Bell, George

Private George Bell

Lanark & Renfrew Scottish Regiment

R.C.I.C.

George was born March 15, 1922 in Dumfries, Scotland. His parents William and Jenny moved to Tomifobia, QC. George had 5 brothers and 4 sisters.

After 6 years public school George left school at age 14. As a teenager he worked in the woods with his brothers and cut pulpwood for his dad. George also worked as a mechanic for Butterfield Division Rock Island, QC.

George enlisted March 4, 1941 in Sherbrooke, QC. Unit: #4 D.D. R.C.O.C. CA. He was TOS to the Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment December 1944. His brothers John and Robert also enlisted and Robert saw action overseas.

December 15, 1944 Bell was reported missing believed KIA. Bell was a rifleman last seen awaiting orders from the company commander. The L&R's were critically short of men at this time. While in position a shell or mortar bomb landed in their midst, four men killed instantly. One was identified as Private George Bell.

                   

  Theaters and Dates of Service

  Canada   04-May-42 to 23-Sept-42

  UK         24-Sept-42 to 28-Sept-44

  Italy        29-Sept-44 to 15-Dec-44

 Grave: VI A 4

Antoniuk, Alexander

Lance Corporal Alexander Antoniuk

4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards

R.C.I.C.

Alexander was born February 19, 1924 on a farm in Vilna, AB to John & Dora. He had 2 brothers and 4 sisters. Alexander's dad died when he was 6 and his mother remarried but that marriage did not last.  He left school at 15 after completing grade 8. He spoke English and Ukranian.

Alex liked swimming, skating, hunting and softball (outfield). Although raised on a farm and a competent farmer his ambition was in the mechanical or welding field.

Alexander enlisted March 2, 1942. Reason: "To serve my country." He was found to be neat, robust and earnest. He had a high degree of intelligence was quiet and reserved in manner. Alex was TOS to  the 4th PLDG's July 1944.

Alexander's brother George was wounded, survived the war and died around the age of 50. L/Sgt. George Antoniuk M7015 was awarded the MM.

Theaters and Dates of Service

Canada   02-Mar-42 to 19-Jul-42

UK         20-Jul-42 to 16-Aug-43

Italy       17-Aug-43 to 31-Dec-44

Grave: II A 8

Brothers  

       

Bates, Donald LeRoy

Bates Lance Corporal Donald LeRoy

Lanark & Renfrew Scottish Regiment

R.C.I.C.

Donald was born April 8, 1921 in Glanford Station Ontario, son of John Stanley and Hilda Valeria. He had one brother, Ralph Warren and 2 sisters Hanna Florence and Joyce Mildred. Donald was born and raised on a farm.

Donald attended Caledonia High School and took 1 year of general courses. He did not like school and left at 17 to start working. Following school he worked at his uncles's farm for Bressman's Construction Company and at Otis-fenson Elevator Co. in Hamilton, ON.

Donald enlisted September 17, 1942 in Hamilton. He wore glasses, was a tall, husky young chap of average intelligence. He wanted the opportunity to become a storeman in R.C.A. A/A Heavy where his services could be put to better use.
                             
Donald was a good gunner. He was TOS to the Lanark & Renfrew Scottish Regiment October 1944.

                                                             
 Theaters and Dates of Service
                                                             
  Canada 17-Sept-42 to 29-Mar-43                                                      
  UK        30-Mar-43 to 11-Jun-43                                                  
  Italy       12-Jun-43 to 15-Dec-44

                                                             
 Villanova War Cemetery                                                              
 Grave: VII C 1

Andrews, Frederick Albert

Private Frederick Albert Andrews

4TH Princess Louise Dragoon Guards

R.C.I.C.

Frederick was the son of Edith Emily and Charles Andrews. He was born December 4, 1919 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. Fred came to Canada at the age of 7. He and his brother Charles Andrew Jr. grew up in Port Perry, Ontario. Fred completed part of grade 6 but left school to work at home on the farm. He got along well at school but preferred art and attended the theatre as a passtime. He played the accordion, guitar and harmonica. He was not enthusiastic about sports except softball. 

Fred enlisted January 6, 1941 in Toronto. He tried to enlist with the RCAF but could not wait the time required.  Fred enlisted "Because many boys from his town were enlisting." He was found to be a likeable soldier, had a good attitude and was a good gunner. Fred was well trained as No. 4 on L.A.A. Fred was not looking forward to O/S duty. On 14 days combined furlough and embarkation leave in July 44 he married Miss Helen May Every "without permission."

Theaters and Dates of Service
Canada  06-Jan-42 to 28-Aug-44
UK       29-Aug-44 to 28-Sept-44
Italy      29-Sept-44 to 17-Dec-44

Villanova War Cemetery
Grave: V A 2

Dewinter, Robert Dewitt

Private Robert Dewitt Dewinter

4th PLDG R.C.A.C.

