamilton
Ontario - 9 Feb. 41-
‚ Sunday – R. C’s paraded to Saint Annes Church. Protestant Church Parade held at
1000 hrs. in the Men’s Mess Hall of the Technical Wing Bldg. , Stanford Barracks,
Hamilton, Ont. Padre and H/ Capt. N . MacKay was in charge of the service…
Weather – Cold with snow flurries‛
Hamilton
Ont. - 11 – Feb. 41-
Bn. Parade as follows – War Savings Campaigns. The Perth Regt. participated in the
city of Hamilton War Savings Campaign by parading in full marching order through
the main streets of the city – approximately 6 miles. The Regt. marched past in
columns, the salute being taken by Lt. Colonel F.C. Thomson…. in front of the
Hamilton Post Office on the South side of King Street.
Hamilton
17-4-41-
‚No training was carried on today. The Bn. paraded at 0745 hrs. on the parade
ground in full marching order. The Bn. then marched to the train and was fully
entrained by 0815 hrs. The train moved off at 0830 hrs.‛
Camp Borden-
Jean Martin Page 67

17-4-41-
On arrival at Camp Borden at 1230 hrs the Bn. detrained, marched to the Unit Lines
and dismissed – then marched to their hutments.
Page 68 Jean Martin

At the former Perths Barracks in Stratford
Feb.1941
After the Perth Regiment left their Stratford Barracks on May 25, 1940, in order
to set up at Niagara, the Stratford Barracks was taken over by the Highland Tight Infantry
of Canada.
Then on Jan. 7, 1941 the Royal Netherlands Army took over the Barracks and
remained there for training until Oct. 31, 1942. During this time, the Barracks was known
as ‗Juliana Kazerne‘ (Juliana Barracks) and sometimes ‗Princess Juliana Barracks‘ and
the flag of the Netherlands flew above the building.
During the months that the Netherlands Army was in Stratford, Princess Juliana
(who, during the duration of the war, lived her husband and children in Canada) visited
the Dutch troops around 3 times.
Jean Martin Page 69

Europe in 1941
The countries on the mainland of Europe, that were already conquered by Hitler and his
Nazi army, continued to suffer great hardship under Hitler‘s extreme cruelty. In March
1941, Hitler took over the country of Bulgaria and in April, he took over the country of
Yugoslavia. Between April and June Hitler took over Greece and Crete.
Hitler continued in his efforts to take over England with daily air raids. The bombs kept
coming and the English people kept enduring. During this 9 month + ‗Battle of Britain‘,
80% of the Royal Air Force were British. The other 20% airmen were Poles, New
Zealanders, Canadians and Czechs plus some smaller groups. Their 20% airmen brought
a fierce, sometimes-savage determination to the struggle. The Poles made a very great
contribution. They resented the fact that their Air Force had been wiped out quickly in the
German invasion in Sept. /39.
Later, the British commander, Dowding, wrote about these Polish airmen, - ‗They swung
into the flight with a dash and enthusiasm beyond praise. They were inspired by a
burning hatred of the Germans, which made them deadly opponents.‖
The British land forces were also helped by other countries. In Sept. 1940 there were 3
countries helping England, - Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Besides the R.A.F in the air and the army on the ground, volunteer workers played a big
part during the Blitz of 1940 – 1941. There were 6 main volunteer groups – ‗Fire
Watchers (workers in factories and businesses) took turns watching for incendiary
bombs, Auxiliary Fire Service (helped with spotting and extinguishing of the many fires),
Air Raid Wardens (supervised air raid shelters, issued gas masks, did ‗black out‘ checks
and rescue work), Auxiliary Police Crops (worked out side of London on rescuing
people),
Post Office Engineers (repaired broken telephone and telex links and other broken
communication lines), and The WAAF (Women‘s Auxiliary Air Force) – (manned radar
sets and switchboards, parachute packing, transport driving, some air craft maintenance,
manned Operation Rooms in the airfields).
During the continuing raids of destruction and death, their Prime Minister, Winston
Churchill, was there for them. Affectionately known by some as ‗Winnie‘ and referred to,
by others, as ‗England‘s man of steel‘, Churchill walked among them and with his
powerful speeches over the B.B.C radio was able to encourage and strengthen the British
people.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth continued to be great sources of comfort and
inspiration to their people. Throughout the Battle of Britain and indeed for the rest of the
war, the King and Queen supported the people and had an enormous impact on them.
Page 70 Jean Martin

They mingled with first – aid workers and stretcher bearers, comforted the homeless and
those who had lost family members and friends, toured munitions factories steel workers,
air stations and naval dockyards. They visited hospitals and casualty centres. They visited
civil defence units, Red Cross centre and any other place in need. The Queen‘s radiant
smile and her sympathetic voice made people feel less wretched. To the people, the Royal
Couple became a symbol of hope that somewhere ahead burned the light of victory.
Although the British Government insisted on extra protection for the Royal Couple, the
King and Queen wanted themselves to be expert with guns, the king practiced pistol
shooting every morning on the grounds of Buckingham Palace and announced that if the
German landed, he intended to ‗die there fighting‘. The queen, following his example,
took lessons on how to shoot a revolver. She practiced shooting in the gardens of the
Palace and became quite expert at handling a .38 revolver, given to her by Winston
Churchill, and also a .303 rifles. She was quoted as saying – ―They will not take me
easily.‖ The King kept a stun gun beside him when traveling by car and gave his
chauffeur strict instructions that if they were attacked, the driver was to keep going, while
the King used his gun. Said the King, - ―If need be, I will die here fighting!‖
During the war, London became the haven for several royal refuges. On May 13,
1940 Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands arrived with just the cloths on her back and a
tin hat. With her, was her daughter, Princess Juliana and 2 granddaughters Beatrix and
Irene. They were housed, clothed and fed at the Palace. King Haekon of Norway also
arrived for refuge and later Charles de Gaulle from France.
During the war, the King wanted to visit the troops abroad but was not allowed
for a while. Finally in June 1943 Churchill allowed the King to visit the troops in North
Africa. He then wanted to go with Churchill as D. Day approached. Churchill knew the
Cabinet would oppose this. But the King insisted and said, ―If you go, I go!‖
Churchill relented.
May 10 and 11, 1941 –
London was subjected to one of its heaviest raids. Bombs tore the roof off the House of
Commons, damaged Westminster Abbey, stopped Big Ben and destroyed hundreds of
buildings.
Eventually Hitler turned his attention to other sights, although periodic bombing
continued on, but to a lesser degree. The Battle of Britain had cost Germany a lot of
money, men and aircrafts. Germany had failed to achieve air superiority and had failed to
invade England. And so Hitler transferred most of his aircraft to the eastern frontiers in
preparation for an attack on the Soviet Union.
Jean Martin Page 71

2 photos of the King and Queen, visiting bombed areas of East London in April, 1941.
Page 72 Jean Martin

Camp Borden - (April 17, 1941 – Oct. 3,1941) – Perth War Diaries
Camp Borden
Apr.17/41 –
―On arrival at Camp Borden at 12.30 hrs. the Bn. detrained and
marched to the Unit lines where they were dismissed on the Parade
Ground, and the Coys marched to their respective hutments. Dinner
was served at 1330 hrs. The balance of the day was devoted to
unpacking and getting settled. Permanent midnight passes were
cancelled and returned to the Bn. Orderly Room…‖
Camp Borden to Stratford – 3rd
June 3rd and 4th, 1941
―… The Bn. with the exception of ‗R‘ Coy which carried on as per
coy, moved off to M.D.#1 at 0630 hrs this morning via M.J. The
universal carries and motorcycles moved off at 06/5 hrs…‖
4th
―The Bn. participated in a parade through the city of Stratford

to the fair-grounds where Major General Samson took the salute.
Other units participated. The parade took place at 1500hrs. All
members of the Bn. were invited to attend a Dance at the
Armoueries, sponsored by the City of Stratford. The dance
commenced at 2000 hrs. All personnel, not on duty, were allowed
to billet in private homes. Weather – fair and warm. Strength –
38 officers 756 O. Ranks.
Stratford Ont. to London
Ont. - June 5,1941
―…. The Bn. moved off to Woodstock, Ont. at 10:30 hrs. and
arrived in London, Ont. at 1800 hrs. where they were billeted for
the night in Queen‘s Park. At 2000 hrs. the Bn. participated in a
Victory Loan Parade, through the city. London‘s Mayor took the
salute.
Jean Martin Page 73

On June 4, 1941 the Perths and other Military Units and Bands held a huge parade in
Stratford. This photo shows part of the group in front of the City Hall. The V for Victory
has been superimposed on the picture.
Page 74 Jean Martin

Stratford City Hall - Feb. 2005
The Stratford Armouries, where the Perths had a dance in the evening of June 4, 1941.
These 2 photos were taken in Feb. 2005.
Jean Martin Page 75

Excerpts of a letter Uncle Irv wrote to Aunt Marge
(sometime in June, 1941)
Camp Borden
Tues. nite
Dearest Marge –
‚I got your letter and parcel to-day an gee thanks a lot for cigarettes and magazine. I
wasn’t looking for anything, in fact I forgot all about Fathers day… I don’t feel much
like a father but I’m certainly proud to be one. There is nothing new here – the same
old thing and getting lazier everyday. We are supposed to be taking a course but we
certainly aren’t learning much…. The Perths played softball to-nite and beat the
C.A.D.S. 9 to 1. They are doing real well and are in the finals. The soccer team is
playing the R.C.A.F. to-nite and are not back yet so I don’t know how they got along.
I was glad to know you are feeling better again. I do hope you can get a better
resistance against colds etc. because it always sets you back some. I guess you should
have worn a coat that night we were out… We are moving to a different area in the
camp on Thurs, about a mile from where we are now. I don’t know why but we are and
some of us will be sleeping out in tents.
I have some washing to do and also have a shower etc., so I’ll close for now. I hope you’ll
be able to be out and around by Sat. and mind keep good care of yourself. I hope
Marguerite is all better again too.
So long for now Marge,
With all my love
Irv
Note – The ‗Marguerite‘, that Irv refers to, is probably Aunt Marge‘s friend / room mate
from the San. at Byron.
Page 76 Jean Martin

Excerpts of a letter that Uncle Irv wrote to Aunt Marge
(There is no date but it has been written the 2nd time the Perths were at Camp Borden.)
Camp Borden
Tues. Nite
Dearest Marge –
‚I got your letter and card to-day and gee Marge, I’m so glad to know you will be able
to come home, that I haven’t been able to think of anything else. Gee it’s so unexpected I
can hardly believe it. And I was certainly feeling blue when you had to go away on
Sunday but I’m sure happy now.
I got back O.K. on Sunday night. Dad and Mother came home around nine o’clock. I
was just getting Patsy ready for bed when they came home. Dad wanted to drive me all
the way back but I wouldn’t let him, so he drove me out as far as Listowel and I started
hiking. I was real lucky and got into camp around three in the morning. We hired a
car to bring us in from Primrose. That is where we leave the highway. There were a
bunch of soldiers waiting there and finally a car stopped and the driver said he would
take five of us into camp for 2.50. We didn’t hesitate as it was getting late and I sure
was tired. However I got some sleep yesterday. We had a long day to-day and didn’t get
through training until late.
I just had a shower and it’s almost time for lights out, so I’ll have to cut it short. I
could ask you lots of questions but I guess you will be writing soon. It is so wonderful to
know you are coming home. I can hardly wait and I can imagine how you will feel and
Patsy sure needs you around. She cried for you after you left on Sunday so she really
knows you now. Well I’ll close for now as it’s almost ‚lights out‛ and I’m ready for bed.
I’ll certainly go to sleep with pleasant thoughts to-nite.
So long for now. With all my love, Irv.‛
P.S. You can address letters to ‚C‛ coy now.
Jean Martin Page 77

Letter from Irv to Marge
(No date, but 2nd time at Borden)
Friday Nite
Newry Ont.
Dear Marge –
‚I guess you’ll be surprised when you see this is from Atwood but I’m home until to-
morrow nite and will explain. There were four of us signalers picked to go to Toronto on
an operator’s course for a month and I was one of the lucky ones, (One for each
company) and I went for ‚C‛ Company. We leave Camp Borden at 1 o’clock on Sunday
so I have to start back again same time to-morrow. I wasn’t expecting a week-end but
the Sergeant major called me in to-day and said I could have a pass until to-morrow
nite. I had to hand all my equipment back into the store first though. I got home here
around four o’clock. I would like to get down to see you but I can hardly make it but I
will be getting every week-end off now while I’m down there, so I’ll be down next week. I
brought a big washing home so mother and I are getting up early to do it. I want it
dry in time to take back with me. I guess you’ll have written to Camp Borden by this
time but I will get your letter Sun. morning. I’ll write as soon as I get settled in
Toronto, so you will know where to write. You will have to tell me when you can move
home. I hope over the week-end, but if not Dad or Mother can go and get you…I can
hardly wait until you get home but you will have to be careful won’t you because we
want to keep you here. I wish I could stay and be with you. Dad and Mother are sure
surprised and tickled too.
Patsy has been fine all week. Both her and mother are away to bed and I’m sleeping
with *Wayne. Hoping you are fine…‛
( *Wayne is Aunt Jenny‘s grandson or Nina‘s son )
Page 78 Jean Martin

Excerpts of Uncle Irv‘s letter to Marge
(no date but the Perths are at Borden)
No 1 District Depot
Vocational Wing
Exhibition Grounds
Toronto
Tues.
Dearest Marge-
‚I guess you will be wondering what happened to me. Especially after carrying around
the letter I wrote last Sat, until last nite. I found it in my pocket and I thought it was
posted. I would have written as soon as we got here Sun. nite but we are moving to a
different place any time and I thought I would wait until after we moved. But we are
still here (at the horse palace). We just got back from school. We go from 8 A.M. until
3.40 P.M. We go to Central Tec. and ride there and back on the street car. The school
is not hard but it may be later on. We only get 2 breaks a day and only half an hour
for lunch at noon. We get sandwiches and coffee or tea in the school’s cafeteria. It’s
really heaven down here compared to Camp Borden. We don’t have to have any pass to
get out and a lot of the boys have permanent overnite passes and they stay right with
their wives after school and all nite. Everyone has a permanent pass until eleven o’clock
but they are not strict if you happen to be late.
I still have not got your letter. I could not get it on Sunday before I left, as the office
was locked up and the clerk was away, so I really haven’t heard from you since I got
your card. I can’t understand why they couldn’t have sent it down. I’ve been wondering
about you and when you can come home and lots of others things, so hope to hear from
you soon. I’ll be getting leave this week-end so hope you will be able to come home then.
I hope you are fine. I’ll close for now and get this away to-nite…‛
Jean Martin Page 79

Excerpts from the Perths War Diary

Camp Borden
Aug. 2/41
―Training was carried on during the morning. This afternoon

H.R.H, The Duke of Kent visited the units in Camp Borden at 1600
hours. The Bn. paraded at 1415 hours, marching to the area
opposite Camp H.Q. A position was then taken up on the roadway
where H.R.H. Duke of Kent received the troops….
Strength – 40 officers and 756 Other Ranks.‖
Camp Borden
Aug 3/41 –
Sunday – A Drum Head Service was held for the Protestant

personnel of the 5/Cdn, Armd. Div. at 1000 hours, this morning,
on the Division parade ground. The Bn. paraded at 0900 hours to
attend. The Service was conducted by H/Major K.E. Taylor,
assisted by H/Capt. N. MacKay. H/Major W.C. Mac Whinney delivered
the German. Parade Mass – for all R.C. personnel of 5/Cdn. Armd.
Div. was held at 1000 hours this morning in front of the R.C.
Chapel at the Knights of Columbus hut…‖
Camp Borden Ontario
Aug. 11/41
This Unit was inspected to-day at 0700 hours by G.O.C. 5TH

Canadian Armoured Division, Major General Sansom D.S.O and Div.
H.Q Staff on the Divisional Parade Ground. After the inspection
had been completed, the Battalion marched past the saluting base
first in column of route and then in column platoons.
A platoon was then chosen from each Company and each was examined
in a definite branch of the training including gas, driving and
maintenance, first aid, light machine gun and rifle. The Unit
then returned to the lines where the General and Brigadier
inspected the lines, kitchens, Q.M Stores, Coy. Officers and Bn.
Orderly Room. A further inspection of training was carried out by
the inspecting Officers of the Staff. Major – General Sansom and
Brigadier Spencer and their respective Staffs departed from our
lines at approximately 1500 hours this afternoon… Weather- cloudy
and cool during the morning, followed by light rain throughout
the afternoon.
Page 80 Jean Martin

Camp Borden
Ontario
Aug. 13/41 –
―Training was carried on…‖C‖ Coy. Proceeded this afternoon by,

M.T. to a bivouac area south of Camp Borden to spend the night.
Weather – Fair and Warm.‖
Camp Borden
Ontario
Aug. 14/41 –
―… ―C‖ Coy, after spending the night in bivouac, carried out

platoon manoeuvres throughout the day and again spent the night
in bivouac….‖
Camp Borden
Ontario
Aug. 15/41 –
―……… ―C‖ Coy carried on with platoon schemes in the morning and
returned to camp in the afternoon. 53, all ranks, from HQ, A, B,
C, D. and R. Coys who had not passed rifle practices 1–3 S.A.T.
Vol 1 App. 3 fired these practices to-day at the 30 yard range….
Pay parades were held to-day from 0730 hours until 1130 hours…‖
Jean Martin Page 81

In approx. Sept. 1941, the Bell family
said farewell to Irv and Jim at
Grandma‘s and Grandpa‘s home in
Newry.
Grandma and Grandpa
The ‗Bell‘ brothers – Irv, Dad, Jim
Uncle Irv and Uncle Jim
Page 82 Jean Martin

Irv, Dave (W.W.I. veteran), Jim Uncle Dave, Jean, Pat, Marg
―The Bell Family‖ – approx. Sept. 1941
Jean Martin Page 83

Pat and her Mom spent a week-end at Camp
Borden in approx. Aug./Sept. of 1941.
Behind Pat is the cabin where they slept.
Pat and her Daddy, at the back of Grandma‘s house.
Page 84 Jean Martin

Leaving Camp Borden ( excerpts from the Perths War Diary )
Camp Borden
Oct. 1/41
―Preparation for an impending move overseas were carried out by

all ranks…….‖
Camp Borden
Oct. 2/41
―….. Packing and preparation for moving were continued. A muster

parade was held at 0800 hours this morning…… Fair and Warm….‖
Camp Borden
Oct. 3/41
― At 0715 hours all ranks paraded with full equipment to Drill

Hall. Muster parade was held at 1030 hrs.‖ The Perths boarded 2
trains. Train No. 1 left at 1330 hrs. Train No. 2 left at 1600
hrs. Strength – 41 Officers and 843 Other Ranks. Weather – Cloudy
with showers.
Jean Martin Page 85

Page 86 Jean Martin

Jean Martin Page 87

Page 88 Jean Martin

Jean Martin Page 89

Page 90 Jean Martin

Excerpts from the Perths War Diaries (continued)
Oct. 4,1941 –
Train # 1 stopped at Quebec City at 7.45 A.M. The men had a short
route march through the city. Train # 2 stopped at Riviera du
Toup at 1330 hours and the men had a short route march through
the town. Strength – 41 officers and 843 Other Ranks. Weather –
Fair and Warm.
Oct. 5,1941 –
Sunday – Train No. 1 arrived at Halifax this morning at 0745

hours. Personnel embarked on the H.M.T. Reina del Pacifico at
0830 hours. Personnel on Train No. 2 arrived at Halifax at 1000
hours and embarked on the H.M.T Reina del Pacifico at 1045 hours.
The remainder of the day was spent in organization and allotment
of quarters. The Perth Regiment ( Motor ) C.A. was detailed on
Ship‘s Daily Orders as Duty Unit abroad ship from 1200 hours to-
day until 1200 hours 7 - Oct. – 41. Strength – 41 Officers and
843 Other Ranks.
In Halifax Harbour (Oct. 5 – Oct. 9,1941)
Oct. 8/41 –
Boat drill parade and a route march. Boat duties continued.

