47 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca COLVIN, Frederick J. “Fred” WWII Frederick James Colvin, youngest son of George and Ethel Colvin and grandson of Andrew Colvin, was born on April 29, 1920, in Carman, Manitoba. Fred attended Carman School and upon completion worked as a farmhand. Fred enlisted in April 1940 with the Winnipeg Grenadiers serving as a Private during World War II. His basic training took place in Winnipeg and he was posted to Jamaica in May 1940. In the fall of 1941, he was sent back to Winnipeg. After one month home, he was sent to Hong Kong arriving on November 16, 1941. Hong Kong was soon taken over by the Japanese and Fred was taken prisoner. Fred was killed on January 1, 1944 along with several other prisoners when a typhoon struck their barracks causing it to collapse at Nilgata Camp in Japan. Fred is commemorated at theYokohama War Cemetery in Japan. Colvin Lake (64 N/11), southwest of Nueltin Lake, was named after him in 1972. COLVIN, Thomas WWI Thomas Colvin, son of Andrew and Catherine Colvin, was born on June 1, 1898, in Carman, Manitoba.When Tom finished school, he worked in a grocery store and also delivered meat for the butcher shop. Tom followed his brother Allan into the army and enlisted on January 27, 1916, in Carman to serve during World War I. Tom was with the 222nd Battalion and sailed from Halifax on the SS Olympic on November 14, 1916 arriving in England on November 24, 1916. On December 28, 1916, Tom was transferred to the 44th Battalion in France. He was wounded in action on May 7, 1917 and rejoined his unit on May 17, 1917. He was again wounded in action on June 4, 1917 and died of his wounds on June 6, 1917. Tom’s family received a memorial copper plaque from Buckingham Palace with the inscription on it saying that he died for freedom and honour. He is remembered as having a bright, cheerful disposition and was popular not only with his comrades but with everyone who knew him. Thomas is buried in Barlin Communal Cemetery in France. COLVIN, William “Bill” WWII William Colvin, son of Andrew and Catherine Colvin, was born on November 19, 1900, in Carman, Manitoba. Bill attended school in Graysville and Carman, MB. When he finished school, he worked on the farm in Graysville with his brothers, Jim and Alex. At forty years old, Bill enlisted with the Army on June 27, 1940 with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signallers, No. 3 Company. He took his basic training in Winnipeg. Bill served in Scotland, England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany during World War II. His role was working as a mechanic. During his service at war, he received the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, his fiveyear Clasp and other medals. Bill married Doris Lawrence of Chapelton, England on August 4, 1943. While overseas, Bill wrote many splendid poems that expressed his feelings of his experiences and surroundings. Bill and Doris’ son Lawrence was born on March 13, 1945 in Carman. He was discharged on June 15, 1945 and returned home to Carman. His occupation was that of a painter and he was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. Bill passed away on September 15, 1996 and is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Carman.
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