39 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca BYERS, John Alexander WWII John was born in Winnipeg in 1917. He joined the Army and served with Fort Garry Horse in Holland. On April 23, 1945, north of Kirchheim, Germany, a German battalion counter attacked the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, cutting off a complete platoon of C Company. Corporal Byers, a crew commander in the 4th troop in support of C Company, quickly assessed the critical situation, and moved his tank to 80 yards from the lost platoon, bringing disastrous fire on the enemy but also exposing himself to bazooka fire and SP guns. He destroyed one A/Tk gun and crew and two bazooka teams. For his quick thinking in sizing up a difficult situation in a moment, for his coolness, and above all, for his undaunted courage in seizing a suicidal task without thought for his own safety and for saving a critical situation, Corporal Byers was awarded the Military Medal. John, who was a member of Selkirk Legion Branch 42, died in 1988. CAMERON, Charles S. WWI Charles was born in Neepawa, Manitoba in 1895 and died in 1983. He joined the Canadian Engineers in Winnipeg on February 8, 1916 and was discharged there on May 5, 1919, having served as a 2nd Corporal with the 107th and 2nd Battalions in France, Belgium, and Germany. He was a member of Russell Legion Branch 159. CARLBOM, Chester W. WWII Chester was born in Kenora, Ontario in 1922. He served with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse Royal Canadians, in the Reconnaissance Troop of the Armoured Regiment and saw action in Canada, Britain, Italy and Northwest Europe. On April 15, 1945, on the Apeldoorn Highway in Holland, Chester’s tank took a direct hit and burst into flames. After recovering from his burns, he returned to Sioux Lookout and went into the logging and lumbering business. He retired and traveled throughout Europe with his wife, joining Dutch celebrations of the Canadian liberation of Holland and visiting his brother’s grave in Holten War Cemetery in Holland. Chester was a member of Picton Legion Branch 78. Chester lost his battle with cancer in September 1995. CAMERON, Ian Ross WWII Ian was born in Invercargil, New Zealand in 1922. He joined the New Zealand Armed Forces at 18 and served on Coastal Patrol. Ian came to Canada during WWII to take part in the Commonwealth Air Training Plan in Lethbridge, AB and Winnipeg, MB, before going overseas. He served in Canada, England and in New Zealand with the RNZAF Unit. Ian was a member of Kenora Legion Branch 12 and he died in 1996.
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