Submarine and aircraft lookout. Strength – 41 Officers and 843
Other Ranks.
Oct. 9/41 –
At 1510 hours the leading ships of the convoy left Halifax

Harbour. At 1550 hours the H.M.T. Reina del Pacifico departed
from the Harbour. Starting at 1805 hours a blackout aboard ship
was in effect – no outside light was to be shown and smoking on
the outer decks was prohibited. Strength – 41 Officers and *842
other ranks (A decrease of 1, who was transferred to No. 6
District Depot, Halifax). Weather – cloudy, cool – sea calm.
Enroute for England
At Sea – Oct. 10 –
Pay parades were held and also training parades – and boat
drills. Blackout commenced at 1752 hours. All time prices were
advanced to-night 1 hour. Weather – Fair and cool, Sea calm.
Strength – 41 Officers and 842 Other Ranks.
Jean Martin Page 91

At Sea – Oct. 12 –
Sunday – Divine Service for Protestant Personnel of the Unit was

held on the Boat Deck at 1000 hours to-day. R.C. personnel
paraded at 0930 hours on boat deck for a short service. Blackout
aboard ship commenced to-night at 1800 hours. Strength – 41
Officers and 842 Other Ranks. Weather – Cloudy and cool with high
winds and occasional squalls. Sea – rough.
At Sea – Oct. 13/41 –
All personnel paraded to-day at 1100 hours for boat drill. At

1620 hours to-day the light machine guns were set up for Anti –
Aircraft defence as well as the 3-inch anti – aircraft guns at
the rear of the ship were fired for testing purposes. Blackout
commenced to-day at 1750 hours. All time pieces were advanced to-
night one hour. Strength – 41 Officers and 842 Other Ranks.
Weather – fair and cool, Sea – choppy.
At Sea – Oct. 15/41 –
Boat drills carried out this morning. This unit took over all
ship‘s duties at 1300 hours to-day. The Perth Regt. Band played a
concert from 1900 hours till 2000 hours on C Deck this evening
for the purpose of charity for the various Seamen‘s Institutions.
Blackout commenced at 1745 hours. All time pieces were advanced
one hour to-night. Weather – fair and cool – Sea- clam.
At Sea – Oct. 16/41 –
Boat Drill parades. British Bomber Aircraft were sighted this

morning and furnished aerial reconnaissance and protection, for
the convoy, throughout the day. The coast of Ireland was sighted
at 1655 hours to-day. Weather – fair and cool with occasional
showers. Sea – calm.
At Sea – Oct. 17/41 –
Thanksgiving Service for this Unit was held at 1100 hours to-day
– on the Boat Deck. Arrived at Liverpool at 1200 hours. The Reina
del Pacifico dropped anchor in the Mersey River at 1410 hours.
Blackout aboard ship at 1835 hours. Strength – 41 Officers and
842 Other Ranks. Weather – fair and cool in the morning, turning
cloudy and cool with showers in afternoon.
Liverpool – Oct. 18/41-
Aboard the H.M.T. Reina del Pacifico anchored in the Mersey

River. Preparations for Debarkation were carried out to-day. This
Page 92 Jean Martin

Unit took over all ship‘s duties today at 1300 hours until 1300
hours Oct.19 (for 24hrs)
Weather – Cloudy and cool with showers
Strength – 41 Officers and 842 Other Ranks
Liverpool, England – Oct. 18, 1941
What a terrible sight awaited the Perth Regiment when it disembarked in Liverpool! The
city had been greatly bombed and parts of it were in ruins. Seeing all the devastation,
made the Perths fully realize that they were now within the enemy‘s striking range.
Because Liverpool was one of the main parts of England, it was a prime target of the
German bombers, over several months of the war. Just before Christmas of 1940 (Dec.
20,21 and 22), Liverpool and surrounding area, had experienced 3 consecutive days and
nights of fierce bombing. During those 3 days and nights, 356 citizens had died. Many of
the other citizens, who lived, lost family, friends, homes, personal belongings and places
of work. During 1 raid alone, 57 ships had been sunk in the harbour. Liverpool was not a
safe place! And there was more to come. The Germans were intent on destroying the
complete city and its neighboring towns. Besides being a prime part, Liverpool was also
the headquarters of the Western Command and the Germans wished to eradicate it.
Jean Martin Page 93

Training at Chilton Foliat (Oct.1941 – Jan. 15, 1942)
From the Liverpool docks, the Perth Regiment moved, by train, 125 miles south, to the
railway station in Hungerford. 3 trains were used to move the complete regiment. From
the station, the Perths marched 2 miles to the rural village of Chilton Foliat where they
were stationed for almost 3 months. During their time there, they learned to live in
wartime England and to accept black-outs as a fact of life. They learned security and
censorship and began to live like 24 hour-a-day soldiers instead of 8-5 soldiers.
For lack of space, I purposely omitted, on this map, one of the Perths‘ camps, namely –
Pippingford Park – Ashdown Forest – 50 miles east of Aldershot
Page 94 Jean Martin

War in the South Pacific
Dec. 7, 1941
Suddenly and with no warnings, Japanese planes and warships

attacked Pearl Harbour, Hawaii – the U.S. Naval and Air Base near
Honolulu. Japan also attacked the Philippines.
Dec. 8, 1941 –
The U.S. Congress declared war on Japan. Hitler and Mussolini

were delighted!
Dec. 11, 1941 –
Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S. and in return, on the
same day, the U.S. declared war on Germany and Italy.
One week after the initial attack on Pearl Harbour, the U.S.,
Great Britain, the British Empire, the Netherland Indies, China,
the Soviet Union and several Latin American countries were at war
with the Axis powers, - Germany, Italy, Albania, Bulgaria,
Finland, Rumania, Hungary, Slovakia, Japan and Thailand.
Jean Martin Page 95

Christmas with the Perths (From the Perths War Diaries)
Chilton Foliat, England
Dec, 25 – 1941
No training was carried out throughout the day. The Perths

paraded at 1100 hours for Divine Service. A special Christmas
Dinner was provided for the personnel of this Unit at 1330 hours
to-day in Hungerford.
Strength – 41 Officers and 842 Other Ranks
Some of the war efforts by Listowel citizens as reported in the Listowel Banners of 1941
Page 96 Jean Martin

Posters, asking Canadians to support the war effort by signing up for service in the
armed forces as giving/loaning money to support those services, appeared in public
places and in newspapers. Similar appeals were heard on radio. The item, above, was
photocopied from the Stratford Beacon Herald of Wed. June 4, 1941.
Jean Martin Page 97

1941 – ‘The United Nations is Formed’

By Jan.2, 1942, the 26 nations at war with this axis, grouped themselves into a military
alliance called the United Nations. As the war progressed, this group grew and by 1946,
there were 54 nations in its camp.
Training in the Farnham / Aldershot area (Jan. 15, 1942 – Aug.

12, 1942)
Jan. 15, 1942 –
Most of the Perths travelled by train to Farnham – 5 miles south

of Aldershot. The rest of the Perths arrived there by motor
convoy. They were billeted in Farnham. The training pace
quickened and stiffened.
Feb. 1942 –
The Regiment had a series of 10 and 12-mile forced marches. On

Feb.23rd, an inter-company competition, on a 10-mile forced march,
was won by ‗C‘ Company!
Mar. 27 and 28/42 –
There was a battalion exercise to practice an opposed river

crossing.
Mar. 30/42 –
‗Promotion‘ – Uncle Irv was promoted to Lance Corporal.
April 1, 1942 –
The Perths marched to Aldershot, where they took over the

Talavera Barracks.
Page 98 Jean Martin

Newry – the winter of 1942
On the back of the original
Photo ,Aunt Marge had Pat and Marg (1942)
written – ‗Margaret, Lois, Patsy Snow banks of 42‘
Jean Martin Page 99

Apr. 21/42-
Leave of absence was granted to A 11169 J/Cpl R.I. Bell April

21/42 to Apr.28/42.
Apr.24/42-
‗Visit of Royalty‘ – At 1250 hours, their Majesties King George

VI and Queen Elizabeth visited the unit lines and observed the
training in progress. A guard of honour had been drawn up on the
parade ground and received favourable comment. The Royal Party
departed from the lines at 1310 hours.
Training – At 1400 hours ‗A‘ and ‗B‘ Coys proceeded on a map

reading scheme, in the surrounding area, to practice following
roads in a vehicle, from a map.
Page 100 Jean Martin

Jean Martin Page 101

Buckingham Palace was bombed 9 times during World War II.
Meanwhile, back home in Canada, it‘s Easter time and the bunny has arrived at Grandma
and Grandpa Bell‘s home in Newry. These pictures were taken on the east side of their
house.

On the back of the originals, Aunt Marge had written, -―Patsy Ann and Daisy
Jean with the Easter Baskets and goodies – April/42‖
During the summer of 1942, the Perths practiced both defense and assault schemes along
the Blackwater and Wey Rivers. Some of these exercises were with the tanks of the
Governor General‘s Horse Guards and the British Columbia Dragoons.

Further Qualifications –
On July 13/42 Uncle Jim received further qualifications –
―Qualified as Dr. Mecs. Group C – A 11177 Pte. Bell J.C.‖
Leaves of Absences
Granted to A 11177 Pte Bell J.C,

From July 14,1942 to July 21,1942
Granted to A 11169 J/Cpl Bell R.I
July 16,1942 – July 23,1942
Granted to A 11177 Pte Bell J.C
July 29/42 – Aug 5,1942
When Uncles Jim and Irv were granted ‗leaves of absences‘, they usually travelled north
to Scotland. On this page is a laser copy of a postcard that Irv sent, in a letter, to Aunt
Marge. Pat has the original card.

A laser copy of a postcard that Uncle Irv sent to Aunt Marge and Pat, within a letter,
when he was on a leave of absence to Scotland. Pat has the original postcard.

Aunt Marge and Pat received another card from Uncle Irv (Alias husband and Daddy!)
Pat has the original.

The Green (S. Of London) marks the Ashdown Forest area, where the Perths trained Aug
– Oct.1942. (Thanks to Tony, for this info) 1 inch=16 miles

Nissen Huts
Nissen huts were named after a man whose last name was Nissen because he invented
them. According to Art. Eglinton (Uncle Irv‘s friend and fellow signaler in the Perths) at
most of the training camps in England, Nissen huts were used to house the troops. These
huts could be put up in a hurry because they were prefabricated. They were made of
corrugated iron and semi – cylindrical in shape. At each end were windows and a large
wooden door. The Nissen huts that were in England rested on brick floors.
These Nissen huts came in various sizes. Some were used for meetings and tables/ chairs
could be set up in them. The ones that were for sleeping could hold 30 – 40 men.
(Please excuse the above sketch. I never was any good at art! – Jean )

Training at Pippingford Park in the Ashdown Forest ( Sussex

Country)
( Aug. 12,1942 – Oct. 21,1942 )
On Aug.12, 1942 the Perth Regiment left the Aldershot area and moved by vehicle
convoy 50 miles east to the Ashdown Forest in Sussex. They took over the Nissen huts in
Pippingford Park.
Leave of Absence –
A 11169 J/ Cpl Bell R.I granted 7 days P.L. from 14 Aug.42 until
21 Aug. 42.
The training schedule in Pippingford Park became tougher and more interesting. They
had many courses, - woods clearing, night patrol, mine laying, mine detection, anti-
aircraft defense and assaults. The Perths‘ own assault course was a 600- yard stretch of
rough ground, to be covered at the double along with thunder – flashes, smoke from
discharges and the crack of live ammunition. It included a run, up a slippery ramp, a leap
across an 8-foot ditch, a climb over a 10-foot corrugated- iron wall, a crawl under a net
18 inches above the ground, the crossing of pits filled with barbed wire and overlaid with
muddy poles, climbing 15 feet up a tree and swinging hand over hand 40 feet along a
rope to another tree, a crawl along a ditch under fire from live ammunition, and a final
bayonet charge down a steep bank and across a shallow pond.
In the War Diary for the Perth Regiment and near the end of August‘s Summary, the
recorder has written, -
―In conclusion then, we can truthfully say that the Perth

Regiment is hard working, comfortable in body, happy in spirit
and well prepared physically and mentally to go into action.‖

Stamped on the back of the original is the following, -
‗ Orderly Room
Sept. 19,1942
Perth Regiment ( Motors) C.A‘
Uncle Irv in England
Sept. 19,1942
‗ Uncle Jim
(middle of
front row)
‗Uncle Irv‘(on
the left of front
row)
A photocopy a portion of the photo of ‗C‘ Company when the Perths were in England. It
appeared in the Beacon Herald – Sat. Oct. 10,1942.

Uncle Irv – alias ‘Firebug Bell’

Marg, Pat and I all knew that Pat‘s Dad had acquired, in the army, the nickname of
Firebug Bell because he would often fall asleep with a lit cigarette in his hand, resulting
in a fire.
When Pat and I visited with Art and Lil Eglinton in Nov. 2004, we asked Art about this
nickname. Art smiled and told us the following true story, - ―When we were in England,
we often slept in Nissen huts. The English Nissens had brick floors. A huge sheet of
corrugated metal went from one side to the other to make 2 walls and the roof. At both
ends were large wooden doors and small windows. Irv smoked quite a bit and usually had
2 unlit cigarettes out of the package and lying on a small stool or table near his cot, so
they would be handy if he woke up in the night. Many times at night, you could see the lit
end of a cigarette glowing in the dark and you knew it was Irv‘s cigarette and he was
having a problem sleeping.
One night Irv fell asleep with the cigarette still burning. The other men awoke to a smoke
– filled hut. Irv‘s mattress was on fire! They woke him up and told him and Irv replied, -
‚ Do you think the fire will be up to my head by morning?‛ However he got up. They opened
the large wooden door at one end of the hut and dragged the burning mattress out of the hut.‛
There were other occasions when cigarettes caused problems. Art continued on, - ― One
time in Italy, the Perths were sleeping in tents. Again they awoke to smoke and a
smoldering fire in the folds of the tent flap. The men thought that, on entering their tent
for the night, one of the smokers had tapped off the ashes from the tip of his cigarette,
near the tent flap. Obviously there had been at least one live ash and it became inflamed.‖
Art wasn‘t sure whether or not Irv was involved in this incident or it was another Perth
but at least the fire was put out and no one was injured.

Nightlife in England
One evening, while the Perths were Training in England, Jim and Irv went out to a pub.
Things seemed to be quite dull there. Not much was happening. It was very quiet! The 2
brother came up with an idea that might liven up the place. They started to fight each
other, on the pretense that they were angry about something. Before long a few people
joined in and then even more people. What started as a small fight eventually became a
big brawl. Things were very lively, exciting and noisy! Jim and Irv decided it was time to
leave. Without anyone noticing, the 2 brothers quietly sneaked out the back door of the
tavern and returned to their army camp. The brawl continued on – at least for awhile!
Summertime –1942 – Elma Tp.
Pat, near the south side of

Grandpa‘s Esso Station – June/ 42
Jean, with her ‗sleeping‘ doll, by our

house on the farm.

‗Nicknames‘
Besides Uncle Irv, who had earned the right to be called ‗Firebug Bell‘, many other
member of the Perths had nicknames, -
Alvin Noble was known as ‗Bunk‘ – apparently he had problems getting out of his bunk
in the morning. It took a few calls.
Art Eglinton was ‗Eggy‘
Lloyd Casemore was known as ‗Casey‘. Casey told Marg that he knew Jim better than Irv
because he and Jim were in ‗C‘ Company together and Irv was in the signal Corps.
Casey called Jim – ‗Jimmy‘. He told Marg one day, - ‗Jimmy was the best damn driver in
the whole Regiment.‖
Harvey Crosby was known at ‗Bing‘.
Gordon Stoneman was called ‗Stoney‘

Troubles in the St. Lawrence
During the summer of 1942, there had been some sinking of vessels along the Atlantic
Coast and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Then in early Oct. a British ship was hit, about 75
miles up the river, in broad daylight. 1 week later, the newspaper article below, appeared
in the Stratford Beacon Herald. (Beacon Herald – Wed. Oct. 14/42)
The Stratford Beacon Herald – Thurs. Oct. 15, 1942


Stratford Beacon Herald

(Continued from previous page)
The Stratford Beacon
Mon. Oct. 19, 1942

November 1942
Murray enlisted in Nov. 1942, shortly after his 19th birthday on October 29th. He trained
in Listowel and Three Rivers, Quebec. From there he was posted to the Toronto Scottish
Regiment and trained at Aldershot, Nova Scotia.
Eventually, in Italy, Murray became part of the Perth Regiment.

Training in Hove
(Oct. 21, 1942 – Dec. 29‘1942)
On Oct. 21/42 the Perth Regiment moved to Hove, on the coast of

the English Channel. They were quartered in apartment houses and
seaside hotels. Headquarters were in the Imperial Hotel (the new
one). While at hove, the Perths were in a counter-invasion role,
which required at least 2/3 of the total manpower to be an
immediate call every night. Live ammunition was a permanent
issue.
On Nov. 2 the Perths played a hockey game in the Brighton Arena

against the Governor – General‘s Horse Guards. The Perths won 12
–2.
Leave of absence, -
A 11177 Pte J.C. Bell was granted 7days of leave (P.L.) with
money allowance in lieu of rations.
Dec. 10, 1942 – Dec. 17, 1942
Dec. 25, 1942 – (From the Perths War Diary)
The Perths paraded to the Dome, a large dance hall in downtown

Brighton. After a sing-song, dinner was served by the sits! There
was turkey, pork and all the trimmings. Also plenty of beer, coca
cola and delicacies. There was a 1-hour variety show, followed by
a dance in the pavilion Ball Room.
Dec. 26, 1942 (From the War Diary)
- at the New Imperial Hotel in Hove
Saturday— Training was curtailed to-day, due to the imminence of

a move. Coys spent the day cleaning barracks and grounds.
Strength- 34 officers 709 other ranks.

Also from the Perths War Diary ( continued )
Sun. Dec. 27,1942 –
The Perths are still at the New Imperial Hotel in Hove. There are
Divine Services – the Protestant personnel of ‗A‘ and ‗C‘ Coys
paraded to services at St. Cuthbert‘s Presbyterian Church at 1000
hrs. this morning. The members of the Regt. of R.C. faith
attended Mass at Sacred Heart Church at the same hour.
Preparation for Move – Coys continued cleaning barracks during a
few hours of the day.
Strength Decrease – 1 other rank was struck off strength on

transfer to Forestry Crops.
Feeding strength – 34 officers and 708 other ranks.
Weather – Overcast
Dec. 29,1942 –
The Perths returned
to Pippingford Park for about 16 days.
The Stratford Beacon Herald, Oct. 1942

The Beacon Herald- Sat. Oct. 17, 1942

The Beacon Herald- Sat. Oct. 17/42
are backed by the entire

resources of the nation

The Stratford Beacon Herald Beacon Herald
Mon. Oct. 19, 1942 Oct. 19, 1942

From the Listowel Banner of 1942

Listowel
Banner‘
1943
Uncle Jim, during wartime.
This inscription was written on the

back of the original photo of Uncle
Jim in Scotland.
Uncle Jim, on a leave of absence in Scotland

Uncle Irv, in overseas
On the back of the original photo, Irv has

written, - ―Don‘t worry, I didn‘t get in. it
was after 3 o‘clock.‖
Uncle Irv, in England
On the back of the original photo, Irv had

written, - ―Well I got a grin on my face
anyway.‖
Back in Canada
‗The Atwood Bee‘ — April 8, 1943
‗The Listowel Banner‘1943
Patricia Ann Winter of 1943
(to the south of Grandpa‘s station )

A photocopy of a Christmas card that was sent to Mom and Dad from Uncle Jim when he
was overseas – probably Dec. 1942.
Training in Uckfield (Jan. 16, 1943 – July 3, 1943)
About Jan. 14, 1943 the Perths moved 6 miles, to New Town Uckfield (in East Sussex)
where they were billeted for almost 6 months, in requisitioned houses and institutions. On
Jan. 16th the Perths learned that instead of being a motor battalion, they had been
redesignated an infantry battalion because, as the war progressed, there was need for
more infantry.
The Perths were brigaded with 2 other infantry battalions, - The Irish Regiment Canada
and the Cape Breton Highlanders.
These 3 regiments together were known as the 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade.

The Perths had to learn new movement techniques. The Perths took part in an exercise
called ‗Exercise Spartan‘ which was the largest training exercise ever undertaken in
Britain. 300,000 troops, in opposed forces, fought a practice war over 12 – country area
of Southern England.
Tradesmen‘s Rates of pay, -
Feb. 25/43 a11169 J/Cpl Bell R.I.
Dr. Oper. S.P.C. $1.85 per diem
Strength Decrease – Pte Bell G.C. Dr. MecQ.S.C.
S.O.S to No. 5 C.I.R.U. ( Armd. Div. )
Leave of Absence – April. 17/43 A 11169 J/Cpl. Bell R.I.
7 Days P.L. plus 48 hrs. pass ( total 9 dep.) with money

allowances in lieu rations.
Tradesmen‘s Rates of Pay – May 28/43 continue 1.85 per diem J/Cpl
Bell R.I. Daily region – rental rate of pay was $1.40 ( or $1.50
).
Strength Increase – A 11877 Pte. Bell J.C. Dr. MecQ. ‗C‘
June 11/43 T.O.S. from C.I.R.U.
w. of. Auth – Dem 76 d/6 June 43
Leave of Absences – Granted to A 11169
J/Cpl. R.I. Bell 9days
June 17/43 – June 26/43

George Vallance
George, the eldest son of Annie and Lloyd Vallance, after graduating from Listowel High
School, attended the Stratford Normal School (later Stratford Teachers‘ College) in 1937-
38. In 1938 George started to teach in *Branchton. Besides teaching, George was quite
involved in music, - singing in musical plays and also at services in Atwood Presbyterian
Church.
*Branchton is S.E. of
what is now the city of
Cambridge.

Sometime, in the latter part of 1940/41, George joined the Air Force, along with his
brother Jack and after training was completed they left for England. George flew a
Stirling Bomber and Jack flew a Lancaster Bomber.
Over the next 2 years, George flew on several raid or mission to Germany. According to
the rules of the 60 raids or 2 tours of duty (30 raids = 1 tour), he has to take a break from
the war. By April 15, 1943, George Vallance had completed 2 tours and so he packed his
bags in preparation for his flight home to Canada. He would see his family again for a
good visit and perhaps even do some teaching at a flying school, for awhile.

On that day in April, 1943, one of the flights that was to go out from England on a raid,
had a problems, - one of its crew member was ill and couldn‘t go. A replacement was
needed and even though George had completed 2 tours (Or 60 missions) and was to leave
shortly for a break, he volunteered to go on the mission to Germany. The Air Force
consented to let him go.
The flight took off for Germany and the mission was accomplished. On the way back to
England, George‘s plane came down near the village of charleirlle, France (north of
Reims ) near the Belgian / French border.
Derek remembers, very well, the day he heard about the tragedy. He was on his way
home for the Atwood Public School at lunch time. As usual, he walked to the Post Office
to get the mail, before he went home to eat his lunch. Somewhere along the street, he
heard that George‘s plane had gone down. When Derek arrived home with this news, his
mother immediately took off her apron, folded it, set it down and went out the door to
Annie‘s. Margery Nind and Annie were very close 1st cousins.
Marg Vallance told me that when her Dad brought home the telegram with the tragic
news of her ‗brother‘s death, the children cried and cried. Marg said, ―I don‘t remember
Mother crying but I do remember what Mother said, - ‗ The Lord gave us George and
now the Lord has taken him away.‘
I could not find any notice in the Atwood Bee – Listowel Banner re : George‘s death. But
perhaps, Annie and Lloyd, in their quiet way, chose to leave it out of the newspaper and
to mourn in private. Annie‘s and Lloyd‘s faith would carry them through.
At the Stratford Archives, in a book entitled ‗Index to Overseas Death of Ontario

Servicemen and Servicewomen 1939-1947 (by Bruce Thornley) is the following,-

Lloyd George Cause of Death
Vallance April 15, 1943 K I A
R.C.A.F.
Stirling Air Ops in Germany)
A number of years after the war, Annie and Lloyd received a letter from a French farmer
who lived near the crush site of George‘s plane. It was written in French and they took
the letter to Margaret Hamilton (Mrs. Arthur) for a translation. In the letter, the farmer
explained that at the time of the plane crush, he was just a little boy and he had found a
wrist watch at the crash site and took it to his home. As the years went on and he became
an adult, he often wondered about the owner of the watch and he wanted to return it to
the family. There was some I.D. on the watch and with the help of the international Red
Cross he learned whose it had been and the name and address of the family. He could
now write to the family.
Sometime after they received the letter about George‘s watch, Annie and Lloyd were on a
trip to Europe with several other postmasters. They made a side trip to the site where
George had died. There, they met the farmer, who as a little boy, had found George‘s
watch, and the watch was given to them.
An added note from Derek –
The last solo that George sang in Atwood Presbyterian Church, before going
Overseas, was ‘Crossing the Bar’.


