Remembering D-day 80 Years Later
Story by Holly Switzer Holden
Photography by Allen Mullins
Tensions overseas had been steadily rising and in September of 1939 the British Empire declared war on Germany. Young patriotic men and boys lined up in Canada to enlist.
It was January 1941 and one of those boys, a fifteen-and-a-half-year-old named William (Bill) Shea decided to join the fight and signed up for the Canadian military. Bill grew up in Essex County with eight brothers and sisters during the Great Depression. Despite the financial hardship of the time his creative mother always found a way to put food on the table. Family always went together to church on Sundays and joined with relatives Sunday afternoons. Growing up tensions in Europe were escalating and as a young man he knew he needed to do something about it. For his family, and for his country he put his life on the line.
First Stop, basic training in Chatham Ontario then Camp Borden and Petawawa. After his training Bill started off in the pipes and drums. In 1944 Bill became a tail gunner for the air force. He and his comrades flew 13 missions as they protected a vital industrial area for the Allies. Before going home Bill and his crew also flew missions in the Pacific Theater, which is the area over the Pacific Ocean between eastern Asia, the Indian Ocean and Oceania. When the war was finally over, he and the other soldiers threw the party of parties. All over the Commonwealth people celebrated.
Afterwards Bill joined the Navy for five years. Eventually he went home married a young lady named Joyce and started a family. He continued to serve his community on the Windsor Police force for fourteen years. Some of his favourite pass times are going to Harrow’s legion and attending church. He credits his faith for getting him through the hardships of the war. Now in 2024 at ninety-nine years of age Bill Shea resides in Harrow Ontario. His advice for long life is to keep up with regular visits to your family doctor, go for walks daily and enjoy a good cup of tea from time to time. His words of wisdom to the upcoming generations are to, “Never give up and always be grateful.”
Charles Davis is also part of the “greatest generation” and fought in WW2. Born on September 27, 1922 in London Ontario Charles joined the army at the age of 18. Charles felt patriotic and “ready to get things done.”
He was part of the 69th Light Anti-aircraft Battery Royal Canadian Artillery Regiment. Charles landed along with his comrades on Juno Beach on D-day plus four (June 10th). He drove an ammunition truck with 10 tons of ammo onto Juno Beach. His job was to drive ammunition and fuel to the infantry. Charles also served in Britain, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was in Apeldoorn Holland when it was liberated.
On coping with the hardships of war, Charles said, “You did what you had to do.”
While overseas Charles met and married his wife, Doris Elizabeth Fox. In Shoreditch London England they married at the town hall. Their oldest daughter Jaqueline was born there. They were married for 68 years. On having a long happy marriage, Charles says, “Find a good mate; a sweet girl and marry her.”
When asked how he felt when he heard the war was over, “Happy as hell!” he said.
Charles received the 1939-1945 star, France and Germany star, Defense Britain medal, Canada Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, War Medal, Normandy Medal, Liberation of France Medal and the Liberation of Holland Medal.
He served his country from May 20,1941 until December 6,1946.
Charles returned home to Port Dover followed by his wife and daughter a few months later. He was known as “the last local soldier to return” to Port Dover. In 1947 he and his growing family moved to Windsor, Ontario and has lived here ever since. In total Charles and Doris had four daughters. Charles worked for various companies, including General Motors. He retired from Auto Haulaway in 1986.
On his long life Charles feels blessed and says, “to make sure you eat your veggies.”
His advice for the upcoming generation, “Get off your keister and get a good education and a job that you are happy with.”
On the 80th anniversary of D-day Charles made his way overseas to honour Normandy’s fallen. He met and shook hands with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prince William.
1,159,000 Canadians fought in WW2. 44,090 did not return. If it wasn’t for these brave soldiers, we would not have many of the freedoms we enjoy today.
Canadian Military continue to share the torch of freedom around the world. One young man from Tecumseh Ontario, Private James Dorner was stationed in Afghanistan in the early 2000’s. At only twenty-two he felt he was ready to serve his country and make a difference. While over there James earned a promotion and became Corporal. Missions such as Operation Athena (the Canadian Forces’ contribution to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) where, as a combat engineer it was his job to detect and neutralize roadside bombs to bring stability to the area and to combat insurgent forces. The hardships of war brought the soldiers together as the comradery and those with experience mentored them through it.
From being in an atmosphere where people were trying to kill him to a heroes welcome back home, he felt relief and knew it was worth the sacrifice. James is now a civil engineer and serves on the town council for Tecumseh. He makes a difference wherever he can in all levels of politics.
To young people who are considering joining the military he says, “Do find a friend in the military who has served and talk to them or reach out to James at info@JamesDorner.com.”
To kids graduating: “Try to get involved in community groups such as the Optimist Club and network with like-minded people. Be the change you want to be.”
More than 40,000 Canadians would serve in Afghanistan. This was the largest deployment of our troops since the Second World War. The conflict lasted over 12 years and 158 Canadian Armed Forces, a diplomat, four aid workers, a government contractor, and a journalist lost their lives.
Remembrance Day is so important to remember our past and why war happens. By remembering our past, hopefully we will not repeat it. By honouring those who fought for our freedom we avoid taking our freedoms for granted. As the previous generations who fought are leaving this world, we must pass their legacy on to the upcoming generations.
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