289 www.on.legion.ca ONTARIO COMMAND LOFQUIST, Kurt Kurt was born in Karlskrona, Sweden in 1924 to Oscar and Hildur Lofquist. He joined the Irish Regiment of Canada in 1941 and served in Italy, North Africa, and Continental Europe. Kurt went overseas at the age of 17. He had tried to join before but his father had stopped him due to his age, so when he left for Northern Ontario, he told his parents he was travelling out west to look up family, when in fact he stopped in Winnipeg and joined the Army. When he was shipped from England to the Mediterranean, his ship was sunk and he spent twelve hours in a life raft. After being rescued, he told his rescuers he was only seventeen years old and wanted to go home, their answer was “Sorry Buddy, you’re here and now you’re staying.” Corporal Lofquist suffered from shell-shock and was hospitalized in England but returned to active duty. Kurt was only 21 years old when he was killed in action. LONGHURST, Tommy J. A. Tommy was born on May 31, 1910 in East Gwillimbury, ON. He joined the Army on October 19, 1942 and served as a Gunner during World War II. After he was discharged on February 26, 1946, he married Audrey Haist, raised four children and worked for the Department of Highways until retirement. Tommy passed away on March 1, 1992. LONG, Clarence R. Clarence was born on September 20, 1918 in Meaford, Ontario. He joined the Air Force and served as a Flying Officer in Canada, England and Holland. Clarence was killed in action on February 19, 1943 in Holland and is buried in Wierum Cemetery, Friesland, Holland.
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