Meanwhile, back home in Canada, Murray was granted a 3-month leave of absence from
the army, to help with harvest work on his parents‘ from ( Uncle Russell and Aunt Myrtle
) – the summer of 1943.
The Stratford Beacon

Herald– approx. Mar./43
Murray and Blackie, at the west side of their house on Lot

7 Concession 12 Elma Tp.
Uncle Jim and one of his army buddies.

Training in Hunstanton
(July 3, 1943 – Aug. 19, 1943)
On July 3, 1943 the Perths left Uckfield and moved to Hunstanton

on the south coast of ‗The Wash‘ – in Norfolk. Some large scale
exercises were done here. Also, at Hunstanton, the Perths
received some new members. Among the new ones, was Stan
Scislowski (from Windsor) who, since the end of the war, has done
public speaking on his war experiences and written the excellent
book, - ―Not All Of Us Were Brave‖. Stan was put in Company ‗D‘.
July 10, 1943 –
Britain and its Allies landed in Sicily and had control of the
island in 5 weeks.
Pat and Buster at grandpa‘s Esso Station in Newry. - July 31, 1943

A photocopy of a picture that appeared in the Stratford Beacon Herald the summer of
1943.

Copies of postcards that uncle Irv sent to Aunt Marge from Bournemouth, on the south
coast of England, was damaged by German bombs near the beginning of the war and
hence Uncle Irv‘s written note.

Training at Barton Stacey Camp
(Aug. 19, 1943 – Oct. 14, 1943)

On Aug. 19, 1943 the Perths left by train for Barton Stacey Camp
in Hampshire. This camp was 20 miles from Chilton Foliat where
the Perths had their first training camp in England. At Barton
Stacey the Perths stayed in wooden barracks huts, called ‗spider
huts‘.
This camp had a theatre where a new movie was shown every 2nd day.
There were also 4 canteens. At this camp, the Perths and other
Canadian battalions concentrated on combined exercise which took
them to the desolate moors north of Bournemouth, a camp near
Southampton, Hungerford, Chilton Foliat, Midhurst and Warthing.
Sept. 3, 1943 –
Britain and its Allies landed on the mainland of Italy.
Oct. 14, 1943 –
The Perths moved back to Sussex and were billeted in Eastbourne,

on the English Channel.

Oct. 16, 1943 –
At a battalion parade, Lt. Col Rutherford announced that the

Perths would be leaving England soon. New uniforms and personal
kits were issued. All equipment was turned in.
Oct. 26/43 –
The Perths went by train to Liverpool and boarded an American

ship, the John Ericsson.
Oct. 27/43 –
At 7.00 A.M. the John Ericsson pulled out of the harbour at

Liverpool. The Perths had been told that their destination was
Northern Ireland. Later that morning they learned that, that had
been a cover story for security purposes. They were really headed
for North Africa.
On the Atlantic Again
(Oct. 27,1943 – Nov. 8,1943 )
The John Ericsson, with 5,400 troops on board, pulled out of

Liverpool Harbour on Oct. 27/43 a convoy was formed of 24 ships –
9 of those ships were troop ships, some were cargo ships, 1 was a
tanker and some were destroyer escorts. Totally there were 34,000
Canadian troops on their way to war.
While on boards, the Perths had some lectures, boat drills most
days, ship inspections everyday and scheduled duty days. On Nov.
1st it was recorded in the Perths War Diary that ―The best
compartment was E4, which occupied by B, C and D Coys with Major
Andrew O.C.
Ship doctors administered anti – typhus inoculations and anti –

malaria medicine.
In the afternoons and evenings the troops were free for games,
such as bingo, and listening to the music of 2 different
orchestras (made up of men from the troops) – 1 orchestra played
modern music and the other old-time music. On warm days many
sunned themselves on the decks. Church services were held on
Sundays.
The troops enjoyed excellent meals on board this American ship.

On the first day aboard ship the Perths were amazed at the
flavour and amount of food. In his book entitled ‗Not All of Us
Were Brave‘ Stan Scislowski writes, - ―We looked on with mouths
open, as we watched the cafeteria servers dole out, into our mess

tins, generous quantities of steaming spaghetti and meat balls,
topped with tangy sauce, while in the other tin we accepted a
generous helping of fruit cocktail and in our porcelain tin mugs,
coffee, as only the yanks knew how to brew it. And after the
meal, we were given a bottle of coca-cola. More surprises at
breakfast…….. The scrambled eggs and bacon the Yanks served was
the real stuff. With hash browns on the side, two slices of
buttered toast and a small glass of orange juice, followed by the
taste of aromatic coffee, how could we not help but feel we‘d
arrived in heaven? Every meal became a new experience. We even
had guessing games as to what we might expect at the next meal, -
steak, pork chops, roast beef – we guessed it, they served it. It
was like we had never left home.‖
The troops were also allowed to buy extra treats from the
canteen. For 4 shillings, a man could buy 200 cigarettes and 6
chocolate bars.
Oct. 31, 1943-
The Perths War Diary – ―The morale of the troops at the present
time, is very high… Now they can do their share and help shorter
the war.‖

Excerpts from the Perths’ War Diary

(heading south on the Atlantic – Nov./49)
Nov. 2/43 –
―The weather is becoming warmer daily and many of the troops are
now sleeping on the decks.‖
Nov. 3/43-
―Weather – quite warm with a slight breeze. The ocean was very
calm which made for smooth sailing.‖
Nov. 4/43 –
―The convoy of 24 ships passed through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Weather was quite warm and the sea calm. However it was cooler at
night than it had been on the 2 preceding nights. At night we
passed several lighted villages on the African coast. For the
Perths this was very exciting, as they had not seen house lights
at night for over 2 years.‖
Nov. 5/43 –
―Group IV, which is the Perth Regt, was the duty group and had to
supply the guards and fatigues on the ship. The announcement came
over the P.A system in the afternoon that we were going to Italy
and would probably dock at Naples.‖
Now that the ships were in the Mediterranean, there were more
frequent boat drills and air-raid drills, as the Germans were
using submarine torpedoes and bombs from their aircrafts.
Nov. 6/43 –
―Brigadier Morton CRA 5th Division gave a talk on Italy and what
it was like prior to the war. A test on ‗Health in the Tropies‘
was held for all officers. AIR RAID – At 1800hrs ( 6.00 p.m) four
bells were sounded denoting an air raid.

All the officers and other ranks were immediately sent to their
quarters. In the next hour a great deal of gun fire and bombs
were heard. The air raid went on until about 1940 hrs.(7:40 P.M.)
when it was announced that the raid was off but all troops should
remain semi-alert in case of another attack. It was not known at
the time how much damage had been done to the convoy.
Entertainment, by the old-time orchestra, was started at 2000
hrs. (8.00 P.M).‖
Sun. Nov. 7/43 –
―Church Parade and service. Each unit was ordered to supply 8

Bren Guns and crews for AA protection. Air Raid Drill at 1630
hrs. (4.30 P.M.) Later on music was supplied by the old-time
orchestra which had reached a high degree of perfection. Some of
the convoy dropped off in Sicily. Weather – Sea was a little
rough (another source of information said there was a howling
gale causing huge waves!)
Results of Air Raid – It was announced over the P.A. system that
our losses were 2 ships torpedoed, one of which probably made
port. Enemy‘s losses were 2 planes definitely and 1 probable.‖
More about the Air Raid of Nov. 6, 1943
The Ericsson, that the Perths were on, was not hit but 3 of the ships in the convoy were
badly damaged. 3 enemy planes were shot down, 1 of which narrowly missed the
Ericsson as the plane hit the sea. One of the torpedoed ships, the S.S. Santa Elena, an
American ship carrying more than 1800 Canadian (including 121 Canadian nurses from
No. 14 Canadian General Hospital and all their equipment) was hit near the water line by
a torpedo and on the deck by a bomb. Life boats carried away the 121 nurses. In the
book, ‗the Fighting Perths,‘ is the following account,
―The crewmen, who were assigned to the lifeboats, were Latin –

American waiters and stewards, who turned out to be useless as
boatmen. The Canadian nurses took over the oars and rowed to the
troopship, S.S. Monterey, half a mile away, where they scrambled
up rope ladders. U.S. destroyers picked up the rest of the Santa
Elena‘s passengers and crew.‖
Eventually the Santa Elena did sink and all the hospital equipment was lost. The other 2
ships that sank were a Dutch cargo ship and the U.S. destroyer, Beatty. There were lives
lost but no Canadians.

The Country of Italy
The Mountains, -
More than 1/3 of the country is mountainous. The Apennines stretch for 823 miles down
the centre and the Alps are in the north.
Rivers and Lakes, -
Italy has many rivers, most of which come down from the Apennines and flow towards
the seas on both sides of Italy. In Northern Italy, there are many small lakes which,
because of their depth, never freeze.
Plains, -
Only ¼ of the total area of Italy is flat land. There‘s a large plain area in the north,
between the Alps and the Apennines. Part of this plain is known as the PO Valley. There
are smaller plain areas along parts of the coast.
Italy‘s physical features were huge challenges for the allies in World War 2. There were
so many rivers! One historian said, - ―To win, you have to win the rivers, one at a time.
Always another, after the last one!‖ During the rainy weather, they were very swollen and

were hard to cross safely. The rivers were in the low areas and anyone trying to cross
could be seen by those on higher ground. The German defense lines were often on the
north side of a river and in order for the allies to advance and push the Germans further
north, they had to first conquer the river. The German blew up bridges. Mountains posed
many problems. The German armies often held the high areas, which were difficult to
access. Some of the Italian maps were not correct and so caused problems. The Germans
knew the land quite well. The weather was often challenging, - rain and snow brought
dampness, cold, mud and more mud. Water invaded their slit trenches. One returned
veteran said, - ―Italy was the roughest, toughest fighting. Every town we took, it was
tree–to-tree, house-to-house, room-to-room.‖
In a letter that Murray sent to his friend, Delfard Duncan, Murray mentions the weather

Murray wrote the letter to Delford in Oct. 1944.Tthe entire letter is included in this book
but later on in the section which took place in Oct 1944.


Benito Mussolini and His Native Land, Italy

After World War I, there was much poverty and unrest in Italy. A young Italian,
Benito Mussolini, who had served in the Italian army during the war, had an ambition to
become the strong man of Italy, who would restore order, rule as a dictator and lead his
country to national greatness. He formed the Fascist party and became its leader. This
party restored order in Italy by force. When the Fascist marched on Rome in 1922, the
Italian King decided to entrust the government to the Fascists and the King appointed
Mussolini as Prime Minister. In 1925 Mussolini took complete control of the government
and allowed only one party – his own. Mussolini ruled Italy as a dictator for 18 years.
During the beginning of his rule, he carried out some useful reforms. He drained many of
the Italian marshes and set up farms on the reclaimed land. He improved the railways and
built fine roads.
But eventually Mussolini wanted to establish an Italian Empire abroad. In 1936 he

conquered Ethiopia. He colonized Libya with Italian peasants. In 1939 he seized Albania
and laid claim to Malta, Corsica and Tunis.
On May 9th, 1939 Mussolini allied with Adolph Hitler, which was probably his biggest
mistake. Their alliance was known as the Rome – Berlin Axis. In 1940 Mussolini
attacked France after Hitler had already invaded it. Also in 1940, Mussolini invaded
Greece but needed Germany‘s help in conquering it. Later in 1940, Japan joined the

German – Italian Alliance and this alliance was known as the German – Berlin – Tokyo
Axis.
In 1941 the Italians joined with the Germans in the attack on Yugoslavia. Mussolini tried
to conquer Egypt but was unsuccessful because of the British and their allies. By 1943
the Italians had lost their entire African Empire – Libya, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Italian
Somaliland.
On July 10,1943 Britain and its Allies landed in Sicily and after 5 weeks they had control
of the island.
The Italian people wanted peace and began to lose patience with Mussolini. On July 25,
1943 the Italian government forced Mussolini to resign and he was put in prison. Another
premier took over but shortly after the Allied armies invaded the southern part of the
Italian mainland on Sept. 3rd 1943, that premier also surrendered.
But the Germans did not intend to give up Italy without a fight and Hitler poured fresh
army divisions into the country. By Sept. 10th, 1943, the Nazis had brought the central
and northern parts of Italy under their control. German paratroopers freed Mussolini from
prison and he traveled to northern Italy, where he set up his own government under
Hitler‘s protection.
Meanwhile, Allied armies were powering into Southern Italy. Soldiers of the Allied 5th
Army landed at Salerno on Sept. 9/43 and, after a hard and costly fight, ousted the
Germans. The 5th Army then went on to Naples and by Oct. 1/43 had control of Naples.
The British 8th Army drove up the Adriatic side of Italy.
Oct. 13, 1943 –
The Italian government decided to co-operate with the Allies and

on Oct. 13/43 Italy declared war on Germany. From that date on,
the Italian Army joined forces with the Allies and helped to
gradually push the Nazis north.
Nov. 8, 1943 –
The John Ericsson (holding 5400 troops including the Perths), the
Thurston (another troop ship), 2 cargo ships and 3 escorting
destroyers pulled into the harbour at Naples. The big part, the
Perths would play in the war, was about to begin!


Although this letter (in the form of notes) was

Sent Nov. 14, 1943 it was not published in the
Stratford Beacon Herald until Feb. 12,1944.

Naples and Afragola

Nov. 8 – Nov. 19, 1943
When the Perths arrived in the harbour at Naples on Nov. 8, 1943 devastation was seen
everywhere, especially in the harbour itself. Naples had been freed from the German
army just a month before. Before the Germans left, they made sure the harbour was well
bombed to prevent it being used by any of the allies. But thanks to the work of the
American army, the harbour was now passable, although still a mess. The John Ericsson
and the other 6 ships were the first ones able to get into the harbour in quite awhile. The
city of Naples was also a mess. Many buildings were now just piles of rubble. In some
parts the sewage system had been wrecked.
The Perth Regiment, the Irish Regiment of Canada and the cape Breton Highlanders
(which together made up the 11th Infantry) marched, in pouring rain, 4 miles north of
Naples to the village of Afragola. Because their pup tents were still on one of the cargo
ships, the men slept, that night, on their ground sheets, in a vineyard without blankets.
The weather was cold and damp.
On the next day, all drivers and fatigue men had to be back to the dock in Naples by 0600
hrs. to unload, from the ships, all the supplies, such as tents, kit bags, and numerous other
stores and then load them onto trains for transportation to Casoria where trucks picked
them up for delivery to the camp site. Army vehicles were also picked up. It rained all
day!
For the First 4 days, food rations were short – hard tack (biscuits), some bread and weak
tea. But there were many Italian peddlers selling oranges, figs, walnuts, apples and
lemons. This helped a great deal!
While at this first camp, the Perths and the other 2 Regiments experienced heavy rain, off
and on, for 6 days. In his book, ‗Not All of us Were Brave‘, Stan Scislowski writes, -
―Webbed feet would have been a welcome asset‖. He also adds that the waterlogged
fields were in no condition for athletic pursuits or any other form of activity except
wading!
The German army had been driven back about 20 miles north of Naples – to a line along
the Volturno River. But their airforce was still trying to play havoc with the harbour at
Naples. Sometimes, at night, the troops saw and heard German planes circling over the
harbour, looking for targets. They also heard and saw the firing of anti – aircraft guns.
One day, while still at Afragola, the 11th Infantry enjoyed a tour of Pompeii, at the foot of
Mount Vesuvius.

Uncle Irv ( 2nd from left) and some buddies.
On the back of the original photo was written, - ‗Taken in Italy 1943‘

Altamura
(Nov. 19/43 – Jan. 11/44)
On Nov. 19, 1943, the 3 regiments of the 11th Infantry moved across Italy to a camp area
near Altamura (35 miles from Bari, an Adriatic seaport). For some of the men, it took 8
hours. For others it took longer, as some of the trucks broke down and some became
mired down in mud. Even a bulldozer had to be brought in to free some trucks.
The Perths set up their tents in a grove of olive trees. All around the grove were rocks,
scraggly bushes and ravines. The landscape was depressing! But at least the tents were on
elevated land this time and there would be no flooding. And, as Stan Scislowski later
wrote, - ―After a long day‘s training amongst the rocks, hillocks and ravines, it was with
a good feeling we marched back to our humble homes under the spreading branches of
the olive trees.‖

The Irish Regiment was billeted in a large 2 – storey dwelling in Altamura and they felt
quite lucky and were the envy of the other 2 Regiments, until the Irish ran into health
problems. The building was drafty and unheated. The men slept on cold, hard floors and
the rooms were infested with lice and other parasites that live on human bodies. The Irish
experienced colds, pleurisy, flue and intestinal problems. The Cape Bretoners were
housed in a former concentration camp for Allied POWs and weren‘t much better off
than the Irish. All 3 regiments soon realized which one was really the luckiest and the
Perths had no parasites to contend with. But they were bothered by lizards. When Uncle
Jim returned from the war, he told us, - ―The lizards were every-where. They crawled all
over you at night, disturbing sleep. They got into our knapsacks. I hated them almost as
much as I hated the German!‖ But the lizards never bit the men and they had a strict diet
of insects. Which was good!
For the next 6 or 7 weeks the 3 Regiments trained over the uneven wasteland. There were
long marches, assault exercises, field firing, patrol training, active night patrolling,
mountain climbing and the firing of Piat grenades and other explosives. They had lectures
on map reading, mine detectors, maintenance of guns, vehicles and wireless equipment.
There were also larger exercises involving the 3 regiments together.
For recreation, the 3 Regiments had organized sports, trips into the town of Altamura and
longer trips into places like Bari and Taranto.
At Christmas time, the postal jeep arrived at the Perths camp, among the olive trees, with
many letters and parcels for everyone. This mail was so welcome, especially at Christmas
when the men were so far away from family celebrations. For most of the men in the
Perths, this was the 3rd Christmas away from home. Gifts such as cookies, cakes,
chocolate bars, gum, candy, canned fruit, jam and various canned meats were enjoyed by
all for several days. One of the most popular gifts were the packets of Lipton‘s instant
chicken noodle soup – so delicious after a long cold day of training and later combat.
On the Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 1943 the regiments had Christmas services with carol
singing and then Christmas dinner – roast turkey, creamed mashed potatoes, cranberry
sauce, carrots, peas, beet slices and bread. Later, the men had beer and wine. After dinner
there was a concert.
Dec. 27, 1943 –
The Perth‘s War Diary recorded that it was very hard to carry out
training, because of incessant rain and high wind. Many pup tents
blew down. Map reading and Kit inspections were carried out.
In Dec. 1943, General Simonds, who had taken command of the 5th Armoured Division,
was impressed with the 3 regiments that made up the 11th Infantry. He asked that the
Infantry be put into Line and so on Jan. 4,1944 orders were received for the 11th Infantry
to advance to the section of the front lines which was just north of Ortona. They were to
relive the Carleton and York Regiments, who were in a reserve position there. The men

would be going up against the best troops in the German army, the famed 1st Parachute
Division, who were fanatic and their greatest wish was to die for their Furhrer!
A pretty decoration welcomed
our guests. Mom made it, of
course. Aunt Lois gave Marg a new book.

Heading North to the Front Lines

(Jan. 11, 1944 – Jan. 12, 1944)
On the evening of Jan. 11, 1944, the Perths, Bretoners and Irish regiments left their camp
at Altamura and travelled north towards the Front. As of Jan. 1st/44, the Front line was
now along the Riccio River. It started 2 miles north of Ortona and ran in a southwest
direction through ravines and valleys to Guardiagrele at the foot of Monte Maiella.

Everyone was excited at the prospect of getting into battle and broke into song! They
travelled through Corato, Andria and Canosa. When they reached San Severo, the
temperature dropped and the singing ended. The temperature dropped even more when
they entered the Foggia Plains. Eventually it went well bellow freezing and even though
they were warmly dressed, the men shivered.
In the morning, the men saw much evidence of war, as they looked out windows of their
vehicles, - many houses in ruins, knocked out Sherman tanks and a badly damaged jeep.
As the convoy neared Termoli, there were more knocked – out tanks and fresh graves
(Canadian and German – side by side). The men were now hearing the sounds of
artillery.
The convoy travelled on through Vasto and Lanciano and finally stopped at a soggy field
south of San Vito. Immediately the men started to dig their trenches. These could be only
a foot deep – any deeper and the water seeped in. their vehicles were on very soggy
ground.
The German army was to the north and also to the west of the 11th Infantry and artillery
could be heard coming from both directions. However, the men saw the Hurricanes of the
Allies, which were busy giving ground support and also attacking the enemy around
Oraogona, below Monte Maiella.

Land Mines
Land mines were a huge problem during the war. In one of our visits (pat and I) with Art
Eglinton (Uncle Irv‘s friend and fellow signaler) we talked about the threat of these
mines. Art told us that sand bags were put in the floors of the jeeps, tanks and trucks.
Although this wasn‘t a total solution, it did help to protect the men if the vehicle went
over a mine, which exploded.
The Battle at the Riccio and Arielli Rivers
(January 17, 1944)
After the 11th Infantry arrived north of Ortona on Jan. 12th, orders were changed and
instead of being in a reserve position, they were to attack the German positions. The
reason for this was to keep the German army so busy at the east end of the Line that they
wouldn‘t be able to move their troops to the west end of the Line.
The plan was for the Perths, with a squadron of Three Rivers tanks, to attack first and
when they had captured the top of the ridge on the far side of the Riccio River, the Cape
Bretoners, also with a squadron of Three Rivers tanks, were to attack on the Perths‘ right.
Then the 2 battalion were to go over the crest and take over the valley of the Arielli
River.

