223 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca THORNTON, Robert Bruce WWII Robert was born in Birtle, Manitoba on October 14, 1924. He joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve on January 29, 1944 at HMCS Chippewa in Winnipeg and completed his basic training on April 20, 1944. He trained further on steam, electricity and gunnery at Nova Scotia’s HMCS Cornwallis, then served at HMCS Stadacona in Halifax and Avalon in St. John’s, NL. Robert did patrol duty around the French Islands on HMCS Hespeler, and then returned to HMCS Avalon for six weeks to service ships on convoy duty in the North Atlantic. When the War ended, Robert joined the Pacific Campaign but was home on leave when Japan surrendered. He went on to serve at HMCS Naden in Esquimalt, British Columbia and then reported for discharge at HMCS Chippewa on January 4, 1946. Robert has been a Life Member of Birtle Legion Branch 55 for more than fifty-two years. TITIAN, William WWII William enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Winnipeg in October 1942. He served in Canada as a Warrant Officer II and was discharged in Toronto in April 1945. William has been a member of Russell Legion Branch 159. TOWNSEND, Frank J. WWII Frank was born in 1922 in Wadena, Saskatchewan and came to Nipawin with his parents in 1924. He attended Maple Hill and Nipawin Schools. He joined the Army in 1940 and served with the 8th RECCE (Reconnaissance Corps) in Central Europe. Frank was killed in France on August 22, 1944. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. TOFFAN, Ernie R. WWII Ernie was born in Fort Frances, Ontario in 1926. He joined the Army and served in Canada with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, as well as with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Ernie has been a member of Atikokan Legion Branch 145 for over sixty-four years.
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