253 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca WHYTE, George M. “Geordie” WWII George was raised on the family farm in Verity district with its one room school, near Kenton, Manitoba. He was born in 1907, one of five boys and four girls. During the 1930’s, he went to Sheridan in northern Manitoba to work in the mines. He then went to Winnipeg to enlist in the Army infantry in 1942. Going overseas, he fought in the front lines right into Germany, his body riddled with shrapnel from a shell. On one interesting occasion, someone came to him asking if he knew John Whyte who played the banjo. The brothers had not seen each other in two years and had a great visit in the front lines. There being a shortage of barbers, Geordie trained himself, cutting between battles. He returned to work with his brother John in Kenton in the lumber business. He barbered and played the fiddle for all. In retirement, he loved fishing and music until his death in 1990. Medals were Volunteer Service with Clasp, War/Victory, Defence, and Stars WWII 1939-1945, and France Italy. He is buried in Greenwood near Kenton. WHYTE, John M. WWII John M. Whyte was born on a family farm in Verity district, into a family of five boys and four girls, one room school included, near Kenton, Manitoba. John’s arrival in 1909 meant that he had lots of farm chores. Working at home and in the area changed dramatically with his enlistment in the Army, with the Royal Canadian Engineers, in Winnipeg on June 22, 1942. A Class III driver, he departed to England, France and Europe in November 1945. Interestingly, John met his brother George (see above) while on the front lines. John’s banjo playing was the key. He was medaled with War/Victory, Volunteer Service with two Clasps, and Defence, with stars WWII and France and Germany. John bought a lumberyard, coal, and Esso business after he returned home. He married Beatrice Riddell of Oakner, Manitoba in 1950, and they were blessed with three daughters and a son. John played, coached, managed and supported sports, especially baseball and hockey. He was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 118 in Woodworth, Kenton for 25 years. His son Craig took over the family lumberyard upon John’s death in 1970. John was predeceased by Beatrice. WIDDICOMBE, Daniel Diamond WWII Daniel was born in Birtle, Manitoba in 1926 and joined the Princess Patricia s Canadian Light Infantry, serving in Canada and England. He was stationed in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and at # 2 Wireless Swift Current when he was with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He travelled overseas in January 1945 and was stationed at Aldershot and South Downs, Surrey, England, returning in 1945 and volunteering for the Pacific Campaign, 7th Division that was forming at Fort Osborne, Winnipeg. Later, he farmed for eleven years until ill health intervened. He married Muriel Cowie in 1950 and had two daughters and three granddaughters. Daniel passed away in 2007 and was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion Foxwarren Branch 152 for 61 years.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==