At 0530 hours on Jan. 17th, 1944, the Perths ―A‖ Company moved forward on the right
and ―C‖ Company on the left. ―A‖ Company came under heavy fire as they crossed the
Riccio. The Germans were holed up in a house.
―C‖ Company then advanced. The lead platoon wiped out a machine–gun post and then it
and its Lieutenant pressed on up the ridge and at 0730 house were on the Company
objective! However they lost 12 of its 21 men. The rest of ‗C‘ Company got pinned to the
ground while crossing the fire. Most of the firing came from a large house.
‗B‘ and ‗D‘ companies of the Cape Bretoners also got hit in the valley bottom. The
remnants of the Perths‘ ―C‖ and ―D‖ companies tried again and got within 200 yards of
the ridge when they were told to withdraw, because of thinned ranks.
After midnight, the 9 remaining of the lead platoon from ―C‖ company of the Perths, that
had met their objective, crept back to the rest of the Perth Regiment. It had been assumed
that the 9 men had died but indeed they had taken 2 enemy posts on the ridge and then
had dug in. All day long, they had fought off counter–attacks by the German paratroopers
who were all around them!
In that one day of action, the Perths had 137 causalities – 47 killed, 62 wounded and 28
taken prisoner. The next day, 11th Infantry returned to their camp, south of San Vito.
This was the only time in the war that the Perths did not capture their complete objective.
2 weeks later, a different battalion attacked the same area and it was also driven back. In
fact the German kept this ridge for another 3 months.
The Perths were told that they had done an excellent job against the German Army‘s best
group and had inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.
Static Warfare at the Front Lines
(Jan. 20- Mar. 15, 1944)
On Jan. 20, 1944 the 11th Infantry moved to another area of the front. They were to
protect 3 ridges or ‗hold the line‘ in the area of Orsogna and Lanciano. This area had
many ravines and valleys where the German could hide and then advance without being
noticed. During these 2 months, the ‗11th‘ Infantry and the Westminster Regiment (a total
of 4 regiments) were on constant patrol (2 men went between companies to make sure all
was well – 2 hr shifts), standing patrol ---

(4 or 5 men went down into the valley for 2 hours, listening for enemy patrol activity). If
they heard anything, they hurried back and alerted their company, recce patrol (the men
had to sneak up close to the enemy positions, pinpoint those positions and other useful
information and then report back to HQ), ambush (fighting) petrol (men went out and
stirred up trouble, with the hope that they could kill more of he enemy than the enemy
could). This duty was the most hated, because the enemies were in dugouts or a house
and were relatively safe and could see or hear the patrol coming and that patrol person
was out in the open. There was also listening patrol duty. (The man on that duty was in a
small house, at night. If anything was heard that sounded suspicious, a message was sent
to Company H.Q by field telephone.

A portion of the many names of Perth Reg. who received an award around Jan. 21/44 –
photocopied from the Perth War Diary.

Excerpts from the Perths War Diary - ‘Lanciano’

Jan. 28/44 –
―Pay parade was held for ‗Bn HQ‘, ‗A‘ and ‗Sp‘. coys in the
morning. ‗B and D‘ coys were paid in the afternoon. ‗C‘ coy could
not be paid because of their position, which was under enemy
observation. ‗C‘ coy and ‗Bn HQ‘ were mortared for a short while
during the afternoon. Standing and listening patrols were
dispatched by ‗B‘ and ‗D‘ coys at 1800 hrs.‖
Feb. 3/44 –
―The Perths traded places with the Irish Regiment. It was a

distance of only 3 miles but weather was terrible. There was
sleet the complete way and the ground was very slippery with mud,
water and slush. In their new sector, the Perths had a group of
farmhouses and not many dugouts. The ground around the houses,
however, had not been cleared of mines. For 2 weeks in Feb. there
was severe rain and sleet. The men slept fully clothed with even
their boots on. At this new sector, their patrol duties were the
same as before.‖
Feb. 5/44 –
―‗B‘ Company of the Perths lost some of their men in a disaster.

Some of them were linked up for lunch and a motor bomb hit the
line. 14 men were killed instantly, 2 more within the day. Over
20 more were wounded quite seriously.‖
Fri. Feb. 11/44 –
―Recce patrols reported in at 0400 hrs. with valuable infm, which

was immediately passed on to Bde. Infm was received at 1000 hrs,
that ‗C‘ coy was to be relieved by ‗A‘ Coy of the Westminster
Regt. and in turn ‗C‘ Coy would relieve the fwd coy of the Irish
Regt. ‗C‘ Coy‘s move was completed without incident. Weather –
Cold with rain and snow.‖
Wed. Feb. 16/44 –
―Patrol from ‗C‘ Coy reported at 0300 hrs that they had located 3
enemy positions across the Arielli area 279121…. 6 mortar shells
dropped in ‗D‘ coy area at 1635 – wounding one man. Patrol, from
Scout P1, confirmed at 2330 hrs, that house 277116, was occupied
by the enemy. ‗C‘ Coy patrol recce‘d Areilli R. from 0279119 to
278119. No crossing was found between these two points.
Weather – cold with rain and snow…‖

Appox. Feb. 19/44-
―The Perth Regiment moved to a different sector again. At this

area there were mostly dugouts but they were crude and shallow
and not very protective. Again the listening post (in a small
farm-house) had to be manned for 24-hour periods (dark to dark).
There was a good view of the valley from this house. With
binoculars, they could see the Germans walking about quite freely
and at night, they could hear lots of noise from that same German
army.‖
Periodically, and a few at a time, the Perths were given a chance

to take a break from duty, for a day or 2, when they went to a
‗rest‘ house for baths, haircuts and shaves, extra sleep (on
cots), the chance to sit down at a table for a hot meal, a break
from patrol duty and a relief from tension!!

Static Warfare at the Front, near Lanciano and Orsogna,

Italy in Jan., 1944
This is a photocopy of a picture that appeared in our Stratford Beacon Herald.

This portion of a letter, from J – C Rutherford, appeared

in the Beacon Herald on Jan. 28, 1944.
At Grandma‘s in Newry (date on back of photo – Feb.

1944). It‘s probably a Sunday and Grandma is about to
take us to Sun School.
Marg, Grandma, Pat and Jean.

Thurs. Mar. 9/44 –
―A fighting patrol of 12 ORs was sent to raid house 268100 and

try to capture POWs. Patrol formation was a covering section in
front and a Piat assault section to the left about 40 feet from
the house. Piat section engaged house successfully and assault
went in. One burst of Thompson Carbine silenced enemy MG which
was firing from position in rear. Grenades were thrown and one
enemy, looking out of upper window, was shot by a Thompson M.G.
Enemy M.G. opened up from 267099 and 272108. Patrol with hew
under covering fire – one men slightly wounded. The remainder of
the day was very quite…‖
From the Stratford newspaper

Stratford‘s Factories Support the War Effort
During the war years, the productions in the factories were geared to the needs of those in
the service. Many new tasks were learned and often, because of the great demand, there
was need for over-time.
- The Williams- Trow knitting firm produced gloves for the men at war, knitted
gauntlets for inside the gloves, and special caps to be warm under the steel
helmets.
- Ballantyne‘s was also busy, making gloves, sweaters and toques.
- Imperial Rattan produced wing spars for Mosquito bombers, rattan gun mats
for the heavy howitzers, and furniture for military camps and hospitals.
- The C.A. Moore factory produced rear spars for the bombers.
- The Kroehler Company made front spars for the Mosquito, special railway
box cars to house the spars, and gun turret rings for the Lancaster and Anson
bombers.
- Griffith‘s produced over 200 different items, including wireless sets for tank
and field telephones and detonators for land mines.
- Stratford Brass Company produced products for the Navy.
- The Grosch Felt Shoe Company turned out 50,000 pairs of felt boots, each
year of the war.
- The Hastings Foundry supplied parts for cargo and war ships.
- Preston Noelting made industrial casters for British planes and air training
stations.
- Avalon Fabrics made bolts of khaki serge for Army battle dress, tarpaulins
and covers for gun turrets.
- Whyte Packing produced millions of dollar‘s worth of bacon and lard for
overseas.
- Swift Canadian sent large quantities of eggs and cheese to the forces and also
to Britain.
- Stratford Machine and Tool made tools needed to manufacture machine guns,
tanks, ammunition, and radios.
- The C.N.R. shops continued to repair much-needed locos.
- Krug Furniture factory was used as a barracks – to train various regiments.
(This was the McLagan building)

In a Reserve Position
(Mar. 15 – Apr. 7, 1944)
Art Eglinton (on left) and

Uncle Irv in Italy (No date
given). Art and Irv were in
the signal Corps.
On Mar. 15, 1944 the Perths, Cape Bretoners, Irish and the other regiment that had been
on patrol duty at the front, left that dangerous area and travelled 70 miles south to some
beautiful and safe countryside, just 20 miles west of Foggia (where the Allied airfield
was). Here, there were grassy hillsides, farms and sheep. Far away to the west were the
mountains. For a few days, the weather was spring- like and many of the men lay out on
blankets and soaked up the sun‘s warmth – glad to be away from the dangers of the front
line.
During the time that the Perths and other regiments had been at the front, the men had
lost strength because they were often in cramped dugouts and not able to stretch their
limbs. So a daily regime of route marches in the hilly country was carried out and the

men got back into the superb physical shape they had been in before. There was also
further training on field firing, signalling and weapons. All units worked hard on
techniques of co-operation between infantry and tanks. Battalion vehicles were painted
and repairs and maintenance done. All units attended a river-crossing school, where they
had large training and boatmanship. But they never got to practice the methods learned
because the weather turned nasty and the river was full and rushing.
Films were shown on various nights, such as, according to the Perths War Dairy, -
―Manpower, My Favourite Wife, and The Iron Road‖
On Sun. Apr. 7, 1944, after an Easter Church service, the Perths and some of the other
regiments, formed up at 1200 hrs. and began their march for the west side of Italy, -
towards the mountains northeast of Cassino. Orders had come through for a return to
active duty.
Meal Times at the Front
Sometimes, on the front lines, the men were not able to have a hot meal. Perhaps they
were too close to the battle or perhaps the meal trucks were unable to get through to
them. At those times, they opened tins containing a mixture of mutton and vegetables.
They also had cans of fruit, jam, bacon, dried potatoes, egg powder, tea and sometimes
chocolate bars. If the men were in battle and there was a lull, they might open a can of
bully beef, which they ate with hard tack (biscuits) and washed down with water from
their water bottles. If there was a cook tent, breakfast was served about 0400 and
consisted of oatmeal, 2 slices of beacon, bread, cheese and perhaps coffee. Coffee was
very scarce.
In the Mountains at Cassino
(Apr. 9 – May 4, 1944)
On April 9th, 1944 the Perths, Irish and Cape Bretoners (11th Infantry) travelled to an area
that was very mountainous, near Cassino, on the west side of Italy. On Apr. 15, the
Westminster Regiment (from B.C) joined the 11th Infantry. The job of the 4 regiments
was to defend a high piece of land that was now in the hands of the allies. Back in
Germany, 1944, the Free French had taken this 5-mile stretch of land away from the
Germans. Since January, this piece of land had been protected by various nations, taking
turns, - the French, Italians, Americans, Poles, New Zealanders, British, Welsh and
Canadians. Thus the name – International Ridge.

Guarding this Ridge was an extremely difficult and dangerous job for the 4 Regiments to
accomplish. The International Ridge was right at the Front (the Hitler – Gustav Line) and
was surrounded by many mountains – all German held. Five miles from the International
Ridge was Monte Cassino. The town of Cassino was at the foot of this mountain and at
the top was the huge, bombed- out ruins of a monastery, known as the Benedictine
Abbey. Some of the German army lived in the Abbey and could see for miles around.
Right in front of the International Ridge was a 3000-foot mountain – Monte Cifalco
(1300 feet higher than the Ridge). The German paratroopers were housed on this
mountain. Both German armies held a commanding view of everything below them, on
all sides of the 2 mountains, including the one end of the Liri Valley. There were also the
5000-foot high Monte Cario. On it, the Germans could see the entire battlefront, from the
western mountains to the eastern ones.
In this area, the allied regiments, especially while on active duty, lived in Sangars, which
were high structure made of rocks piled in a circle. These sangars provided a fair amount
of protection but there could be no movement or noise during daylight hours. The enemy,
peering through high–powered binoculars, kept close touch on the Allies lines and any
noise or movement would result in enemy mortars and artillery. When each regiment had
its turn away from active duty and were in reserve, their pup tents were used. The tents
were pitched on hill-side terraces. The 4 regiments rotated – 2 on the Ridge and 2 in
reserve. Every night, the 2 Regiments on the Ridge sent out patrols, -

1. To capture enemy prisoners for intelligence purposes

2. To stop enemy patrols from getting into ally lines.
Enemy patrols were drive off with rifle fire and grenades.
Getting supplies, such as food, waters, and ammunition, up to the regiments, who were
guarding the International Ridge, could be a problem. The supplies came part way by
jeep trains. These jeep trains could go just so far in the mountains terrain and then the
supplies had to be unloaded from the jeeps and carried the rest of the way on the backs of
mules. These mule trains were handled by the Indian Army muleteers but sometimes the
Perths helped out with this task. Learning how to deal with stubborn mules was a difficult
task in itself. Sometimes the one in charge would yell out to the mules, if the mules were
being stubborn. Sometimes the mules would start braying. Any noise was noticed by the
enemy.
The Inferno Track, built by the French, was a narrow supply route that wound its way up
and around the many mountains. A part of it could not be seen well by the enemy, but it
was very narrow and if there were any wrong moves, people could perish on the rocks
below. At both ends of this route were radio-equipped Control posts manned by British
Military Police, whose job it was to regulate the flow of traffic, so the traffic moved
along in only one direction at a time.

On Mon. Oct. 23, 2006, Pat, Brenda and John Funston and I visited with Art Eglinton in
the A.M. at William‘s Coffee Shop. Then in the P.M. we went to the Army and Navy
where we met with 2 more veterans of the Perths, - Johnny Cole (who was in the Signal
Crops with Art and Uncle Irv) and Fred Scott (who was in the Motor Brigade). I asked
the 2 veterans a question about the time the Perths were near Cassino, defending a piece
of land that was held by the allies. Fred said that it was a very difficult time. The German
were up above them and there could be no noise or movement. Supplies were brought up
by mules, at night. Fred told us this story, - ―One day we were asked who had had any
experience with farming and I was stupid enough to put up my hand, as I had grown up
on a farm. And so, for the next 9 nights I led about 12 mules from the supply area to
where the Perths were. The path up was very narrow and winding and with supplies on
each side of mule, there was no room for a false step!‖
Fred also mentioned that while they were there in the mountains, each person was
allowed only 1 litre of water per day. He said, ―We rigged up a method to collect rain
water to supplement the supply.‖ Fred remembered Uncle Irv but especially remembered
Uncle Jim and said, - ―Jim was quiet.‖
Johnny Cole also remembered Uncle Irv and Frank. Johnny was a signaler like Art and
Irv. He said that Frank had been in the signal Corps but he left it and did other jobs.
Everytime Irv‘s name was mentioned, Johnny got the biggest grin on his face and he‘d
laugh. At least twice, when he looked at Pat, he said – ―You look like your Dad.‖
Johnny also added, - ―When I arrived home, I had to see a shrink!‖

Sat. Apr. 15, 1944 –
Recce patrol reported at 0400 hrs, they had gotten only as far as
884289 and had returned because of suspected enemy ambush patrol.
‗C‘ and ‗D‘ Coys received a heavy shelling at 0730 hrs. There
were no casualties. Slight shelling of Jeep Head at 1530 hrs….
10 personnel from each coy per 3 days were being sent out to
Snowhaven, 11 Cdn Inf Bde rest camp.
Excerpts from the Perths War Dairy

Sun. Apr. 16/44 –
Recce patrol, under command of Lieut Young, reported at 0300 hrs

that there were no enemies at rd. juno. 882288 but houses at
883291 were definitely occupied, as they heard movement in this
area. Also heard 2 rifle shots coming from VALLELUCE. 6 shells
landed at jeep head at 1600 hrs. ‗D‘ Coy area 875283 was heavily
mortared at 1830 hrs. at 1900 hrs. ‗BHQ‘, ‗D‘ and ‗C‘ coys were
heavily mortared. At 2130 hrs. 10 PL reported movement in front
of their area, MR899288. 10 round of 3 mortars were fired and
movement ceased.
Tues. Apr. 18/44 –
Recce patrol # 32, under Lieut Young, reported at 0130 hrs. they
heard movement near houses 883291 and someone reeling cable at
883288. Also heard Mules leaving vicinity of houses 883291.
Patrol went as far as 881289 then returned because of suspected
enemy ambush. Patrol # 31, under Lieut Asbury, reported at 0430
hrs; house at 887291 unoccupied. Also found 2 dead Italians on
path leading up to the house. Patrol # 31, under Lieut Hood of
‗D‘ Coy, reported at 0530 hrs. They had recce‘d road to MR 878295
and no sign of enemy. Standing patrol, at 873283, reported they
had heard 3 or 4 enemies at 0345 hrs. Threw several grenades and
fired MG. Enemy withdrew. From 1900 to 2100 hrs; ‗D‘ Coy received
very heavy shelling in Fwd Pl area MR 874289. One OR was killed.
Thurs. Apr. 20/44 –
Patrol, from scout pl under Lieut Young, reported at 0230 hrs.

they had recced houses at 883291. After laying up in front of the
houses for ½ hour, Lieut Young decided to go through each house
individually. This was done and the patrol just started back when
Lieut Young was shot through the head. He died instantly. 1 OR
was wounded….
Apr. 22/44 –
Irish Regt took over from the Perth Regt last night but area was
heavily shelled during the takeover. Casualties – 1 OR killed and
1 wounded of Perths and 2 ORS wounded of the Irish. Supply train
to Cape Bretoners and Irish Regts. was held up to-night by
shelling of the route up.
Apr. 25/44 –
Patrols last night made no contact with enemy but found more
enemy posns. The policy on this front is to remain quiet and
patrols are mostly recce. Enemy guns and mortars last night were
fairly active and caused one casualty in the Westminster Regt.
‗He‘ seems to be concentrating on our supply routes, and ‗he‘
shells roads and towns in area quite often.

Apr. 28/44 –
Enemy has been using trained dogs on this front to give warming
of the approach of our patrols.
*Apr. 27 & 28/44 –
Just before midnight, a German patrol probed the section of line

held by ‗D‘ Company of the Cape Breton Highlanders. The Company
Commander let the small German patrol move unmolested, past his
hidden men, rather than wipe then out. This led the German to
believe the line was only lightly defended. ‗D‘ Company‘s
perimeter was pounded by heavy mortar, which lightly wounded 3 of
the Bretoners. From their sangars, the 30 men of No. 18 Platoon
of the Bretoners, watched a German Officer position 2 platoons of
his men for an attack and then the Officer shouted, -
―Surrender, Canada, we have you completely surrounded!‖ The
Bretoners responded with a string of shouted profanities and a
shower of 30 grenades, followed by each Bretoner firing his rifle
or machine gun. The Germans fled, screaming with fear, abandoning
their dead and wounded on the slope. In the morning, German
stretcher-bearers came forward, under the protection of Red Cross
flags and were allowed to evacuate their dead and wounded.
* - This past account of Apr. 27+28/44 is not recorded in the Perths War Diary but is
recorded in another War Diary entitled, -
Extracts from the War Diary of HQ 11th Cdc Inf Bde
April + May 1944
After the Irish took over the Perths‘ sangars on or about Apr.
22nd, the Perths moved back to near the Perths‘ Headquarters at
Santa Elia. The Perths pitched their pup tents on ledges or
terraces about 5 feet wide. Although there was still enemy
artillery fire, it was a safer area.
About a week later, near the end of April, a Polish Corps arrived
and set up camp. Then a South African Brigade came in. These 2
groups were taking over the defending of the International Ridge.
On may 5th the Perths, Westminsters, Irish and Cape Bretoners

broke camp and were transported 25 miles south to an area in the
northern part of the Volurno Valley. It was good to be out of
danger for awhile!

In the Volturno Valley
(May 5 – May 17, 1944)
On May 5, 1944 the Perths, Irish, Cape Bretoners and Westminsters moved away from
Cassino, 25 miles south to the Volturno Valley. They pitched their pup tents in a field
near the village of Vairano, at the northeastern edge of the Valley. They noticed a build-
up of guns in this area and guessed that something major was soon to happen. There were
also many more regiments there.
Excerpts from the Perths War Dairy
Fri. May 5/44 –
All coy were in new area by 0230 hrs. The day was spent cleaning
up Bn area and getting kits in proper order. All members of the
Perth Regt. were issued summer kits. Entertainment – a film was
shown at 2030 hrs. Weather – Fair and warm.
Sat. May 6/44 –
All coys had a bath parade in the morning. In the afternoon slit
trenches were dug and coy area camouflaged. LT. Col Rutherford

held a meeting of all coy commanders and 2 i/cs at 1930 hrs.
Tours for all ranks were to be planned.
Sun. May 7/44 –
Church Parade – Protestant Church parade was held at 0930 hrs. in

the area rear of ‗B‘ Coy. Capt. D.C. Smith conducted the service.
R.C. Personnel parade at 0915 hrs. to little Church opposite Bde
Hq. Afternoon was spent camouflaging Bn. area. Entertainment – A
film was shown at 2030 hrs. Weather – very warm.
Mon. May 8/44 –
All tents were camouflaged with paint and nets were erected over
the entire Bn. area. Organized sports and range work were carried
out in afternoon. Lt. Gen. Olive Leese G.O.C 8th Army, accompanied
by Lt – Gen. E Burns G.O.C. 1 Cdn. Corps, Major Gen Hoffmeister
G.O.C. 5th Cdn Div and Brig. Snow Comd 11 Cdn Inf Bde visited the
until during the afternoon. While in the area, a certain amount
of training would be carried out, with emphasis laid on sports.
Conducted tours to Naples, Pompie and Sorrento were to be
arranged. Weather – fair.
Tues. May 9/44 –
Brig‘s Inspection – At 1145 the Perths were formed up for

inspection by Brig. E Snow, Comd 11 Cdn Inf Bde. Brig Snow spoke
to all ranks and congratulated them on the good work they had
done during their last tour of duty in the line. He also advised
that, in the battles to come, he would expect big things from 11
Cdn Inf Bde. In the afternoon organized sports and training were
carried out under coy arrangements. Weather – fair and warm.
The Gustav Line

The Gustav Line was a very strong German Line of defence that reached across Italy
from sea to sea. The 11th Infantry (Perths, Irish and Cape Bretoners) and sometimes the
Westminsters had spent almost 2 months at the Gustav Line in the area of Orsogna and
Lansiano, involved in Static Warfare. After that, the 4 regiments spent 3 weeks on
reserve near Foggia and then they were ordered back to the Front Line again at the other
end of the Line, to protect some allied land in the mountains near Cassino. Up until now,
the Allies had been unable to break through the German‘s Gustav Line of defence.
Various battalions, from various nations, had tried active warfare in area along the Line
but nothing came of their efforts – only loss of life! During the winter months and early
spring, the weather had been a mixture of rain, sleet, snow, frigid winds and mud. At
times, the weather made it almost impossible to fight and yet the Gustav Line stayed
strong. But big plans, being made by the Allies, were about to change all this.
It wasn‘t long before the Perths and several more Canadian Regiments, that were in the
Volturno Valley, learned of a Plan for a great combined Allied campaign to break the
Gustav Line and then the Hitler Line and push the German armies north. There were to
be a series of blows, -
1. The British and Indian Infantries, supported by Canadian tanks, were to break
through the Gustav Line at the mouth of the Liri Valley. At the same time, the
Poles would attack through the mountains on the right and the Free French
through the mountains on the left.
2. When the Gustav Line was breached, 1st Canadian Infantry and the 18th British
Infantry were to attack up the Valley and assault the Hitler Line.
3. As soon as the Hitler Line was breached, the complete 5th Canadian Division was
to go through the breach. As one of the battalions of the 5th Division, the Perths
were to have a chance to fight a war of movement!


