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