145 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca McLEOD, Robert Fraser WWII Robert was born to World War I veteran Robert Murray McLeod and Mary (Corrigal) McLeod on June 9, 1923 in Dugald, Springfield, Manitoba. He joined the #5 Division Ordinance Workshop R.C.O.C. (Canadian Army) on July 13, 1942. On completion, November 25, 1942, he enlisted in the #10 District Depot Canadian Infantry Corps R.C.O.C. (active) until January 5, 1943. He served during World War II in the United Kingdom, England and Canada and was discharged on April 6, 1946. His service number was H445398 and he was awarded the Defence Medal and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp. Fraser lived in Manitoba, except for his military service overseas. He married Norma Jean Brown (Dugald) on June 23, 1949. They had three children: Roderick, Murray and Barbra. All, and their children, are residents of Manitoba involved in and contributing to the life of the province. Fraser held various positions, until employment with Manitoba Hydro that lasted until his untimely accidental death on March 23, 1981 at age 57. He was pleased and proud to have been the foreman of a hydro pole setting crew that brought electrical power to rural Manitoba. McLEOD, Robert Murray WWI Robert was born in Dugald, Springfield, Manitoba to Kenneth McLeod (recipient of second Springfield Municipality land grants) and Mary Margaret Black, daughter of Robert Black (recording secretary of first Springfield Municipal council meeting). He lived all his life in Dugald except time spent in England and France during World War I. He enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force 90 Canadian Infantry 3rd Battalion Winnipeg Rifles on November 12, 1915. He served in France. Robert was stricken with “trench fever” and PTSD (modern designation), his health was severely compromised. Robert was orphaned at age eighteen. He and Donald Alexander (younger brother) farmed. Robert was granted compassionate leave to return to Dugald because Donald Alexander died. He was discharged on July 18, 1918. His service number was 187212 and he received the Service Medal. Robert married Mary Corrigal (Selkirk) on June 26, 1919. His farm was taken from him in 1925. He supported a family of eight children working on C.N.R. Three sons: Roderick (KIA), Fraser in World War II and Alick (Korea) served in the Canadian Military. Robert passed away on May 5, 1965. McLEOD, Roderick Murray WWII Roderick was born on August 21, 1921 in Dugald, Manitoba. He was the eldest son of World War I veteran Robert Murray McLeod and Mary (Corrigal) McLeod, Springfield Pioneers. He enlisted in the Air Force and served in England, Canada and France with Squadron 419 during World War II. Roderick went missing in action on March 30, 1943. Monthly telegrams stating “still missing in action” came. At one year, “missing in action and presumed dead”. It was difficult on the family. On May 8, 1945, the family was notified of a marker with his name and number found at St. Nazaire, France in Escoublac-la-Baule War Cemetery, LoireAtlantique. Roderick was raiding a German submarine pens – his Halifax Bomber was shot down over Trignac (a suburb of Nazaire). The crew of seven perished. On May 8, 2000, 45 years after wars end, the Trignac people erected a cairn with the names of Roderick’s crew and one other crew that perished that night to honour their sacrifice. Members of his family attended. Roderick McLeod Lake (63N/8) south of Brentwood Lake was named to commemorate Roderick’s death. His youngest brother Glen and his son Keith erected a headstone at this site.
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