Planned Deception
Besides having a 3-point plan for breaking the Gustav and Hitler Lines, the Allies also
had a plan for deceiving the enemy. The plan was to hide, from the enemy, the strength of
the forces about to be manned on the Liri Valley Front. Tents and vehicles were to be
camouflaged and unit signs were to be hidden. 5th Division was to hide until its cue came.
The Perths had already been camouflaging.
Thurs. May 11/44 –
‗Bn Parade at 0815 hrs. Brig E. Snow, Comd 11th Cdn Inf Bde, spoke
to the Bn and commented on their good work. He also spoke about
future events.‘
Later on that same day at 11.00 P.M. the Indians and British
launched the 1st stage of the Allied Plan. In his book ‗Not All of
Us Were Brave‘, Stan Scislowski writes – ―From that moment on
(11:00 P.M.) right through to daybreak, the night sky over the
battlefield never stopped flashing and thundering. It was like a
summer storm that gave no indication of ending. The guns kept
banging away nonstop. Many of the Perths awakened from their
sleep, came out of their tents and gathered in groups to listen
and talk and wonder how things were going up at the front.‖
Perths War Diary
Fri. May 12, 1944 –
Bn Parade at 0815 hrs. and Lt Col WS Rutherford spoke to the Bn,

putting everyone into the picture, as to coming events. Weather –
very warm. Feeding strength – 833 (35 officers and 798 other
ranks)
Sat. May 13/44 –
Bn Parade at 0815 hrs. Unit was visited by Maj. General B.M.

Hoffmeister, D.S.O Commander 5 Cdn Armd Div; who spoke to Bn on
present and future events.

Sun. May 14/44 –
Voluntary Service of Holy Communion was held by padre, Capt. D.C.

Smith at 0930 hrs. Mobile bath in Bn area in afternoon and all
coys had a bath. Each platoon of Bn was paraded to Bn Hc area and
were shown map of the present fighting. The map was explained to
them by the ―I‖ Sec personnel.
Mon. May 15/44 –
Routine training was carried out by all coys. ‗C‘ Coy had a swim
parade during the day. Re-inforcements arriving were put into the
picture of the present fighting by ‗I‘ personnel with situation
map. Lt.WS Rutherford had a meeting of all officers, at 1930 hrs.
For the first 2 days after the initial launch, things were rather shaky at the front, with
attacks and counter attacks but some of the leaders, especially Anders of the Polish
Corps, Juin in command of the French, Keyes of the 2nd American Corps and Kirkman of
the 13th British Corps would not cave in. They remained unshakable, determined and
confident.
Outside the Headquarters of the Intelligence Officers, was a huge bulletin board with a
large map of the areas under battle. What was happening on the battlefield was constantly
being recorded on this map, and so the bulletin board was a focal point of interest for the

regiments of the 5th Canadian Brigade. Late in the afternoon of the 2nd day of battle, the
French Moroccan troops broke through the German positions and along with an Algerian
division of fierce and wild nomads, wreaked havoc with the enemy, by hand– to–hand
combat. The Germans fell back in disarray to escape hideous death. The Gustav Line was
crumbling!
On the Way to the Battlefield
Wed. May 17/44 –
Capt H D Wainman and Capt ZS.Whyte moved to new area with advance
party in the morning. Lieut Z.R.Henderson and 2 ORs from ‗I‘ Sec
left at 1300 hrs to recce new area across the Gari River. Bn
moved at 1330 hrs. to Staging Area – Map Ref 9612 – arriving at
2000 hrs. The move of the Bn was very slow due to heavy M.J.
traffic. Lt Col Z.S.H Lind arrived at the Bn area….
Lt Col Z.S.H Lind took over command of the Perth Regt. Lieut
Henderson recced new area across Gari River MR 837147 and had
roads in area swept for mines. Advance party of 1 Offr and 1 OR
from each Coy left for new area at 1330 hrs. The Bn left at 2040
hrs. Weather – fair and very warm.
Fri. May 19/44 –
The advance parties met Bn at Oxford Bridge, Map Ref. 862157 and
led them to new area at Map Ref 837147. The last of the Bn
arrived at 0600 hrs Lt Col Lind attended ‗O‘ Gp at 11 Cdn Inf Bde
Headquarters at 1000 hrs. Advance Party left to recce new area at
Map Ref 784174. Marching troops then proceeded to new area at
1600 hrs. Vehicles moved at 1900 hrs.
Weather – Cloudy with rain.

Sat. May 20/44 –
The Perths moved on again and camped for the night near the base
of a mountain – Monte Trocchio (at the opening to the Liri
Valley). They could see Monte Cassino and the ruins of the Abbey.
The ruined town of Cassino, at the base of Monte Cassino. The Abbey is at the top of the
mountain.

Sun. May 21/44 –
―Bn area shelled between 1530 and 1600 hrs. The Perth Regt
received an order to be ready to move on 1 hrs. notice. 6 ORs
were wounded by enemy shelling and were sent to hospital…‖ The
Perths moved on. Everywhere they looked there was devastation –
tree limbs, uprooted trees, abandoned German anti-tanks and
ruined farmhouses. The fighting was about 3 or 4 miles away. The
Perths entered a grain field off the side of the Cassino – San
Angelo Rd. and dug in for the night.
Mon. May 22/44 –
Heavy shelling again. 5 Perths were wounded and sent to hospital.

The Perths moved on along the road to Pinatoro, along with their
trucks, Sherman tanks and Bren Carriers. Destruction everywhere!
Tues. May 23/44 –
Heavy shelling. 1 OR wounded – hospitalized. Eventually the

German retreated. 75 of the enemy were taken prisoner. The Hitler
Line was ripped open. Ready for step 3!
Wed. May 24/44 –
Reveille at 0430 hrs. Breakfast at 0500 hrs. The Bn moved by

trucks at 1630 hrs to an area near the Melfa R., where they
stayed for the night. Half the Perths slept in some excellent
German dugout shelters that had been vacated the day before. The
other half, who were on 4 hr. shifts of guard duty, used slit
trenches.
At 0630 hrs. each Company of Perths sent out patrols to mop up

any enemy – 8 POWS were taken. The Bn. moved towards the Melfa R.
at 0830 hrs. There was a counter attack taking place at the river
and so the Perths were ordered to stop. Slit trenches were dug.
At 1800 hrs. the Perths moved out and crossed the Melfa River.
Mortar fire killed 1 Perth and wounded 3 more. At night the
Perths slept in a drainage ditch beside the road. Some enemy fire
at night but no more Perth deaths.
* The Perths won Secondary Battle Honours for the Melfa R. crossing.

Fri. May 26/44 –
Early in the morning, more German planes flew over the

battlefield and unloaded more bombs. ‗B‘ Company of the Perths
lost 4 men. Because of road congestion with tanks and artillery
supplies, the Perths‘ cooks could not reach the Regiment with a
hot breakfast and so they ate ‗Hard Ration‘ from their packs. Art
Eglinton told Pat and me that ‗hard ration‘ was Bully beef
(corned beef), Hard Jack (biscuits) and bottled water. This was
also their meal when they were engaged in battle. During the
whole day, the Perths fought forward 5 miles from the Melfa River
to the Liri River. The Cape Bretoners were on the Perths, right,
about a quarter of a mile away. The Perths were part way through
a wheat field when there was a rush of enemy shells slamming into
the wheat all around them. As they had been taught, the Perths
immediately hit the ground and crawled forward. When the noise of
the guns lessened, they got up and ran. There were no fatalities
and only 2 men had slight wounds. The Perths, Irish and Cape
Bretoners marched on, slowed down by the many streams and
irrigation ditches. The Sherman tanks crawled along watching for
mines and booby traps laid by the Germans. Engineers cleared some
of these obstacles. They came across signs of a hasty retreat by
the Germans. The enemy, in their haste, had left food supplies
and according to the Cape Bretoners‘ War Diary – ―A lot of boys
also got a change of socks, which were more than welcome.‖
Finally, just before noon, the Perths reached the edge of the
Isoletta Reservoir. They were looking forward to getting their
water bottles filled. But there was no water in the reservoir –

just mud. The German‘s had blown the dam and the water was gone.
Also, the dam served as a bridge across the reservoir, so the
Perths were forced to use the dirt road that went around the
reservoir.
As the Perths marched along on the dirt road around the

Reservoir, all of a sudden a buried Teller mine exploded, killing
a sergeant and a corporal of the Perths.
Shortly after the explosion of the Teller mine, the Perths

entered a meadow that stretched ahead for 2 miles. In the
afternoon, the heat and humidity became almost intolerable. There
were no trees for shade – nothing but heat, sweat, dust, sore
feet, hunger and thirst – the Perths‘ water bottles remained
empty. And of course, there was off and on shelling by the enemy
– in the afternoon and evening. Before they got through the
meadow, the Perths were ordered to stop and dig in. when night
came and with it the danger of enemy infiltration by enemy
patrols or a counter attack, each company of the Perths set up an
outpost, which was manned by the men in 2 hr. shifts. There were
no incidents during the night.
Perths War Diary Data for May 26/44

Prisoners of War – 2 German prisoners were taken.
Casualties – 10 ORS killed and 30 ORS wounded

Veh Casualties – 1 Portee 6 pdr A/TK gun
Weather – very warm.




Sat. May 27, 1944
Early in the morning, there was a great deal of activity at the

100-foot wide Liri River. Trucks, assault boats and bridging
supplies had arrived. This activity brought artillery fire from
the German. ‗B‘ Company of the Perths, who were ready to cross,
were told to take shelter in a wooded area. When the assault
lessened somewhat, ‗B‘ Company prepared to cross but there was
only 1 boat that was seaworthy, as German artillery had ruined
the other boats. However by mid-morning, after taking a few trips
back and forth, ‗B‘ Company was completely across. While the
other 3 Companies of the Perths and the Cape Breyoners were
crossing the Liri, ‗B‘ Company set up rear-guards on the far side
of the town of Ceprano and then went into Ceprano. There was very
little firing of guns and within 20 min. they had cleared the
town of any enemy and then marched out of Ceprano to Highway 6.
‗D‘ Company also went through Ceprano, followed by ‗C‘ and ‗A‘
companies. ‗C‘ Company passed through ‗D‘ Company as planned and
went on for 2 miles to a ridge known as Point 119. ‗C‘ Company
drove German guards off the high ground. There was quite a bit of
mortaring, especially around a house where Panzer Grenadiers were
shooting form. Several of these Panzers were killed and some were
taken prisoner by the Perths.
Towards dusk, because Whyte thought there would probably be a

counter-attack during the night and there were no tanks there yet
for support, decided that his ‗C‘ Company should not try to
secure the ridge – point 119, but rather to retreat for the
night. The Perths Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Lind, agreed and
asked Snow for permission to wait until daybreak to continue the
fighting. His men, he said, had had practically no sleep for 48
hours and had had nothing to eat except ‗hard rations‘ and tea.
Snow entirely agreed and issued orders for the further advance at
first light. By the end of the day, the Perths had lost 31 men –
4 killed and 27 wounded and sent to army hospital. 6 prisoners of
war were taken.
* The Perth Regiment was awarded Secondary Battle Honours for the taking of Ceprano
from the German, on May 27, 1944
Sun. May 28, 1944
At dawn, the Perths and Cape Bretoners left for Point 119 and
found that the Germans had retreated from there during the night.
The Perths moved forward a few hundred yards beyond Point 119. At
Highway 6, they set up a defensive strongpoint across the Highway
and thus widening their bridgehead and consolidating the area.
Pioneers and Engineers cleared roads of any mines. The Cape
Bretoners formed up on the Perth‘s left side. There was still no
armoured support, so the regiments dug in.
Casualties – 4 ORS killed and 7 ORS wounded and evacuated to

hospital. 1 missing and believed killed. 1 OR died of wounds.

Prisoners of War – 1 more prisoners of war was captured.
Weather – very warm.
Mon. May 29, 1944
Most of the enemy, by now, had pulled back to the area around
Pofi, a hilltop village. The next objective for the Perths was to
take this village. Because their trucks were held up in a
military traffic jam on Highway 6, the Perths and Cape Bretoners
started out on foot about mid-morning. An alternate route was
used. Eventually their trucks caught up with them and they
climbed aboard and rode the 4 miles to the outskirts of Pofi. It
was now 1600 hrs. The Irish Regiment walked the whole way, as
their trucks were being used elsewhere. There was some firing by
German snipers but in the evening one company went into the town
and cleared out the rearguards (the other Germans had already
left). German prisoners were taken. The rest of the companies
then went through Pofi. The 3 Regiments (Perths, Irish, Cape
Bretoners) continued on quietly towards the town of Arnara, which
was to be their objective in the morning. They went silently
along, crossing creeks and past farmhouses until they arrived at
a hill just across a wooded valley from Arnara (or Frosinone).
They dug in to the hill for the rest of the night. Casualties – 1
OR killed and 1 wounded.
POWS – 8 prisoners of war were taken.

Tues. May 30, 1944
Before dawn, ‗C‘ Company of the Perths slipped down the hill,
crossed the valley and up the other hill and by 0430 hours
entered the town, Arnara. They found the Germans had just left,
except for 1, who was quickly captured. By 0900 hrs. the rest of
the Perths had crossed the valley and spread out around Arnara
and eventually went in. All were welcomed by a happy and very
grateful crowd of Arnara‘s citizens. The Perths moved through
Arnara to its northwestern edge and Highway 6. They saw the last
of the German troops and vehicles as they traveled along the
highway.
1st Canadian Armoured Division passed through the area because

they were taking over from the 5th Canadian Armoured Division, so
it could have a break. Later in the afternoon, there was heavy
shelling. Patrols were sent out to keep the Germans from
infiltrating back into the town. 10 Perth ORS were wounded and
evacuated to hospital. None of the casualties were fatal. 1
prisoner of war was taken.
Wed. May 31st, 1944
The Perths rested in Arnara, for a few days. Lt Col Lind left on
a 4-day leave during which time he would visit all his men who
were in hospital. Major Andrews took over the Regiment as A/Comd.
2 patrols were sent out to contact 78 Div. A sec of Fd. Security
arrived in the area. Weather – very warm. No casualties!

June 3, 1944
The Perths marched a few miles out of Arnara, in sweltering heat,

to a site by the Sacco River. They set up their pup tents and
went for a swim in the river.
After another week of rest, the Perths left the area and traveled
south to the valley of the Volturno River. The Perths were
beginning to make a name for themselves on the battlefield and
reap honours on their heads. The skill and spirit with which the
Perth Regiment seized its opportunities, in the Liri Valley
battles, were recognized by the award of the Distinguished
Service Order to the commanding officers, Lt-Col Lind. When the
award was announced, Lt-Col Lind told the Perths that the
decoration was really for the Regiment as a whole, because of the
distinguished achievement of the Battalion in the breakout from
the Hitler Line.
* The Perths received Primary Battle Honour for their work in the
Liri valley, as well as.
** 2 Secondary Battle Honours (previously mentioned) –
 On May 27th/44 for the Melfa Crossing at the beginning of

the breakout from Hitler Line.
 On May 27/44 for the taking of Ceprano from the Germans.
A Canadian Intelligence Officer receives information from a German prisoner (on the
right) in a grain field in the Liri Valley.

Supply vehicles were often held up by traffic jams
A Cape Bretoner, on his way towards

the Melfa River, walks by a dead
German soldier.
Rest time in a slit trench

From the Beacon Herald – June 10, 1944

From the Beacon Herald – June 23, 1944

From the Beacon Herald – Sept. 16, 1944
From the Beacon Herald – July 14, 1944

From one of the Military Scrapbooks at the Stratford Archives. The original Editorial
Cartoon would have been in a Stratford Beacon Herald newspaper.

On Army Reserve in the Volturno Valley
(June 14/44 – Aug. 1/44)
After about 2 weeks rest in the Arnara area, near the Sacco River, the Perths and many
other Canadian Regiments were taken, by trucks and other vehicles, back to the Volturno
Valley, where they had been before the German Lines had been broken and the Liri R.
Valley had been cleared of Germans. In total there were about 60,000 Canadian soldiers
there – for a much needed rest and change of pace. The Perths camped near Caiazzo –
only 25 miles north of Naples.
For 6 wonderful weeks, the Perths rested near Caiazzo, in the farmland of the
southeastern part of the Volturno Valley. Very little training was carried out – just a half
hour drill each morning and a few short route marches. Most of the time was spent in rest
and recreation. There was no more going hungry, no fear of mortars, no fear of exploding

mines (as the land had been made safe again), no more thirst for lack of water. There was
just peace and quiet. There were swimming excursions to the Volturno River and to the
Mediterranean beaches, such as Salerno (south of Naples) and Bari (on the Adriatic Sea
side). There were games of volleyball and other sports. There was time to read, write
letters and snooze. Uncle Irv must have gone on at least 1 excursion – to Bari. Pat has
several postcards of Bari, which Irv would have sent inside letters. There are no messages
on the backs. The following are laser copies of the originals.




Towards the end of July, the Perths and the other Canadian troops were learning about
the next plan of action against the Germans and what their part would be. The plan was to
secretly move all the Canadian troops north, and position them at various points along the
new German defence line called the ‗Gothic Line‘ (200 miles north of the old Gustav and
Hitler Lines, broken in May). Those in commands of the Canadian hoped to carry out the
plan so that the enemy would not know the great extent of the build up nor where the
troops were going to be. Those commanders hoped that the troops could be moved
without the enemy being aware. All division patches, badges, ‗Canada flashes‘ and other
insignia were removed from uniforms. Unit signs on vehicles were painted over.
Meanwhile, the Germans were wondering where the Canadian regiments were and what
they were planning. At the end of the war, when German documents were found, one of
the questions on the mind of the German High Command in Italy was – ―Where are the
Canadians?‖ They also wondered where the main flow would be struck in the Gothic
Lines. From experience, the German Command had learned to respect the Canadian as
‗shock troops‘!

During the time that the Perths and the other Canadian regiments were having a rest time
in the Volturno Valley, the Perths‘ chaplain, Capt. D.Crawford Smith, asked permission
from the C.O. to go to the Riccio Valley near Ortona. Back on Jan. 17,1944, the Perths
had fought a fierce battle against some top German troops. Many men, on both sides,
were killed. The Perths were ordered to retreat hastily. Their chaplain was quite
concerned that perhaps some were never buried. The C.O granted permission to go and
on June 19th (1944) Capt. Smith returned to the Riccio Valley. He found some bodies still
above ground and quickly returned to the camp in the Volturno Valley to get some help
in burying and also in searching more carefully. About 16 Perths volunteered to help him.
In all, they found about 19 bodies, - mostly in the area where ‗A‘ and ‗C‘ companies had
been fighting. Some of the bodies could not be identified, as there were no dog tags on
them. Descriptions, of the unidentified men, were written down, in the hope that someday
they might be identified. They found a flat piece of land, near where the Perths had
fought and used it for a cemetery. Over the next few days, all 19 men had a Christian
burial.
Back home in
Ontario
Summer 1944
Marg, Pat and Eric Love‘s lamb Jean, wearing Grannie‘s gardening hat

Local Newspaper Report on the War

The following is an account of the work of 2 of the Perths‘ signalers, - Uncle Irv and Fred
Schwartz, when the Regiment was fighting in the Liri Valley. The account appeared in 3
different newspapers, - the Atwood Bee, the Listowel Standard and either a Kitchener or
London paper.
The Atwood Bee

On the Move Again – Aug. 1944

At the beginning of August 1944, it was time for all the Canadian Infantries to leave the
Volturno Valley and travel back north. This was to be done as secretly as possible.
Security was strict. All towns along the various routes were out of bounds. No wrappers,
cigarette packages or cigarette butts could be tossed out of the trucks.

All the regiments of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division (which included the 11th
Infantry of Perths, Bretoners, Irish) travelled through the Liri Valley and on to Rome.
The 3 brigades of 1st Canadian Division went north to near Florence and camped there.
When the 5th Canadian Division drew near to Rome, they turned north and after travelling
for 45 miles they came to Lake Bolsena, where they had a swim, helped themselves to
fresh corn and ripe watermelons and spent the night there. The next day the convoy
travelled northeast to the village of San Quirico and then turned southeast. The Perths had
no idea where their final destination was! Then they traveled on to Lake Trasemeno and
camped for a night. The next day they travelled east and set up camp near the
mountainside village of Spello, on farmland. They were here for 2 weeks, - involved in
sports, writing letters, short route marches and hill climbing. Security remained strict and
the camp was camouflaged. On Aug. 21, the 5th Canadian moved again – northeast to the
countryside near the town of Jesi. The regiments were not allowed to go into Jesi for fear
that the enemy might be informed. In fact, as later learned, the Germans were not aware
of the move back to the East side and the Adriatic Sea, by the Canadian nor were they
aware of the huge build- up taking place. The German believed the Canadian were still
back in the Volturno Valley. The master plan was working!
The Canadian 1st Infantry, who were stationed near the city of Florence, moved across to
the east side of Italy. The Perths and 15 other Canadian infantry battalions, 4 Canadian
tank regiments and 12 Canadian artillery regiments were ready to hit the Gothic Line.
Besides the huge number of Canadians, there were also the armies from Britain, Poland
and Italy itself.

The Secret Move – August 1944
In August 1944, all the Canadian regiments, that had been resting in the Volturno Valley,
gradually left the Valley and headed north and then east through the Apennine Mountains
toward the Adriatic Sea. They travelled secretly along slightly different routes and on
roads such as in the above photos. They avoided all towns and villages. This transfer
from the west coast of Italy to the east coast was done so well that the entire Canadian
regiments were in place and ready for battle before Hitler knew anything about it. He
thought all the Canadians were still resting in the Volturno Valley!

