215 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca TEMPLETON, Robert Russell “Bob” WWII Bob was born on July 22, 1920, in Basswood, Manitoba, the youngest of a family of five to James and Margaret Templeton. He received his education at Basswood Consolidated School. He enlisted with the Winnipeg Grenadiers on January 8, 1942, in Winnipeg and took basic training at Minto Armouries and trained on rifle ranges out in Charleswood. They lacked space for keeping German prisoners in England. He was one of 28 chosen to guard the first shipload that arrived as they travelled by troop train from New York and then to Calgary foothills. They were then stationed at Calgary, Edmonton, and later posted to Terrace, BC. There they set up camp for new recruits and guarded American equipment that was enroute to the Alaska Highway. They then moved to Prince Rupert for similar assignments and guard duty at the port at night. Their next move was to Comox, BC to a battle training school. They completed the course and had the option to remain there, but they decided to go overseas. They were transferred back to Winnipeg, then to Debert, Nova Scotia, and then sailed from Halifax on the Empress of Japan in early January 1943. It took fourteen days to cross, landing in Glasgow, Scotland, and then Aldershot, England. They boarded a ship later in Glasgow on an unknown mission. After three days of sailing, they were informed that they were going to Philippeville, Africa. They were to issue them suitable clothing but when they were opened, it contained ladies’ army dress, so they landed in in the heat in heavy uniforms. They marched about five miles to a British Camp carrying their full packs. There they learned a lot from the British soldiers who had been through the African campaign. Their stay was from three to four weeks. Rumors were that they were on the move again which they thought was to Italy, but they landed in Sicily on July 12, 1943. They were taken back to Africa again for a week, then back to Sicily and Bob was posted as a reinforcement to the 49th Edmonton Regiment. He had been with John Ford of Eden, Manitoba, from the time of enlistment until then. Bob made inquiries and learned that John had been posted to the Seaforth Highlanders. Bob was also able to be transferred to the Seaforth Highlanders. Their last few days in Sicily were in Leon Horte or “Happy Valley” as named by the Canadians. It was a beautiful orchard bearing oranges, lemons, etc. It was there that Bob remembered Captain Durnford’s (padre) lecture reminding them of their language and actions. He had comfort for the dying and a cheerful word for the wounded. Of the more than 150 casualties, sixty were killed and Durnford was there to see they received a Christian burial. He certainly had a wondrous effect on the morale and spirits of the soldiers. Their next move was to Italy on September 3, 1943, and they met no resistance from the Germans. They marched through Reggio Calabria from toe to the heel of Italy as they had no transport. It was very dry and hot, so the dust caked on their shirts causing them to split. Water was not to be drunk without permission from an officer as it was scarce and unsanitary. Rations were also in short supply. The two worst things in Bob’s life were to be hungry and lousy. They were engaged in hot fighting in the Adriatic front in Italy. The action took place in the streets of a San Martino hamlet on the approaches to Fortunato. The Seaforth soldiers were in constant contact with the German (continued)
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