Son of Allison Ira and Emily Matilda, Robert was born September 21,  1924 in Kings Co., NS. Robert had 3 brothers and 2 sisters. He was of Dutch origin. Robert completed grade VIII and left school to go to work. He played basketball and the guitar.

Occupations: Garage work and a Mill-worker.

Robert enlisted February 8, 1943 in Kentville NS. He had served in the Reserves 2nd Bn. West N.S.R. since May 1942.  He was TOS to the PLUG's September 1944. Recruit had a youthful appearance, was happy go lucky and willing to serve. He wanted to learn a trade specifically mechanical work and was recommended for the RCASC.

Theaters and Dates of Service
Canada 08-Feb-43 ti 02-Jun-44
UK       03-Jun-44 to 16-Jul-44
Italy      17-Jul-44 to 13-Dec-44

Grave: I A 10
Villanova War Cemetery

Devor, David

Private David Devor

"D" Company

Irish Regiment of Canada

R.C.I.C.

Son of Harry and Date Devor, David had 4 brothers and 5 sisters. David was born in St. Catharines ON, on April 1, 1924. He was known in his family by his Hebrew name (Tevi). David completed grade 7. His trade following school was a woodworker, making billiard cues for Brunswick-Balke-Collendar. David enjoyed swimming and skating. David enlisted July 16, 1943. He was TOS to the Irish Regiment June 1944. David sent army type toys home to his youngest brother which his mother found quite disturbing!!  At the time of his death, the Regiment was at the banks of the Munio River, in an area that was defended by heavy shellfire. Soldier Bernstein was in the same trench as David when they both died.  A chaplain present at the burial of the two young men told family there was not a mark on their bodies - it was the reverberations from the explosion of the shell that killed them.

Action: Senio River

                                        

Connors, Arthur Frank

Private Arthur Frank Connors

Son of Frank and Mary. Arthur was born July 21, 1921 in Halifax NS. He had 2 brothers and 1 sister. Arthur completed grade VIII and left school at 16 to help at home due to the illness of his

mother. Arthur read history, fiction and magazines.

Sports: football, rugby, volleyball, softball, baseball and hockey. He worked as a checker CNR for 2 years (kept the books).

Arthur enlisted September 4, 1941 in Halifax NS. He was re-designated to the Lanark & Renfrew Scottish Regiment October 1944. Arthur was interested in anti-aircraft warfare. He desired to be a Gunner LAA. He was a good gunner.

     

Grave: V A 5 Villanova

The Story of Villanova, Italy WW2

Tavignot, Richard Charles

Private Richard Charles Tavignot

Perth Regiment R.C.I.C.

Richard was born November 16, 1920 in Quebec. He was the eldest of one brother, two sisters and one half-brother. Richard enjoyed horseback riding, swimming, hunting, hockey and baseball. His brother Maurice remembers he was quiet, soft spoken, generous and caring. After he started working for a living he used to buy gifts for the family, especially his mother. "On many occasions he would hand me money to spend".

After leaving school he worked at the Royal York as a bus boy making $9.00/week plus board and tips. He worked with his father and George Hootun (father of Fred Hootun who is also buried in the Villanova War Cemetery).

Richard Enlisted June 12, 1941 and was TOS to the Perth Regiment. His brother Maurice was with the Irish Regiment of Canada both with the 11CIB. Maurice recalls:

"While stationed in England I never saw Richard as we were never able to get our leaves together. The first time I saw him in 1 1/2 years was in Italy. We arranged to have our 2 day leave together in Bari a rest place for the Canadian Army.

The next time I saw him was 15th December 1944. He was going up to the front lines in a bren gun carrier and I was on my way back to B Echelon about 5 miles from the front lines. As the road was being heavily shelled by the Germans we took cover in an old bombed out farmhouse. While waiting for the shelling to stop, I heard this voice on the other side of the small wall and knew it was Richard's. He was with three other Perth men seeking cover. After the shelling was over we met and embraced and we were so happy to see each other that we both wept momentarily.  Before we parted for our respective destinations Richard said to me, Maurice I hope one of us gets back home to look after Mom, Dad and Mary & Helen (our sisters).

Just over two weeks later he and Fred Hootun were killed January 2, 1945. As I was back in B Echelon waiting to go back to my company in action I was detailed to go on burial party to the temporary cemetery to bury two of our fallen comrades. While putting these men to rest I noticed another burial party about 150 feet away but did not know what outfit it was at the time. As soon as we buried our men we had to leave back to join our regiment.

Two days later our Padre in the Regiment told me the sad news that my brother had been killed and buried. I was given permission to go and visit the cemetery and here I found out that it was my brother and Fred Hootun who were being buried while I was there. I actually was at my brother's funeral and did not know it. Maurice turned 90 in April 2013".

Villanova War Cemetery

Grave: 11 B 8

      Maurice Tavignot

  Irish Regiment of Canada