Camouflaging
During the move of the Canadian troops from the west coast of Italy to the east coast and
many times during battle preparations, their trucks and tanks were camouflaged, so they
would be less noticeable, especially by the air men in the German planes above.





The Gothic Line
The Gothic Line stretched completely across Italy, from south of Spezia on the Gulf of
Genoa to Pesaro on the Adriatic Sea. The main defences were just north of the Foglia R.
and this is where the Perths were to fight. The German had a very strong line set up. The
Allies knew quite a bit about the Gothic Line due to aerial maps taken during August,
interrogations of German prisoners and reports of Italian partisans. In the Foglia Valley,
the Germans had cleared the land of all trees and all buildings except 3. On the high
ridges, they had made outposts that were well armed. On the north bank of the Foglia,
there were 2 rows of concrete casements, where many guns were stored. Many mines had
been laid – 72,000 Teller mines, thousands of Italian box mines, 23,000 ―S‖ mines known
as ‗Bouncing Betsys‘ and thousands of Italian Schumines. A long anti-tank ditch had
been dug. It was 15 feet across, 10 feet deep and had almost perpendicular sides. This
ditch zigzagged along 9000 yds. of area and posed a real trap for the allies‘ tanks. There
were also 117,000 yds. of barbed wire in 2 different places.
Behind all this was the German army with 3600 reinforced dugouts and shelters and more
than 16,000 weapon pits. Even though the German defence seemed very strong, the
German were still not aware of the massive build-up of the allies and the Allied
Intelligence did know, from aerial photos, that there were some weaker areas.

Aug. 27, 1944 –
The Perths broke camp and started on a 35-mile march towards the
Metauro Valley. By day the heat was extreme and at night the
complex darkness was also a big problem for the marches. They had
few breaks. As they marched the sound of artillery could be
heard. They marched all night!
Aug. 28, 1944 –
Again the Perths marched in the extreme heat and finally arrived
at the Ginestreto Ridge which overlooked the Foglia River Valley.
From this high point, the Perths could not see any signs of the
enemy – no dugouts, no fortifications, no troops or vehicles and
no movement. But they knew the enemy was there!
After 2 days of marching, the weary Perths were allowed a 24-hour

rest and so they bunked down in the various buildings in the town
of Ginestreto, as most of the inhabitants had left. The men of
the 11th Infantry were so thankful for sleep, as they had had no
more than 2 hrs. in the past 36 hrs. Exhausted men rarely win
battles!

Aug. 29, 1944 –
Early in the evening, patrols from the Cape Breton Highlanders,

the Perths and the West Nova Scotians, crossed the Foglia Valley
and reported back that there had been no sign of the enemy.
Also, on this same date, Murray Bell left for England for some
more training before going on active duty in Italy.

Aug. 30, 1944 –
In the morning of Aug. 30th, Lieutenant Col. Reid (commander of

the Perths) and 2 more officers went back across the valley. A
deliberate attack had been planned for the night of Sept. 1 and 2
but because the enemy was quiet and the line lightly manned, new
orders were issued to attack and try and get a bridge-head on the
Line. Later on the same day, 2 battalions of the 11th Infantry
moved forward across the Foglia River. The Perths were on the
right and the Cape Breton Highlanders on the left. The West Nova
Scotia Regiment was on the other side of the Perths. The
objectives were – Perths –point 111 (high grassy ridge), Cape
Bretoners –point 120 (pine-covered knoll), and the West Novas –
point 133 (north of 2 levelled villages – Borgo Santa Maria and
Osteria Nouva). At the beginning of the assault, there was no
artillery support! The West Novas got in a minefield and then
enemy fire exploded and they had to withdraw before reaching
their objective. Many of their men died!
The Cape Bretoners got to the base of their point but then were
bombarded with enemy fire – losing 65 men. Some bretoners got up
on the knoll but later had to return, along with the rest, to the
Foglia Valley. ‗B‘ Company of the Perths, as the lead company,
was stopped by artillery from gaining the Perths‘ objective –
Point 111. Then three platoons from ‗D‘ Company started out. They
lost some men in a minefield but kept going. They reached the
anti-tank ditch but formed that the road, which crossed it, had
not been blown. Going 2 by 2 every 20 seconds, the men got across
the bridge in 15 min. and formed up for the assault on Point 111.
With some covering-fire from a New Brunswick Hussar tank, ‗D‘
Company charged up the knoll. When they were half way up, the
Geuies woke up to the fact that something was amiss and that the
Canadian were across the ditch and moving up on them. German
artillery started to fire. There were a few injuries – none
fatal, and the men kept going the last 50 yards. When they
arrived at the top of the knoll, they didn‘t have to use guns or
bayonets. The Germans, on point 111, had decided to surrender –
30 POWS.
Within the hour, ‗A‘ Company passed through ‗D‘ Company and took
Point 147 and then ‗B‘ and ‗C‘ Companies arrived and took up
positions between ‗A‘ and ‗D‘. An outpost was set up to watch for
a possible counter-attack. During the night a German ammunition
party, not knowing that this hill had been captured, walked right
into the midst of the allies and were also taken prisoner. It was
a long night but no-counter-attack came.
With the Perths now across the valley, other units were able to
move in and strengthen the situation. During the night, the
Princess Pats (a Canadian Infantry Regiment) crossed the valley
and before morning, were dug in on the Perths‘ right.

Aug. 31, 1944
In the morning of August 31st, the Irish Regiment crossed over the
Foglia River and with help from the Perths drove the enemy out of
the town of Montecchio and the next Knoll upstream. Also that
morning, the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards crossed the Foglia
and took over the Perths‘ positions, which allowed the Perths, in
the afternoon, to attack further on, lead by tanks from the
British Columbia Dragoons. The Perths‘ objective, this time, was
Point 204, 1 ½ miles further inside enemy territory. Shelling and
mortaring were heavy all day!

Aug. 31st (continued) –
The tanks got to point 204 and dug in. the Perths became
separated but by afternoon, ‗B, C and D‘ Companies got to Point
204 and dug in. they became surrounded on 3 sides of the Point by
Germans. The German High Command in Italy was now fully aware of
the weight of the surprise blow by the Canadians and began to
hurry the best troops in, to try and repair the break in the
Gothic Line. Shortly after midnight the Paratroopers hit the
Perths. Hand-to-hand fighting went on until 6:00 A.M. but the
Perths held on to Point 204. Eventually ‗A‘ Company rejoined the
rest of the Perths. During the fierce night of fighting, the
Perths‘ C.O – Lieut. -Col. Reid was wounded in the face but
continued in action until he was wounded a second time and was
persuaded to let himself be taken back as causality. There was a
very odd incident that happened the night of Aug. 31st. One member
of the Perths was so tired that, during a lull in the fighting,
he fell asleep in his slit trench. The next time there was a
skirmish (in the area where this Private slept) 2 of the Perths‘
platoon was ordered back a bit and the Germans took over that
area. Later on, when the 2 Perth platoons were ordered to charge
again and they recaptured the ground, they found the Perth
Private, still in his trench and sound asleep. He had slept
through it all! The Germans must have thought the Private was
dead!
During the early morning hours of Sept. 1st, it was confined that the Perths Regiment had
won, -
* A major battle honour – Gothic Line
*2 secondary battle honours
 Montecchio
 Point 204
It was also announced that Major M.W. Andrew was now their new commander, since
Lieut-Col Reid was in army hospital. Some of the other Canadian Regiments – the Irish,
Cape Bretoners, Edmontons, Seaforths and the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards swept
forward on a 3-mile front and took the remaining high ground of the ridge that the Perths
had first gained, Point 204.
A few days after the first break into the Gothic Line, a German Commander, von
Vietinghoff remarked, - ―Fundamentally, though not strong in numbers, the Canadians
are right good soldiers.‖

The ‘Coriano’ Victory

The German army, having been dislodged from the Gothic Line, moved north 10 miles to
the Coriano Ridge. In front of this ridge was the steep-sided valley of the Besanigo River.
Sept. 6, 1944 –
The Perths moved forward to the valley of the Besanigo River,

where they actively patrolled for almost a week.
Sept. 8/44 –
A large fighting patrol went on a reconnaissance trip to the bank

of the Besanigo R. to check out possible crossings for vehicles.
It was reported back that there was still 1 bridge intact.
Immediately, a standing patrol was set up to protect the bridge
at night. Smaller scout groups crossed the river by night and
were able to get information by secretly listening in the town of
Coriano.
Sept. 9-10/44 –
Patrolling continued. It was discovered that the Germans had

succeeded in blowing the bridge. Other crossings were sought.
Sept. 11/44 –
Orders were issued those final preparations, for an attack on the

Coriano Ridge, would be made the next day.

Sept. 12/44 –
After dark on Sept. 12th, all Rifle companies took their place.
Sept. 13/44 –
An hour after midnight, a British and Canadian artillery barrage

began. ‗C‘ Company of the Perths followed closely on the barrage.
The lead platoon of ‗C‘ Company was on its objective, to the left
of the town of Coriano, by 0215 hrs. and the complete ‗C‘ Company
was soon there too. ‗A‘ Company also moved quickly. ‗B‘ and ‗D‘
came up behind in reserve positions. By first light on Sept. 13,
the complete Perths Regiment was firmly astride the Coriano
Ridge. The Cape Bretoners also were on the Ridge to the right of
the town of Coriano. This night attack, in which every Perth
objective was taken within 90 min. of the opening artillery
barrage, was a brilliant climax for the week of preparation and
to the years of training and battle experience. During the last
hours of darkness, with the Perths on the Ridge to give
protection, engineers worked at the bottom of the valley with
armoured bulldozers and ramped down the steep banks for a tank
crossing. A squadron of New Brunswick Hussars rumbled forward to
0600 hrs and joined the Perths on the Ridge and then helped ‗A‘
and ‗C‘ Companies of the Perths while they did some house-
clearing in the town of Coriano. Then the rest of the Perths and
some of the Cape Bretoners joined the ‗A‘ and ‗C‘ companies of
the Perths in the town of Coriano and continued to help with the
house clearing and also the street clearing. Later in the
morning, the Irish and Westminster Regiments arrived. After a
day-long battle, the 4 regiments succeeded in driving all the
enemy out.
* The Primary Battle Honour of ‗Criano‘ was awarded to the Perth Regiment.
During the day of battle the Perths had 10 killed, the Irish had 14 killed and the Cape
Bretoners had 22 killed – a loss of 46 men from the 11th Infantry! Other Canadian and
British units came in and took over so the 11th Infantry could have a break!

‘8 Days of Rest’ (in reserve)

After the 11th Infantry felt that things were quite secure in the Coriano area and other
regiments were in control, the 3 Regiments of the 11th Infantry withdraw 5 miles, to the
village of San Giovanni for a rest. They had been actively fighting for 3 weeks. They
enjoyed movies, a band concert, a stage shoe ‗Kit Bags‘, hot baths, trips to the beaches of
Cattolica and a canteen. Uniforms and kits were cleaned up. 25 new reinforcements
arrived.
A laser copy of a card sent home, by Uncle Irv

The Beacon Herald
Sat. Sept. 23, 1944

Recorded in a later issue of the newspaper – ‗Winston Churchill sent the Perth Regiment
a telegram in September 1944 congratulating its men for ―an outstanding feat of arms‖



From the Beacon Herald – Sat. Sept. 23, 1944
The Listowel Banner, 1944

Oct. 21/44

Battles with the Rain and the Rivers

Around Sept 23/44 the 11th Infantry returned to the Front. While they had been on a rest,
other Canadian regiments had been pushing further north, pursuing the Germans, who
were now spread out along the Rimini Line. The 11th Infantry camped on the slope of the
Sam Fortunato Ridge and began to dig their trenches, as the enemy was sending over
some artillery.

From the top of the San Fortunato Ridge, the 11th Infantry could see the flat land of the
Po Valley. After about 4 days, the Regiments left and walked north. They crossed the
Uso River and dug in for the night.
Sept. 27, 1944 –
In the morning, the 3 regiments (Perths, Irish and Cape

Bretoners) started out in the direction of the next river the
Fiumicino. Within half an hour, the rain began. The rain changed
quickly from a drizzle to a deluge.
Sept. 28/44 –
The 3 regiments marched on in the rain and then the mortars

called ‗Moaning Minnies‘ also came at them and the men headed for
a ditch that ran along the side of the road. The rain continued
to come down, the bombs kept coming, the ditch water that they
were wading in kept deepening and everywhere was the mud! They
finally arrived at the Fiumicino R. According to the plan, the 3
regiments were supposed to fight their way across the river 3
abreast and then continue advancing. But by the time the
regiments arrived at the river on the 28th, they found that the
usual small stream of the Fiumicino, because of the rain, was now
a 30 ft. wide torrent. The 3 regiments got into position to cross
and the enemy, on the other side of the river, opened up with
intense shell firing and mortaring. The 3 regiments dug into the
sticky clay and sat. The Perths, alone, lost 30 men (killed or
wounded) in that one day. The regiments stayed 3 days. High
Command hoped the weather would change. By the end of 3 days, the
Perths had had a total of 67 casualties.
Oct. 1, 1944 –
The rain stopped but the river remained high and swift. The mud
was everywhere and the spirits of all the men, including
officers, were quite strained.
Oct. 2/44 –
On the evening of Oct. 2nd, the New Zealanders relieved the 3

regiments and the 3 regiments went back to the village of
San Guistina, for rest and a clean-up. The mobile army both units
were welcomed by all! From the village, the men were transported
to Riccione, a seaside resort 6 miles south of Rimini, for a few
more days of rest. In both places the men were billeted in houses
but in all the houses, the windows and furniture had been
removed. There were no fireplaces, nor hay or straw to use as
bedding on the hard, cold floors. But the men were out of range
of enemy artillery, although there was sentry duty in 2-hour
shifts.

After a rest, the 3 regiments returned to the Fiumicino River
area. The rain continued and the roads were breaking up. The
regiments were put on a 1-hour notice to move forward and go
across the river. The weather continued foul and the move was
postponed again and again and from day to day.
Oct. 8, 1944 –
The 3 regiments moved forward in the rain. They were ready to

cross at 1600 hrs. At 1630 hrs. the order came down that the
operation was definitely cancelled. The weather had won! By now,
this complete operation had cost the Perths around 100 men, a
loss they could ill afford, as their numbers were shrinking.
Finally some reinforcements arrived, to swell the numbers.
Murray Bell arrived in Italy during the first week of October, so

was probably one of the reinforcements the Perths received. In a
letter that Murray wrote in Oct./44 to his friend Delford Duncan,
he says, -
―Was really glad to get back again with Jim and Irvie….‖
The 11th Infantry, again, went for a break at a seaside resort, south of Rimini. The men
were billeted and stayed for 10 days.

Crossing the Savio

(October 1944)
After a break of about a week, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, the Perths, Irish and
Bretoners, returned to the Front. While they had been away, the New Zealanders had
advanced from the Fiumicino R. to the Savio R. and were now going back for a rest. The
11th Infantry camped near the hamlet of Borgo di Ronta, near the Savio River. Their
orders were to hold the near back of the Savio. During the summer months, the Savio
River is no wider than 30 feet and can be waded across. But with the rains of Sept. and
Oct; its width was a normal 80 feet in width.
One morning, Oct. 24th, the Perth patrols noticed that the Germans on the far bank of the
Savio, were withdrawing, so during that evening ‗B‘ Company of the Perths crossed the
swift-flowing river in canvas assault boats, without one shot being fired. Before
midnight, ‗A‘, ‗C‘ and ‗D‘ companies were also across. Then while ‗B‘, ‗C‘, and ‗D‘
companies held that part of the bank, ‗A‘ Company went with one of the tank regiments
several miles down stream, crossed the Savio there, set up a bridgehead and successfully
fought off a German counter-attack.
Because several other bridgeheads were established and a British division on the west
side of the Via Emilia had advanced deeply, the Germans were forced to move further
north. The Perths established positions just off the Cesena – Ravenna Road.
2 days after the Perths crossed the Savio, more rain increased the river‘s width to 120 feet
of churning water. The current was so powerful that it swept away the one Bailey bridge
the engineers had erected. This meant the Perths were cut off from supplies and

reinforcements. However, 2 days later, when the floodwater receded, the engineers
pushed across another Bailey bridge.
On Oct. 31st, the 11th Infantry was relieved by 4 other army units. It crossed the Savio,
marched to Cesena and from there was transported south to Urbino for a month‘s rest.
On Nov. 1, 1944 Kenneth Graham

(Dad‘s cousin) died suddenly in
Belgium. When the tank, he was riding
in, went over A bridge, the bridge blew
up. He was only 24 and was the youngest
Major in the Canadian Army. He was
survived by his parents, Melvyn and
Margaret, 2 sisters – Maureen (his twins)
and Jeanne and 1 brother – Barry (an
inspector with the R.C.M.P, and head of
Narcotics for Canada. He was also
Canada‘s representative at INTERPOL).
Kenneth‘s tombstone has a cross on it.

On the cross is written, -
‗Major K.T. Graham‘
R.C.A.C.
Barry and Kenneth Graham

Near the end of Oct. 1944, Murray wrote a letter to Delford Duncan, one of his friends
back home. I have photocopied it to include in this book. The original letter is in the Bell
Family Book – Volume 2.



Rest Time in Urbino — (Nov. 4 – Dec. 1, 1944)
On Nov. 4, 1944 the Perths and other regiments went, in trucks, 35 miles south to the
town of Urbino, for a month of much needed rest and relaxation. This town had not been
ravished by war and all its citizens were there. The almost 4000 army men were billeted
in private homes, in commercial and municipal buildings and even in schools. In some of
the buildings, the furniture and windowpanes had been removed and stored away but the
billets were certainly preferred to the dugouts and trenches that were used while on active

duty. Training, for the Perths, was kept to a minimum, thanks to their commanding
officer, Andrew.
There were some short marches, arms drills, and physical training but Andrew knew his
men needed to relax and rest. There were movies and concerts. There were restaurants
and canteens, where the men could buy chocolate bars, gum, razor blades, shaving soap
and fruit salts. Lots of reading material was available. On Nov. 30, all the regiments
gathered in the local Opera House and heard Lieut/Col Andrew brief them on operations
in the weeks ahead. After that, the regiments headed back to the Front, which was now
further north – a line that stretched from just below Ravenna to Fagenza (on the Via
Emelia – the highway running from Rimini to Bologna)

Returning to the Front

(Near the Lamone River – early Dec.1944)
As the 11th Infantry returned to the war, the men noticed some changes and also some
conditions just the same as in Nov. The flat farmland was still quite wet, especially along
the coast. Ditches and rivers were still deep. Further inland there were less puddles. The
city of Ravenna was still in German hands. Some of the places along the Montone River
were now in the Allies‘ hands. Cervia, a near-by beach resort, was free now and had
escaped heavy damage. On the day the 11th Infantry arrived at their destination, the town
of Godo had been captured by the 12th Infantry and most of the Germans had fled.
Dec. 4, 1944 –
The 11th Infantry (Perths, Bretoners and Irish) received orders to

advance towards the Lamone River on the next day. In the summer,
this river is very easy to cross, but with the fall rains, it
always becomes quite big. The Lamone was 35ft. wide. The water
was icy cold and running fast. Grassy dikes were on both sides of
the river. One dike was 25ft. high and the other dike was 40ft.
high. In early Dec. 2 other Canadian regiments had made assault
crossings of the Lamone, but had been hit by German counter-
attack and had lost their bridgeheads and many of their men.
Dec. 5, 1944
Dec. 5, 1944 was a bright, clear day with a nip of front in the air. The 11th Infantry moved
out late in the afternoon and marched along a road towards Godo.the 11th Infantry was
going to relieve the 12th Infantry in Godo so that the 12th could have a break from the
war. In Godo, there was some sporadic mortar fire and also while marching along the
road, the 11th Infantry encountered some German patrols.
From ‗The Fighting Perths‘ by stafford Johnston
The one Perth that was killed, would have been Murray.
The Bell family was told that, as the Perths marched along a road, Murray was shot by a
German sniper. Louis Drudge of Elmira (a friend of Murray‘s in the Perth Regiment) said

that one of the German (either the sniper or another German) took off with Murray‘s
wallet, watch and ring but ―in the long run‖ they got them back.
Murray‘s final resting place is the Ravenna War Cemetery near the village of Piangipane,
Italy.





K.I.A. DEC. 5.1944 ITALY WW II
In loving memory of Murray, dearly beloved and only

son of Russell and Mytle Bell. His name liueth for
evermore.
THE PERTH REGIMENT
WW II
This was written on the back of the

frame photo of Murray‘s
tombstone.
The Legion did not have a photo of

Murray and wanted one, so I gave
them a photo of Murray in his
uniform.

Challenges of the Lamone (Dec. 6 – Dec. 11, 1944)
Dec. 6, 1944 –
The Perths were given the order to force a crossing of the Lamone
River towards the German-held village of Borgodi Villanova. Brig.
Johnston assured the Perths that they could not be asked, ―to
fight both weather and enemy‖. Boats were pulled across sticky
clay fields to the river‘s edge and the Perths were ready. Then
orders came to postpone the crossing for 24 hours, because of
reports of heavy rains in the mountains, which would raise the
level of the river. The boats were dragged back!
Dec. 7, 1944 –
In the late afternoon, the Perths lugged the boats forward again
and got into position for launching. Again the operation was
postponed. The Lamone was in flood, up in the hills. For 3 more
days, the Perths waited. They were in constant readiness and kept
patrolling the river re: water level and enemy activity.

Dec. 10/44 –
At 1930 hours, ‗A‘ and ‗D‘ Companies of the Perths launched their
boats into the Lamone R. for a silent attack – no artillery
preparation. The enemy was taken by surprise! ‗A‘ and ‗D‘ cleaned
out the enemy dugouts and gun pits. At 2030 hours ‗B‘ Company was
sent across to do houseclearing in the village of Borgo di
Villanova. As soon as ‗B‘ was across, ‗C‘ Company was sent over
and was ordered to go past ‗A‘ Company to the first lateral road
(running parallel to the river). ‗C‘ Company dug in to make a
firm base for ‗A‘ Company to move through and beyond, which it
did until it came under very heavy fire and it also dug in.
Dec. 11/44 –
By morning, all groups of the Perths, including headquarters,

were across the Lamone River and in possession of a large
bridgehead – more than half a mile wide and half a mile deep. The
Irish Regiment had also crossed in the night into the bridgehead
and in the morning of the 11th, marched up to the left side of the
Perths. More clearing out of the enemy, from a main crossroad,
took place. By night time, the Perths controlled the complete
belt of land between the Lamone and the Fosso Vetro (a diked
watercourse).
* The Perths won another Primary Battle Honour for the Lamone Crossing – Dec. 10-11,
1944.
The Perths continued to patrol this land that had been taken from the Germans, including
the village of Borgo di Villanova. Other units lead an assault crossing of 3 diked
watercourses, - Fosso Vetro, Fosso Vecchio and the Canale Naviglio.

