155 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca L’ESPERANCE, Joseph W. “Jim” WWII Jim was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 3, 1917. He enlisted in the Navy and served on the High Seas aboard the tribal class destroyer Athabaskan, GO7 during World War II. It was sunk in the English Channel on April 29, 1944. As a Prisoner of War, he was held in Marlag navel prison between Bremar and Hamburg, Germany, and was released on May 2, 1945. Jim was employed as a yardmaster with CNR Winnipeg. He was a President and Life Member of Elmwood Legion Branch 9. Jim passed away on May 18, 1988. LEWIS, Thomas E. “Tom” WWII Tom was born in 1910 in Fort William, where he joined the Lake Superior Regiment until 1942, at the rank of Sergeant. He then enlisted with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and served in action in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany during World War II. He was wounded twice and was missing in action. While in Holland, he met his future wife, Cathrine Van Velzen, married her and brought her home to Canada. He was discharged in January 1946 and was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, War Medal and the Defence Medal. Tom passed away in September 1971. He was a member of Legion Branch 6 for 25 years. L’HEUREUX, Ray PEACETIME Ray was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba in 1942. He joined the Army in 1960 in the Service Corps and served during Peacetime. His basic training took place at Camp Borden, Ontario. He worked in administration in transportation. He spent time in a workshop platoon in Camp Gagetown after looking after mechanics’ needs, ordering parts and completing the necessary paperwork. He was released in 1963 and was married to Helene Mathieu and they had three children. Ray was in sales after leaving the Army and also in the life insurance business for a while. He calls Winnipeg his home. He has been a member of Norwood Legion Branch 43.
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