125 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca FREE, Thomas Alfred “Thom” WWII Thom was born in Mountainside, Manitoba on December 14, 1922. He moved to Arden in 1933 with his parents, John and Alma (Flett) Free, and two sisters and three brothers. He enlisted in the army on February 6, 1942 and served with the RCA (15 RCA Battery) in the United Kingdom and northwest Europe. He landed in France on July 26, 1944. After serving almost five years during World War II, L/Bdr Thomas Free was discharged on January 25, 1946. He was awarded the Battle of Britain Star, France and Germany Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, Defence Medal for brave conduct and the War Medal 19391945. Thom returned home to the family farm which he worked with his brother Harry and his father. In 1976, Thom and Harry sold the farm, built a new home in Arden and continued earning a living as “Free Bros. Construction” building projects around the area. He was married to Mary Woelke in 1950 in Arden. He was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion Arden Branch 144. Thom passed away on October 26, 1999. GAULT, Clayton Frederick William “Clay” WWII Clay was born in 1918 in Homewood, Manitoba and educated in Winnipeg. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941, serving in Dauphin and Winnipeg. He returned to Dauphin working for Kidd Motors and later became associated with McColl Frontenac (Texaco) in Killarney and Neepawa as consignee. He later owned and operated Texaco Hi-Way Service. After retiring, he formed Clay Enterprises. He was a Grand Master of Grand Lodge (MB) and International Peace Gardens Lodge of Freemasons. He was also a fourteen-year member of The Royal Canadian Legion Neepawa Branch 23. Clay passed away on May 8, 1994, in Neepawa, Manitoba. GEORGE, Orville Harrison “Bob” WWII Bob was born on April 13, 1916, in Lacombe, Alberta, the sixth of eleven children born to Arthur George and Ethel Dagg. His father was a blacksmith who serviced the local farming community. The family moved back to Kelwood in late 1916 and Orville received his education there. He quit school after the eighth grade to work on the farm. Orville enlisted on March 26, 1941 when he was 24 years old. He received basic training in Listowel, Ontario and Camp Borden. He served with the Lord Strathcona Horse from 1941 until 1946. The regiment operated extensively in Italy during the war. During his time overseas, he met and married Diana Neilson. Together, they raised four daughters. Orville was a member of the 12th Manitoba Dragoons from 1946 to 1962 and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was also Past Noble Grand of the IOOF. His working life was in the draying business, delivering milk and bread as a heavy equipment operator for the Department of Transport until his retirement in 1981. Orville died on September 25, 1984, in Winnipeg. He received the 1939-1945 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence of Britain Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Victory Medal.
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