Action at the Fosso Munio (Mid-December 1944)

Dec. 19, 20, 1944 –
On the 19th of December, the Perths were living in farmhouses

north of the village of Borgi di Villanova and were relaxing
somewhat, after a week of tiredness and strain from battle. Then
came the order to advance, - this time they were to cross the
Fosso Munio (a main ditch that had a 30-foot wide stream and 5-
foot high dikes on each side). Once over the Fosso Munio, the
Perths were to advance to the Senio River. Again the Perths used
the technique of a silent night crossing. ‗A‘ Company crossed
first and seized a lodgement on the far bank. Then the other 3
Companies followed in turn. The 4 Companies fanned out in the
dark, taking frequent causalities from mortar fire but also
taking control of many enemy posts. Most of the Perths dug in
around an isolated cluster of farm buildings, including a stone
farmhouse. This cluster was known as Casa Della Congregatione
(or, on battle maps, was known under the code name – MEASURE).
There was a problem getting the tanks across the Fosso Munio, to
help the Perths. The Germans were firing there and at the
buildings. The Perths held off 2 attacks.
* Primary Battle Honours were awarded to the Perth Regiment for its very successful
battle at the Fosso Munio on. Dec.19 – 20, 1944.
Dec. 21, 1944 –

The Perths captured a German Company Headquarters, some
ammunition and 18 more prisoners. Also on this day, 2 Italian
officers arrived to the Fosso Munio area to observe. One officer
was assigned to ‗C‘ Company and the other to ‗D‘ Company. These 2
men were the forerunners of an Italian formation, which would
eventually take over, from the Perths, one of the Front-line
sectors. The Fosso Munio action resulted in casualties for the
Perths – 32 killed and 49 wounded.
Dec. 25, 1944 –
On Christmas Day, the Perths were still at the Front

– on the 2 mile strip of flat land between the low
dikes of the Fosso Munio ditch and the much higher
dike of the Senio river. The Germans were dug in to
the Senio R. for their next stand. The Perths‘
quarter-master, Major Walker, wanted very much to
have a Christmas dinner for all his men. Hot dinners
were provided, even to those in forward positions, -
roast pork, potatoes, salad, mince pie, pudding and Christmas
cake. In the afternoon, a jeep drove up to the Front Line with
more goodies – Christmas turkey, nuts, candies and a one-quart
bottle of Molson‘s beer for each man. The Germans were also
celebrating. Both sides sang carols. No shots were fired that
day!
The rest of the Bell family celebrated

Christmas Day at Grandma‘s and Grandpa‘s
house in Newry.
Christmas Day Photo

Newry, Ontario
This photo was taken on Dec. 25, 1944 near the front verandah of Grandma‘s and
Grandpa‘s home in Newry, by either Marg or Aunt Marge.
Back Row – Uncle Dave, Mom, Dad, Aunt Lois, Grandma and Grandpa
Front Row – Jean and Pat
Dec. 29, 1944 (in Italy) –
The Lanark and Renfrew Regiment relieved the Perths at the

‗Front‘ and the Perths went to Ravenna for a short break from the
war. The Perths were billeted in a Music Conservatory for 3 or 4
days, before the order to return to action. It was a very short
break but at least there were no Germans left in Rovenna. They
had left the city; afraid they might get trapped there!

The Beacon Herald – 1944
Action at the Savio and Bevano Rivers, October 1944


The 11th Infantry – December 1944
During the month of December, 1944 all 3 regiments of the 11th Infantry (the Perths,
Bretoners and Irish) were busy in the same general area – between the Senio and Lamone
Rivers. They were busy crossing rivers, ditches and canals. They were busy fighting and
repelling counter-attacks. They were busy patrolling. They lost men. They took Germans
as prisoners. Sometimes a regiment fought by itself. Sometimes a regiment fought side by
side with 1 or 2 other regiments. Sometimes a regiment fought and was supported by an
armoured regiment. There was very little time for rest and very little time to relax!
Almost the whole month was spent at the front.

Rain, Mud, and Army Tanks!
A Sherman tank struggles in the muddy bank of a river, in Italy
Army tanks were very important to the regiments. They were powerful vehicles and
usually very fast, except when excess rain created thick sticky mud and the tanks became
mired in it. This happened quite frequently during the war in Italy. During the cold
weather however, when the ground was frozen and perhaps frost covered, the tanks
moved along with great speed!

Action at the Bonifics Canal and South of Lake

Comacchio (Jan. 2 – Jan. 12, 1945)
Jan. 1, 1945 –
The Perths left their billets in Ravenna, and headed back to the
Front. The orders, this time, were to clear the Germans out of
the area between Ravenna and Lake Comacchio. This area was very
important to the Germans and they didn‘t want to lose it, so they
had reinforced it with the best they had – the heavily armed
Kesselring Machine – gun Battalion.
Jan. 2 and 3, 1945 –
The Perths fought hard around the town of Conventello. Many

Germans were taken prisoner.
Jan. 4, 1945 –
The army‘s plan for this day, was to seize a crossing over the
Canale di Bonifica. This canal was the only major water-obstacle
that the Germans had as a base for their defence of the area. 2
Companies, from the Perths ‗C‘ and ‗D‘, were picked to accompany
the British Columbia Dragons on their Sherman tanks, to try and
accomplish this. ‗C‘ Company, riding on the tanks of the
Dragoons, went 2 miles north to the Bonifica Canal and ‗D‘
Company followed, also on tanks. When ‗C‘ Company arrived at the
bridge that they hoped to use to cross the canal, they found that
the Germans had demolished the bridge. Without even pausing, they
pushed on another 1 ½ miles to the next bridge, where they found

a German demolition crew. The crew had just finished the
preparations for its demolition. The Perth –B.C. team drove off
the Germans, removed all the explosives from the bridge supports,
crossed over the canal and then dug in to establish a firm bridge
– head on the far side of the canal.
Jan. 6, 1945 –
The complete Perth Regiment, riding on the Sherman tanks of the

B.C. Dragoons, swept 5 miles east, on the far side of the canal,
to Casal Borsetti on the Adriatic Coast. Because the ground was
frozen, the tanks moved quickly. Soon all the Germans in the area
were completely routed.
* The Perths, along with the B.C. Dragoons, were awarded a Primary Battle Honour for
their work in the Conventello – Comacchio area on Jan. 2 - 6, 1945.
For the next few days, the Perths went 3 miles west of Sant Alberto, where they patrolled
and guarded against counter-attack. Other regiments, also, took up the task of patrolling.
Jan. 12, 1945 –
On the night of Jan. 12th, the Perths handed over their Front-line
positions to an Italian group – called the Cremona Battle Group.
This was done under heavy mortaring and shelling. It was also
freezing rain! The Perths marched and slid for 2 miles down an
icy road to their trucks. Their destination – Cattolica (80 miles
south).

Throughout the years, 1944 and early 1945, the Perths and the other regiments battled
many rivers, canals and other waterways. Some of the rivers were swollen and very
turbulent, due to rain. All of the rivers and waterways were well guarded by the Germans.
But in spite of the power of the water, the weather and the enemy, the allies, with their
skill, bravery and determination, eventually were the victors. On May 25, 1944 the Perths
crossed the Melfa R. (near the Hitler Line) and were awarded Secondary Battle Honours.
On Sept. 26, 1944 the Perths crossed the Uso R. On Oct. 24/44 the Perths crossed the
Savio R. They also crossed the Montone R and the Fosso Vecchio (canal). The Perths
received a Primary Battle Honour for crossing the Lamone R. on Dec. 10/11, 1944 and on
Dec. 19/20, 1944 the Perths received another Primary Battle Honour for crossing the
Fosso Munio (canal). On Jan. 4, 1945 the Perths and B.C. Dragoon tanks received
Primary Battle Honours for crossing the Canale Bonifice and victories in the
Conventello/Comacchio area.

Photocopies of postcards that Uncle Irv sent, in a letter, from Cattolica where the Perths
spent about 5 weeks – Jan.-Feb. 1945.



Rest Time at Cattolica

Jan. 13 – Feb. 16, 1945
The Perths spent about a month resting at Cattolica, near the

Adriatic Sea. They were also granted leaves to Rome, Florence and
Urbino. During the time spent in Cattolica, battle losses were
replaced and equipment repaired.
At the same time as the Perths and other regiments were enjoying the much needed and
merited break from the war, secret organization work being done to move the complete
Canadian force from Italy to join the other Canadians in action further north. This big
deception was carried out so successfully, that in mid-March 1945, when the Corps was
in Belgium, the German Army Intelligence staff in Italy, issued a situation map which
showed both Canadian divisions ‗in reserve‘ near Ancona, Italy. The cover story for the
big move was that the Canadians were moving to the south of Italy for special training!
As an extra deception, a small group of Canadians, with a large supply of unit and
formation signs moved south 60 miles to Macerata, where they drove around putting up
signs and then taking them down again! Canadian army signalers were sent to widely
scattered points in Italy and kept the air full of dummy wireless traffic for the German
Intelligence Service to intercept!

Feb. 9/45 –
The Perth Regiment sent a reconnaissance party presumably to

reconnoiter a training area somewhere in southern Italy.
Feb. 11/45 –
A second reconnaissance party also went off to an unknown

destination.
Feb. 16/45 –
The Perth Regiment moved, in wheeled convoy, on a route leading

south and then east. Then the convoy wheeled sharply in a
westerly direction and crossed Italy in 2 days. The Perths camped
for 3 days not far from the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Orders came to
remove all insignia and badges from uniforms and vehicles.
Feb. 20/45 –
At a parade in the camp, Lieut.-Col. Andrews announced to all

ranks that they were leaving Italy to join First Canadian Army in
the Netherlands. In fact all the Canadian troops in Italy were
leaving Italy and going north.
Feb. 22/45 –
The Perths and other Canadian Regiments boarded American tank

landing craft at Leghorn (or Livorno) Italy and crossed the
Mediterranean to Marseilles, France.

When the Perths arrived in Naples, Italy on Nov. 8, 1943 the Front Line of Battle was in
southern Italy, in the Naples area. As the months passed, the Perths did their part to
gradually push that Line north.
When the Perths left Italy on Feb. 22, 1945 the Front Line was north of Venice and there
were just a few places that were still in the hands of the Nazis.

Feb. 24, 1945 –
The Perths arrived in Marseilles, France. After reassembling in a

staging camp, they started off on a long truck-convoy move
through France. It took 6 days with overnight stops. The route
went through Lyon, Dijon and Cambria. For security reasons, they
avoided Paris.
Mar. 5, 1945 –
The Perths arrived in Belgium and were billeted in private homes

in Kennel. They enjoyed this for 3 weeks!

Mar. 7, 1945 –
Leaves to England began. 6 officers and 94 other ranks left on

Mar. 7th and then, every few days, another group left, until all
19 officers and 392 other ranks had had the opportunity to
revisit the country where the Perths had spent 2 years and where
some had married English wives.
Jean, Marg and Teddy on the south side of our

house on the farm. The date on the back is
Feb./45.
Uncle Irv, on a leave, in either Belgium

or England. The date on the back of the
original is Mar. 22/45.
In the interests of military security, the public announcement that the rest of the Canadian
Crops had moved from Italy to the Netherlands, was not made in Canada until Apr. 23rd.
By then, the Perths had spent 3 wks. in Kemmel and nearly 4 wks. in action in the
Netherlands.

Laser copies of 3 postcards which were sent, within a letter, to Aunt Marge from Uncle
Irv while he was on leave.

Near the end of March 1945, the Perths and some other Canadian Regiments were ready
to enter the Netherlands. Hitler and his armies and Air Force had been very cruel to the
people of this small country bordered by Belgium, Germany and the North Sea.

Troubles in the Netherlands (1940 – 1945)

On May 10, 1940, without a declaration of war or without just cause, the Germans struck
the Netherlands with devastating precision. German Air Force units were dropped down
on the airfields around Rotterdam and the Hague and other strategic spots and these
places were captured by the Germans. Also on May 10th, 2 Dutch Cabinet members flew
to London, England to seek help and the inner city of Rotterdam was bombed, killing
30,000. The Dutch army couldn‘t match the Germans in force, speed or equipment, but
they battled on. By May 12th, the crown princess, Princess Juliana, and her family had
been evacuated to England. Their evacuation was followed by the evacuation of Queen
Wilhelmina and also the Netherlands‘ Prime Minister. The decision to leave her country
in its hour of need was difficult for the Queen but she would not let herself be captured
by the Nazis and then used as a puppet leader. When she arrived in London, Queen
Wilhelmina proclaimed London the new capital of the Netherlands and she continued to
govern from there.
Hitler‘s plan had been to use the air attacks to overwhelm the Netherlands in just 1 day!
The Dutch persevered for 5 days but at a great cost, - 2890 killed in battle, 6,889
wounded in battles and 29 missing. Some Dutch pilots were able to escape in their
aircraft and would later return to battle the invaders as members of the R.A.F. On May
14th General Winkelman (who had been given power by Queen Wilhelmina) ordered the
Dutch army to stop fighting.
Also in May/40 the Nazis took over the countries of Belgium and Luxembourg. In June,
France surrendered. The Nazis now controlled most of Europe.
On July 4/40 the Nazis issued an order that the Dutch could listen to only German radio
broadcasts. The Dutch secretly listened daily to the B.B.C and to the new Radio Orange
station from London. On this new one, they could hear addresses from Queen
Wilhelmina, which
Helped to strengthen the morale and will of her people. Throughout 1941 the lives of the
Jewish population in the Netherlands were made more difficult. Adolph Hitler hated all
Jewish people. He made them put all their money into a bank that was controlled by the
Germans. The Nazis took over all Jewish businesses. All Jewish children were banned
from schools. Thousands of Jewish people were sent to concentration camps. The Dutch
people were so angry at this treatment that they hid these Jewish people in their homes or
helped them escape. If the Dutch people were caught helping the Jewish people, they
were either imprisoned or sent to a concentration camp. Only 1 political party was
allowed – the Nazi Party.
In 1942, the Crown Princess, Princess Juliana and her 2 children were moved from
England to Canada, out of the reach of the German bombers. Princess Juliana and her
children were warmly welcomed by the Canadians. Her mother, Queen Wilhelmina,
remained in London, England.

On Jan. 19, 1943 Princess Juliana gave birth to her

3rd daughter, Margriet, at Ottawa‘s Civic Hospital.
The Hospital room was decreed to be Dutch territory
for the occasion, so that the new baby would be a
Dutch citizen. Princess Margriet was named after the
marguerite flower, the national symbol of resistance
in the Netherlands. The infant princess became a
national sweat heart. For the first 2 ½ years of her
life, her home was Canada.
The Dutch Royal family (Ottawa)
Beatrix, Irene, Princess Juliana,

Margriet
In 1943, the ‗Dutch Resistance‘ grew stronger and became very organized and effective.
It carried daring measures such as, - destruction of German communication and
transportation lines and organization of prison breaks. The stronger the Dutch Resistance
became, the harsher the Nazi creak down. But the harsher the crack down, the stronger
the Dutch Resistances became. Before too long, this organization became one of the best
organized and most effective resistance operations in all of occupied Europe. By Aug.
1944, the Allies were finally heading for Belgium and the Netherlands. The Allies also
began to airdrop ammunition to remote areas of the Netherlands so the people there could
help in the war effort. Because of flooding of the land by both the Resistances and the
Nazis, the crops were ruined and the people faced starvation. Back in Germany, because
of daily bombing raids by the Allied forces, many factories and many workers were lost.
Many of the Dutch were being forced by the Nazis to go to Germany to work for very
little money. The Nazis cut off the hydro in many Dutch homes. Prince Bernhard,
husband of Crown Princess Juliana, as commander-in-chief of the Dutch armed forces,
urged the Dutch Resistance to keep on creating problems for the Germans.

On Jan. 18, 1945 Swedish Red Cross supply ships

arrived in the Netherlands for the starving Dutch
citizens. Many workers unloaded food and other
supplies from the Swedish ships, but the Nazis would
not let anything be delivered for 1 whole month.
During that month, many more people died.
March 13, 1945 –
Queen Wilhelmina returned to the

Netherlands, almost 5 years after her
escape.
March 28, 1945 –
All the Canadian troops that had come north after their work in
Italy, entered the Netherlands. The Perths relieved a battalion
of the Gloucestershire Regiment, which was then under the command
of First Canadian Army but a part of the 49th British Division.
For 2 weeks the Perths held a relatively quiet front with 1 burst
of action on Apr. 3/45.
April 3, 1945 –
In one morning of fighting, the Perths captured the town of Driel

with the support of tanks from the Governor – Generals Horse
Guards. In the afternoon, the Perths beat off 3 German counter-
attacks and consolidated their hold on the town. The town of
Drisl was on the bank of the Neder Rhine – 4 miles from Arnhem,
which was a vital crossing point across the Rhine on the way to
the Northern Netherlands and was still held by the Germans.

April 12-14, 1945 –
Arnhem was finally taken from the enemy in a 3-day battle by the
British 49th Division, under command of 1st Canadian Army. The
Perths‘ part of this operation was to swing from west to east of
Arnhem on Apr. 12 and 13 – moving south from Driel to Osterhout
and then east and north to prepare for an operation capture of
the town of Doesburg – on the river Ijssel (7 miles north-east of
Arnhem).
At Doesburg, 2 German soldiers came out of the town and reported

that, their comrades wanted to surrender. 2 men from the Perths‘
Intelligence Section went back with them and returned with 88
prisoners, who brought with them complete arms and all the
equipment they could carry. Many of them were conscripted
Russians, eager to change sides and escape from their German
officers. There was no fighting for Doesburg!
During the month of April, because the allied forces in Germany

were at maximum strength for the main assault, the Canadian who
were left in the Netherlands were at minimum strength, - about
35,000 Canadians to 120,000 Germans.
The next order, for the 5th Canadian Division, was to push across
the 25 miles from Arnhem to the Zuider Zee, capturing towns on
the way. It took only 4 days for the Perths, the Irish and the
Bretoners with 3 tank regiments of the 5th Armored Brigade to
accomplish the job, thus cutting off completely the German
garrisons in Western Holland.
April 15, 1945 –
The above operation started in Arnhem with 3 companies of Perths

– ‗A‘ ‗B‘ and ‗D‘ following a regiment of tanks and ‗C‘ Company
riding on tanks as the mobile reserve.
After leaving Arnhem, the 5th Division went north. The Perths took
the town of Deelen and the Cape Bretoners took the town of
Terlet.


Apr. 16/45 –
The tanks overran Otterloo and the Perths moved in behind and
helped the Irish mop up the town. ‗A‘ and ‗C‘ Companies of the
Perths, riding on tanks, continued 6 miles past Otterloo and in
the early evening took the town of Sunteren, with no serious
opposition. Some Prisoners were taken, including 3 German
officers.

April 17, 1945 –
‗A‘ Company of the Perths, riding on tanks of the British

Columbia Dragons, swept 4 miles forward from Lunteren and
captured Barneveld.
April 18, 1945 –
The Perths came under the command of the Dragons for the final
strike to the Zuider Zee. The tank and infantry push, began in
mid-afternoon and in 2 hours they advanced 10 miles. By nightfall
the Perths were in possession of Harderivijk. The Dutch
Underground helped deal with any Nazi sympathizers and with
German garrison. The Perths received a wild welcome here! On Apr.
18th the Regiment took 118 prisoners and had no casualties.
*The Perth Regiment won Primary Battle Honours for ‗Ijsselmeer‘ – a 25-mile advance
(Apr.15-18) from Arnhem to the Zuider Zee, to cut off the enemy in Westerns
Netherlands.
Crowford Smith was the much loved

chaplain of the Perths.
Most of the Germans in the northern part of the Netherlands were rounded up without
much trouble by the 3rd week of April, with the exception of the northern tip of the
Netherlands, which included some villages, - Holwierde, Krewerd, Nansum and the port
and wartime German naval base of Delfzijl. Here, about 4000 do-or-die Nazis, including
a large number of naval gunners, held out stubbornly. There were also minefields and

barbed wire. Here, in this area, the Perths, the Irish and the Cape Bretoners, supported by
tanks, were involved, the last week of April, in some of their bitterest fighting of the war.
April 21-22, 1945 –
During the night, the Perths moved 137 miles north from the
Zuider Zee.
April 23/45 –
The Perth launched a night attack on the village of Holwierde and

eventually it was taken, as was also the village of Krewerd.

April 24-25 –
The fighting in the area continued. Shell-fire was very heavy on

the 25th. The German naval guns took this toll. Hard fighting went
on for another 3 days but slowly the troops advanced.
April 27-28/45 –
Lieut-Col Andrew maneuvered the Perths slowly, to a position

where he thought the big guns on the dike could be tackled. With
the help of a smoke-shell program, ‗D‘ Company made a 500 yd.
dash across open ground and wiped out an enemy position which was
protecting the guns. 20 prisoners were taken. After dark, ‗C‘
Company went through ‗D‘ Company under smokescreen, took the
Germans by surprise, captured guns and took 177 prisoners.
Apr. 29/45 –
Early on the day, the Perths kept the attack rolling, with the
big guns silent at last. ‗A‘ Company moved first and in 4 hrs. of
fighting took 70 prisoners. They ran out of their own ammunition
but used the ammunition of the prisoners until more was sent up
by ‗D‘ Company. In the afternoon ‗A‘ Company pushed on again and
captured the village of Nansum. That day 295 prisoners were
taken.
Apr. 30/45 –
By this date, the Perths had cleared 10 sq. miles of land on the
north side of the town/port of Delfzijl. The Cape Bretoners took
over from the Perths and the Perths swung around from the north
to the south of the town, in order to relieve the Irish Regiment.
Company ‗B‘ of the Perths, stayed back on the North side to help
the Bretoners at the same time.

