177 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca PRUSS, Walter WWII Walter was born in Fisher Branch, Manitoba in 1919. He enlisted in February 1942 for active service at Fort Osborne Barracks in Winnipeg. He served during World War II with the Canadian Army overseas with basic training at Fort Garry, Winnipeg then to Camp Ipperwash, Ontario to complete advance training in assault and night manoeuvres. In July 1943, he was transferred to Halifax to board the troop ship Queen Elizabeth destined for England. He was transferred to his regiment, Algonquin Regiment 4th Light Armoured Division, 10th Brigade, B Platoon, C Company. In February 1944, the regiment spent two weeks training in Inverness, Scotland for the invasion of Normandy. In July 1944, the regiment was sent to Normandy, France. Their destination was Caen, the front lines of Calais, Carpiquet airport and Falaise Gap. In August 1944, he was taken Prisoner of War, to a Catholic convent then to a Paris hospital, which was occupied by the German Army. He was treated for his wounds and was then later sent to Dusseldorf, Germany to be treated for his wounds at a Red Cross Station. This station was hit by a bomb and then he moved to Frankfurt, Germany, then moved to Munich and on to Friesing. He then was moved to Stalag 7A prison camp. He then moved back to Munich to lay railway tracks. In February 1945, he was moved with 79 other prisoners to a forestry camp to look after wildlife. He was under German guard. As the war drew to an end, they were not allowed outside of the compound. One morning the American Army came to the village and liberated them. He was then transferred back to England. In 1945, he was transferred back to Canada and in September 1945 he was demobilized back to civilian life. His five military medals include: 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence of England Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Defence Medal. Walter and his wife Cathy resided and farmed in Fisherton, Manitoba. Both are now deceased. He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Hodgson Branch 158. RALSTON, Charles F. WWII Private Charles Ralston was born in Osakis, Minnesota, USA in 1899. On July 4, 1941, he enlisted in the Army in Regina and served in Canada with 12th District Depot during World War II. He was discharged in Regina on September 7, 1943. Charles was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion Flin Flon Branch 73.
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