May 1, 1945 –
The Perths made a wide swing 15 miles west to Groningen to get to

a bridge across the Eems Canal and then 15 miles east again to
Delfzijl. The area all around Delfzijl had been studded with
minefields and so the Perths‘ pioneer platoon, under Lieut. G. G.
Getty, was kept busy, sweeping roads and the countryside, so that
the area would be safe for movement.
May 2, 1945 –
The Perths‘s Pioneer Platoon, under Getty, found that the main
canal gaits, on the Eems Canal, had been left mined, for
demolition. The main charges were very large 45- gallon steel
drums – packed with explosives, and were too heavy to handle. But
the men successfully removed the igniters and thus prevented the
flooding of a large area. After days of bitter fighting, the
Germans finally surrendered their hold on Delfzijl and the town
was free!
 The Perths were awarded another ―Primary Battle Honour‘ for ―Delfzil Pocket‖ –
operation to quell the last organized German resistance in the Netherlands – April
23-May 2, 1945.

Operation Manna
The situation for the Dutch people, especially those trapped in German occupied parts,
was desperate. They were starving to death. The Canadians wanted so much to help.
Finally, after much negotiating, arrangements were agrees on for delivering of food by
the Canadians. And so operation Manna was launched and 4-drop zones were agreed
upon. Allied bombers dropped food! Soon instead of 4 zones, they had 11-drop zones.
5,356 mercy flights were made and many lives were saved!
Canadian planes bring food for a starving country.
While the Allies were helping to relieve the extreme hunger in the homes of the Dutch
people, Adolph Hitler was facing his own problems in Germany. Back in the summer of
1944, the Russians were driving in on Germany from the east and the Allies were arriving
from the west. He was caught in a trap of his own making. When the Red Army broke
into Berlin in April, 1945, Hitler knew that he had lost the war that he had started. He
ended his own life.
May 4, 1945 –
In the evening, the Perths received a message from the Perths‘

Battalion Headquarters at Wagenborgen (5 miles south of Delfzijl)
that all hostilities would cease the following morning. The Perth
war Diary records, - ―A rum issue was authorized for the
battalion and a minor celebration took place.‖

May 5, 1945 –
In the village of Wageningen, Liet. - Gen. Charles Foulkes

accepted the surrender of the German forces in the Netherlands
from their commander, General Johannes Blaskowitz.
May 7, 1945 –
‗D‘ Company of the Perths took 1 prisoner, who had been hiding.
He was very useful, as he knew where the minefields were and
helped defuse and lift bombs.
May 8, 1945 –
The Perths‘ signalers rigged up a public address system to serve

the whole battalion, so that all could hear Winston Churchill
broadcast the word of the complete and unconditional surrender of
Nazi Germany on all fronts.

Part of Churchill‘s Speech – May 8/45


The Beacon Herald
May 7, 1945



From ‗The Listowel Banner‘ – 1945
An Allied Victory Parade in Europe
The 8th Princess Louise‘s Hussars (from

New Brunswick) belonged to the 5th
Canadian Armoured Division just like the
Perths, B.C, Dragoons, Bretoners, Irish,
Westminster etc.


The Queen Mother, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, king George VI and Princes
Margaret Rose on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on ‗Victory in Europe‘ day – May
8, 1945.
___________________________________

The Netherlands
May 11, 1945 –
The Perth Regiment attended a special Church Service in the Dutch

Reform Parish Church in Wagenborgen (where the Perths‘
Headquarters were). It was a Memorial Service for those, of their
Regiment, who had died in Italy and the Netherlands. The order of
service was in the form of a booklet. On the following page are
photocopies of just 4 pages of that booklet. A copy of the
complete 20-page booklet is in the ‗Bell Family Book – Volume 3‘
(complements of Pat). The Perths‘ commanding Officer, Lt Col M W
Andrew, read the lesson and their chaplain, Crawford Smith
preached the sermon.











Homeward Bound
With the war now over, our uncles began to talk of ‗going home‘. Mom told us that
Uncle Jim insisted his brother go first. Jim said, - ‗You go first because you have a little
girl at home who hasn‘t seen her Daddy for a long time!‖ Mom also said that the two
brothers agreed that they would not talk about the war when they were home again. The
horrors they had seen and heard were vivid enough in their memories, that there was no
need to remind each other of them, let alone tell others. They wanted to forget and get on
with their lives. However they did share a few funny experiences!
I remember a funny episode Pat‘s Dad told us. It happened in Italy. Uncle Irv and some
other men had decided to have a rest in a well-built dug-out. To make it a bit safer, they
strung barbwire around the outside and hung bells from the wire. Part way through the
night, the men heard the bells ringing. This made the men very afraid. Had the enemy
come back? What should they do? Uncle Irv volunteered to check. He climbed up to the
edge of the dug-out and peered out. What he saw made him laugh. It was not the enemy
but a goat from a near-by farm. The goat had wandered into the area, walked into the
wire and caused the bells to ring. The tension was broken and everyone laughed!
After Uncle Irv arrived home, I remember Pat and I looking at things that he had brought
home from the war and were kept in an old trunk. We were especially fascinated with
some whistles. One, in particular, was very small (not more than 1 ½ inches in length),
very shrill when blown and of dark gray, heavy metal. Of course, we asked questions but
true to his promise, Uncle Irv said very little. We did learn, eventually, that this small
whistle had belonged to a German officer – no more info!
May 24, 1945—
Uncle Irv arrived home to Newry on May 24, 1945. He had been
overseas since October, 1941. According to the newspaper article
of May 31st, there were 7 other members of the Perth Regiment that
came home at the same time.


Back in the Netherlands

May 1945 –
Those members of the Perth Regiment, who did not return home in
May, continued to stay in the northern part of the Netherlands,
on the flat dyke-lands south of Delfzijl. During the time there,
the Perths helped to shepherd more than 100,000 German prisoners
along the dyke that goes across the top of the Zuider Zee. From
the dyke, they shepherded the prisoners across the northern
Netherlands to the German border.

Also while there, 73 men from the Perths enlisted, at the Perth headquarters at
Wagenborgen, for duty in the war against Japan, in the Pacific. However, Japan officially
surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945 and so those 73 men never got to the Pacific.
May 30, 1945 –
The Perths moved to the city of Groningen, the capital of the

northern province of Groningen. They were billeted in 4 school
buildings and stayed there for 2 weeks.
Middle of June, 1945 –
The Perths moved to Sneek, in the northeastern provinces of

Friesland, where they were billeted in homes. The town of Sneek
became like a ‗home away from home‘ to the Perths. A friendship
was formed between the citizens of Sneek and the Perths, a
friendship that has lasted over the years.



‗Picnic Time‘ – Aug. 5, 1945
Back Row (L. to R.)
Stan Endley, Grandpa Bell, Charlie Coulter, ----------, Uncle Irv
Middle Row (L. to R.)
DorothyEndley, Grandma Bell, Mom (Janet Bell), Roxie Smith, Ethel Coulter, Mrs.
Endley, Aunt Marge
Front Row (L. to R.)
Fred Endley, Sylvia Smith, Pat Bell, Jean Bell

‗Get-togethers‘ in August 1945
Early in August 1945, Uncle Jim arrived home from overseas. Grandma and Grandpa
now had both their younger sons home to stay, after an absence of almost 6 years
(including the time spent in training in Ontario). Grandma and Grandpa held an open-
house one evening so that friends, relatives and neighbours could welcome Jim and Irv
back.
Later in Aug. 1945, Uncle Irv, Aunt Marge, Pat and Buster moved to Goderich. Uncle Irv
had accepted a job with Imperial Oil.
Pat, before leaving for school in Goderich.

She‘s standing on the clothesline stand at the
back of their house. Near-by are beautiful
morning glories.

On Aug. 14, 1945 the Japanese surrendered and the war in the Pacific was over. On Sept.
2, 1945 World War 2 was officially at an end.
The Listowel Banner
Aug. 23, 1945
In Sept. 1945, while the remaining Perths were still in Sneek (in the Netherlands), their
Commanding Officer, Maurice Andrew, received the Distinguished Service Order.
From the ‗Fighting
Perths‘ by
Stafford Johnston

October – November 1945

While the remaining Perth Regiment was still in the town of Sneek, in the Netherlands,
its Commanding Officer, Col Andrew, because of his legal background, was chosen to
defend Major-Gen. Kurt Meyer, a Nazi Officer charged with being responsible for
murdering Canadian prisoners. Meyer was convicted and condemned to death.
Later on, this death sentence was changed to life imprisonment in a Canadian prison.
According to a newspaper, - ―The quality of Col. Andrew‘s defence was an important
factor in the commutation.‖ Mayer was released in 1954.
Nov. 27-28, 1945 –
The remaining Perth Regiment left Sneek and travelled to staging

camps in England.

The Return of the Remaining Perth Regiment
Jan. 9, 1946 –
The rest of the Perth Regiment, that had spent Christmas 1945 in
staging camps in England, boarded a ship for New York City. The
ship carried 13,314 army and navy personnel, of which the Perths
numbered 20 Officers and 354 Other Ranks. Just before the ship
left port, the Perths‘ Commanding Officer, Col Andrew, arrived
and also got on board. Col Andrew had just completed his work on
the Meyer war trial case. Winston Churchill was also on the ship,
on his way to a 6-week holiday in Florida.
Jan. 14, 1946 –
The ship, carrying the Perths, arrived in New York after 5 days
of stormy weather. The Perths boarded a train for Ontario and
eventually Stratford.
During the war, the Perths had faced so many rivers, other
waterways and bridges, that they had adopted a theme song, - ‗One
More River to Cross‘. When their train started to cross the
suspension bridge at Niagara Falls, to enter Canada, the
remaining and returning men broke into song again!
Jan. 16, 1945 –
The Perths‘ train pulled into the Railway Station in Stratford

about 2:10 P.M. For awhile the men mingled with loved ones they
had not seen for quite a while. They then formed up and, led by
the Regiments 2nd Reserve brass band, marched downtown to Market
Square and City Hall for an official welcome. It was a bitterly
cold day and snow was everywhere. But the reception was so warm!
Flags and banners flew, factory whistles blew, Church bells rang,
horns honked and people cheered. Following the ceremony, Col
Andrew marched his men to the Armoury for final dismissal.

The ‘Perths’ Family

Over the years 1939 – 1945, the members of the Perth Regiment grew close together.
They experienced the same training, similar hardships, loss of friends and army
acquaintances, tough weather, fear and many other rigors of war. They supported each
other when needed and in turn were supported. They became like one big family.
After the war ended, many of them kept in touch, sometimes on large formal occasions
and other times informally during personal visits in the home. Pat remembers going to
some of these homes for visits and also having fellow-Perths come to their home or
cottage at Colpoy. Sometimes in the evening, if the men started reminiscing about a
serious war happening, Pat would hear her Dad says, ―Pat, it‘s time for bed!‖ Pat would
object somewhat to this, thinking ―Aw, just when things are getting interesting, I have to
go to bed!‖ But her Dad meant what he said and Pat went to bed!!
A few years ago on one of Pat‘s visits with us, she took me with her so I could meet 2 of
her Dad‘s and Mom‘s friends – Art and Lil Eglinton. Art and Uncle Irv were together in
the Signals Crops. After the end of the war, Uncle Irv, Aunt Marge and Pat had visited
back and forth with Art, Lil and family and also with other Perths. Eventually Uncle Irv
and a fellow Perth friend, Frank Miles, built a cottage together at Colpoy Bay. Franks‘
children, - Bob, Bill and Brenda, became close friends.
On Oct. 23rd 2006, while Pat and her friends, Brenda (Milla) and John Funston, were here
for a visit, we went to the Legion and the Army and Navy, to meet up with Art Eglinton
and also Johnny Cole (also a Signaller with the Perths) and Fred Scott (in the Perths‘
Motor Brigade). We asked a few questions and the 3 men readily answered them. They
seemed to enjoy the chance to talk about the war, especially Fred and Johnny!

Photocopies of a few of Uncle Irv‘s invitations to Perth Regiment get-togethers‘

Lil and Art Eglinton and Pat (in the

Eglinton‘s home), November 2004
Pat and Art, at the Legion, April 26, 2005

Pat and Brenda John Funston, enjoying the military display at the Stratford – Perth
Museum – November 2006
Brenda (Mills) Funston, Graeme, Jean and Pat at the end of a delightful visit – Nov.
2006



Crawford Smith gave the address at Uncle Irv‘s funeral.
A portion of the funeral write-up from the

newspaper.
When Pat and Don were living in Guelph, Rev Crawford Smith was the minister at one of
the Presbyterian Churches in Guelph, but not the one Pat and Don attended. On at least 1
occasion, Pat spoke to Crawford Smith and when Rev. Smith found out who Pat‘s Dad
was, he said to Pat, - ―your Dad was a very fine Gentlemen!‖

The Post-War Years

In 1946, Uncle Jim and Aunt Lois bought Grandma‘s and Grandpa‘s house and small
barn and also 14 acres of land from George Hart (Lot 3- Plan 465). Grandpa and
Grandma Bell built a new house beside the gas station. Also, in 1946, after only 1 year in
Goderich, Uncle Irv was needed at home in Newry, to take over the managing of the Esso
station, as Grandpa was not well. So Uncle Irv, Aunt Marge, Pat and Buster moved back
to Newry and an apartment was built on to the station.
In 1947, Uncle Jim and Aunt Lois bought more land-lots 4 and 5 (Plan 465) from George
and Lillian Hart. A large barn was also built. In the winter time, this barn housed several
young cattle and at one time several cages of mink. Later on, chickens were raised there,
instead of mink. The small barn held 5 or 6 milking cows.
Also, in 1947, Aunt Lois and Uncle Jim became the proud and happy parents of a little
boy. They named their boy, - Walter Gary!
Pat and Gary
(approx. summer of 1948)

At Christmas time, Aunt Lois always gave us really great books! – Some of which I still
have!
Christmas 1947
To= Jean
From=Aunt Lois & Uncle Jim
To= Daisy Jean
From= Gary Christmas 1948
One of my favorite books, from Aunt Lois, was one entitled ‗Doris Force at Cloudy
Cove‘, which I gave away to a little girl.

Mink Farming
―The Scare‖
Just recently, Marg told me about the time Uncle Jim sent her on an errand to his big
barn- (She doesn‘t know now, what was that errand was). Pat went with Marg.
It was dark outside and therefore also inside the barn. They needed the barn lights on.
Because the barn was quite new, Marg didn‘t know where the light switches were. As she
felt around for a light switch, her hand touched something strange. It felt like a fence
post! But she felt hair on it!
After more searching, she finally found the light switch and on went the light, revealing,
instantly, what the strange thing was that she had felt. It was one of the black hairy legs
of an old dead horse, that was hanging upside down from the beams!
Marg and Pat took off running – out the barn and into the house!! That‘s when they
learned that Uncle Jim bought dead horses for food for his mink.
Later that night, Marg realized that this whole episode was just one of Uncle‘s Jim‘s
practical jokes!!

Lois and Marilyn (Birdie) Cook, Jean and

Tom. The Cook family was visiting us at our
farm. Approx. 1948/49.
Jean and Marg at Grannie‘s in

Milverton, Approx. 1946
Jean, at her home on the ‗Betsy‘, one of my pet calves.

farm, before leaving for Both Betsy and Isabella
her piano lesson in Atwood would come to me when I
Approx. 1947 called.

A gentleman and a stylish lady!

(Alias Grandma and Uncle Irv)
Uncle Irv and Marg at the Esso Station
Pat, Jean and Jean Fleming, having fun at Colpoy‘s Bay

Grace Nichol, Jean, Marion Nichol, Margie Nichol, Sylvia and Pat have fun on the
toboggans, thanks to Uncle Irv.
Summer time fun on the farm – Jean, Teddy, Pat

1952 was a very busy year.

Dad sold the farm and in
May we moved to a new
house in Atwood. Aunt Lois
and Uncle Jim were Blessed
with another son. Marg and
Lloyd were Married on Aug.
9th.
This is a later photo of our house.
The Atwood Bee, Nov. 6, 1952
Marg and Lloyd with their parents – Aug./52

Christmas at Aunt Lois‘ and Uncle Jim‘s –

Approx. 1954
Jean and Ron, Gary, Kim and Pat
Grandma, Gary, Pat and Kim at her 2nd

house in Newry -Approx. 1953
- In 1953, Uncle Jim began working for

the Perth Country road department. On
Nov. 16, 1978 he was presented with a
gold watch for 25 years of faithful
service
Randy, Kim and Ron. Christmas

1954 (at Uncle Jim‘s)
In the early 1950s, Dad bought a

Plumbing and Tinsmithing
Business and built a shop beside
their garage.
Grandma on her 73rd Birthday – Mar. 26, 1955

Aunt Myrtle, at Mavroy‘s Gravesite

in the Ravenna War Cemetery in
Italy (12 km west of Ravenna, near
the village of Piangipane)
Uncle Russel and Aunt Myrtle at their home in

Atwood
Christmas at our place in Atwood – Dec. 1958 Uncle Jim and Grandma.
Jim was growing a beard
for a contest in July 1957

Mom, Aunt Hattie, Aunt Myrtle and Marion

Fleming at Gary‘s And Gailis Wedding –
Sept. 14, 1968
Pat and Dad at Uncle Jim‘s

and Aunt Lois‘ ‗40th‘ – fall
of 1979.
Aunt Marge, Marg, Jean and Pat at Dad‘s (Elma Tp‘s

‗125th‘ – summer of 1982)

‗The 5 Cousins‘ at 292 Hibernia St, Stratford, Sat. Oct. 20, 2001
‗The 10 of us‘ – Oct. 20, 2001

The Bell Reunion at the McLaughlin Cottage — At Sauble – Aug.

2004
The 5 bell cousins
Fun and Relaxation Time

The Dutch Memorial Garden

World War II produced one of the smallest and most poignant parks in Canada. This park
is near the Lions‘ Pool and Haron Street Bridge in Stratford. In this Park is a small statue
– known as the Peace Monument. It was presented to the people of Stratford in 1959, by
a very grateful country – the Netherlands, in appreciation of the welcome given their
servicemen as they trained for the war, from Jan. 1,1941 to Oct. 31,1942, in the former
Barracks of the Perth Regiment.
During his Speech of dedication on Sept. 12,1959, the Netherlands‘ ambassador to

Canada, said – ―May the depth of goodwill and kindness developed between Stratford
and the Netherlands, in days of war, continue to grow in the brighter days of peace.‖
May 2010

The Wounded Bird

The top part of the Peace Monument is the statue of a wounded bird being held up by a
pair of hands/arms. The wounded bird represents The Netherlands. The pair of hands
represents Canada.

The Perth Regiment Memorial in the Garden of Remembrance – Stratford

Ontario – Sept. 2006
Perth Memorial in the Garden of Remembrance, September 2009

Plagues on the ‗Perth‘ Memorial, 2009
2006

Plagues on the Perth Regiment

Memorial
Sept. 2009
Sept. 2009

Plagues on the Perth

Regiment Memorial

Pat and I went to hear Stan speak on Sun. Nov. 21, 2004. He was Excellent!
He was very informative, reflective and also humourous at times – just like the book he
wrote, ‗Not All of Us Were Brave!‘

Stan Scislowski and

Pat at the Stratford
Museum on Sun. Nov.
21, 2004
Note Stan‘s special

briefcase!
1 of the Museum‘s curators, Stan and Pat – Nov. 21 / 04

The Record
Sat. May 7, 2005





Bruno Del Moro (Tavullia‘s mayor) Dan Mathieson (Stratford‘s mayor), Stan Scislowski
(Perth‘s veteran), Karen Koonar and Ken Mauled (Canadians who like to see troops
recognized and Salvatore Di Brunessi (who grew up in the area) watch the unveiling of a
plague, in honour of the Perths‘ sacrifices in Italy.







The Bell Family in WW2

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The Bell Family

Jean Martin Page i

Excerpts of a letter that Uncle Irv wrote to Aunt Marge .............................................. 77

Page ii Jean Martin

On Army Reserve in the Volturno Valley .................................................................. 200

Jean Martin Page iii

Page iv Jean Martin

Jean Martin, Stratford

Jean Martin Page v

Cousins, Kim and Gary – for sharing various information.

Kate and staff – for their help at the Stratford/Perth Archives.

The Staff at the Business Centre – for their excellent help!!

Page vi Jean Martin

Military Scrapbooks (Stratford Archives)

‗The Fighting Perths‘ by Stafford Johnston

The Perth Regiment Web Site.

Personal letter written by uncle Irv.

The book ‗Not All of Us Were Brave‘ by Stan Scislowski

‗Canadians and the Italian Campaign‘ 1943-1945 by Bill McAndrew.

The Stratford-Perth Museum

‗The Bell Family History Books‘- Volume 2 and 3

‗The Graham Family History Book‘ – Volume 2

‗Canada and Netherlands 1945-1995‘- the Government of Canada

‗Canada and the Liberation of the Netherlands – Lance Goddard

‗Veteran Affairs Canada‘ Web Site.

Jean Martin Page vii

Page viii Jean Martin

1939 – The Calm Before The Storm

Jean Martin Page 1

Page 2 Jean Martin

Grandpa‘s Esso Service Station

Jean Martin Page 3

Page 4 Jean Martin

Jean Martin Page 5

Uncle Irv and Aunt Marge

Page 6 Jean Martin

Milverton , Mar. 13/39-

Jean Martin Page 7

Page 8 Jean Martin

Uncle Jim and Aunt Lois

Jean Martin Page 9

The Southwest Section of Elma Tp.

Showing Ronnenberg and Bell farms around 1939.

Page 10 Jean Martin

1939 – The Clouds of War

On May 9, 1939 Germany and Italy formed a military alliance.

Jean Martin Page 11

June 6, 1939 – in Stratford In the newspaper article below, a

On the following day – June 7/39, in a letter

‚…….It certainly is a wonderful thing to

Page 12 Jean Martin

Part of the write up from the Beacon Herald

Jean Martin Page 13

Summer 1939 - Excerpts from Uncle Irv‘s letters to Aunt Marge

Page 14 Jean Martin

Summertime on the Farm-1939

One of Mom‘s flowerbeds on the farm

Marg, dad, buster and Wayne Young (behind Dad).

Jean- about 7 or 8 months old (on

Marg, on the swing

Jean Martin Page 15

Grandma and Grandpa Bell (During the Summer of 1939)

-using excerpts from Uncle Irv‘s letters to Aunt Marge

Page 16 Jean Martin